About this guide
Pakistan is an emerging source country for Malta Single Permit applicants. VFS Global operates in Pakistan with centres in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
This page explains what the Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass means for Pakistani workers coming to — or already working in — Malta’s hospitality sector. The requirements are the same for all Third Country Nationals: this guide provides the same information with the practical context most relevant to workers from Pakistan.
What the Skills Pass requires
The Tourism & Hospitality Skills Pass is a two-phase process for Third Country Nationals working in covered roles at MTA-licensed establishments in Malta:
- Phase 1 — online assessments (42 days): Two mandatory courses (Basic Customer Care and Basic Maltese Tourism Product) plus an occupation-specific assessment. Can be completed from Pakistan before you travel.
- Phase 2 — interview: A live assessment of English proficiency and occupation-specific competency. Bookable via video conference in many cases.
- Certificate: A digital credential issued through Blockcerts after passing both phases. Issued to the individual, not the employer.
Completing the process from Pakistan
Phase 1 is entirely online and can be completed from Pakistan before you travel to Malta. Phase 2 (the interview) may be available via video conference, which would also allow completion from Pakistan.
Completing both phases before your employment begins means your certificate is in place before your first shift — which is the simplest outcome for both you and your employer.
VFS Global: VFS Global — the organisation that administers interview centres for Maltese processes — has a presence in Pakistan. Whether your specific Phase 2 interview is at a VFS Global centre or via video conference depends on your booking options at the official portal.
Covered occupations
The five covered occupations are: Luggage Porter, Receptionist, Bar Waiter, Commis Chef, and Commis de Rang. If you are not in one of these roles at an MTA-licensed establishment, the Skills Pass requirement may not apply to you. Confirm with your employer and the official Skills Pass portal.
See the role-specific pages on this site for guidance tailored to your occupation: Chef, Waiter, Receptionist, Bar Staff — or browse all role guides.
Frequently asked questions
01Does the Skills Pass requirement apply to Pakistani workers in Malta?
Yes — the requirement applies to all Third Country Nationals (and more broadly to all workers) in covered tourism and hospitality roles at MTA-licensed establishments. Pakistani workers are within scope in the same way as workers of any other non-EU/EEA nationality.
02Can I start the Skills Pass before I have a job offer in Malta?
Registration on the Skills Pass portal typically requires an employer connection (the employer's MTA licence number is part of the registration process). Starting the process without a confirmed employer is not well-described in official materials — in practice, the Skills Pass registration is typically employer-initiated or closely coordinated with the employer.
03How long does the full Skills Pass process take from Pakistan?
Phase 1 (online, 42-day window) can start and finish from Pakistan. Phase 2 (interview, potentially bookable via video conference) can also potentially be done before travel. The certificate is then issued through Blockcerts. Realistically, from registration to certificate, plan for 6–10 weeks if you are working through it promptly. See the full timeline page for the breakdown.