Guide for TCNs in Malta
TCN Malta: what third country nationals need to know
TCN Malta: a plain guide for third country nationals living and working in Malta, and a place to make your voice count on the decisions that affect you.
What is a TCN in Malta?
A TCN, or third country national, is a person living in Malta who is not a citizen of the European Union, the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) or Switzerland. TCNs in Malta come from countries such as India, Nepal, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Colombia, Serbia and many more, and work in care, hospitality, construction, delivery, cleaning, retail, IT and other sectors.
Working in Malta as a TCN
- Single Permit: most TCNs need a Single Permit, a combined residence and work permit tied to an employer, processed by Identità.
- Changing employer: moving to a new job usually means a new application, so check the rules before you resign.
- Long term residence: after five years of legal residence, some TCNs can apply for long term resident status, which changes access to several benefits.
- Your rights at work: TCNs are covered by Maltese employment law, including payslips, paid leave, sick leave and overtime. Questions on CountUs ask whether these are actually given.
Budget 2027 and TCNs in Malta
Budget 2027 includes several measures aimed at third country nationals: higher work permit fees, a new yearly €400 contribution, a €83 monthly driving licence charge for most TCNs, an end to free public transport for TCNs who are not long term residents, and free childcare limited for new TCN families. Read the full Budget 2027 guide for TCNs.
Why TCN voices matter
TCNs keep large parts of Malta's economy running, yet they cannot vote in national elections. Comments on social media show frustration but cannot be measured. CountUs Malta turns TCN opinions into clear, anonymous, combined data that can be presented to government entities, policy makers and the media.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
What does TCN mean in Malta?
TCN stands for third country national. In Malta it means anyone who is not a citizen of an EU member state, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
Do TCNs need a permit to work in Malta?
Yes. Most TCNs need a Single Permit, which combines the right to live and the right to work in Malta, applied for through Identità with the employer.
Can TCNs vote in Malta?
TCNs cannot vote in Malta's general elections. CountUs gives TCNs an anonymous way to show what they think about government decisions, with results shared as combined totals.
What changes for TCNs in Budget 2027?
Budget 2027 announced higher work permit fees, a yearly €400 contribution, a monthly €83 driving licence charge for most TCNs, the end of free public transport for TCNs who are not long term residents, and free childcare limited for new TCN families. See our Budget 2027 guide for details.
How can TCNs in Malta make their voice heard?
Join CountUs Malta and answer short questions on transport, childcare, fees, work and living in Malta. The anonymous combined results are presented to government entities and the media.
Answer quick, anonymous questions on the decisions that affect TCNs in Malta. No email needed, 7 languages, 2 minutes.
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