The latest population statistics published by Malta’s National Statistics Office paint a clear picture of its evolving labour market. With 588,254 residents at the end of 2025 — up 2.4% on the previous year — and 31.1% of the population now made up of non-Maltese citizens, Malta’s economy is becoming increasingly reliant on an international workforce, says Agility EOR.
The data also shows that net migration added 13,906 people to Malta’s population in 2025, a rise of nearly a third on 2024. Meanwhile, natural population growth dropped by almost half year-on-year, falling from 193 in 2024 to just 98 in 2025 — meaning overseas workers are playing an increasingly critical role in sustaining the country’s workforce.
For employers, these figures reflect more than demographic change; they highlight a fundamental shift in recruitment.
“Malta’s workforce has become international,” said Scott Winter, Chief Human Resources Officer for Agility EOR. “Whether businesses are hiring software developers, healthcare staff, or finance specialists, they’re increasingly looking beyond their own borders to fill critical roles.”
And as competition for skilled professionals intensifies, many employers are recruiting talent remotely or relocating workers from overseas. However, employing staff across different jurisdictions brings significant legal and administrative responsibilities, including employment contracts, payroll, tax, social security contributions, and compliance with local labour legislation.
“The latest figures show that international workers are not just filling isolated skills gaps; they have become an essential part of Malta’s labour market,” Scott added. “For businesses, the challenge is no longer whether to hire internationally, but how to do so efficiently and compliantly.”
The trend also reflects a broader global shift. As organisations adopt remote and distributed workforce models, access to international talent has become a competitive advantage.
“As the workforce becomes increasingly global, employment models must evolve alongside it. Businesses that embrace compliant cross-border hiring will have access to a much larger talent pool and greater flexibility to scale,” concluded Scott.
For more information about Agility EOR, visit www.agilityeor.com/countries/eor-malta
SuperEditor