Average wage, working hours and holidays
The average wage in Malta is low compared to EU standards. Wages are often regulated by collective agreements at enterprise level, and must be at least equivalent to the legal minimum wage. All wages are topped up by a mandatory annual wage increase based on the inflation rate.
The average working week is 40 hours and is legally topped at 48, of which 8 are paid as overtime. A typical working day would start at 8.30am and finish at 5.30pm and include a long lunch break. You are entitled to 25 days of paid holiday, plus the 14 Maltese public holidays.
Social security for unemployment, illness, maternity, disability
National insurance and benefits are the backbone of the social security system. You are entitled to benefits in case of unemployment, sickness, old age, disability, injury and maternity leave. For more information look at our “Taxation: Income tax & social security” section.
The Social Security Department's head office is located in Valletta:
Social Security Department
38 Ordinance Street
Valletta - CMR 02
Telephone: 25903000
Fax: 25903001
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