Malta · long-stay visa routes and official sources
6 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 — 2 of the 6 tracked routes do not require a local employer: Nomad Residence Permit; Student residence. Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
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.
An employer-led or qualification-based work route.
Typical timeline / duration: Temporary permit for defined employment over 6 months; renewable, generally annually.
Non-EU nationals require a residence permit to be employed in Malta; first step is an employment offer from a Maltese employer.
The Single Permit combines employment licence and residence permit and is for employment over 6 months; employer applies via the Single Permit portal.
Required evidence includes signed employment contract and Jobsplus/role-related documents.
Employer-led; subject to labour market/security checks. Since 1 August 2025 employers also face caps on how far they can grow their third-country workforce over 12 months, scaled by company size (about 200% for micro employers, 100% small, 50% medium, 25% large) from their third year of operation, with exemptions for healthcare, disability care, critical infrastructure and sport. First-time application fees are EUR 600, or EUR 150 for those exempt care sectors, and from 1 October 2025 wages must be paid electronically through a licensed financial institution rather than in cash.
Salary threshold varies by role/category rather than one generic threshold: under the Malta Labour Migration Policy in force since 1 August 2025, the Key Employment Initiative requires at least EUR 45,000 a year and the Specialist Employment Initiative at least EUR 30,000 a year.
Student National Visa / Residence permit for study
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 the student national-visa/residence application with the signed form, passport valid at least eight months with two blank pages, photo, licensed-school acceptance, course payment, accommodation and return travel where applicable.
Submit three months of bank statements and a recent bank certificate showing at least 75% of Malta's national minimum wage for every study month; a sponsor adds their statements, signed letter and ID. Insurance must cover at least €30,000.
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.
Be a third-country national aged 18 or over and participate as a founder or co-founder in an eligible innovative and scalable startup.
Incorporate the startup in Malta and maintain the required physical, operational, and residence presence.
Meet the programme's capital or investment requirement: at least €25,000, plus €10,000 for each co-founder above four, subject to the current programme rules.
Visa rules change frequently. Figures and requirements above were reviewed on the dates shown; always confirm against the linked official source before applying.