Real Experiences with Long-Term Residence in Malta

While official sources outline the steps for Malta’s Long-Term Residence (LTR) application, the reality on the ground often looks quite different. To get a clearer picture of what applicants actually face, we conducted an informal survey on social media among Third Country Nationals (TCNs) expats living in Malta who have either secured, attempted, or been denied long-term residence.

The response was striking. From expat forums to private messages, individuals shared their stories – some encouraging, many frustrating. A clear theme emerged: while the process may seem straightforward on paper, the reality for many applicants is far more complex and unpredictable.

In this article, we’ve compiled key insights, first-hand accounts, and practical takeaways to help you understand what really awaits if you decide to apply.

iBelong in Malta: What the Course Is, and Why You Will Need It

If you’re planning to make Malta your long-term home, you’ll likely encounter the iBelong course. It’s not a social club—though you may well meet a few new faces along the way. The iBelong programme is Malta’s official cultural orientation course for foreign nationals and is a required step for Long-Term Residence. The course is divided into two stages.

Stage 1 spans around three months and includes both Maltese language classes and cultural orientation. However, if you’ve already obtained a recognised Maltese language certificate from another institution, you may be exempt from the language component and attend only the cultural orientation sessions.

Stage 2 is more comprehensive and immersive. It also includes both Maltese language and cultural education, but with a stronger focus on integration. Participants engage in group excursions, typically around six throughout the course – visiting Malta’s key heritage sites such as temples, museums, churches, and other culturally significant landmarks. These outings offer a chance not only to learn but also to connect with others on a similar journey.

The Catch: It’s Not Quick

Many of our survey participants highlighted that completing both stages of the iBelong programme requires significant time and planning. Long waiting lists are common, first to begin Stage 1, and again to enrol in Stage 2 after completing the first. Several respondents told us it took them a minimum of trois ans in total to complete the course. Even after finishing Stage 2, some waited up to two months to receive their certificates – final document required to finalise their application checklist with Identità and formally apply for long-term residence. The key takeaway? Start early.

Once you’ve completed the course and received the certificate, you’ll need to submit your application within 12 months, or risk starting over.

Bojana’s Experience

Bojana, an expat who’s lived in Malta for six years, recently completed the integration course and its awaiting approval of her submitted LTR application for about 6 months.

It was an exciting journey – I learned more about the country I now call home. We even had excursions and social time, which helped me meet wonderful people. The final exam was tough, but we passed and literally screamed with joy!

Bojana z.

But the process didn’t end with a certificate.

After submitting my documents, they requested more paperwork. I had to visit the office several times just to check on my ID. And then my landlord refused to issue the letter needed to collect it, which delayed things even further.

Bojana z.

Fast-Track Option: The Paid Version

For those wanting to avoid delays, there’s a paid alternative to Stage 2. It covers the same content, legal framework, cultural integration, and Maltese language – but is delivered on a faster, more structured schedule.

The cost? Around €1,350 for group tuition. It’s not cheap, but for some, the time saved justifies the price, especially when permits are running out or applications are time-sensitive significant time advantage.

Document Challenges: More Than Meets the Eye

Common Issues

A number of applicants, including Anjela J. and Amir, said that certain documents caused significant delays for their long-term residence applications.

They couldn’t read some of the stamps in my passport and asked for flight tickets to verify entries and exits. That was unexpected. Overall, it took me 3 years.

Andjela J.

I had been in Malta five years, working legally. But when I applied for long-term residence, Identita Malta asked for FS3s from all five years. One company had closed down. It took me four months and help from Jobsplus just to prove I’d worked there.

explained Amir, a TCN in the tech sector.

Rejection Cases

An anonymous user shared that the application was initially rejected because part of the stay in Malta had been under a “blue paper” – the temporary document issued while awaiting an official residence card. Although the applicants was legally residing in Malta throughout, that period was not counted toward the five-year requirement. With the support of an advisor, they later succeeded in overturning the decision and having the full duration recognised.

Key Findings

Family Members: A Reality Check

According to Maltese policy, family reunification permits, granted under Subsidiary Legislation 217.06, are typically issued with one-year validity for spouses and minor children, regardless of the primary holder’s long-term permit. This means that even if an spouse holds a LTR five-year long-term residence permit, their accompanying family members may only receive a one-year permit, requiring yearly renewal.

One Third Country National (TCN) family described a particularly frustrating experience. Both parents applied individually for LTR and, after around six months, received their five-year cards. Confident that their children’s permits would align, they submitted applications for their two minor children, only to find that the children were granted one-year cards instead, with no clear explanation.

That was the most frustrating part. We waited around eight months, sent additional documents several times, and in the end, the children received ID cards valid for just four months – because most of the one-year validity had already been consumed during the application process.

tcn parent

This tight timeline made it nearly impossible to travel and left the family with only a short window to gather documents and prepare for the next renewal.

Something really has to change. While we’ve gained LTR status, the benefits are mostly limited to employment. We save around €600 in single permit renewal fees, and we’re not subject to the stressful 10-day grace period to find a new job, but beyond that, we receive no additional support.

Dejana s. tcn parent

Furthermore, the family must continue proving their income every year to renew their children’s residence permits. Families still cannot afford to experience gaps in employment as they need to submit yearly income for family members renewals. They also pointed out that, because of their household income, they don’t qualify for most government support, despite high living costs. Only minimal child allowance and in-work benefits are accessible.

Housing Scheme Discrepancies

Another complication for LTR families was highlighted in relation to government housing schemes. Even if the family qualifies income-wise, their application may be rejected if one spouse holds LTR while the other still has a Permis de travail unique.

We were told we didn’t qualify because our household includes a TCN (my spouse) registered at the same address, despite one of us having long-term residency. It doesn’t make sense. We meet the income threshold, but we’re penalised because of mixed residency statuses.”

Miriam U. sahred:

Private Insurance: Not Always Necessary

A common misconception is that private insurance is needed. Our feedback confirms that applicants do not need private insurance as long as they have regularly paid national insurance contributions. Make sure you retain proof of this.

Tax Statements: Online or In-Person

You will need to present a 5-year tax statement. It can be obtained:

• Online via your personal IRD tax services account using eID credentialsou

• Physically at the tax office

Integration in Malta: A Personal Burden, Not a Public Priority

Malta’s integration framework lays out a clear process—complete the iBelong courses, pass the required exams, and submit your paperwork. But while the structure is formalised, the burden of integration, both financial and practical, rests almost entirely on the individual.

Several respondents pointed out that beyond meeting the legal requirements, the system offers few meaningful incentives for deeper integration. Despite investing time, money, and effort into completing the iBelong programme and actively participating in Maltese society, many felt a sense of detachment from the policy’s outcomes.

You pass the courses, learn about Maltese culture, meet the requirements, and then find that the real barriers haven’t moved. You’re still treated as temporary.

said one participant

This feeling was particularly strong among those supporting family members. The LTR status might bring job security, but for many, it does little to improve access to housing, education benefits, or long-term planning.

Start Early

Though the application itself is accessible through the official portal, gathering the necessary documents – especially proof of residence, employment, and tax contributions, can be time-consuming. Start early, particularly with your integration course.

While Malta’s Long-Term Residence permit offers real benefits, the road to acquiring it can be longer and bumpier than expected. From documentation issues and integration course delays to unexpected bureaucratic barriers, these real-life stories show that preparation is key.

We thank all the individuals who shared their experiences with us. Their input shows that official procedures and real-world execution can differ greatly, especially for TCNs. If you’re considering applying, give yourself time, gather your paperwork carefully, and stay connected with the expat communities for support.

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