⏰ How is overtime paid in Malta?

With conditions

Quick answer

It depends on the sector — not always "time-and-a-half". Most sectors have their overtime rate set by their own Wage Regulation Order. Where no WRO applies, the statutory rate is time-and-a-half (1.5×) the normal pay for work above 40 hours a week, averaged over 4 weeks or over the shift cycle. The myth: that "every extra hour is automatically time-and-a-half" or that "the boss can make you work as much as he wants". The average of hours worked cannot exceed 48 hours a week over a 17-week reference (52 for manufacturing and tourism), and to work beyond that there must be written consent. A pay packet that buries an unknown amount of overtime breaches the Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Regulations.

📋 The rules

Where no WRO applies, overtime is paid at time-and-a-half (1.5×) the normal rate for work above 40 hours a week.
The average is worked out over 4 weeks or over the shift cycle, at the employer's discretion.
Most sectors have their overtime rate set in their WRO, which can differ from the 1.5×.
Hours worked cannot average more than 48 a week over 17 weeks (52 for manufacturing and tourism).
To work beyond the 48-hour average there must be written consent, which the worker can withdraw.

🔓 Exceptions

Pregnant workers, and those in the first 12 months after birth or adoption, cannot be obliged to work overtime.
A worker who does not consent to exceed the 48-hour average cannot be made to work more.
Hours-banking schemes are allowed under the Overtime Regulations, but must follow the rules.

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Overtime that is not paid correctly is a breach you can take to DIER, which can order the arrears paid. The first trap is the rate: the 1.5× applies only where no WRO governs your sector, so check which WRO covers you before assuming time-and-a-half. The second is the 48-hour limit: an employer can oblige you to work overtime only if the average stays under 48 hours, or if you gave written consent to exceed it — and you can withdraw that consent. Pregnant workers, and those in the first 12 months after birth or adoption, cannot be obliged to work overtime. An "all-inclusive" wage that buries an unknown amount of overtime breaches the Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Regulations, and any hours-banking scheme must follow the rules.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-07-12

❓ Frequently asked

Is overtime always paid at time-and-a-half?

No. The time-and-a-half rate applies only where no Wage Regulation Order governs your sector. Most sectors have their own rate set in the WRO, so you should first check which order applies to your work before assuming a rate.

On which hours is overtime paid?

Where the statutory rate applies, overtime is paid on work above 40 hours a week, averaged over four weeks or the shift cycle. This means not every hour above eight on a particular day is automatically paid as overtime.

Can my boss force me to work overtime?

Your employer can only ask for overtime if the average of your hours stays under 48 a week, or if you gave written consent to exceed that average. If you did not give that consent, you cannot be obliged to work beyond the 48-hour average.

What is the most overtime I can work?

The average of your working hours, including overtime, cannot exceed 48 a week over a 17-week reference. In manufacturing and tourism the reference stretches to 52 weeks, but the average limit itself stays the same.

Is an "all-inclusive" wage from the boss legal?

A pay package that buries an unknown amount of overtime does not comply with the Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Regulations, which require the employer to tell you the normal rates and hours. A contract can specify an allowance for a fixed number of hours, but not an open, hidden amount.

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