Planning a trip to Malta? Discover everything you need to know about obtaining a Malta visa, including types, application procedures, required documents, and post-arrival steps. Get ready for your Maltese adventure!
What is a Malta Visa and Who Needs It?
Overview
Malta offers two primary types of visas: the Schengen Visa and the Long-stay Visa (D Visa). These visas cater to different durations and purposes of stay. The target audience for these visas primarily includes third-country nationals who wish to visit or reside in Malta for various reasons such as tourism, employment, studies, or family reunification.
Short-stay (Schengen) Visa
The Schengen Visa allows individuals to stay in Malta and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa is suitable for:
- Tourism: Visiting Malta for leisure and sightseeing.
- Business: Short-term business trips, meetings, and conferences.
- Short-term studies: Courses or training programs lasting less than 90 days.
- Family visits: Visiting relatives residing in Malta or other Schengen countries.
Long-stay (D Visa)
The Long-stay Visa, or D Visa, is designed for stays exceeding 90 days and is necessary for those planning an extended stay in Malta. This visa is applicable for:
- Employment: Taking up a job or pursuing a career in Malta.
- Studies: Enrolling in long-term educational programs or universities.
- Family reunification: Joining family members who are already residing in Malta.
- Special circumstances: Including business, sporting events, tourism, religious activities, medical treatment, cultural events, diplomatic missions, working holidays, and humanitarian reasons.
Holders of a long-stay visa also enjoy the freedom to travel to other Schengen countries, provided they meet the general entry conditions. However, this visa does not guarantee an absolute right of entry into the Schengen zone; entry may be refused if the conditions of stay are not met or if there is a risk of procedural abuse.
Eligibility and Exemptions
Individuals from certain countries may be exempt from needing a visa for short stays, while others must obtain a visa regardless of the duration. The Schengen visa exemption list and the specific requirements for the long-stay visa are determined by the Maltese authorities.
The process for obtaining these visas involves submitting various documents, attending appointments, and possibly undergoing interviews, all of which are covered in the sections that follow.
How to Apply for a Malta Visa?
Standard Application Process
For individuals who are either nationals or residents of countries where a Maltese diplomatic mission is present, the standard application process is used. The steps involved are:
- Contact the Visa Application Centre (VAC): Initiate the process by reaching out to the designated VAC to inquire about the necessary procedures and gather information on the required documentation.
- Schedule an Appointment: After understanding the requirements, schedule an appointment at the VAC to ensure a systematic and organized submission process.
- Document Submission: On the appointed date, present yourself at the VAC with all the required documents.
- Vetting of Application: The mission processes the application within a standard timeframe, usually taking approximately 3 to 5 weeks from the date of the appointment. During this period, the mission assesses eligibility, conducts necessary checks, and verifies the authenticity of the provided information.
- Collecting the Passport: After the application is processed, return to the VAC to collect your passport. If the visa is issued, it will be affixed to your passport and will outline the specific travel permissions granted, such as the duration of stay and terms of the extended visit.
Premium Application Process
This process is designed for individuals who reside in countries without a Maltese diplomatic mission and are applying for a long-stay visa for purposes such as employment, family reunification, or study. The steps involved are:
- Application Initiation: Begin the premium visa application process by sending a request to visa.premium.identita@gov.mt. Include a copy of the approval in principle (for employment or family reunification) or an enrollment letter (for study purposes), and the email address of the person applying on your behalf.
- Token Generation: Upon receiving the request, the Central Visa Unit (CVU) issues a unique token to the provided email address. This token serves as a secure identifier for the applicant and enables access to the application submission portal.
- Document Submission: Enter the token into the submission portal and upload all the required documents.
- Document Verification and Payment: Once all necessary documents are successfully submitted, the CVU reviews the application to ensure all required information is provided. At this stage, make a payment of 300 euros, covering all associated fees.
- Shipping Label Issuance: After payment is confirmed, receive a shipping label with a unique barcode for the courier service that will be used to send your passport.
- Vetting of Application: Send your passport to the designated location using the provided shipping label. The CVU conducts a comprehensive vetting of the application, verifying the provided information and conducting any necessary checks. An interview may be scheduled to further assess eligibility and intentions.
- Collecting the Passport: Following the processing of the application, usually within 6 to 8 weeks, you will receive a new shipping label and your passport will be returned using the courier service. If the visa is issued, it will be affixed to your passport and will outline the specific travel permissions granted.
Extended Application Process
This process is available in selected countries for individuals seeking an extended stay in a foreign country. The steps involved are:
- Contact the Visa Application Centre (VAC): Initiate the process by making use of online facilitation and reaching out to the designated VAC to inquire about the necessary procedures and gather information on the required documentation.
- Schedule an Appointment: After understanding the requirements, schedule an appointment at the VAC to ensure a systematic and organized submission process.
- Visit the VAC: Submit all the necessary documents along with your passport at the VAC.
- Vetting of Application: The documents are forwarded to the CVU to review and assess eligibility and compliance with the visa requirements within a standard timeframe, typically taking around 4 weeks. An interview may be carried out.
- Collecting the Passport: Return to the VAC to collect your passport. If the visa is issued, it will be affixed to your passport and will outline the specific travel permissions granted.
What Documents Are Required for a Malta Visa?
General Requirements
When applying for a Malta visa, applicants must provide a comprehensive set of documents to support their application. The specific documents required may vary depending on the type of visa and the purpose of the stay. However, the general requirements typically include:
- Completed Visa Application Form: Fully filled and signed.
- Valid Passport: Must have a minimum of 3 months validity beyond the extended stay, or at least 8 months of validity if applying for a long-stay visa. The passport should not be older than ten years.
- Recent Passport-sized Photograph: As per ICAO Standards.
- Travel Medical Insurance: Coverage valid in Malta, covering any medical eventuality for the entire duration of the visa.
- Proof of Accommodation: To cover the first month of the intended duration of stay.
- Evidence of Sufficient Financial Means: To cover the stay in Malta.
- Provisionally Booked Flight Tickets: For entry and exit from Malta.
Additional Requirements by Visa Type
Depending on the purpose of the stay, additional documents are required for different visa types:
Employment Visa
- Proof of Employment in Malta: Letter from employer indicating name, address, telephone number, position, tenure, and salary.
- Employment License: Issued by Jobsplus in Malta or Work Permit Letter (Approval in Principle) issued by Identità. The approval letter must be valid upon application.
- Proof of Accommodation: Notarized declaration along with a copy of the host’s ID card.
Study Visa
- Original Letter of Acceptance: From the Maltese educational institution including course details, duration, and proof of payment.
- Full-time Education Proof: Letter from the education establishment clearly indicating the course of studies being followed.
Family Reunification Visa
- Family Reunification Certificate: Issued by Identità.
- Bank Statement: Of the main sponsor.
- Original Marriage Certificate: Legalized in the country of origin.
- Original Birth Certificate: Legalized in the country of origin.
- Invitation Letter: From the spouse in Malta, legalized/notarized by a notary or a lawyer in Malta.
- Copy of the Spouse’s Passport: In Malta and the country of origin.
Business Visa
- Declaration of Proof: Including a copy of the host’s ID card.
- Memorandum and Articles of Association: Of the host company.
- Proof of Business Relations: Between the applicant and the invitee.
- Proof of Business Conducted: By the applicant.
How Much Does a Malta Visa Cost?
The cost of obtaining a Malta visa varies depending on the type of visa and the purpose of the stay. Here is a breakdown of the fee structure:
- Standard Long-stay Visa: The fee for a standard long-stay visa application is typically 300 euros. This fee covers the processing of the application and associated administrative costs.
- VAC Fees: Visa Application Centre (VAC) fees are separate from the visa application fee. These fees are not included in the standard fee and can be up to 150 euros.
- Minors: Children under the age of 6 years are exempt from paying any visa fees.
- Fee Waivers: In justified cases, visa fees may be waived by the Central Visa Unit. However, fees paid upon application are non-refundable, regardless of the circumstances, including voluntary withdrawal or refusal of the application.
What Happens After Arriving in Malta?
Arrival and Residence
Upon arriving in Malta, visa holders must ensure they comply with the conditions of their visa. The visa serves as the initial authorization for their stay, and they must enter the country within the visa’s validity period. Depending on the purpose of their stay, additional steps might be required.
For instance, those intending to stay for an extended period may need to apply for a residence permit shortly after arrival. This ensures their legal residence in Malta. It is also crucial for visa holders to adhere to all Maltese laws and regulations during their stay, which might include registering with local authorities if necessary and following conditions related to employment or study.
Extension and Departure
Visa holders should be aware of the rules concerning visa extensions and their departure. In exceptional cases, individuals legally residing in Malta with a valid visa or visa exemption can apply for an extension of their stay. These extensions are considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the supporting evidence provided.
Alternatively, visa holders can apply for a residence permit in Malta before their long-stay visa expires. However, submitting this application does not grant the right to remain in Malta until a decision is made. If the application is still pending at the end of the authorized stay, the applicant must leave Malta until a final decision is issued by the competent authorities.
Visa holders are required to depart from Malta once their authorized stay concludes unless they have obtained an extension or residence permit. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in legal actions, including a possible entry ban.
What Are the Grounds for Visa Revocation or Annulment?
Reasons for Revocation
The Maltese authorities reserve the right to revoke or annul a long-stay visa under specific circumstances. Common reasons include the discovery of false or misleading information and/or documents provided during the application process.
Non-compliance with the conditions of the visa, such as engaging in unauthorized employment or activities not covered by the visa, can also lead to revocation. Public security and order concerns are another critical factor; if a visa holder poses a threat to public security, public order, or national interests, their visa may be revoked.
Additionally, significant changes in the visa holder’s circumstances that render them ineligible for the visa purpose can lead to annulment. A visa may also be revoked upon the holder’s request.
Appeal Process
If an application for a long-stay visa is refused, applicants have the right to appeal the decision within 15 days from the final decision. Appeals are lodged directly with the Immigration Appeals Board, which operates as an autonomous judicial board.
The appeal process provides an opportunity for applicants to present additional information or clarify any misunderstandings that may have led to the refusal. This process ensures that applicants are given a fair chance to contest the decision and seek a favorable outcome.
