Migration questions Malta

Temporary residence permit:

A temporary residence permit is issued to foreign nationals planning to stay in Malta for more than 90 days but less than 5 years. The main categories of temporary residence permits include:

Work residence permit: For foreign workers who have received a job offer from a Maltese employer.

Student residence permit: For students enrolled in accredited educational institutions in Malta.

Family reunification residence permit: For family members of residents or citizens of Malta.

General documents:

- Completed residence permit application form.

- Valid passport and its copy.

- Health insurance valid in Malta.

- Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or ownership certificate).

- Certificate of no criminal record.

Additional documents depending on the category:

Work: Employment contract with a Maltese employer, work permit.

Study: Enrollment letter from the educational institution, proof of tuition payment.

Investment: Documents proving compliance with investment program requirements.

Family reunification: Documents proving family ties (marriage, birth certificates, etc.).

Application processing times: Usually from 1 to 3 months, depending on the residence permit category and completeness of the submitted documents.

Permanent residence permit:

A permanent residence permit allows indefinite residence in Malta. Main requirements:

Duration of residence: Continuous residence in Malta for at least 5 years with a temporary residence permit.

Financial stability: Proof of stable income and tax payments for the last 5 years.

Accommodation: Ownership or long-term rental of property in Malta.

No criminal record: Clean criminal history.

Language knowledge: Basic proficiency in English or Maltese.

Application processing times: May range from 6 to 8 months.

Temporary and permanent residence through investment programs:

Malta offers residence permit programs through investments. Main requirements:

Real estate investment: Purchase or rental of property for a minimum specified amount.

Contribution to a government fund: A one-time non-refundable contribution.

Charitable donation: Donation to a local charitable organization.

Clean criminal history and health insurance.

Application processing times: Usually from 3 to 6 months.

Important: Exact requirements and timelines may vary based on individual circumstances and legislative changes. It is recommended to refer to official sources or legal advisors for up-to-date information.

1. Determine the basis for obtaining a residence permit.

Work: Employment in a Maltese company or self-employment.

Study: Enrollment in an accredited educational institution.

Investment: Participation in investment programs.

Family reunification: Joining family members residing in Malta.

2. Prepare the necessary documents.

3. Submit your application.

Place of submission: Residence permit applications are submitted to the Identity Malta Agency. A separate office is provided for residents of the island of Gozo.

Mode of submission: The applicant's personal presence is mandatory. It is recommended to schedule an appointment in advance to avoid long waiting times.

4. Await decision.

Application processing times depend on the category of residence permit and the completeness of the submitted documents. On average, the process takes from 1 to 3 months. In some cases, such as participation in investment programs, the processing time may be reduced to a few weeks.

5. Receive your residence card.

Once your application is approved, you will receive an electronic residence card (eResidence card) confirming your status in Malta. This card is necessary for legal stay in the country and access to various services.

Important: Exact requirements and procedures may change. It is recommended to regularly check up-to-date information on official Maltese government websites or consult with legal specialists.

Citizens of the European Union and European Economic Area benefit from several advantages when living and working in Malta due to the principle of free movement and employment within these unions.

Right of entry and stay

EU and EEA citizens are entitled to enter Malta without a visa and stay in the country for up to 90 days without needing to register. If a stay longer than 90 days is planned, it is necessary to register with Identity Malta Agency and obtain a Registration Certificate.

Registration procedure

Application deadline: The registration application should be submitted within the first 3 months of arriving in Malta.

Required documents

- A valid passport or identity card.

- Proof of purpose of stay:

For employees: employment contract or proof of employment.

For students: enrollment letter from an educational institution.

For the self-employed: evidence of business activity.

Place of application submission: The Identity Malta office in Valletta or on the island of Gozo.

Right to work

EU and EEA citizens have the right to work in Malta without the need for a special work permit. However, it is recommended to notify local authorities about the commencement of employment.

Social rights and obligations:

Social security: After registration, EU and EEA citizens are entitled to social benefits and services on par with Maltese citizens.

Taxation: Foreign workers are required to pay taxes according to Maltese law.

Important: Although EU and EEA citizens benefit from simplified procedures, it is recommended to familiarize themselves with local requirements in advance and, if necessary, seek advice from specialists or official authorities.

Visa requirements and entry

Short-term stay: For visiting Malta for tourist or business purposes for up to 90 days, citizens of most countries require a Schengen visa. Exceptions are citizens of countries with which the EU has visa-free agreements.

Long-term stay: If a stay longer than 90 days is planned, it is necessary to obtain a national visa type D, which allows staying in Malta for specific purposes such as work, study, or family reunification.

Work permit

For legal employment in Malta, third-country citizens need a work permit. The process of obtaining it includes the following steps:

Finding an Employer: Initially, it is necessary to find an employer in Malta willing to offer you a job.

Application submission: The employer submits the work permit application to Jobsplus agency. The application must be submitted at least 8 weeks before the intended start date of work.

Application review: Competent authorities evaluate the application, taking into account the candidate's qualifications and labor market needs. Priority is given to Maltese and EU citizens; the permit is issued if there are no suitable candidates for the position from these categories.

Validity period of the permit: A work permit is usually issued for one year with the possibility of renewal.

Special programs for highly skilled professionals

Since January 2024, Malta has implemented the "Specialized Workers Initiative" to attract highly skilled professionals from non-EU countries.

Program requirements:

- A signed employment contract with a Maltese employer.

- An annual salary of at least 25,000 euros.

- A professional or technical position.

- Higher education or equivalent qualifications and at least three years of professional experience.

Benefits:

Expedited application processing – up to 15 working days.

The permit is issued for one year with the possibility of extension up to three years.

Administrative fee – 300 euros.

Student stay and work

International students studying in Malta can work up to 20 hours per week provided they obtain the necessary permit. For this, it is necessary to:

- Have a valid student residence permit.

- Provide an employment contract.

- Obtain a work permit through Identity Malta.

Visa "Digital Nomad"

Malta offers a Digital Nomad visa for remote workers from non-EU countries.

Program requirements:

- Valid passport.

- Proof of remote work for a company registered outside Malta.

- Minimum annual income – 42,000 euros.

- Health insurance valid in Malta.

Advantages:

Residency in Malta for up to one year with the possibility of extension to three years.

Possibility to travel within the Schengen zone.

Health insurance:

Third-country nationals are required to have health insurance covering expenses of at least 30,000 euros and valid in Malta. The insurance policy must be issued for a period of at least one year.

Taxation:

Foreign workers are required to pay taxes in accordance with Maltese law.

Important: Requirements and procedures may change. It is recommended to consult official sources and legal specialists for up-to-date information.

Determine the renewal timeframes

Residence permits in Malta are usually issued for a specific period, after which they must be renewed. During the first few years, the residence permit is valid for one year, and thereafter the status can be extended once every two years.

Prepare the necessary documents

To renew a residence permit, the following documents must be provided:

- Completed application for the renewal of the residence permit.

- Valid passport and copies of all pages.

- Current resident card (eResidence card).

- Proof of the basis for renewal (e.g., a valid employment contract, proof of enrollment in an educational institution).

- Proof of sufficient financial resources.

- Lease agreement or proof of property ownership.

- Health insurance valid in Malta.

- Police clearance certificate from the country of origin and/or Malta (depending on the residence permit category).

Submitting the application

Application deadline: It is recommended to submit the renewal application 90 days before the current residence permit expires.

Place of submission: Applications are submitted to the Identity Malta Agency. A separate office is provided for residents of Gozo island.

Submission method: The applicant's personal presence is mandatory. It is recommended to schedule an appointment in advance to avoid long waiting times.

Waiting for a decision

The processing times for residence permit renewal applications may vary depending on the category and completeness of the submitted documents. The process usually takes from 4 to 8 weeks.

Receiving the updated resident card

After the application is approved, you will receive a new eResidence card with an updated validity period.

Important: Exact requirements and procedures may change. It is recommended to regularly check the current information on the official websites of Maltese government authorities or consult with legal specialists.

To obtain a residence permit in Malta, foreign nationals need to obtain health insurance that meets certain requirements:

Minimum coverage amount: The insurance policy must provide coverage for medical expenses of at least €100,000.

Coverage area: Insurance must cover medical care, including hospitalization, within Malta and, if necessary, in other European countries.

Validity period: The policy must be valid for the entire first year of stay in Malta and cannot be canceled during this period.

Payment: The insurance must be paid in full for the year in advance; policies with monthly payments are not accepted.

Choosing an insurance company

Local insurance companies: Several insurance companies in Malta offer medical policies that meet the requirements for a residence permit (MAPFRE Middlesea, GasanMamo Insurance, Atlas Insurance, Elmo Insurance, Citadel Insurance). Contacting local insurers may simplify the process of obtaining and subsequently servicing the policy.

International insurance companies: Some international insurers offer policies valid in Malta. It is important to ensure that such a policy meets local requirements and is recognized by Maltese authorities.

Obtaining Maltese citizenship is possible through several methods, each having its own requirements and procedures.

Citizenship by birth and descent

By birth: Children born in Malta to Maltese citizen parents automatically acquire citizenship. However, if the child is born after August 1, 1989, it is sufficient for one parent to be a Maltese citizen.

By descent: Individuals born outside Malta may claim citizenship if at least one parent is a Maltese citizen by birth, naturalization, or registration.

Citizenship through marriage

Foreign nationals married to a Maltese citizen may apply for citizenship after five years of cohabitation in marriage. This rule applies to:

Spouses of Maltese citizens.

Widows and widowers of Maltese citizens.

Partners in a civil or same-sex marriage with a Maltese citizen.

Citizenship by naturalization

Foreign nationals may apply for citizenship by naturalization upon fulfilling the following conditions:

Minimum age of 18 years.

Continuous residence in Malta for 12 months immediately preceding the application.

Additionally, residing in Malta for a total of 4 years out of the previous 6 years.

No criminal record and good character.

Knowledge of English or Maltese.

Citizenship by exceptional services based on direct investments

Since November 2020, Malta offers the possibility of obtaining citizenship for exceptional services through direct investments. The main requirements of the program are:

Investments:

Contribution to the National Development Fund: €600,000 when applying after 3 years of residence permit or €750,000 when applying after 1 year.

Charitable donation: €10,000.

Purchase of real estate worth at least €700,000 or rental of housing with an annual rental fee of at least €16,000 for a minimum period of 5 years.

Additional conditions:

Passing a strict due diligence check.

No criminal record.

Proof of legality of income sources.

After fulfilling all the requirements and approval of the application, the applicant and his family receive Maltese citizenship.

Citizenship through registration

This method is available for certain categories of individuals, including:

Former Maltese citizens.

Individuals born before September 21, 1964, to a Maltese citizen mother.

Descendants of Maltese people.

It is recommended to contact official sources or legal specialists to obtain up-to-date and detailed information suitable for your specific situation.

Holders of a temporary residence permit in Malta have the right to freely leave the country and return. However, when planning trips, the following important aspects should be considered:

Validity of the residence permit:

Validity period: Ensure that your residence permit is valid for the entire duration of the planned stay outside Malta and at the time of return.

Extension: If the residence permit expires during your absence, it is recommended to extend it in advance to avoid issues upon return.

Travel within the Schengen area

Freedom of movement: Malta is part of the Schengen area, so residence permit holders can move freely among other member countries without the need for additional visas.

Time restrictions: In most cases, stays in other Schengen countries are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Travel outside the Schengen area

Visa requirements: When traveling to countries outside the Schengen area, it is necessary to consider the visa requirements of those states.

Return to Malta: Upon returning to Malta from outside the Schengen area, ensure that your residence permit and passport are valid.

Documents upon return

Passport: Must be valid for at least three months after the planned date of exit from the Schengen area.

Residence permit: Present a valid resident card upon entry to Malta.

Special cases

Extension of residence permit during absence: If you plan an extended absence and your residence permit is expiring, it is recommended to extend it before departure or clarify the possibility of extension through Maltese consular institutions.

Obligations of the resident: Some categories of residence permits may require a minimum period of stay in Malta. Violation of this condition may lead to the annulment of resident status.

Recommendations:

When planning long trips or in case of doubts, contact the Agency Identity Malta or legal professionals to obtain up-to-date information.

Possible reasons for refusal

Non-compliance with financial requirements: Insufficient proof of a stable and legal source of income or lack of necessary financial means.

Providing false information: Providing false information or forged documents in the process of applying.

Violation of immigration laws: Previous violations of visa regime or immigration rules.

Security threats: Suspicions of involvement in activities posing a threat to national security or public order.

Actions in case of refusal

Analysis of refusal reasons: Carefully study the notice of refusal to understand the specific grounds for the decision.

Appealing the decision:

Appeal submission deadlines: Comply with the submission deadlines outlined in the notice of refusal.

Document preparation: Collect additional evidence and documents to support your case.

Legal consultation: It is recommended to consult a lawyer specializing in Maltese immigration law for professional assistance in preparing the appeal.

Re-application:

Rectification of deficiencies: After a refusal and, if necessary, after an unsuccessful appeal, you may file a new application, correcting the previously noted deficiencies.

Updating documents: Ensure that all provided documents are current and meet the requirements.

Recommendations:

Consulting professional lawyers or immigration consultants may increase the chances of successfully obtaining a residence permit.

During immigration procedures in Malta, such as obtaining a residence permit or citizenship, there may be a need to translate documents into English or Maltese.

Certified translations: Translations must be done by certified translators and, if necessary, notarized or apostilled.

The fastest and most reliable way to find a certified translator in Malta is to contact a professional translation agency.

Consulting qualified translators will ensure the accuracy and compliance of translations with the requirements of the Maltese immigration authorities, increasing the chances of successfully passing the procedures.