Malta : Visa and immigration

Do I need a visa or work permit?

Visas: For visits to Malta of three months or less, nationals of Australia, Canada, New Zealand or European Union (EU) member states do not require a visa. Nationals of these countries may remain in the Maltese Islands for a period of three months from their date of entry.

Work permits: Employment licences (work permits) are a requirement for all non-Maltese people who wish to work in Malta. This applies even to EU citizens under the terms of an agreement obtained in 2004 when Malta joined the EU, which will remain in place till 2014.

Employment licences are issed by the Government of Malta . An application form is available from the government website, but you must have an offer of employment before you can apply. Licences are difficult to obtain and are only issued when no Maltese national is available to do the job, or when the applicant has a specialist skill or qualification lacking in Malta. Licences are generally issued for one year and may be renewed.

Foreigners who hold a 40% stake in a Maltese company may be granted an employment licence on an indefinite basis.

Further information is available from Legal-Malta .

How do I apply for a visa?

If you are not a citizen of Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the EU, contact your nearest Maltese embassy for information. Links to embassies around the world are available at Embassies Worldwide .

How do I apply for permanent residency?

Conditions for permanent residence are quite complex and largely dependent on your income. Information is available from Legal-Malta as well as from the Government of Malta website.