Global Mobility

Our Global Mobility Lawyers

International workforce mobility is no longer a purely administrative function – it is a strategic lever for growth, talent acquisition, and market expansion. Malta continues to attract international assignees due to its EU legal framework, business-friendly environment, and high quality of life, making it a preferred destination for both employers and employees.

Chetcuti Cauchi’s Global Mobility lawyers advise on the deployment of talent across borders, ensuring that businesses place the right people, with the right capabilities, in the right jurisdictions – at the right time.

We support organisations in:

• Establishing mobility frameworks for new market entry
• Structuring intra-group transfers and secondments
• Managing cross-border tax exposure and compliance risks
• Designing mobility programmes aligned with business strategy and workforce planning

Immigration and Workforce Entry

Malta’s immigration framework provides a structured yet flexible system for employers engaging international talent. As a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, Malta enables both short-term mobility and long-term residence solutions.

Our advisory covers:

• Immigration route selection: Identification of appropriate permits based on role, duration, and nationality
• Eligibility and compliance: Employment licensing, sponsorship obligations, and regulatory requirements
• Processing timelines and risk management: Anticipating delays and ensuring continuity of operations
• Family mobility: Rights and pathways for accompanying dependants

Business Travel and Short-Term Mobility

Business travel is often underestimated from a compliance perspective. Short-term presence in Malta may still trigger immigration, tax, or employment law implications.

We advise on:

• Use of Schengen C visas and visa-exempt travel frameworks
• Application of the 90/180-day rule within the Schengen Area
• Distinction between business visits and work activities
• Risk exposure relating to shadow employment and permanent establishment

Work Permits and Long-Term Assignments

For longer-term employment, Malta operates a structured work permit system centred on the Single Permit framework, combining residence and work authorisation.

Our services include:

• Preparation and submission of Single Permit applications
• Structuring employment arrangements to meet local regulatory requirements
• Renewal strategies and long-term retention planning
• Advisory on intra-company transfers and specialist roles

Work permits are typically issued for one year and renewable, forming the foundation for sustained workforce presence in Malta.

Integrated Tax and Employment Structuring

Global mobility decisions have direct implications on personal taxation, corporate tax exposure, and social security obligations.

Our multidisciplinary approach ensures alignment between:

• Employee tax residence and employer obligations
• Double taxation treaty application and relief mechanisms
• Social security coordination within EU and bilateral frameworks
• Payroll structuring and reporting compliance

This integrated approach reduces fragmentation and ensures holistic workforce planning across jurisdictions.

Technology-Enabled Mobility Management

Managing a global workforce requires more than legal advice – it requires systems, visibility, and process efficiency.

We support organisations through:

• Process mapping and optimisation of mobility workflows
• Implementation of technology-driven tracking and compliance systems
• Integration with HR and payroll functions
• Ongoing monitoring of regulatory changes affecting mobility programmes

How Our Global Mobility Lawyers Can Help You

Chetcuti Cauchi’s Global Mobility practice delivers end-to-end support for internationally active businesses, combining legal, tax, and operational expertise.

We assist clients in:

• Designing scalable global mobility frameworks
• Managing cross-border workforce risks and compliance
• Supporting strategic expansion into Malta and the EU
• Aligning mobility strategies with long-term business objectives

Our integrated model ensures that mobility is not treated as a standalone function, but as a core component of international growth strategy.