Malta

Requirements

• Valid job offer / signed employment contract from a Malta employer
• Proof the vacancy was advertised (Jobsplus/EURES 3 weeks, or local media 2 weeks)
• Health insurance with minimum EUR 100,000 coverage (Malta + Europe)
• Recognition of qualifications (MQRIC) where applicable
• Accommodation (lease/purchase) with Housing Authority approval

Required Documents

• Valid passport (original + full PDF copy, valid at least 8 months from application date) required
• Signed Europass CV required
• Health insurance policy with minimum EUR 100,000 coverage (Malta + Europe) required
• Employment contract signed by both parties required
• Position description signed by both parties required
• Proof of vacancy advertisement (Jobsplus/EURES 3 weeks, or local media 2 weeks) required
• Lease/rent agreement with landlord declaration, lawyer/notary attestation and Housing Authority approval letter required
• MQRIC qualification recognition certificate
• Signed privacy policy required
• Health screening certificate (some applicants)

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Employer initiates application

   Employer registers/logs in with e-ID at singlepermit.gov.mt and initiates the application online.

2. 2

   Applicant confirms

   The third-country national receives a link to confirm the application and validate submitted data.

3. 3

   Pay fee and submit

   Employer pays the fee online and completes final submission.

4. 4

   Entry visa (if abroad)

   Applicants abroad obtain the Approval in Principle letter, then apply for the entry visa and book the biometric appointment.

5. 5

   Biometrics and card

   Attend biometrics; residence card issued on approval.

Official Sources

• Official Identita - Single Permit Application · Identita (Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers / Expatriates Unit)
• Official Identita - Single Permit Documents Required · Identita - Expatriates Unit
• Official Single Permit online portal · Government of Malta

Requirements

• KEI: highly skilled third-country national with complete application and KEI checklist
• SEI: skilled third-country national not eligible for KEI, under Single Permit Regulations (S.L. 217.17)
• Same fee structure as the Single Permit

Required Documents

• Completed KEI or SEI checklist (Checklist-New-Application-for-Single-Permit-KEI.pdf / -SEI.pdf) required
• Employment contract and qualifications required
• Valid passport and health insurance required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Submit with checklist

   Employer submits the application online with the relevant KEI or SEI checklist.

2. 2

   Fast-track assessment

   Identita processes within 5 working days (KEI) or 15 working days (SEI) from a complete application.

3. 3

   Renewal

   Initially valid 1 year, renewable up to 3 years.

Official Sources

• Official Identita - Key Employee Initiative · Identita - Expatriates Unit
• Official Identita - Specialist Employee Initiative · Identita - Expatriates Unit

Requirements

• Employment contract of at least 6 months for a highly-qualified role
• Higher-education qualification (degree or equivalent)
• Salary at least 1.5x the average gross annual salary in Malta (NSO Labour Force Survey)
• Proof of one job advert published at least 2 weeks within 2 months before application
• Health insurance for applicant and relatives

Required Documents

• Employment contract of at least 6 months for a highly-qualified role required
• Higher-education qualification (degree or equivalent) required
• Proof of one job advert published at least 2 weeks within the 2 months before application required
• Travel document required
• Health insurance (applicant + relatives) required
• Evidence of professional qualifications per S.L. 217.27 required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Employer applies online

   Employer applies online via the Single Permit / expatriates.identita.gov.mt platform.

2. 2

   Assessment

   Identita assesses the application.

3. 3

   Notify employment changes

   For employment changes in the first 12 months, notify eubluecard.identita@gov.mt with the Change of Employment Notification Form; Identita verifies within 30 days.

4. 4

   Renew before expiry

   Submit renewals before expiry; post-expiry applications are rejected.

Official Sources

• Official Identita - EU Blue Card · Identita - Expatriates Unit

Requirements

• Full-time course at an institution licensed by the National Commission for Higher Education at MQF level 5+ (S.L. 217.22)
• Proof of sufficient funds (approximately EUR 950/month)
• Health insurance
• Accommodation
• Travel document valid at least 8 months

Required Documents

• Forms N.01 / N.02 / N.03 and Form O required
• Proof of full-time enrolment at a licensed MQF level 5+ institution required
• Proof of sufficient funds (approximately EUR 950/month) required
• Health insurance required
• Accommodation evidence required
• Travel document valid at least 8 months required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Obtain entry visa

   Visa-required nationals obtain an education-purpose (Type D) visa first.

2. 2

   Submit online

   Submit the application online via the Expatriates Unit Portal.

3. 3

   Apply in person

   Book an appointment and apply in person in Malta; visa-exempt third-country nationals must apply within 3 months of entry into EU territory.

Official Sources

• Official Identita - Study, Research, Trainees, Volunteers, Interns · Identita - Expatriates Unit

Requirements

• Jobsplus self-employment Employment Licence
• Meet one of four capital routes (e.g. capital expenditure at least EUR 100,000 in fixed assets within 6 months; highly-skilled innovator; sole representative of a 3+ year overseas company; Malta Enterprise-approved project)
• Business plan and bank reference certifying capital availability
• Recognition of qualifications (MQRIC) with certified translations

Required Documents

• Jobsplus licence application form required
• Certified passport photo + travel document copy required
• CV and position description required
• Qualifications (certified translations + MQRIC recognition) required
• Business plan with investment timeline required
• Bank reference letter certifying capital availability required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Apply to Jobsplus

   Apply to Jobsplus for a self-employment Employment Licence with the licence form, passport, CV, qualifications, business plan and bank reference.

2. 2

   Apply to Identita

   On approval, apply to Identita for the residence permit within one month, with the licence approval, passport, two passport photos and payslips; obtain an entry visa beforehand if required.

Official Sources

• Official EU Immigration Portal - Self-employed worker, Malta · European Commission - DG Home Affairs

Requirements

• Application only via a licensed agent
• Property: purchase at least EUR 300,000 (South Malta/Gozo) / EUR 350,000 (rest of Malta), or rent at least EUR 10,000 (South Malta/Gozo) / EUR 12,000 (rest of Malta) per year, held 5 years
• Assets requirement EUR 500,000 (of which at least EUR 150,000 financial assets)
• Government contribution and NGO donation (amounts per S.L. 217.26)
• Pass 4-tier due diligence

Required Documents

• Application submitted by a licensed agent required
• Proof of qualifying property (purchase or lease) held for 5 years required
• Evidence of EUR 500,000 assets (at least EUR 150,000 financial) required
• Due diligence documentation (4-tier) required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Engage licensed agent

   Engage a licensed agent who submits the application plus the EUR 10,000 initial administration fee.

2. 2

   Due diligence

   Undergo the 4-tier due diligence process.

3. 3

   Pay balance and contributions

   Pay the EUR 30,000 balance, government contribution and NGO donation.

4. 4

   Satisfy property and receive certificate

   Satisfy the property/qualifying conditions; the residence certificate is issued.

Official Sources

• Official Residency Malta Agency - MPRP Legal Framework · Residency Malta Agency
• Official S.L. 217.26 MPRP Regulations (Updated Version) · Residency Malta Agency
• Official MPRP FAQs V2.3 · Residency Malta Agency

Requirements

• Sponsor holds a residence permit valid at least 1 year with reasonable prospect of permanent residence
• Generally at least 2 years' legal residence in Malta (case-by-case for shorter)
• Accommodation meeting Maltese family standards
• Stable income at least Malta average wage + 20% per family member

Required Documents

• Form G per family member (G.01 new / G.02 renewal) required
• Proof of 2-year residence required
• Marriage/birth certificates required
• Architect's attestation of adequate housing required
• Payslips/income documents (prior 6 months) required
• Health insurance (unless sponsor employed)
• Full passport copies required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Submit Form G

   Submit Form G and documents (email noneu.ima@gov.mt or Expatriates Unit Portal) before family members arrive (exception: minor children born in Malta).

2. 2

   Embassy clearance

   Visa-required members obtain embassy clearance.

3. 3

   Permits issued

   Identita issues residence permits, valid 1 year initially and renewable to match the sponsor's permit.

Official Sources

• Official Identita - Family Reunification · Identita - Expatriates Unit
• Official EU Immigration Portal - Family member, Malta · European Commission - DG Home Affairs

Requirements

• Hosting agreement with an approved research organisation (researchers)
• Compliance with Directive (EU) 2016/801
• Travel document valid at least 8 months

Required Documents

• Hosting agreement with an approved research organisation (researchers) required
• Forms N.01 / N.02 / N.03 and Form O required
• Travel document valid at least 8 months required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Secure hosting agreement

   Researchers secure a hosting agreement with an approved research organisation.

2. 2

   Submit online

   Submit the application via the Expatriates Unit Portal using the same forms as study.

Official Sources

• Official Identita - Study, Research, Trainees, Volunteers, Interns · Identita - Expatriates Unit

Requirements

• Income of EUR 42,000 gross/year (approximately EUR 3,500/month); EUR 32,400 retained for applications before 1 April 2024
• Proof of remote employment or business outside Malta
• Health insurance covering EU (including Malta) and the UK
• Valid property rental or purchase agreement
• Police conduct certificate and background verification clearance

Required Documents

• Valid travel document required
• Health insurance covering EU (including Malta) and the UK required
• Valid property rental or purchase agreement required
• Police conduct certificate required
• Proof of remote employment/business outside Malta required
• Background verification clearance (per the Application Checklist) required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Check eligibility

   Review eligibility against the income threshold and remote-work criteria.

2. 2

   Submit application

   Complete the checklist and submit via the Agency portal; pay the fee.

3. 3

   Background checks and issuance

   Undergo background checks; the permit is issued for 1 year, renewable at the Agency's discretion.

Official Sources

• Official Residency Malta Agency - Nomad Residence Permit Eligibility · Residency Malta Agency
• Official Residency Malta Agency - Nomad Residence Permit · Residency Malta Agency

Requirements

• Descent from a Maltese parent (born abroad), or
• Descent from a Malta-born ancestor (second-and-subsequent generations under 2007 amendments)

Required Documents

• Proof of descent (birth certificates establishing the ancestral line) required
• Documentation of the Malta-born ancestor / Maltese parent required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Establish ancestral link

   Gather birth certificates establishing descent from a Maltese parent or Malta-born ancestor.

2. 2

   Submit registration

   Submit the registration application to Agenzija Komunita Malta.

3. 3

   Collect certificate

   Pay EUR 50 on certificate collection upon approval.

Official Sources

• Official Agenzija Komunita Malta - Acquisition of Citizenship · Agenzija Komunita Malta

Requirements

• Hold valid authorisation to reside (often GRP/MPRP/Retirement Programme beneficiaries)
• Meet financial thresholds detailed in Form K
• Travel document valid at least 8 months

Required Documents

• Form K required
• Travel document valid at least 8 months required
• Evidence meeting financial thresholds detailed in Form K required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Submit Form K

   Submit Form K via the Expatriates Unit Portal (expatriates.identita.gov.mt).

2. 2

   Assessment

   Identita assesses financial self-sufficiency and issues the permit.

Official Sources

• Official Identita - Economic Self-Sufficient · Identita - Expatriates Unit

Requirements

• 5 years continuous legal residence
• Stable and regular resources
• Own accommodation
• Integration measures (per S.L. 217.05)

Required Documents

• Form L required
• Travel document valid at least 8 months required
• Evidence of stable resources and accommodation required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Submit online

   Submit Form L online via the Expatriates Unit Portal (expatriates.identita.gov.mt).

2. 2

   Biometrics

   Book a biometric appointment and attend with originals.

3. 3

   Status granted

   Status is permanent; the permit is issued for 5 years and is renewable.

Official Sources

• Official Identita - Long-Term Residence · Identita - Expatriates Unit

Requirements

• EU/EEA/Swiss nationality
• Staying in Malta longer than 3 months
• Category-specific basis (worker/self-employed, self-sufficient, student, family member)

Required Documents

• Original ID card or passport (plus copies) required
• Category-specific documents (worker/self-employed, self-sufficient, student, family member) required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Register online

   EU/EEA/Swiss nationals staying over 3 months register online via the Expatriates Portal; appointment response within 48 working hours.

2. 2

   Document issued

   Document generally issued for 5 years; after 5 consecutive years the permanent right of residence document is issued.

Official Sources

• Official Identita - eResidence Document Application (EU nationals) · Identita - Expatriates Unit
• Official Identita - Permanent Residence (EU nationals) · Identita - Expatriates Unit

Requirements

• 12 continuous months immediately before application plus 4 aggregate years within the previous 6 years
• Age 18+
• Good character
• Adequate Maltese or English
• Two sponsors (one from a professional category)

Required Documents

• Passport(s) required
• Residence certificate from immigration authorities required
• Birth/marriage certificates required
• Proof of good character required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Verify residence

   Confirm 12 continuous months plus 4 aggregate years of residence within the previous 6 years.

2. 2

   Submit application

   Submit the application to Agenzija Komunita Malta with passport, residence certificate, civil status documents and two sponsors.

3. 3

   Collect certificate

   Pay EUR 50 on certificate collection upon approval.

Official Sources

• Official Agenzija Komunita Malta - Acquisition of Citizenship · Agenzija Komunita Malta

Requirements

• Married to and living with a Maltese citizen for at least 5 years
• Still married at the time of application

Required Documents

• Form B required
• Joint affidavit confirming 5+ years cohabitation required
• Marriage and birth certificates required
• Spouse documentation required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Submit Form B

   Submit Form B with the joint affidavit, marriage and birth certificates and spouse documentation to Agenzija Komunita Malta.

2. 2

   Collect certificate

   Pay EUR 50 on certificate collection upon approval.

Official Sources

• Official Agenzija Komunita Malta - Acquisition of Citizenship · Agenzija Komunita Malta

Requirements

• Outstanding contributions in science, arts, culture, sport or similar fields
• Discretionary assessment by Agenzija Komunita Malta

Required Documents

• Evidence of exceptional services / outstanding contributions required

Process Steps

1. 1

   Assessment by Agency

   Agenzija Komunita Malta assesses applications for citizenship for exceptional services by merit.

Official Sources

• Official Agenzija Komunita Malta - Acquisition of Citizenship · Agenzija Komunita Malta

Requirements

• Present in Malta and making a protection claim
• Provide background, family details and reasons for fleeing at registration
• Travel/identity documents where available

Required Documents

• Travel/identity documents (where available)
• Photograph and fingerprints (age 14+) entered into EURODAC required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Make contact

   If in detention, inform the Immigration Police / Detention Services Agency; if in an open centre or community, approach the IPA directly.

2. 2

   Registration interview

   Answer questions on background, family and reasons for fleeing; present documents; provide photograph and fingerprints (age 14+) into EURODAC.

3. 3

   Receive Asylum Seeker Document

   Receive the Asylum Seeker Document (ASD), which must be renewed timely.

4. 4

   Single-procedure assessment

   Single-procedure assessment of refugee status, subsidiary protection and Temporary Humanitarian Protection; manifestly unfounded cases auto-reviewed by IPAT within 3 days.

Official Sources

• Official International Protection Agency (IPA) · International Protection Agency, Malta
• Official Ministry for Home Affairs - International Protection Agency · Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment (Malta)
• Source UNHCR Malta - How to apply for international protection · UNHCR