Skills Pass for existing staff — what current employees need to do

The official Skills Pass FAQ says candidates with an active Maltese work permit should currently be able to apply for renewal or a change of employer without the Skills Pass. It describes the exemption as temporary and directs readers to Identità to confirm its duration.

Identità’s 28 February 2026 notice also lists Pre-Departure Course exemptions for current or previous Single Permit holders, subject to its stated first-time and Still Abroad exceptions, and for TCNs resident in Malta for eight years or more. Confirm the individual’s circumstances rather than assuming every existing employee must complete a new process.

The official Skills Pass FAQ says existing holders who completed the full Skills Pass, or are waiting to complete Phase 2, do not need to repeat the whole process.

The official pages cited on this page do not establish a general online-only route for existing employees. Where full certification is required, Identità says it is issued only after successful completion of both phases. Ask Skills Pass which remaining steps apply to the employee’s record.

Confirm the employee’s requirements with Skills Pass and Identità before asking them to register or repeat assessments. This guide suggests:

• Check permit status and exemptions. Ask whether the temporary exemption described in the official FAQ applies.
• Check any existing Skills Pass record. The official FAQ says completed holders and candidates waiting for Phase 2 do not need to repeat the whole process.
• Follow the confirmed candidate route. Official registration guidance describes candidates creating an account and supplying the requested personal details and documents. It does not establish an employer registration workflow.
• Check the resulting digital credential. The official certification page explains how workers receive and share their credentials. Full certification requires both phases where applicable.

Use the official Skills Pass websites for programme instructions and contact Skills Pass about any unclear step.

The official tourism Skills Pass homepage and user guidelines describe a TCN/non-EU/EEA/EFTA target audience. The official FAQs also use broader wording about all persons working in the sector. These descriptions differ, and the official pages cited on this page do not establish that Maltese or EU/EEA staff must obtain the Skills Pass. Ask Skills Pass to confirm the current position for those staff.

Once Skills Pass and Identità confirm which employees need further steps, this guide suggests:

• Resolve uncertain cases first. Check the role, permit status and any existing certificate or unfinished application.
• Allow preparation time. Agree time for any required online learning, assessments and interview arrangements.
• Account for re-sits. Official guidance allows a free re-sit and describes paid attempts and a possible one-month block.
• Keep a working log. Record confirmed requirements, completed steps and questions still awaiting an official response.

The official pages cited on this page do not establish an existing-staff transition deadline or a general online-only certification route.