Malta's social security system is administered by the Department of Social Security, part of the Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity.

Anyone who works in Malta, with the exception of expatriates employed by off-shore companies in the Freeport zone, is required to contribute to the social security system, and will be eligible to receive social security benefits. The system funds a wide range of benefits including maternity, unemployment and disability benefits, as well as sick pay and pensions. These benefits are mostly taxable.

Contributions are deducted from salaries along with tax and employers are required to match the payments of their employees with a similar level of contribution. Payments are on a graduated scale, up to a maximum of 10% of income.

Self-employed people are also required to contribute to the system, although self-employed EU nationals may be exempt from payments for up to 12 months, if they continue to make contributions in their own countries and hold the exemption certificate E101.