Entry Conditions and Visa

Living in Europe, Working in Europe | Entry conditions/visas | Malta

Entry and residence in Malta depends on a number of factors that one is to take into account, so it is advised that anyone wishing to visit or stay in Malta, looks into the various types of VISA and requirements.

Individuals from an EU country and countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement wishing to visit Malta for stays of up to three months do NOT require a Visa but must register with the local authorities after this period.

Third country nationals who wish to enter Malta and reside in Malta are able to do so under the following circumstances:

1. Posses a valid Schengen visa, National visa or is a Third Country National entitled to a visa free regime
2. Granted Resident Permit by another European Union Member State
3. Granted a Resident Permit by Malta for a specific purpose

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The Central Visa Unit (CVU) is responsible for:

• The monitoring of the visa process
• Ensures that the application of the ‘Common Consular Instructions on Visas’ is properly applied in all of Malta’s diplomatic missions and consular posts
• Consultation/s with central authorities of other Schengen Member States through the Schengen consultation network – VISION
• The training of Malta’s Consular Staff
• The preparation of Training Manuals for MFA Consular Staff

As Malta’s central authority, the CVU is equipped to forward and process visa requests rapidly, via the Visa Management System, which together with the networking facilitation between all of Malta’s diplomatic missions and consular posts, plays a vital role in the acceleration of application and authorisation procedures.

SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 217.04 Immigration Regulations

L.N. 81 of 2011 Immigration Act

Types of Visa and Validity

The Central Visa Unit website provides all VISA related information.

There are three types of visa for travelling to Malta, depending on the type of journey you intend to make:

Airport Transit Visa (ATV)

These visas allow the holder to cross the international transit zone of Malta’s International Airport. Nationals from countries included in the list of countries with the obligation to carry an Airport Transit Visa must be in possession of this visa.

Short-stay “C” visa (Schengen)

These visas allow the holder to transit through or remain in the territory of Malta and all other Schengen Member States for a maximum period of three months (90 days) within a period of six months (180 days) from the entry date into the Schengen area.

Number of Entities

The validity period of a Schengen (short-term) visa is determined in accordance with the length of travel, for a maximum of 5 years. According to expected number of stays, Schengen (short-term) visa may be issued as follows:

• single entry – entitles to a single uninterrupted stay during the period stipulated in the visa, which may not exceed than 3 months;
• double entry visa – entitles to two stays during the period stipulated in the visa, while the sum of the lengths of stay may not exceed (3) three months within a half-year;
• multiple entry visa – entitles to multiple stays during the period stipulated in the visa, while the sum of the lengths of stay may not exceed (3) three months within a half-year.

National Long-stay “D” visa

These visas allow the holder to stay in the territory of Malta for periods longer than three months (90 days).

Applications for long-term or “D” visas are not subject of representation arrangements and the applicants should contact the Central Visa Unit for further information as to which of Malta’s diplomatic missions and consular posts would accept their visa applications.

Time limit for processing of visa applications

Applications for Schengen short-stay visas can be lodged within 3 months prior to the planned trip. Applications are in most cases reviewed within 7-15 days. In individual cases, the review period can be extended up to 30 days and in exceptional cases up to 60 days. It is recommended not to lodge a visa application later than 15 days prior to the planned trip, as it cannot be otherwise guaranteed it will be reviewed in time. Holders of multiple-entry Schengen short-stay visas can lodge a visa application before this visa has expired, provided it has been valid for at least 6 months. Visa applications of family members of EU citizens will be reviewed in the shortest possible period of time.

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