Economic Overview, Global iGaming Capital & Mediterranean FinTech
Malta is the premier global hub for regulated online gaming, fintech innovation, and maritime aviation registries.
Key Economic Sectors
- iGaming & Online Entertainment: Over 300 international gaming companies, sportsbook platforms, and live-casino studios.
- FinTech, Fund Administration & Digital Assets: Wealth management, payment institutions, and crypto asset regulation.
- Maritime Shipping & Aviation: World-leading commercial ship and yacht registry, and aircraft leasing registries.
Employment Contracts, EIRA & Jobsplus Pre-Engagement Filing
Regulated by the Employment and Industrial Relations Act (EIRA Cap. 452).
- Mandatory Jobsplus Registration: An official **Jobsplus Engagement Form** must be submitted on or before the employee's first day of work.
- Written Statement of Terms: Mandatory within 7 days of commencement.
- Probation Period: Statutory probation is 6 months (extendable up to 12 months for high-salaried executive and technical roles).
Working Hours, Overtime & Rest Periods
- Standard Hours: 40 hours per week (8 hours/day over 5 days).
- Overtime Surcharges: Minimum 150% (1.5× hourly rate) under National Standard Orders.
Annual Leave (28 Days / 224 Hours), Holidays & Maternity
Generous Annual Leave Entitlement
- Annual Paid Vacation: Minimum 28 working days (224 hours) for full-time employees on a 40-hour workweek.
- Public Holidays: 14 official national public holidays (public holidays falling on weekends are added to annual leave entitlement).
- Maternity Leave: 18 weeks (14 weeks fully paid by employer, reimbursed via the Maternity Trust Fund, and 4 weeks paid via social security).
- Paternity Leave: 10 paid working days upon childbirth.
Termination, Notice Scales & Redundancy Rules
- Notice Periods: Scales from 1 week (tenure 1–6 mo), 2 weeks (6–24 mo), 4 weeks (2–4 yrs), up to 12 weeks (for 11+ yrs service).
- Redundancy Principles: Strict Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) rule applies in redundancy selections under EIRA.
Why Use an Employer of Record (EOR) in Malta
- Deploy iGaming & FinTech Talent: Onboard software engineers, odds compilers, and compliance officers in Sliema or St. Julian's in days.
- Jobsplus & FSS Automated Compliance: Seamless submission of engagement forms, social security remittances, and quarterly bonus distributions.
- Single Permit & Nomad Residence Sponsorship: EOR manages Identità single work permits for non-EU specialists.
Hiring in Malta? Key Resources
Whether you are evaluating entity setup vs. using an Employer of Record, or looking for the best international payroll solution, our guides give you transparent benchmarks: