Transfer of Unemployment Benefit in the EU

If you are a jobseeker arriving in Malta from another EU or EEA country or from Switzerland

A person from another EU or EEA country or Switzerland who moves to Malta to look for work, can receive unemployment benefit from the country of origin. This presupposes that the person has agreed with the employment authorities in the country of origin about this move. At this time, the person cannot receive unemployment benefits from Malta.

A certificate of the person’s entitlement to unemployment benefits (certificate U2) issued from the employment authorities in the country of origin is required.  The job searching activities can last for a maximum of 3-6 months. The person needs to register as a Jobseeker with Jobsplus under Part I of the register (unemployed and seeking full time employment), within the 7-day period indicated in the U2 certificate. To register, a proof of residence in Malta must be provided (either a rental contract or if the person is living in a B&B or hotel or with a friend, a postal declaration can be signed instead).

Once registered, the person should present the proof of the effective registration with Jobsplus (such documentation is provided after the registration is completed) together with your U2 certificate to the Department of Social Security either in person or by email.  The latter will inform the country of origin that the registration has been effected.

Any changes should be notified to the employment authorities in the country of origin, for instance in case of a job offer.

If you are a jobseeker in Malta and want to continue your job searching activities in another EU or EEA country or in Switzerland

A person wishing to export the unemployment benefit from Malta to another Member State should contact the Department of Social Security at least 2 weeks before departure to confirm the eligibility for export and to make the necessary arrangements.  It is pertinent to point out this provision is applicable only to a person in receipt of unemployment benefit and who has been registered as jobseeker for at least 4 weeks prior to departure. 

A portable document U2 will be provided indicating a 7-day period starting from the previously agreed date of departure, within which the person must register with employment authorities in the other country.  

The latter country will eventually inform Malta of the date of registration and will keep providing monthly follow-ups.  The benefits will continue until expiry or until the person finds employment.

Any changes should be notified to the Department of Social Security either in person or by email, for instance in case of a job offer.