Malta Understand Malta residence permit routes and choose the right pathway

EU Schengen

Capital: Valletta
Currency: EUR
Languages: Maltese، English
Official fee: 50 – 1,232,000 EUR

Malta is an EU and Schengen member state in the central Mediterranean. Third-country nationals access residence chiefly through the Single Permit (combined work + residence) and Blue Card administered by Identita (Expatriates Unit), study and family permits, the Nomad Residence Permit and the MPRP investor route administered by Residency Malta Agency, EU long-term residence after 5 years, and naturalisation administered by Agenzija Komunita Malta. Official languages are Maltese and English, the latter widely used in administration, easing documentation.

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Immigration Pathways

(18) Last updated: Jun 19, 2026 2 months ago

15 of 18 pathways lead to long-term settlement — 14 to permanent residence, 14 to citizenship.

18 of 18 pathways are backed by official government sources.

Sort: Recommended Lowest official fee

Work / Employment High confidence

Single Permit (combined work + residence)

The Single Permit is Malta's primary combined work-and-residence authorisation for third-country nationals, applied for online by the employer via the Expatriates Unit platform.

Processing time: Variable; standard route weeks to months (KEI fast-track 5 working days, SEI 15 working days)
Validity: Typically 1 year, renewable
Language requirement: None for the permit itself; English widely used in administration
Documents: 8 required
Permanent residence: Yes · 5 years of continuous legal residence enables EU Long-Term Residence
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation after broadly 12 continuous months plus 4 aggregate years in the previous 6 years

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

First-time application 600 EUR

Renewal (per year) 150 EUR

Live-in carer 27.5 EUR

Estimated total 777.5 EUR

Process Steps

1
Employer initiates application

Employer registers/logs in with e-ID at singlepermit.gov.mt and initiates the application online.
2
Applicant confirms

The third-country national receives a link to confirm the application and validate submitted data.
3
Pay fee and submit

Employer pays the fee online and completes final submission.
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
Biometrics and card

Attend biometrics; residence card issued on approval.

Official Sources

Work / Employment High confidence

Highly Qualified Individuals - Key Employee Initiative (KEI) & Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI)

Fast-track Single Permit routes for highly skilled and specialist third-country nationals, with guaranteed short processing windows.

Processing time: KEI: 5 working days; SEI: 15 working days (from a complete application)
Validity: Initially 1 year, renewable up to 3 years
Language requirement: None for the permit; English widely used
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Counts toward EU Long-Term Residence at 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation after broadly 12 continuous months plus 4 aggregate years in the previous 6 years

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

First-time application 600 EUR

Renewal (per year) 150 EUR

Estimated total 750 EUR

Process Steps

1
Submit with checklist

Employer submits the application online with the relevant KEI or SEI checklist.
2
Fast-track assessment

Identita processes within 5 working days (KEI) or 15 working days (SEI) from a complete application.
3
Renewal

Initially valid 1 year, renewable up to 3 years.

Official Sources

EU Blue Card High confidence

EU Blue Card

Residence and work permit for highly qualified third-country nationals with a higher-education qualification and a job paying at least 1.5x the Malta average gross annual salary.

Processing time: Standard assessment; change-of-employment verification within 30 days in first 12 months
Validity: 2 years (or contract duration + 3 months if shorter); renewable up to 3 years
Language requirement: None for the permit; English widely used
Documents: 6 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Counts toward EU Long-Term Residence at 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation after broadly 12 continuous months plus 4 aggregate years in the previous 6 years

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

First-time application 600 EUR

Renewal (per year) 150 EUR

Estimated total 750 EUR

Process Steps

1
Employer applies online

Employer applies online via the Single Permit / expatriates.identita.gov.mt platform.
2
Assessment

Identita assesses the application.
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
Renew before expiry

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

Official Sources

Official Identita - EU Blue Card · Identita - Expatriates Unit

Study / Student High confidence

Study Residence Permit

Residence permit for third-country nationals enrolled full-time at a licensed Maltese higher-education institution at MQF level 5 or above.

Processing time: Variable
Validity: Duration of the course
Language requirement: Course-dependent; many programmes in English
Documents: 6 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Study years count partially toward EU Long-Term Residence
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation after broadly 12 continuous months plus 4 aggregate years in the previous 6 years

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

Study / research / training application 50 EUR

Process Steps

1
Obtain entry visa

Visa-required nationals obtain an education-purpose (Type D) visa first.
2
Submit online

Submit the application online via the Expatriates Unit Portal.
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

Self-employment / Freelance Medium confidence

Self-Employed / Business Person Residence Permit

Two-step route allowing third-country nationals to reside in Malta on the basis of self-employment, requiring a Jobsplus employment licence followed by a residence permit from Identita.

Processing time: Variable; depends on Jobsplus licensing and Identita processing
Validity: For the period of self-employment
Language requirement: None; English widely used
Documents: 6 required
Permanent residence: Yes · EU Long-Term Residence after 5 years if income at least national average wage + 20% per dependant
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation after broadly 12 continuous months plus 4 aggregate years in the previous 6 years

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

Jobsplus employment licence processing fee

Process Steps

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
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

Startup Visa High confidence

Malta Startup Residence Programme

A 3-year residence permit (extendable by 5 years) for non-EU founders, co-founders, and core employees of innovative startups establishing their venture in Malta. Administered by Residency Malta Agency in conjunction with Malta Enterprise.

Processing time: Not officially published; varies by due diligence outcome
Validity: 3 years (initial); extendable for a further 5 years
Language requirement: No formal language requirement specified
Documents: 10 required

Requirements

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss national aged 18 or over
Founder, co-founder, or core employee of an innovative startup registered for no more than 7 years globally
Minimum EUR 25,000 paid-up share capital in the Maltese startup entity
Physical residence and tax obligations in Malta throughout permit duration
Valid health insurance covering Malta and EU/EEA countries
Clean criminal record
Sufficient personal bank resources to support dependants
Maximum 6 co-founders; additional co-founders beyond 4 require EUR 10,000 extra paid-up share capital each

Required Documents

Completed application form required
Valid passport required
Business plan for the innovative startup required
Certificate of incorporation or company registration documents required
Proof of minimum EUR 25,000 paid-up share capital required
Proof of health insurance covering Malta and European countries required
Criminal background check from country of origin and country of residence required
Proof of residential address in Malta required
Proof of financial resources to support self and dependants required
Jobsplus employment licence (for founders, co-founders, core employees) required
Documents relating to any dependants to be included

Official fees

Application fee per adult applicant or dependant 750 EUR

Residence card fee per successful applicant (3-year) 300 EUR

Jobsplus employment licence (3-year) 690 EUR

Jobsplus employment licence (5-year) 1,150 EUR

Additional paid-up share capital per co-founder beyond 4 10,000 EUR

Estimated total 12,890 EUR

Process Steps

1
Confirm eligibility

Verify that your startup qualifies (innovative, registered under 7 years, no merger or takeover) and that you are a non-EU national from a non-restricted country.
2
Establish Maltese startup entity

Register or confirm your Maltese company and ensure minimum EUR 25,000 paid-up share capital is in place.
3
Obtain Jobsplus employment licence

Apply to Jobsplus for the employment licence required for founders, co-founders, and core employees.
4
Submit application to Residency Malta Agency

Submit the completed application form, all required documents, and pay the EUR 750 application fee per adult applicant.
5
Due diligence review

Residency Malta Agency conducts due diligence and assesses the startup's innovative nature and programme eligibility.
6
Collect residence card

Upon approval, pay the Identita residence card fee (EUR 300 per person) and collect the 3-year residence card.
7
Apply for 5-year extension

Before expiry of the 3-year permit, apply for the 5-year extension by demonstrating the startup remains active and all eligibility criteria continue to be met.

Official Sources

Investor / Golden Visa Medium confidence

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

A permanent residence right for non-EU/EEA nationals via a qualifying property investment in Malta, a government contribution, a charitable donation, and an administration fee. Amended by Legal Notice 146 of 2025 (effective July 2025): administration fee is now EUR 60,000 (paid in two stages: EUR 15,000 at submission, EUR 45,000 after Letter of Approval in Principle); government contribution is EUR 37,000 regardless of whether the applicant purchases or rents qualifying property; minimum property purchase is EUR 375,000 nationwide; minimum annual rent is EUR 14,000; adult dependent fee (excluding spouse, minor children, and differently-abled adult children) is EUR 7,500 per person. Asset requirements: EUR 500,000 total assets with EUR 150,000 liquid, OR EUR 650,000 total assets with EUR 75,000 liquid. Property must be held for a minimum of 5 years.

Processing time: Variable; subject to 4-tier due diligence
Validity: Indefinite right to reside (residence certificate)
Language requirement: None
Documents: 4 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Grants indefinite right to reside on approval

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

Administration fee (EUR 10,000 within 1 month + EUR 30,000 within 2 months) - FAQ V2.3; 2025 revisions reported, verify 60,000 EUR

Required assets (of which at least EUR 150,000 financial) 500,000 EUR

Property purchase minimum (South Malta/Gozo) 300,000 EUR

Property purchase minimum (rest of Malta) 350,000 EUR

Property rent minimum per year (South Malta/Gozo) 10,000 EUR

Property rent minimum per year (rest of Malta) 12,000 EUR

Estimated total 1,232,000 EUR

Process Steps

1
Engage licensed agent

Engage a licensed agent who submits the application plus the EUR 10,000 initial administration fee.
2
Due diligence

Undergo the 4-tier due diligence process.
3
Pay balance and contributions

Pay the EUR 30,000 balance, government contribution and NGO donation.
4
Satisfy property and receive certificate

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

Official Sources

Investor / Golden Visa High confidence

Global Residence Programme (GRP)

A tax residence and special status programme for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals offering a 15% flat tax rate on foreign-source income remitted to Malta, with a EUR 15,000 minimum annual tax. Requires holding a qualifying Maltese residential property (purchased or rented). Administered by the Malta Tax and Customs Administration (MTCA).

Processing time: Approximately 4 to 6 months after submission of a complete application
Validity: Indefinite, subject to continued compliance with programme conditions
Language requirement: No formal language requirement
Documents: 7 required

Requirements

Non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss national aged 18 or over
Not a long-term resident of Malta
Not simultaneously benefiting from another Maltese special tax status scheme
Hold a qualifying Maltese residential property: purchase min EUR 275,000 (EUR 220,000 in South Malta/Gozo) OR annual rent min EUR 9,600 (EUR 8,750 in South Malta/Gozo)
Pay minimum annual tax of EUR 15,000 on foreign-source income remitted to Malta
Valid health insurance covering Malta and Schengen area
Stable and regular financial resources sufficient to support self and dependants without Maltese social assistance
Non-domiciled in Malta
Not present for 183 or more days in any single other country during a calendar year
Application submitted via a licensed Authorised Registered Mandatary (ARM)
Clean criminal record

Required Documents

Completed GRP application form required
Valid passport required
Proof of qualifying property (title deed or lease agreement) required
Valid health insurance certificate covering Malta and Schengen area required
Proof of financial resources or income required
Criminal background check required
Declaration of non-domicile required
Documents relating to dependants to be included

Official fees

Administrative fee (central or northern Malta property) 6,000 EUR

Administrative fee (South Malta or Gozo property) 5,500 EUR

Minimum annual tax on foreign-source income remitted to Malta 15,000 EUR

Minimum qualifying property purchase (central or northern Malta) 275,000 EUR

Minimum qualifying property purchase (South Malta or Gozo) 220,000 EUR

Minimum annual qualifying rent (central or northern Malta) 9,600 EUR

Minimum annual qualifying rent (South Malta or Gozo) 8,750 EUR

Estimated total 539,850 EUR

Process Steps

1
Appoint an Authorised Registered Mandatary (ARM)

Engage an ARM licensed by the Malta Tax and Customs Administration. The ARM is mandatory for both the application and the ongoing maintenance of special tax status.
2
Acquire or lease a qualifying Maltese property

Purchase a qualifying residential property (min EUR 275,000 or EUR 220,000 in South Malta/Gozo) or enter a rental agreement at or above the annual rent thresholds.
3
Assemble documentation

Prepare all required documents including valid passport, proof of property, health insurance, proof of financial resources, criminal background check, and dependant documents if applicable.
4
Submit GRP application via ARM to MTCA

Your ARM submits the completed application form and supporting documents to MTCA along with the administrative fee of EUR 6,000 (EUR 5,500 if qualifying property is in South Malta or Gozo).
5
Application review and due diligence

MTCA reviews the application and conducts due diligence. Processing typically takes 4 to 6 months.
6
Receive confirmation and pay minimum annual tax

Upon confirmation of special tax status, file a Maltese tax return and pay the minimum annual tax of EUR 15,000 on foreign-source income remitted to Malta, covering the applicant and all included dependants.
7
Maintain ongoing compliance

Continue to hold a qualifying Maltese property, file annual tax returns and pay the minimum annual tax, maintain health insurance, remain non-domiciled, and ensure continued ARM representation.

Official Sources

Family Reunification High confidence

Family Reunification (third-country national sponsor)

Allows a settled third-country national sponsor to bring spouse and minor children to Malta, governed by S.L. 217.06 transposing Directive 2003/86/EC.

Processing time: Variable
Validity: 1 year initially, renewable to match the sponsor's permit
Language requirement: None; English widely used
Documents: 6 required
Permanent residence: Yes · After 5 years, spouse/adult children may apply for autonomous permits and EU Long-Term Residence
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation after broadly 12 continuous months plus 4 aggregate years in the previous 6 years

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

Application (new and renewal) 50 EUR

Process Steps

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
Embassy clearance

Visa-required members obtain embassy clearance.
3
Permits issued

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

Official Sources

Research / Scientist High confidence

Researchers / Trainees / Volunteers / Interns

Residence route under Directive (EU) 2016/801 for researchers admitted via a hosting agreement with an approved research organisation, plus trainees, volunteers and interns.

Processing time: Variable
Validity: Duration of the hosting agreement / programme
Language requirement: None; English widely used
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Counts toward EU Long-Term Residence at 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation after broadly 12 continuous months plus 4 aggregate years in the previous 6 years

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

Study / research / training application 50 EUR

Volunteers 0 EUR

Estimated total 50 EUR

Process Steps

1
Secure hosting agreement

Researchers secure a hosting agreement with an approved research organisation.
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

Digital Nomad High confidence

Nomad Residence Permit

Residence permit administered by the Residency Malta Agency for remote workers earning income from employment or business outside Malta.

Processing time: Variable; includes background verification
Validity: 1 year, renewable at the Agency's discretion
Language requirement: None
Documents: 6 required

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

Per-person application fee (not stated on public landing pages - confirm with Agency)

Process Steps

1
Check eligibility

Review eligibility against the income threshold and remote-work criteria.
2
Submit application

Complete the checklist and submit via the Agency portal; pay the fee.
3
Background checks and issuance

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

Official Sources

Ancestry / Descent High confidence

Citizenship by Registration - Descent / Ancestry

Acquisition of Maltese citizenship by descent for persons born abroad to a Maltese parent, with 2007 amendments extending registration to second-and-subsequent generations descending from a Malta-born ancestor.

Processing time: Variable
Validity: Permanent (citizenship)
Language requirement: None specified
Documents: 2 required
Permanent residence: Yes
Citizenship: Yes · By descent / registration upon proving the qualifying ancestral link

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

Application 150 EUR

On certificate collection 50 EUR

Estimated total 200 EUR

Process Steps

1
Establish ancestral link

Gather birth certificates establishing descent from a Maltese parent or Malta-born ancestor.
2
Submit registration

Submit the registration application to Agenzija Komunita Malta.
3
Collect certificate

Pay EUR 50 on certificate collection upon approval.

Official Sources

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

Permanent Residence High confidence

Economic Self-Sufficiency Residence Permit

Residence permit for third-country nationals residing in Malta on the basis of self-sufficiency, often beneficiaries of the Global Residence or Malta Retirement Programme.

Processing time: Variable
Validity: Renewable
Language requirement: None
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Counts toward EU Long-Term Residence at 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation after broadly 12 continuous months plus 4 aggregate years in the previous 6 years

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

Application (new and renewal) 100 EUR

Process Steps

1
Submit Form K

Submit Form K via the Expatriates Unit Portal (expatriates.identita.gov.mt).
2
Assessment

Identita assesses financial self-sufficiency and issues the permit.

Official Sources

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

Permanent Residence High confidence

EU Long-Term Residence (third-country nationals)

Permanent EU long-term resident status for third-country nationals after 5 years of continuous legal residence, governed by S.L. 217.05 transposing Directive 2003/109/EC.

Processing time: Variable
Validity: Status is permanent; permit issued for 5 years (renewable)
Language requirement: Integration measures per S.L. 217.05
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Granted after 5 years continuous legal residence
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation after broadly 12 continuous months plus 4 aggregate years in the previous 6 years

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

Application 500 EUR

Process Steps

1
Submit online

Submit Form L online via the Expatriates Unit Portal (expatriates.identita.gov.mt).
2
Biometrics

Book a biometric appointment and attend with originals.
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

Permanent Residence High confidence

Permanent Residence / eResidence for EU nationals

Registration route for EU/EEA/Swiss nationals staying in Malta longer than 3 months, with the permanent right of residence document issued after 5 consecutive years.

Processing time: Appointment response within 48 working hours
Validity: Document generally issued for 5 years; permanent right document (10-year) after 5 consecutive years
Language requirement: None
Documents: 2 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Permanent right of residence document after 5 consecutive years
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation per the Maltese Citizenship Act

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

eResidence document application

Process Steps

1
Register online

EU/EEA/Swiss nationals staying over 3 months register online via the Expatriates Portal; appointment response within 48 working hours.
2
Document issued

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

Official Sources

Citizenship / Naturalization High confidence

Naturalisation by Long Residence

Discretionary acquisition of Maltese citizenship by naturalisation based on long residence, administered by Agenzija Komunita Malta under the Maltese Citizenship Act.

Processing time: Variable
Validity: Permanent (citizenship)
Language requirement: Adequate Maltese or English
Documents: 4 required
Permanent residence: Yes
Citizenship: Yes · 12 continuous months immediately before application plus an aggregate of 4 further years within the previous 6 years

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

Application 450 EUR

On certificate collection 50 EUR

Estimated total 500 EUR

Process Steps

1
Verify residence

Confirm 12 continuous months plus 4 aggregate years of residence within the previous 6 years.
2
Submit application

Submit the application to Agenzija Komunita Malta with passport, residence certificate, civil status documents and two sponsors.
3
Collect certificate

Pay EUR 50 on certificate collection upon approval.

Official Sources

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

Citizenship / Naturalization High confidence

Citizenship by Registration - Marriage

Acquisition of Maltese citizenship by registration for a foreign spouse married to and living with a Maltese citizen for at least 5 years.

Processing time: Variable
Validity: Permanent (citizenship)
Language requirement: None specified
Documents: 4 required
Permanent residence: Yes
Citizenship: Yes · At least 5 years married to and living with a Maltese citizen

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

Application 150 EUR

On certificate collection 50 EUR

Estimated total 200 EUR

Process Steps

1
Submit Form B

Submit Form B with the joint affidavit, marriage and birth certificates and spouse documentation to Agenzija Komunita Malta.
2
Collect certificate

Pay EUR 50 on certificate collection upon approval.

Official Sources

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

Citizenship / Naturalization Medium confidence

Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Merit

Following the Court of Justice of the European Union judgment in Case C-181/23 (29 April 2025), Malta's citizenship-by-investment scheme (ESDI) was repealed. The Maltese Citizenship Act was subsequently amended (Act XXI of 2025, 24 July 2025). In its place, Citizenship by Naturalisation on the Basis of Merit under amended Cap 188 / S.L. 188.04 is now the operative framework. This is explicitly not a programme or scheme and cannot be marketed or promoted. Decisions are wholly discretionary, assessed strictly case-by-case by Community Malta Agency. An 8-month mandatory residency period and a two-stage Evaluation Board review apply. The former EUR 600,000-750,000 investment and EUR 700,000 property requirements no longer apply.

Processing time: Variable
Validity: Permanent (citizenship)
Language requirement: None specified
Documents: 1 required
Citizenship: Yes

Some pathway details are machine-translated and may contain minor inaccuracies. Always verify with official sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Malta Single Permit?

The Single Permit is a combined work and residence permit for third-country nationals in Malta. It allows a non-EU national to live and work in Malta for a specific employer. It is administered by Identita (Expatriates Unit).

How does the EU Blue Card work in Malta?

The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly qualified third-country nationals. It requires a qualifying offer of employment and relevant qualifications. Administered by Identita, it offers a route to work and settle in Malta.

Can I live in Malta as a remote worker?

Yes, the Nomad Residence Permit is available for remote workers who are employed by companies outside Malta. This permit is administered by Residency Malta Agency. It enables you to stay in Malta while working for a foreign employer.

What is the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?

The MPRP is an investor-based route to permanent residence in Malta. It is administered by Residency Malta Agency and involves property and contribution requirements. Specific amounts and conditions are decided by the agency.

Can my family join me if I have a Malta residence permit?

Yes, family members can apply under Family Reunification if you are a third-country national with a valid residence permit. This pathway allows you to sponsor your spouse and dependent children. You need to show proof of relationship and adequate accommodation.

When can I apply for EU Long-Term Residence in Malta?

After five years of continuous legal residence in Malta as a third-country national, you may apply for EU Long-Term Residence status. This status grants you long-term residency in Malta and certain mobility within the EU.

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