Social Security Number (DSS)

Overview

A Social Security Number (formerly National Insurance or N.I. Number) identifies and registers an individual under the Social Security Act (Cap. 318.) and is required for the payment of social security contributions. This number once and remains valid throughout the individual’s lifetime, including in cases where employment changes at any stage.

Since October 2016, individuals holding a Maltese Identity Card from the M, L, G, H series are no longer issued a separate Social Security Number. Instead, the Maltese Identity Card number itself serves as the Social Security Number (SSN).

However, if you are an employee or will be working as a self-employed person and hold a Maltese Residence Card ending in ‘A’, or if you do not hold a permanent Maltese Residence Card, you are required to be issued a Social Security Number.

As of July 2025, if you are a Third Country National or an EU citizenholding a Maltese Residence Card with an ‘A’ series and you are taking up employment in Malta for the first time, you should not submit a Social Security Number application yourself. This request must be made through your employer, who is required to submit a Jobsplus Engagement Form on your behalf. Once this form is submitted, your details are automatically transmitted to the Department of Social Security and, if you are eligible, your Social Security Number is issued automatically.

Similarly, if you are a self‑employed person submitting a Jobsplus Engagement Form to register your own employment, your details are forwarded to the Department of Social Security, and your Social Security Number will be issued automatically if you are eligible.

If your Identity Card number is not transmitted through the Jobsplus Engagement Form, whether you are an employee or self-employed person, you are required to apply for a Social Security Number. You may do this either through the online application indicated at the end of this page or by visiting a Servizz.gov hub.

Your Registration Certificate and Social Security Number will be sent by post or by email, provided that your email address is registered with the Department of Social Security.

If you are an EU citizen who does not wish to apply for a Maltese Residence Card under the Freedom of Movement Act, you are required to apply for a Social Security Number through the online application indicated at the end of this page or by visiting a Servizz.gov hub.

Moreover, if you fall under any of the specific categories of employees, listed below, your employer may request a Social Security Number on your behalf through the online application indicated at the end of this page:

Aircrew – If you will be carrying out work as a flight crew or cabin crew member on an aircraft whose home base is located in Malta, and you are determined to be subject to Maltese legislation in line to EU Regulation 883/2004.
Seafarer – If you will be carrying out employment, whether as an employee or a self‑employed person, on board of a Maltese flagged vessel at sea and are determined to be subject to Maltese legislation according to EU Regulation 883/2004.
Transport Worker – If your work activity, whether as an employee or self-employed person, will normally be carried out across several Member States due to transport-related duties, and you will be determined to fall under Maltese legislation under as per EU Regulation 883/2004.
EU Cross-Border Worker – If you will be carrying out work as an employee or self-employed person in a complex cross-border situation (i.e. a person residing in one EU Member State, but will be involved in work activities, or transactions that cross the border into another EU Member State) and you will be determined to be subject to Maltese legislation in accordance with EU Regulation 883/2004.
EUNA – If you are an EU National and will be registered with a Maltese Employer.

If you are registered under the Social Security Act and hold a Maltese Identity or a Maltese Residence Card number, you are required to keep your contact and banking details updated with the Department of Social Security through the mySocialSecurity app.

What you'll get

If you hold a permanent Maltese Identity Card, you are automatically registered under the Social Security Act (Cap. 318.) upon reaching the age of sixteen (16) and your Registration Certificate will be issued and delivered to you a few days before your sixteenth birthday.

As an employee, social security contributions are deducted directly from your salary. If you are a self-employed or self-occupied, you are required to pay social security contributions directly to the Commissioner for Revenue. The contributions you pay paid may entitle you to certain benefits under the Social Security Act (Cap. 318.), subject to eligibility conditions that apply to each benefit. More information on contribution categories and the amounts due by employees and self-employed/self-occupied persons is available by clicking here.

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

Eligibility

Eligibility and Documentation Required

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 for the first time in Malta 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 indicated at the end of this page

EU Nationals (Employed or Self-Employed) without a valid Maltese Identity Card:
- A copy of the work contract signed by your employer confirming showing that you will be carrying out employment or self-employment in Malta.
Non-EU Nationals (Employed):
- A copy of the work contract signed by your employer, indicating the starting date of employment and confirming that you will work as an employee or self-employed person 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 your right to work or reside freely in Malta under the Freedom of Movement Act.
- Copy of the work contract signed by your employer, indicating the starting date of employment or confirming self-employment in Malta.
Non-EU Nationals (Self-Employed):
- Copy of your Employment Licence.
Non-EU Nationals with a permit to work in Malta under EU Directives:
- Copy of the work contract signed by your employer, indicating the starting date of employment.
- Copy of your relevant permit to work in Malta under EU Directives, as shown on the identification document or equivalent certificate issued by the Maltese Government Agency Identità.
Asylum Seekers requesting to work in Malta:
- Copy of the work contract signed by your employer, indicating the starting date of employment.