Malta · long-stay visa routes and official sources
8 routes tracked · last reviewed · every route links to its official government source
Long-term visa difficulty for Malta: Medium (44/100, lower is easier). Most practical route: Nomad Residence Permit.
Common questions
What is the most practical long-term visa route to Malta?
Based on our July 2026 review, the most practical route is usually: Nomad Residence Permit. Overall difficulty is rated "Medium" (44/100, lower is easier).
Can I move to Malta without a local job offer?
Yes — 4 of the 8 tracked routes do not require a local employer: Nomad Residence Permit; Student residence; Nomad Residence Permit; Student National Visa / Residence permit for study. Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
For foreign-income remote workers wanting an English-speaking EU base.
Typical timeline / duration: 1-3 months
Third-country national working remotely for a foreign employer, foreign-registered business, or foreign clients; not providing services to Maltese clients/subsidiary; valid passport; health insurance; accommodation; background checks as required.
A remote-income route for applicants working for overseas employers, clients, or businesses.
Typical timeline / duration: Normally 1 year; renewable subject to continued eligibility (programme indicates renewal possible).
Third-country national working remotely for a foreign employer, foreign-registered business, or foreign clients; not providing services to Maltese clients/subsidiary; valid passport; health insurance; accommodation; background checks as required.
For courses over 90 days, submit student national visa/residence permit application; valid passport, application form, photo, appointment, acceptance/confirmation from education provider, accommodation and supporting documents.
Official checklist includes passport validity and supporting evidence; proof of sufficient funds, medical insurance and fees are required in practice via checklist/provider instructions.
A study-based route requiring admission to an eligible education provider.
Typical timeline / duration: Visa/residence permit tied to course length; residence permit applications made in Malta for eligible cases.
For courses over 90 days, submit student national visa/residence permit application; valid passport, application form, photo, appointment, acceptance/confirmation from education provider, accommodation and supporting documents.
Official checklist includes passport validity and supporting evidence; proof of sufficient funds, medical insurance and fees are required in practice via checklist/provider instructions.
A longer-stay route based on its specific eligibility requirements.
Startup route: third-country national, 18+, not from ineligible countries, innovative/scalable startup approved under the programme, incorporated startup in Malta, physical/tangible presence in Malta and living/tax presence.
Company must place at least €25,000 tangible investment and/or paid-up share capital; if more than 4 co-founders apply, add €10,000 per extra co-founder; max 6 co-founders.
A longer-stay route based on its specific eligibility requirements.
Typical timeline / duration: Programme-specific; Identità FAQ notes some renewals currently issued for 2 years for economically self-sufficient residence.
Identità Form K covers economically self-sufficient residence and named schemes such as Malta Permanent Residence Programme, Global Residence Programme and Malta Retirement Programme.
For economically self-sufficient renewals, official FAQ notes continuous health insurance with minimum €100,000 coverage including outpatient/inpatient treatment and hospitalisation in Malta and other European countries.
Programme-specific.
The spreadsheet should not quote a single threshold until the specific scheme is selected.
Visa rules change frequently. Figures and requirements above were reviewed on the dates shown; always confirm against the linked official source before applying.