The food service industry in Malta, a charming Mediterranean island renowned for its lively culture and lengthy history, is currently expanding rapidly. The inauguration of ten outstanding restaurants presents a fantastic chance for foodies to demonstrate their abilities, deliver first-rate customer service, and take advantage of competitive pay, alluring perks, and a fun work atmosphere. Let’s explore the fascinating field of restaurant employment in Malta in more detail.
Picture yourself working on a sunny Mediterranean island, where history meets modern hospitality. Malta’s food service industry is growing fast, with ten new restaurants opening their doors and creating opportunities for skilled professionals and passionate newcomers alike.
Whether you dream of being a chef, waiter, bartender, or restaurant manager, these roles come with competitive salaries ranging from €1,000 to €3,500 per month, performance-based bonuses, and visa sponsorship to help you build a rewarding career abroad.
Beyond the paycheck, restaurant jobs in Malta offer something even more valuable: a chance to learn, grow, and thrive in a dynamic multicultural environment. With hands-on training, career advancement pathways, and the lifestyle perks of living in a Mediterranean paradise, this is more than just a job—it’s a life-changing opportunity.
The Job Details
Full-time and part-time positions in restaurants are offered in Malta to accommodate people with different schedules and tastes. Everyone has options, regardless of whether they have a high school graduation, a bachelor’s degree, or a diploma.
It is ideal if you have one to two years of prior experience in a relevant sector that demonstrates your knowledge of restaurant management and cooking techniques. Success in these positions requires a combination of strong communication and customer service abilities as well as the capacity to perform well under pressure.
Salary and Benefits
- Monthly Salary: Ranges between €1,000 and €3,500, depending on your role, skills, and experience.
- Performance-Based Bonuses: Many restaurants reward staff with tips, incentives, or bonuses for excellent service and performance.
- Career Advancement: Opportunities to grow into senior roles such as head waiter, sous chef, or restaurant manager.
- Culinary Training & Skill Development: Hands-on training in modern cooking techniques, hospitality standards, and customer service.
- Dynamic Work Environment: Work in Malta’s vibrant and diverse restaurant industry, surrounded by locals and international visitors.
- Cultural & Lifestyle Benefits: Experience Mediterranean cuisine, culture, and lifestyle while building valuable professional experience.
Available Positions
Available Positions in Malta’s Restaurant Industry
1. Chef de Cuisine (Head Chef)
- Acts as the creative leader of the kitchen, designing menus, supervising staff, and maintaining quality standards.
- Fine-dining and high-end restaurants in Malta often provide visa sponsorship for highly skilled head chefs.
2. Sous Chef
- Works closely with the head chef, handling day-to-day kitchen operations, food preparation, and staff coordination.
- In high demand across Malta, with many restaurants willing to sponsor visas for qualified sous chefs.
3. Restaurant Manager
- Oversees the entire restaurant operation, including staff training, service quality, and financial performance.
- Experienced managers are highly valued and often receive visa support.
4. Front-of-House Roles
- Waitstaff, Bartenders, Hosts/Hostesses – Provide excellent customer service, manage reservations, serve food and drinks, and create a welcoming dining experience.
- Visa sponsorship is often available for experienced hospitality professionals.
5. Back-of-House Roles
- Kitchen Porters, Pastry Chefs, Sommeliers, Catering Coordinators – Support smooth kitchen operations, create specialized dishes, and ensure quality service.
- Many employers in Malta’s growing hospitality sector offer sponsorship to skilled workers in these positions.
Requirements For Restaurant Jobs in Malta
- Relevant Work Experience
- Previous experience in the hospitality or restaurant industry is highly valued.
- For roles like chef, sous chef, or restaurant manager, proven expertise and references are often required.
- Educational Background (Optional but Preferred)
- Formal training in culinary arts, hospitality, or management can strengthen your application.
- For entry-level roles (waitstaff, bartenders, kitchen porters), on-the-job training may be sufficient.
- Language Proficiency
- English is widely spoken in Malta and is often the primary requirement.
- Knowledge of Maltese or other European languages is a plus, especially in customer-facing roles.
- Work Visa Eligibility
- Candidates must qualify for a Maltese work visa, usually sponsored by the hiring restaurant.
- A valid passport and clean immigration history are essential.
- Health & Safety Certifications
- Some roles (e.g., chefs, kitchen staff) may require food safety, hygiene, or handling certificates.
- Clean Criminal Record
- A police clearance certificate is often needed to prove trustworthiness and reliability.
- Strong Interpersonal & Customer Service Skills
- Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are crucial in a hospitality environment.
- Flexibility & Adaptability
- Ability to work long hours, weekends, evenings, and holidays when required.
- Physical Stamina
- Restaurant work can be physically demanding, requiring standing for long periods and handling busy shifts.
- Professional Attitude & Presentation
- Employers look for candidates who are well-presented, punctual, and committed to delivering quality service.
Visa & Work Permit Types for Restaurant Staff in Malta
Malta Single Permit for Restaurant Jobs
Foreign nationals from outside the EU must apply for the Malta Single Work Permit—a combined residence and work authorization that allows you to live and work legally in Malta for one year (renewable). This is the standard pathway for most restaurant staff jobs with visa sponsorship.
Key industries such as hospitality and tourism services actively recruit international workers through this system.
Visa Sponsorship for Foreign Chefs in Malta
Many restaurants sponsor foreign chefs with specific cuisine expertise (e.g., Indian, Japanese, Middle Eastern) due to skills shortages. If you have culinary experience and can demonstrate your value, your chances of receiving visa sponsorship in Malta are high.
Types of Restaurant & Hospitality Jobs in Malta with Visa Sponsorship
Waiter Jobs Malta Visa Sponsorship
Waiters and waitresses are in high demand, especially in hotel restaurants, beach clubs, and tourist zones. Employers typically provide training, and many offer visa sponsorship for migrant workers.
Chef Jobs Malta Work Permit
From line cooks to head chefs, Malta’s food scene offers opportunities at all levels. Chefs with international or fine-dining experience are especially sought after and are regularly hired under Malta’s work permit system.
Kitchen Assistant Visa Malta
Entry-level positions like kitchen helpers, dishwashers, and food preps are also available to foreign workers. These jobs require less experience and may offer sponsored work permits with on-the-job training.
Restaurant Manager Visa Sponsorship Malta
Skilled professionals with hospitality management experience can apply for restaurant supervisor or F&B manager roles. Many upscale venues sponsor non-EU restaurant managers under the hospitality visa Malta scheme.
Seasonal Restaurant Jobs Malta
Between May and October, Malta’s tourism season peaks. Many resorts and beach restaurants hire seasonal restaurant staff under short-term contracts with possible visa support.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility & Requirements
To qualify for hospitality visa sponsorship in Malta, you typically need:
- A valid passport
- Job offer from a Maltese employer
- Clean criminal record
- Basic English communication skills (some roles may require Maltese or Italian)
- Relevant experience or certifications (especially for chef/managerial roles)
- Employer sponsorship (they apply on your behalf for the Single Work Permit)
How to Find Visa-Sponsored Restaurant Jobs in Malta
Here are top ways to search for hospitality jobs in Malta with visa support:
1. Job Portals
- JobsPlus
- Keepmeposted Malta
- MaltaPark
- eJobs Malta
Use search terms like:
- “waiter jobs Malta visa sponsorship”
- “chef jobs Malta work permit”
- “restaurant manager visa Malta”
2. Hospitality Recruitment Agencies
- MRecruitment
- SpotOn Connections
- Konnekt
These agencies often have open roles for non-EU applicants and assist with the work permit process.
3. LinkedIn & Facebook
Search for keywords like “Migrant waiter jobs Malta” or join expat and hospitality job groups such as:
- “Jobs in Malta for Foreigners”
- “Malta Hospitality Jobs 2025”
4. Direct Applications
Many restaurants post job openings on their websites or in local classifieds. Walk-in applications with a printed CV are also common in tourist areas.
Conclusion
Malta’s restaurant business is looking for driven individuals since it offers excellent salary, visa sponsorship, career chances, and the opportunity to live in one of Europe’s most stunning locations. There is a place for you in Malta’s thriving food service industry, regardless of your level of experience—from seasoned chefs to adept managers to those looking to begin in an entry-level position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Maltese to work in Malta restaurants?
No. English is widely spoken and usually enough, though knowing Maltese or Italian helps.
How much can I earn working in Malta restaurants?
Salaries range from €1,000 to €3,500 per month, plus tips and bonuses depending on role and experience.