Social Security Number

Overview

A Social Security Number (formerly National Insurance or N.I. Number) registers individuals under the Social Security Act (Cap. 318) and is required for paying social security contributions. This number is issued only once and remains valid throughout the applicant’s lifetime. Since October 2016, citizens holding a Maltese Identity Card (M, L, G, H series) are no longer issued a separate Social Security Number, but instead the person’s Identity Card number is used instead. Nevertheless, employees and self-employed persons with a Maltese Residence Card ending in ‘A’, or those without a permanent Maltese Residence Card, are required to be issued a Social Security Number.

As of July 2025, when an employer (on behalf of an employee) or self-employed person submits an online Engagement Form to Jobsplus to register an employment, the individual’s details are forwarded to the Department of Social Security. If the employee or self-employed person is eligible, a Social Security Number (SSN) is issued automatically.

The Maltese Identity Card number is a mandatory requirement, as it enables the Department of Social Security to issue the Social Security Number automatically. If the Identity Card number is not provided, the employee or self-employed person must apply for a Social Security Number either through the online application or by visiting a Servizz.gov hub. The Social Security Number and Registration Certificate are sent by post or by email, if an email address is registered with the Department of Social Security.

EU citizens who do not wish to apply for a Maltese Residence Card under the Freedom of Movement Act, are required to apply for a Social Security Number either through the online application or by visiting a Servizz.gov hub.

Moreover, the following categories of employees may have their employer request a Social Security Number on their behalf through the online application:

Aircrew – A person who works as a flight crew or cabin crew member on an aircraft of which home base is located in Malta and is determined as subject to Maltese legislation according to EU Regulation 883/2004.
Seafarer– A person whose work activity as an employed or self-employed is normally pursued on board of a Maltese flagged vessel at sea and is determined as subject to Maltese legislation according to EU Regulation 883/2004.
Transport Worker – A person whose work activity as an employed or self-employed person is normally carried out in several Member States due to transport-related duties and is determined to be subject to Maltese legislation under EU Regulation 883/2004.
EU Cross-Border Worker – A person whose work activity as an employed or self-employed person involves a complex cross-border situation (i.e. a person residing in one EU Member State, but is involved in work activities, or transactions that cross the border into another EU Member State) and is determined as subject to Maltese legislation according to EU Regulation 883/2004.
EUNA– EU Nationals registered with a Maltese Employer.

Note: Upon registration, individuals registering under the Social Security Act or acquiring a Maltese Identity/Residence Card number, individuals are also required to update their contact and banking details held by the Department of Social Security through the mySocialSecurity app.

What you’ll get

Persons who hold a permanent Maltese Identity Card are automatically registered under the Social Security Act (Cap. 318.) upon reaching the age of sixteen (16) and will receive their registration certificate a few days before their sixteenth birthday.

Employees have contributions deducted from their salary if you are employed, while self-employed persons pay directly to the Commissioner for Tax and Customs. These contributions paid may entitle individuals to benefits under the Social Security Act (Cap. 318.), subject to eligibility conditions. More information on contribution categories and amounts employees and self-employed/self-occupied persons need to pay is available by clicking here.

For more information on Social Security Contributions obligations, please click here.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for issuance of a Social Security Number (SSN) if:

You do not already possess a Maltese Social Security Number.
You are being engaged for employment or starting self-employment.
If you are at least fourteen (14) years of age and still of compulsory school age, your parent or legal guardian must first apply for permission through the National School Support Services.

Documentation required when Submitting an Online Application

EU Nationals (Employed or Self-Employed) without a valid Maltese Identity Card:

- Copy of the work contract showing that the applicant will be carrying out employment or self-employment in Malta.

Non-EU Nationals (Employed):

- Copy of the work contract signed by the employer, indicating the starting date of employment and confirming employment or self-employment in Malta.
- Copy of the Employment Licence (Work Permit) showing the RefCom number.

Non-EU Nationals married to a Maltese citizen or an EU National (Employed or Self-Employed):

- Copy of a letter from the Department of Citizenship and Expatriates, confirming the right to work or reside freely in Malta under the Freedom of Movement Act.
- Copy of the work contract signed by the employer, indicating the starting date of employment or confirming self-employment in Malta.

Non-EU Nationals (Self-Employed):

- Copy of the Employment Licence.

Non-EU Nationals with a permit to work in Malta under EU Directives:

- Copy of the work contract signed by the employer, indicating the starting date of employment.
- Copy of the relevant permit to work in Malta under EU Directives, as shown on the identification document or equivalent certificate issued by Identità.