Security is one of Malta's more accessible employment sectors for foreign workers — it requires no university degree, the language requirement (conversational English) is achievable for most arrivals, and demand is steady across the island's hotels, government buildings, casinos, events, and commercial premises. The sector operates under Malta's Guarding Services Act, which mandates licencing through the Malta Security Services Directorate. Understanding the licencing requirement — and how to obtain it — is the central practical question for anyone considering security work in Malta.
Pay reality: Security guard salaries in Malta are modest — ERI SalaryExpert places the average at approximately €17,000–€18,000 gross per year (€1,420–€1,500/month). This is above minimum wage but below the national average. Night and weekend shift premiums under the WRO (Wage Regulation Order) improve take-home: time-and-a-half for overtime, double-time on Sundays and public holidays.
Security Salary by Role 2026
| Role | Gross / Year | Net / Month | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Guard (entry) | €13,000–€16,000 | ~€990–€1,100 | Basic patrol and access control |
| Security Guard (experienced) | €16,000–€20,000 | ~€1,100–€1,290 | Shift premiums for nights/weekends |
| Doorman / Bouncer (hospitality) | €16,000–€22,000 | ~€1,100–€1,430 | Evening/weekend premium hours typical |
| CCTV / Control Room Operator | €18,000–€26,000 | ~€1,220–€1,650 | Technical monitoring; less physical |
| Security Supervisor / Team Leader | €20,000–€28,000 | ~€1,290–€1,760 | Management of a shift/team |
| Security Manager | €28,000–€42,000 | ~€1,760–€2,510 | Full security operation management |
| Close Protection Officer (bodyguard) | €25,000–€45,000+ | ~€1,600–€2,680+ | Specialised; high-net-worth clients |
The Licencing Requirement
To work legally as a security guard in Malta, you must hold a valid Security Services Licence issued by the Malta Police Force under the Guarding Services Act. The licence application requires: a clean criminal record (police conduct certificate from Malta and any country where you have lived for more than six months), proof of identity (passport + ID card/residence card), and a basic first aid certificate. The licence is personal and must be renewed periodically. Most security companies handle the licence application process for new employees as part of onboarding — you do not need to obtain it independently before applying for work, but you cannot legally perform security duties without it.
Physical fitness requirements: there is no mandated fitness test for standard security licencing in Malta, but individual employers may apply their own standards. Doorman/bouncer roles at Paceville venues typically have informal physical requirements. Previous security or military/police experience from your home country adds credibility but is not universally required for entry-level roles.
Who Hires and Where to Apply
The main security employers in Malta: G4S Malta, Securitas Malta, Signal Security, and several smaller Malta-registered security companies. Hotels (particularly the large resort properties in St George's Bay, Qawra, and Mellieħa) hire significant numbers of security staff. Government buildings and public sector facilities require uniformed security. The casino sector (Dragonara, Oracle) hires security in addition to dealing staff. Events security has a seasonal peak in summer with the festival and concert season.
Search on Jobsplus, Jobsinmalta.com, and directly on the websites of G4S Malta and Securitas Malta. The Malta Recruiting Agency also places security workers. Most applications require a CV, copy of identification, and confirmation of any previous security experience or training. Language: functional English is required for most roles; Maltese is not required for non-citizen security staff.
Non-EU Nationals
Non-EU nationals need a Single Permit for security work. Security is not on Malta's occupation shortage list (unlike construction or healthcare), so permit approval depends on the employer demonstrating genuine need. The process is the same as other sectors: employer applies to Identità, contract must meet WRO standards, processing time 4–12 weeks. EU nationals and UK nationals work freely.
