Types of residency in Malta
Malta offers different types of residency permits for foreign nationals. The type of residency permit that is suitable for a person depends on their reasons for relocating to Malta.
Permanent Residency
Malta offers permanent residency for non-EU nationals. To apply for permanent residency, an applicant must have legally resided in Malta for five continuous years. The applicant must also meet specific financial requirements and must pass a language test.
Temporary Residency
There are several types of temporary residency permits available in Malta. These permits are valid for a limited period and can be renewed.
Work permits
Work permits are available for foreign nationals who have a job offer from a Maltese employer. The employer must apply for the work permit on behalf of the employee. Work permits are valid for the duration of the job contract.
Student permits
Foreign students can apply for a student permit to study in Malta. The student must provide proof of enrollment in an educational institution in Malta. The student permit is valid for the duration of the course of study.
Investor visas
Malta offers a residency program for non-EU nationals who invest in the country. The applicant must invest a minimum of €250,000 in government bonds and purchase or lease a property in Malta. The investor visa is valid for one year and can be renewed. After five years of continuous residency, the applicant can apply for permanent residency.
Retirement visas
Retirees who have sufficient income and assets can apply for a retirement visa in Malta. The retiree must have a minimum pension of €25,000 per year and a minimum net worth of €350,000. The retirement visa is valid for five years and can be renewed. After five years of continuous residency, the retiree can apply for permanent residency.
Process for Applying for Residency in Malta
The process for applying for residency in Malta varies depending on the type of residency permit. In general, the applicant must complete an application form and provide supporting documents.
Permanent residency
To apply for permanent residency, an applicant must complete an MRVP application form and submit it to Identity Malta. The applicant must also provide proof of income and assets and pass a language test.
Temporary residency
The process for applying for temporary residency permits depends on the type of permit.
Work permits
The employer must apply for a work permit on behalf of the employee. The employer must submit a copy of the employee’s passport, job contract, and proof of their qualifications.
Student permits
The student must complete a student permit application form and provide proof of enrollment in an educational institution in Malta.
Investor visas
The applicant must provide proof of investment in government bonds and property purchase or lease. The applicant must also provide proof of income and assets.
Retirement visas
The retiree must provide proof of income and assets, including a pension of €25,000 per year and a net worth of €350,000.
Documents needed to support an application for residency in Malta
The following documents are required to support your application for residency in Malta:
A completed application form.
A passport or other valid form of identification.
Proof of financial stability, such as bank statements or pay stubs.
Proof of employment or enrolment in a school or university in Malta.
A police clearance certificate from your home country.
Any additional documents required by the Maltese embassy in your home country.
Registering with a Government Department/Organisation on Arrival in Malta
On arrival in Malta, you must register with the Malta Identity Agency (MIA) and obtain a national ID card. The MIA is responsible for issuing national ID cards and maintaining a database of all residents in Malta.
Up-to-Date Information on Residence in Malta
For reliable, up-to-date information on residence in Malta, you can consult the following websites:
The official website of the Malta Identity Agency (MIA): https://www.gov.mt/en/Government/DOI/Pages/MIA.aspx
The official website of the Maltese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion: https://foreignaffairs.gov.mt/en/Pages/default.aspx
The official website of the Maltese embassy in your home country.