Conditions
Temporary Entry of Business Visitors
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
- Business C short-stay visa
Work permit requirements
- Nil
Documentation required and conditions to be met
As listed in Annex II (A) of the Visa Code:
- an invitation from a firm or an authority to attend meetings, conferences or events connected with trade, industry or work;
- other documents which show the existence of trade relations or relations for work purposes;
- entry tickets for fairs and congresses, if appropriate;
- documents proving the business activities of the company;
- documents proving the applicant’s employment status in the company;
- or according to the local harmonised list of supporting documents.
Where and how to file an application
- Applications may be submitted at one of Malta’s diplomatic missions abroad, often through the external service provider, or other Schengen Member States representing Malta as listed here.
Application fees and indicative processing time
- The fee is of EUR 80, and the processing time is a maximum of 14 days, according to the Visa Code.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
- The maximum period of stay if of 90 days in every 180 days.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
- Extensions may only be considered on exceptional basis such as proof of force majeure or humanitarian reasons that prevent the traveller to leave Malta. Other considerations maybe considered for purposes such as study and employment.
Rules regarding accompanying dependents
- Accompanying dependants may apply as long as they are included in the invitation letter, otherwise they will be treated as tourism visa applications.
Available review and/or appeal procedures
- Applicants who have been refused or have had their visa annulled or revoked, have the right to appeal against such decision to the Immigration Appeals Board within fifteen (15) days of the notification of such decision. Any communication should be in English and addressed to the Immigration Appeals Board as follows:
- The Secretary, Immigration Appeals Board, 15, 1st Floor, City Gate Building, Ordinance Street, Valletta.
- The appeal should be sent by registered mail and emailed to visa [dot] appeals
gov [dot] mt (visa[dot]appeals[at]gov[dot]mt); immigrationappealsboardgov [dot] mt (immigrationappealsboard[at]gov[dot]mt). - Applicants must submit to the Immigration Appeals Board a copy of the refusal letter and other supporting documents justifying the grounds on which the decision should be reviewed. Such documents must be certified true copies of original by a lawyer or notary.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
- Schengen Visa Code
Business visitors for establishment purposes
Startup Programme – Business visitors for establishment purposes (BVEPs)
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
- A residence permit will be issued for an initial period of 3 years. This permit will be renewed for a further 5 years for founders/co-founders and for a further 3 years for core employees, as long as the startup is still ongoing, and the founder/co-founders still meet the Programme’s eligibility criteria. Third-country nationals who require a visa to be admitted to the Schengen area (Annex 1 of Regulation [EU] 2018/1806) may opt to apply for this, following the issuance of a Letter of Approval in Principle*.
* The Letter of Approval in Principle is a letter issued to the applicant to inform that following a thorough due diligence process the application has been approved in principle.
Work permit requirements
- Work permits are required for core employees. Core employees are employed with the start-up on the basis of their technical and professional skills which are to be considered as crucial for the setting-up and success of the business venture. They must be employed on a full-time basis with a minimum annual gross salary of at least €30,000 per annum within the timeframe during which the venture is classified as a start-up and declare at application stage the intention to hold their primary residence in Malta after being approved. The residence permit of core employees will be issued for three (3) years, which upon successful completion will be extended to a further three (3) years.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
Financial Documentation
- Business plan and financials;
- Financial projections;
- Profit and loss;
- Balance sheet;
- Summary cash flow statement;
- Investment cost breakdown;
- Additional financial information;
- All financial projections need to be signed by a Certified Public Accountant;
- Incorporation certificate of when the company was first established globally.
Evidence of Business Ownership
- Certificate of Incorporation;
- Memorandum and Articles of Association;
- Share Register;
- Register of Directors;
Applicant’s Documentation
- Covering letter from the founder introducing the Startup and outlying their intentions in Malta;
- Declaration to engage a representative (where applicable);
- Custody/Guardianship documentation (where applicable);
- Bank statements – for founder/co-founder;
- Evidence of employment – for founder/co-founder (where applicable):
- extract of employment contract;
- payslips;
- copy of tax returns;
- employer reference letter;
- International passports required for all persons in the application;
- Identity cards required for all persons in the application.
Residence Permits - Required for founder/co-founder and all dependants:
- Birth certificates for all persons in the application;
- Change of name document(s) (where applicable);
- Military records (where applicable);
- Marriage certificates (where applicable);
- Divorce certificates (where applicable);
- Documentary evidence of residential address abroad;
- Police conduct certificates for all applicants aged 14 and over;
- Affidavit of dependency.
Business Eligibility
- A startup undertaking shall be considered eligible if it is, or shall be, engaged in one or more of the following activities in Malta:
- manufacturing;
- software development;
- industrial services analogous to manufacturing;
- health, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and life sciences;
- eco startups involved in the blue, green and sustainable industries;
- other innovative economic activities which are enabled through knowledge and technology providing services or products which are currently not readily available in the relevant market, or which shall be provided through a process which is novel.
- The startup must have been registered for no longer than seven (7) years, globally (including Malta), and must meet the following criteria:
- it has not taken over the activity of another enterprise;
- it has not been formed through a merger.
- Eligible business projects must meet at least two of the following criteria:
- propose products and/or services that have the potential to generate income from various geographical markets;
- produce products and/or services which are new, innovative or substantially improved compared to complementary products on the market;
- utilise processes which are new or substantially improved compared to those adopted in current complementary activities.
- The incorporated startup in Malta is required to place a tangible investment and/or paid-up share capital of not less than EUR 25,000. In case where more than four (4) co-founders apply for the Malta Startup Residence Programme, an additional EUR 10,000 needs to be placed per additional co-founder. In any case, the maximum number of co-founders eligible for the Startup Residence Programme is six (6);
- The company’s business plan must be approved by Malta Enterprise;
- The company’s in line with the requirements of the local National FDI Screening office.
Business Plan
Applicants are required to submit a mandatory business plan on the provided template both when applying for the Malta Startup Residence Programme as a standalone and even when applying for this programme together with financial assistance from Malta Enterprise. Each business plan needs to cover the following points:
Part 1 – Company/Group Overview
- Stylised Facts;
- Product/Service;
- Technology;
- Clients;
- Investment (raised or being planned);
- Achievements;
- Company/Group Structure;
- The Team.
Part 2 – The Malta Project:
- The function of the Malta company;
- Employment in the Malta-based Company;
- Marketing;
- Malta Company Structure;
- Linkages in local eco-system;
- Corporate Social Responsibility.
Part 3 – Financials:
- Main Source of revenue;
- Pricing Model;
- Funding plan;
- Financials;
- Financial Projections (3 years);
- Cash Flow Statement (3 years).
Where and how to file an application
- Applications are submitted online to Malta Enterprise.
Application fees
- EUR 750 for each adult applicant/dependant for a 3-year Startup Residence Programme.
- EUR 82.50 to Identità* for the issuance of the residence card, for each individual applicant covering a 3-year permit.
- Same fees apply on renewals of permits.
* The government agency responsible for the issuance of the residence cards
Indicative Processing Time
- 2 to 3 months for Startups not requiring financing.
- 3 to 4 months for Startups requiring financing.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
- A residence permit will be issued for an initial period of 3 years.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
- This permit will be renewed for a further 5 years for founders/co-founders and for a further 3 years for core employees, if the startup is still ongoing, and the founder/co-founders still meet the Programme’s eligibility criteria.
Rules regarding accompanying dependants
In cases where the other biological parent is not part of the application but shares custody of the child, this parent must submit a copy of all the pages of their valid passport as a means of verification. If the parent does not hold a valid passport, an affidavit signed in front of a Commissioner for Oaths must be provided;
Or
- In cases where a court/legal judgement would have been given on the custody/guardianship of a minor dependant, the relative documentation must be provided with the application pack. For example, if a parent would have been given sole custody, the court/legal ruling granting such sole custody must be attached.
- Founder/co-founder must provide an affidavit of dependency for each dependant over 18 years of age on date of application. The affidavit must declare that at the time of application the said dependant is principally dependant on the Founder/Cofounder.
Available review and/or appeal procedures
- The Approvals Board decision is final and cannot be appealed.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
- The conditions relative to the Startup Permit is set out in Government policy and that the process relative to this permit is administrative in nature.
For more information:
Short-term business visitors (STBV)
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
- You need to obtain a short-stay visa (for stays of 90 days). Your stay in Malta is limited to 90 days within a 6-month period. You do not need to apply for a residence permit.
Work permit requirements
- You do not need to apply for a work permit.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
- To obtain your visa, you must demonstrate or prove the link between your professional activity and the purpose of your trip.
- You must provide:
- a fully filled in visa application form signed by the applicant,
- a passport,
- one Passport photo according to ICAO Standards,
- the invitation letter on the company’s letterhead signed by the invitee,
- proof of accommodation,
- flight booking details,
- a bank statement,
- deceleration of proof including a copy of the host’s ID card,
- medical and travel Insurance,
- memorandum and articles of association of the host company,
- proof of business between applicants and invitee,
- proof of business being conducted by the applicant.
Where and how to file an application
- You must apply for a short-stay visa (if your nationality requires it) at the Maltese Diplomatic Mission or a Representation in your country of origin or residence.
Application fees and indicative processing time
- To apply for a short-term visa, the applicant has to pay the visa fee (80 euros). The authorities take a decision within 15 days; however, the processing time may be extended in exceptional circumstances.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
- A short-stay visa for the Schengen area allows you to stay 90 days in Malta, within a 6-month period.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
- Such visas are not renewable.
Rules regarding accompanying dependents
- There is no specific process, they have to apply for their own visa and file a visa application with the documents required for the purpose of their stay in Malta.
Available review and/or appeal procedures
- If the application for a type C visa has been rejected by the Maltese Diplomatic Mission, you can appeal the decision before the Immigration Appeals Board (IAB) within 15 days after you receive the decision.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
- Chapter 217 of the Laws of Malta, and all subsequent Subsidiary Legislations which fall under such Chapter, pertain to immigration laws.
Contractual service suppliers (CSSs)
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
- Depending on the duration of intended stay in Malta and the duration of the employment licence granted by Jobsplus, the third-country national would need to apply for a visa which will either cover the whole stay if the intended stay is less than one year, or alternatively, for a residence permit if the intended duration of stay is longer than one year. This is without prejudice to the requirement of third-country nationals who are required to obtain a visa to be admitted to the Schengen area (Annex 1 of Regulation [EU] 2018/1806).
Work permit requirements
- International Service Providers need an Employment Licence to be able to carry out such work in Malta. An application needs to be submitted to Jobsplus by the host entity in Malta.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
- A filled in application form, duly signed by the host company in Malta,
- a copy of all the passport pages. The page containing the personal details of the third-country national (bio page) needs to be certified as a true copy,
- a certified true copy of a valid residence permit or interim permit or a valid visa,
- a notification regarding the validity of the Visa/ Authorisation to stay in Malta– if applicable,
- a covering letter by the local company, explaining in as much detail as possible, the need for such worker, including copies of the service agreement between the company abroad and the host company in Malta,
- a position description duly signed by the employer,
- a curriculum vitale of the prospective employee, duly signed by the third-country national,
- a declaration of suitability duly filled in by the local company,
- processing fee (€150 to be paid on application and €80 to be paid on issue of Licence).
- Forms can be accessed from the following link.
Where and how to file an application
- Applications need to be sent to the Employment Licences Unit within Jobsplus via email or post.
Application fees and indicative processing time
- A processing fee of €150 to be paid on application and €80 to be paid on issue of Licence. Applications are subject to security clearance and may take 4 to 6 weeks to be processed.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
- A licence is valid for one year. If justifiable need for further extension is presented, the licence may be renewed (on a case-by-case basis) up to a maximum validity of 2 years. The second licence will have a non-renewable clause.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
- As per above feedback, licences can only be renewed (more than 1 year) if justifiable evidence is given regarding project delays, etc.
Rules regarding accompanying dependents
- A third-country national may be admitted to Malta as a family member of a service provider provided that the conditions stipulated under the ‘Policy on family members of third-country nationals who do not qualify for family reunification by means of the Family Reunification Regulations S.L. 217.06’ (link) are fulfilled.
Available review and/or appeal procedures
- A decision may be appealed within 1 month from the refusal letter.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
- Chapter 217 of the Laws of Malta, and all subsequent Subsidiary Legislations which fall under such Chapter, pertain to immigration laws.
Independent professionals (IPs)
Self Employed Persons - Independent Professionals
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
- Persons may apply for a residence permit on the basis of self-employment via the online portal.
Work permit requirements
- Employment License - Valid Employment license issued by Jobsplus.
Documentation required and conditions to be met
- The residence application form – CEA Form C2 – New application self-employment – The application form must be fully completed and signed.
- A passport (full copy) - A full copy of the applicant's passport including the blank pages.
- The employment license - Valid employment license issued by Jobsplus.
- Health screening - Health screening approval email sent to the applicant/employer by IDCU. Requirements for Health Screening may be found here.
- The property lease or purchase agreement – The lease or purchase agreement of the property which clearly indicates the applicant’s name as the lessee or purchaser (as applicable). A lease agreement is to include the start and end date.
- Applicants who will be residing in a hotel/guest house as their main residency should fill in the Keeper's declaration form.
- The Housing Authority approval – The approval letter/e-mail issued by the Housing Authority, confirming that either the listed premises contract has been renewed or that a new registration of the property has been vetted and approved. This requirement is in line with Article 4 of the Subsidiary Legislation 604 of the Laws of Malta.
- A health insurance policy – A health-insurance policy indicating full medical coverage including hospitalisation covering a period of at least six (6) months in Malta.
- Other Documents – Identita` may request additional documents as may be necessary.
Where and how to file an application
- An application may be submitted online via the online portal.
Application fees and indicative processing time
- The fee is EUR 280.50, and the processing time is 4 months.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
- The permit may be renewed indefinitely provided that the original conditions remain to be met and the employment license is renewed.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
- All conditions set out in the granting of the permit for the first time must remain to be met.
Rules regarding accompanying dependents
- Family members may be eligible to join the self-employed person provided that they satisfy the conditions as set out in the Family Reunification Regulations, or the Family Members Policy (link).
Available review and/or appeal procedures
- An appeal may be submitted with the Immigration Appeals Board within 3 working days from the date of decision.
Nomad Residence Permit – Independent Professionals (IPs)
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
- A temporary residence permit for 1 year from the issuance of the residency card.
- Third-country nationals who require a visa to be admitted to the Schengen territory (Annex 1 of Regulation [EU] 2018/1806) may opt to apply for this, following the issuance of a Letter of Approval in Principle.
Work permit requirements
- N/A.
Documentation required
- a letter of intent,
- an international passport,
- a curriculum vitae,
- a bank statement,
- a marriage certificate,
- a birth certificate of family members,
- change of name documents (where applicable),
- affidavit of dependency (where applicable),
- award of custody/guardianship (where applicable),
- employment status:
- In case of employment, the main applicant is to submit a contract of employment
- In case of self-employment, the main applicant is to submit a:
- certificate of incorporation and share register; and
- a bank statement of an account in his/her own name clearly showing the income from the self-employment,
- in case of freelance, the main applicant is to submit service contracts clearly showing obligations to the service receiver, the work duties performed and rate of payment.
- Several declarations as included in the Agency’s Application Forms*, including but not limited to health status, criminal charges and investigations, refusal for admission into countries, participation in military organisations, political exposure etc.
*Application forms are available online.
Conditions to be met
- The main applicant should be 18+ and hail from non-EU, non-EEA countries.
- Applicants must prove they can work remotely, using telecoms and must fall under any one of the following 3 categories:
- work for an employer registered in a foreign country and have a contract of work,
- conduct business activities for a company registered in a foreign country and of which the applicant is a partner/shareholder, or
- offer freelance or consulting services, to clients whose permanent establishments are in a foreign country, and with whom the applicant has contracts.
- Persons contracted by a foreign company and giving services to the company’s Maltese subsidiary are not eligible for the Nomad Residence Permit.
- Applicants must earn a yearly minimum gross income of EUR 32,400.
- They must also show proof of accommodation covering the duration of the permit.
- A health insurance covering the duration of the permit is also required.
Where and how to file an application
- Applications are submitted online directly to the Residency Malta Agency.
Application fees
- A non-refundable application fee of €300 per person applies.
- A fee of €27.50 for the issuance of a residency card per person also applies.
Indicative processing time
- 30 working days starting from the issuance of the receipt of funds.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
- One year from the issuance of the residency card.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
- The permit may be renewed twice, for a total stay of a maximum of three (3) years at the discretion of the Residency Malta Agency, subject to the applicant still being able to satisfy the programme eligibility criteria.
Rules regarding accompanying dependants
- The main applicant (MA) can include family members in his/her application. The eligible dependants are:
- the spouse,
- minor children of the MA and/or spouse,
- adult children of the MA and/or spouse, which children are not married and who are principally dependent on the MA,
- adult children of the MA and/or spouse, which children are unable to cope independently due to a medical condition or disability may apply for a permit under the same conditions, together with the MA.
Available review and/or appeal procedures
- The Approvals Board decision is final and cannot be appealed.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
- The conditions relative to the Nomad Permit is set out in Government policy and that the process relative to this permit is administrative in nature.
Investors
Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP) – Investors
Categories of visa, permits or any similar type of authorisation regarding entry and temporary stay
- A permanent residence permit.
- Third-country nationals who require a visa to be admitted to the Schengen area (Annex 1 of Regulation [EU] 2018/1806) may opt to apply for this, following the issuance of a Letter of Approval in Principle.
Work permit requirements
- The MPRP does not grant beneficiaries any automatic employment rights in Malta. The beneficiary will need to apply for a work permit according to existing provisions in this regard.
Documentation required
- A covering letter,
- a power of attorney,
- award of custody/guardianship (where applicable),
- evidence of KYC due diligence conducted by the licensed agent,
- bank statements,
- evidence of business ownership,
- a certificate of incorporation,
- memorandum and articles of association,
- share register,
- register of directors,
- international passports,
- identity Cards,
- residence permits,
- birth certificates,
- change of name document(s) (where applicable),
- military records (where applicable),
- marriage certificates (if applicable),
- divorce certificates (if applicable),
- documentary evidence of residential address abroad,
- police conduct certificates,
- affidavit of dependency,
- several declarations as included in the Agency’s Application Forms*, including but not limited to health status, criminal charges, refusal for admission into countries, participation in military organisations, political exposure, etc.
*Application forms are available online.
Additional dependants
- A covering letter,
- a copy of the residence certificate,
- evidence of KYC due diligence conducted by the licensed agent,
- birth certificates,
- marriage certificates (if applicable),
- divorce certificates (if applicable),
- change of name document(s) (where applicable),
- military records (where applicable),
- police conduct certificates,
- several declarations as included in the Agency’s Application Forms*, including but not limited to health status, criminal charges, refusal for admission into countries, participation in military organisations, political exposure, etc.
*Application forms are available online.
Conditions to be met
- The main applicant should be 18+ and hail from non-EU, non-EEA countries.
- Purchase a property of €300,000 in the South of Malta or €350,000 in the rest of Malta; or
- Lease a property of €10,000 (yearly rent) in the South of Malta or €12,000 (yearly rent) in the rest of Malta.
- The property is to be held for 5 years, following which a residential address is required.
- Pay a government contribution of €58,000 if leasing a property or €28,000 if purchasing a property.
- Make a donation of €2,000 to a locally registered NGO of a philanthropic, cultural, scientific, artistic, sport or animal welfare nature.
- Take out health insurance covering risks in Malta.
Where and how to file an application
- An application must be submitted in hard copy to the Residency Malta Agency by a licensed agent.
Application fees
- €40,000 - non-refundable administration fee.
- €7,500 for a parent or grandparent.
- €5,000 for an adult child over 18 years, not married and principally dependant on the main applicant.
- €27.50 – residency card fee per applicant.
Indicative processing time
- Between four to six months from the submission of a complete and correct application file.
The maximum period of stay under each type of authorisation
- Beneficiaries are entitled to the right to reside, settle, or stay indefinitely in Malta.
Conditions for any available extensions or renewal
- If all requirements stipulated continue to be met, the residence certificate will not have an expiry date. The residence card is valid for a period of 5 years, with the possibility to be renewed. In cases where a residence card is issued to a minor of less than 14 years, or when the minor turns 14 during the 5-year validity, the expiry date of such minor’s card will fall due one month after his/her 14th birthday. The same applies when dependant turns 18 years of age.
Rules regarding accompanying dependants
The following dependants are eligible:
- the spouse of the main applicant in a monogamous marriage or in another relationship having the same or a similar status to marriage, including a civil union, domestic partnership, common law marriage, provided that for the purpose of these regulations, the term "spouse" shall be gender neutral, and saving the Minister’s discretion to authorise, on a case-by-case basis, other relationships having a similar status as aforesaid,
- a child, including an adopted child, of the main applicant or of his/her spouse who, at the time of application, is less than eighteen (18) years of age,
- a child, including an adopted child, of the main applicant or of his/her spouse, who at the time of application is over eighteen (18) years of age, is not married, and who proves, to the satisfaction of the Agency that at the time of application he/she is principally dependent on the main applicant,
- a parent or grandparent of the main applicant or of his/her spouse who proves to the satisfaction of the Agency that at the time of application he/she is principally dependant on the main applicant,
- an adult child of the main applicant or of the spouse of the main applicant who has been certified by a recognised medical professional or authority as having a disability in terms of the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act;
- parents and grandparents of the main applicant and/or spouse.
Available review and/or appeal procedures
- The Approvals Board decision is final and cannot be appealed.
Relevant laws of general application pertaining to the entry and temporary stay of natural persons
This programme is covered by Maltese law, LN121 of 2021.