Driver Jobs in Malta: 2026 Visa & Salary Guide

Malta continues to be a popular destination for foreign workers seeking driving roles in the Mediterranean. Whether you are looking for light vehicle delivery work or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) positions, the market in 2026 remains active but increasingly regulated. While Malta offers a great lifestyle, many workers find the visa process slow. If you want to start working sooner, MEUSEPF helps connect you with seasonal work in Europe that often has faster approval times than standard Maltese work permits.

Inferred nationality: India, Pakistan, or Nigeria (based on high search volume for driving roles from these regions).

Driving in Malta: Job Types and Requirements

The demand for drivers in Malta is split into three main categories. Each has different entry requirements and license rules.

• Courier and Delivery Drivers: With the growth of food delivery and e-commerce, there is a constant need for scooter and car drivers. Most of these roles require a Category B license.
• Public Transport and Shuttle Drivers: Malta Public Transport frequently recruits foreign drivers. These roles require a Category D license and a professional competence certificate.
• Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Drivers: Construction and logistics companies seek drivers with Category C or CE licenses. These are the highest-paying driving jobs but have the strictest visa requirements. Jobsplus Malta reports that specialized drivers are currently in high demand for infrastructure projects.

The Malta Work Visa Process for Drivers (2026)

To work as a driver in Malta, non-EU citizens must apply for a Single Permit. This process combines your work permit and residence permit into one application. As of early 2026, the Identità agency has implemented stricter checks on labor market necessity.

The steps include:

1. Job Offer: You must have a signed contract from a Maltese employer.
2. Labor Market Test: The employer must prove they could not find a Maltese or EU citizen for the job through Jobsplus.
3. License Conversion: If your license is from outside the EU, you may only drive for a limited period (usually 12 months) before you must pass a Maltese driving test. For heavy vehicles, this conversion is often required before the permit is fully approved.

Salary and Cost of Living in Malta

Salaries for drivers in Malta have seen a slight increase in 2026 to keep up with the cost of living. Below is an estimate of what you can expect to earn and spend.

Data based on 2025-2026 labor market trends and Salary Explorer estimates for Malta.

Challenges with Malta Driver Visas

While the prospect of working in Malta is exciting, there are hurdles you should know about. In 2025, the Maltese government increased the rejection rate for Third Country Nationals (TCNs) in the delivery sector to prevent over-saturation. Processing times for a Single Permit now average 4 to 6 months, which can be a long time to wait without income.

Common reasons for visa rejection include:

• The employer failing the labor market test.
• Incomplete documentation regarding license validity.
• Quotas for specific nationalities being reached for the year.

The Faster Alternative: Seasonal Work in Mediterranean Europe

If you find the Malta visa process too slow or difficult, there is a better way. Seasonal work in countries like Italy, Greece, and Spain often uses a different visa system (Seasonal Work Permits) that is designed for speed. At MEUSEPF, we focus on these high-demand seasonal roles.

Why consider seasonal work instead? For one, the visa rules are often simpler because the jobs are for a fixed period (usually 6 to 9 months). This makes it a great way to get your foot in the door of the European labor market. You can explore our 2026 Guide to Fast Visa Sponsorship to see how these options compare to standard driving roles.

Many drivers find that starting with a seasonal logistics or agricultural role in Europe allows them to build a legal history in the Schengen area, making future applications for jobs in Malta or elsewhere much easier. Check out our guide on Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Europe for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Malta work visa cost?

The application fee for a Single Permit is €280.50, payable to Identità Malta. This fee is generally non-refundable, even if the visa is rejected. You should also budget for medical insurance and document translation.

Do I need to speak Maltese to work as a driver?

No, English is an official language in Malta and is the primary language used in business and logistics. However, basic English proficiency is required to pass the safety and driving tests.

Is accommodation provided for drivers?

Most driving jobs in Malta do not provide free housing. You will usually need to find your own rental. In contrast, many of the seasonal jobs in Europe listed on MEUSEPF include shared accommodation as part of the contract.

Can I convert my Indian or Pakistani license in Malta?

You can drive on your valid national license for up to one year. After that, you must obtain a Maltese license. For HGV and bus drivers, you will almost always need to undergo additional training and testing in Malta to meet EU standards.