Malta Employment Guide

Malta is a small island country in the central Mediterranean, with a strategic location connecting Europe, Africa and the Middle East. It has a population of approximately 500,000, and its economy is dominated by tourism, financial services, information technology, shipping and manufacturing. Valletta, the capital, serves as the political, economic and cultural center. Malta’s labor laws require employment contracts to be in writing, with a standard working week of 40 hours. Employers are obligated to guarantee the minimum wage, social insurance coverage and paid leave. Dismissals must comply with legal procedures and include corresponding compensation for employees. The country has a well-established labor relations system, is friendly to foreign-funded enterprises and multinational companies, and maintains an overall stable employment environment.

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Currency

Euro (EUR)

Capital

Valletta

Official language

Maltese and English

Salary Cycle

Monthly

Our Employment Guide in Malta

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Maternity Leave Policy

Employees who have completed six consecutive months of service are entitled to 18 weeks of paid maternity leave. Four weeks of this leave must be taken prior to the child's birth. During this period, employees receive 100% of their salary, with the first 14 weeks covered by the employer and the final 4 weeks funded by social security.

Additionally, employees may extend their leave by up to four months without pay, providing flexibility for new parents.

Paternity Leave Benefits

Eligible employees are granted one day of paid paternity leave at 100% of their regular salary, fully covered by the employer. This policy supports fathers during the critical early days of their child's life.

Similar to maternity leave, employees can extend their paternity leave by up to four months unpaid, ensuring both parents have equal opportunities to bond with their newborn.

Parental Leave Provisions

Employees are entitled to four months of parental leave, which can be taken by either parent before the child reaches eight years of age. This leave is unpaid but provides valuable time for family care.

For example, at SailGlobal, we've seen how flexible parental leave policies help retain top talent by supporting work-life balance.

Sick Leave Regulations

Employees may take up to 10 days (80 hours) of paid sick leave annually. Compensation varies based on duration:

Duration	Salary Percentage	Covered By
Days 1-3	100% of base salary	Employer
Days 4-10	100% of base salary	Social Security

This structured approach ensures employees receive proper support during illness while maintaining operational efficiency.

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