30 January 2024 Malta launches new fast-track immigration pathway for highly skilled third-country nationals In January 2024, Malta launched the Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI), which provides an alternative immigration pathway to highly skilled third-country nationals and third-country nationals with specialized technical knowledge who do not meet the eligibility requirements under the existing Key Employee Initiative (KEI) fast-track scheme. The SEI route is available to third-country nationals who earn an annual income of EUR 25,000 (approx. USD 27,190). The annual income requirement for KEI applicants is EUR 35,000 (approx. USD 38,066). In addition to meeting the income requirement, applicants must have an employment contract with a Maltese company and either a relevant bachelor’s degree (MQF Level 6) or higher or at least three years of work experience in their field. A Tax Alert prepared by EY's People Advisory Services group, and attached below, provides additional details. Document ID: 2024-0290 |
