by admin 
Malta is a popular destination for expats looking to relocate to a country with a mild climate and a high quality of life. If you wish to stay in Malta for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a residence permit. The Maltese residence permit comes in the form of an e-Residence document, which functions as a form of identification. Non- EU citizens especially need to follow the steps below.
Types of Residence Permits
- Determine the type of residence permit you need. There are various categories of residence permits in Malta, including work permits, student permits, family permits, and retirement permits. Each type of permit has its own specific requirements and application process.
- Gather the required documents. The documents you will need to submit will depend on the type of residence permit you are applying for. In general, you will need to provide proof of identity, proof of financial means to support yourself, proof of accommodation in Malta, and any other documents specific to your type of permit.
- Apply for your residence permit. Depending on the type of residence permit you require you can reach out to the Malta Residence and Visa Agency (MRVA) website. residency-malta. or Identity Malta expatriates-unit You will need to create an account and complete the application form, upload your supporting documents, and pay the application fee.
- Wait for your application to be processed. The processing time for residence permit applications can vary, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months.
- Receive your residence permit. If your application is approved, you will need to go to the specific office to collect your biometric data and obtain your residence card.
How do I qualify for a residence permit in Malta?
The qualifications for a residence permit in Malta depend on the specific type of permit you are applying for. Here are some general guidelines:
- Work permits: To qualify for a work permit in Malta, you will typically need a job offer from a Maltese employer and meet certain qualifications or experience requirements. You may also need to demonstrate that your work is in demand in Malta and that there are no suitable candidates available from within the EU.
- Student permits: To qualify for a student permit in Malta, you must have been accepted into a recognized educational institution in Malta and have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your studies. You may also need to demonstrate that you have health insurance coverage and provide proof of accommodation in Malta.
- Family permits: To qualify for a family permit in Malta, you will need to be a spouse, child, or parent of an EU citizen or a non-EU citizen who holds a valid residence permit in Malta. You may also need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself and provide proof of accommodation in Malta.
- Retirement permits: To qualify for a retirement permit in Malta, you will typically need to be over the age of 60 and have sufficient financial means to support yourself without working in Malta. You may also need to demonstrate that you have health insurance coverage and provide proof of accommodation in Malta.
- Self-Employment Permit or Starting a Business: If you plan to start your own business in Malta, you may be eligible for a Self-Employment Permit. This permit is valid for one year and can be renewed annually. To be eligible, you must have a business plan that meets certain criteria, such as a minimum investment amount and proof that the business will benefit the Maltese economy. https://startinmalta.com/business-start-2021/#Schemes
- Permanent Residence Permit: Once you have lived in Malta for a continuous period of at least five years, you have the financial means to support yourself without relying on any assistance from the government. It is valid for an indefinite period.
- Digital Nomad Residence Permit: You could be granted a residence permit to reside in Malta while retaining your current employment in another country. This permit applies to those who can work independently making use of telecommunication and technology to do their work. This permit is issued for one year and you have to meet the required criteria in order to qualify. (link to more info below).
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR A RESIDENCE PERMIT IN MALTA?
The specific documents you need to apply for a residence permit in Malta will depend on the type of permit you are applying for. However, in general, you will need to provide most or all of the following documents:
- Valid passport: You will need to provide a valid passport that is not due to expire in the near future. Your passport should have at least two blank pages. You will need to copy the biometrics page of your passport
- Application form: You will need to complete an application form that is specific to the type of residence permit you are applying for.
- Proof of accommodation: You will need to provide proof of accommodation in Malta. This could include a rental agreement, a property deed, or a letter from your host or sponsor.
- Financial means: You will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in Malta. This could include bank statements, a letter from your employer, or other evidence of income.
- Police clearance certificate: You may need to provide a police clearance certificate from your home country or other evidence that you do not have a criminal record.
- A health screening certificate: to include a scan for TB and proof of vaccination for Covid, Polio and Diphtheria, Rubella/Measles (required for certain jobs), Hepatitis B (required for certain jobs). The entire health report needs to be submitted to the IDCU which will verify the report. health-screening-for-work-permits
- Health insurance: You may need to provide proof of health insurance coverage that is valid in Malta.
- Education and work experience: Depending on the type of residence permit you are applying for, you may need to provide evidence of your education and work experience.
- Official translation of all documents: All documentation must be in either English or Maltese.
SUBMITTING YOUR DOCUMENTS AND THE PROCESS TO ACQUIRE A RESIDENCE PERMIT
Make sure you have all your necessary documents. Now you can submit your application for a residence permit in Malta. You can do this online expatriates-unit or in person at one of the offices of Identity Malta. On application you must pay the relevant fee, which varies depending on the type of residence permit you’re applying for and how long you plan to stay in Malta. You will receive a reference number that you can use to track the status of your application online. If you are employed, the application will be submitted by your employer once you check that all the documentation is correct.
- Once you have submitted all your documentation, you will receive an invitation to go for your biometrics (biometrics involves having your fingerprints and a digital photograph taken, which will be used for the creation of your residence permit.): you’ll be asked to book an appointment time and location online sometime after you have submitted your application. Wait for the confirmation email for your appointment and print out to take with you. Make sure to bring your passport and appointment reference number with you.
- Once your biometrics are completed, your application can be processed. A decision will be made anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on what permit you have applied for
- You will be able to check the progress of you application online using the reference number of your application. If there are any issues with your permit, you may be contacted by Identity Malta.
- If you application is successful, you will receive a notification by mail to collect your ID card.
- You need to go in person to collect your ID Card. Depending on what type of permit you applied for, you will need to take the official receipt that was issued to you when you did your biometrics and your passport. If you have not paid online prior when you submitted your application, you will need to pay upon collection.
- Employment residence permits normally need to be renewed once a year. Other residence permits can have a longer validity.
In general, to qualify for any type of residence permit in Malta, you will need to have a clean criminal record, provide accurate and complete information in your application, and pay any required fees. It is important to note that the qualifications and requirements for residence permits in Malta may change, and it is recommended to check the Malta Residence and Visa Agency and Identity Malta websites for the most up-to-date information.
USEFUL LINKS TO OBTAIN A RESIDENCE PERMIT IN MALTA:
ATTRACTIVE RESIDENCY PROGRAMS OFFERED IN MALTA
- Malta Retirement Program
For retirees or adults who are nearing retirement age and who are considering taking up residence in Malta. Retirees choosing this program benefit from attractive tax savings, a high standard of health services, the mild climate and easy way of life on the Islands. - Global Residence Program
This program is aimed at non-EU nationals who want to take up residence in Malta while enjoying a favourable tax rate. Applicants can also work and set up a business in Malta subject to obtaining the necessary permits. - Highly Qualified Persons Program
This program is aimed at those that are highly qualified in finance, i-Gaming, aviation, and other professions. Individuals who make use of this program can benefit from a personal tax rate of 15% on employment income derived from a qualifying contract of employment in Malta. Additional income generated through employment (over a threshold of €5 million) will also not be subject to any further tax. - Malta Citizenship by Direct Investment
This program allows foreign nationals the opportunity to obtain Maltese and EU Citizenship –for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment and for applicants to also significantly contribute to the economic development of the islands
