9 Visa Types for Malta: What are the Requirements and Fees

Considering moving to Malta? Before you get ready, it’s important to know about Malta’s visa system. There are nine visa types for Malta for different reasons, including moving there. Each visa has its own rules and fees. Whether you’re moving for work, study, or retirement, knowing what you need and how much it costs is important for a smooth move.

In this article, we’ll explain the rules and costs for each visa type, so you can plan your move to Malta easily.

Understanding The Difference Between Visa And Residency Permit

If you are getting confused between visas and residency permits, don’t worry – you’re not the first. You might not need a visa to move to Malta, and yet require a residency permit. Here’s the difference in a nutshell:

A visa is an endorsement or stamp placed in your passport by the authorities of the country you wish to visit, granting you permission to enter, leave, or stay in that country for a specified period. Visas can be for various purposes such as tourism, business, or transit. For instance, US citizens might not need a visa to enter Malta for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism or business).

A residency permit, on the other hand, is a document that allows a foreign national to reside in a country for a longer period than a visa would allow, often with the intent to live, work, or study there. This permit is usually applied for after arriving in the country with a valid visa (if one was needed) or under visa-exempt status. In Malta, regardless of whether a person needed a visa to enter, if they plan to stay for longer periods or intend to work or study, they must apply for a residency permit (unless they’re EU/EEA/Swiss citizens) in accordance with Maltese immigration laws.

To put it simply, a visa is about entering a country, and a residency permit is about staying there long-term. Even if a visitor from the US doesn’t need a visa to enter Malta, they would still need to apply for a residency permit to live there for an extended time. 

9 Visa Types for Malta

Please note: The visa types listed below do not apply to citizens of the EU/EEA or to individuals from countries with visa-free agreements with Schengen, such as the US, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, etc., as they do not require a visa in Malta (note that, unless you’re an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you’ll still need a residence permit in order to reside in Malta, even if you don’t need a visa to get there).

If you are not from these countries, the information in this article may be of interest to you.

• Malta Schengen Visa: This visa is for third-country nationals traveling to the Schengen area for tourism, lasting up to 90 days and available as a single or multiple-entry visa. Extensions due to unforeseen circumstances in Malta can be requested from the Central Visa Unit.
• Malta Transit Visa: For transiting through Malta to reach a final destination, exempt if holding a Schengen visa/residence permit from another Schengen country or under certain citizenship categories.
• Malta Work Visa: Mandatory for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens intending to work in Malta, renewable annually based on work contract.
• Malta Student Visa: Necessary for non-EU/EEA/Swiss students pursuing studies exceeding three months, with a requirement for a residence permit for the duration of the course.
• Malta Family Visa: Available for spouses, partners, or minor children of Maltese citizens/residence permit holders and EU citizens holding a Maltese residence card, enabling family reunification.
• Malta Retirement Visa: Allows individuals to retire in Malta.
• Malta Nomad Visa: Permits remote work while legally residing in Malta, initially granted for one year with possible extensions.
• Malta Golden Visa: Offers Maltese citizenship through investment.
• Malta EU Blue Card: Grants skilled non-EU foreign nationals residence permits to work in an EU country.

What are the Required Documents to Apply for a Visa in Malta?

1. Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your return date and has two blank pages. Include copies of previous visas, if any.
2. Visa Application Form: Complete the form accurately. If filed electronically, download and print a hard copy.
3. Passport-Size Photos: Attach two recent photos to the application form, following Schengen visa photo guidelines.
4. Confirmed Flight Itinerary: It’s advisable not to purchase tickets until your visa is approved; a booked itinerary suffices in most cases.
5. Travel Medical Insurance: Obtain Schengen travel insurance with €30,000 coverage for Malta and the entire Schengen Area.
6. Cover Letter: Explain the purpose of your visit, including dates, flight details, and itinerary.
7. Hotel Reservation: Provide proof of accommodation arrangements in Malta.
8. Bank Account Statement: Show financial stability with at least €48 per day for your stay in Malta.
9. Visa Fee Payment Proof: Pay the fee at the embassy or consulate; attach the receipt to your application form.

What are the Fees for Getting a Visa in Malta?

• €80 for adults.
• €40 for children aged 6-12.
• €35 for citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia.

What are the Steps of Applying for a Visa in Malta?

1. Contact the Nearest Malta Diplomatic Mission: Find the Maltese consulate or embassy handling visas for your area.
2. Book an Appointment: Schedule a time to submit your visa application.
3. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the form with accurate details and don’t forget to sign it. Get the form from the embassy, consulate, or visa application center.
4. Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents beforehand to submit with your application.
5. Submit Application and Pay Fee: On your appointment day, submit your application and pay the visa fee.
6. Wait for Processing: You’ll receive an email or SMS notification once your visa decision is ready. Typically, it takes around 15 days, but it may vary depending on circumstances.

Important Note: If your request for a Maltese Schengen visa gets turned down, here's what you can do:

1. Appeal the Decision: If you think the refusal was unfair, check the visa rejection letter for details on how to appeal.
2. Apply Again: You can try applying for a new visa.

Need Help to Apply for a Visa in Malta?

Do you need help applying for a visa in Malta? Visa applications can get rejected for various reasons like missing information, not having sufficient funds, or not convincing the visa officers that you won’t overstay. Getting help from a lawyer can improve your chances of success. Contact us, and we’ll make your relocation easy. We offer assistance with visa applications, sorting out taxes, translating documents, finding accommodation and more.