Moving to Malta
Step-by-step Immigration Guide

Malta, the captivating jewel of Southern Europe, beckons with its turquoise lagoons, sun-kissed climate, and a host of attractions. It's a favored destination for expatriates seeking a European haven. Malta's appeal lies in its high quality of life, stellar healthcare system, reasonable cost of living, and elevated living standards.
With its robust employment market and favorable working conditions, Malta is also an attractive place for professional growth.

Malta welcomes individuals from around the world who aspire to make it their long-term home. The process may vary depending on your country of origin:

Being a member of the European Union, Malta extends an open invitation to EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. These individuals can relocate to Malta without the need for a visa. For stays exceeding three months, formal notification to Maltese authorities is necessary. This grants EU citizens the freedom to work, study, reside, and explore other EU nations.

Non-EU citizens, planning an extended stay in Malta, require a national visa (D Visa). D visas serve various purposes, such as work, study, family reunification, and long-term visits to Malta. Once in the country on a D visa, the next step is applying for a temporary residence permit at the Identity Malta Agency.

Individuals aspiring to relocate to Malta for work can apply for a work visa and permit. Malta offers three types of work permits based on qualifications:

1. Single Permit: Suitable if you have a job offer from a Maltese employer.
2. Key Employment Initiative: Targeted at highly skilled workers with an annual salary of at least €30,000.
3. EU Blue Card: Designed for highly skilled workers earning a minimum of 1.5 times the average gross annual salary set by Malta and holding an employment contract lasting at least one year.

Maltese work visas are valid for one year (12 months) and can be renewed while you continue working in Malta. Additionally, family members can join you during your employment stint.

Malta grants student visas to non-EU citizens pursuing studies in the country. The application for a student visa can be made at the Maltese embassy or consulate in your home country. Upon securing a visa, you can travel to Malta and apply for a residence permit via the Identity Malta Online Application portal.

Student visas are typically issued for a year (12 months) and permit part-time employment of up to 20 hours per week. Family members can accompany you, provided you have adequate financial resources to support them.

Non-EU citizens seeking to join family members lawfully residing in Malta can apply for a family reunification visa. This visa is granted to:

• Spouses of legal Maltese residents.
• Children (below 18) of parents residing legally in Malta.
• Biologically or adopted children (over 18) financially dependent on a parent living in Malta.

The family member residing in Malta must initiate the application process with the Identity Malta Agency. Upon approval, you can travel to Malta and apply for a residence permit within three months of your arrival. Family reunification visas typically have a one-year (12 months) validity and can be renewed upon meeting specified requirements.

Retirees aspiring to make Malta their retirement destination need to apply for a retirement visa at the Maltese embassy or consulate in their home country. Eligibility hinges on meeting specific requirements, including those outlined for financial stability. In addition to the retirement visa, obtaining a residence permit from the Identity Malta Agency is necessary.

Retirement visas are typically issued for five years, with indefinite renewals available as long as requirements are met.

Wealthy individuals keen on becoming legal residents of Malta can explore the golden visa program. Malta offers two golden visa programs, one leading to permanent residency and the other to citizenship.
Eligibility for a golden visa mandates meeting certain criteria, including sufficient financial means, a clean criminal record, and adulthood (over 18 years of age). To gain resident status in Malta, a significant financial investment is required.
The golden visa program boasts several benefits, with EU citizenship being a prominent advantage.

If you plan to bring your pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) to Malta, you must adhere to Regulation (EU) No 576/2013. You're allowed to bring up to five pets, with exceptions for special conditions like competitions, exhibitions, sporting events, or if the pet is older than 6 months. However, pets younger than 15 weeks old are prohibited from entry.

Health requirements for pets from EU countries include an ISO identification (15-digit microchip), rabies vaccination at 12 weeks of age, a valid EU passport, entry into Malta 21 days after rabies vaccination, and a deworming treatment for dogs between 24 to 120 hours before travel. Owners must submit an online pre-notification.

For pets from non-EU countries, the same identification, rabies vaccination, and deworming treatment requirements apply, along with the need for an Official Health Certificate issued by the country of residence. Entry to Malta is permitted 21 days after rabies vaccination and three months after a rabies-neutralizing antibody test. Owners must also provide an online pre-notification.

When considering relocating to Malta, expats often explore various areas within the country. Here are some of the most popular places for expats to move to in Malta:

Valletta, despite being one of Europe's smallest capital cities, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. The city boasts a captivating contrast of azure waters and golden architecture, making it one of the most visually appealing destinations in Europe. As a UNESCO World Heritage City, Valletta is famous for its splendid churches, museums, and palaces. It offers an authentic glimpse into Maltese culture and history. Moreover, Valletta is considered one of the best places to work in Malta, making it an attractive choice for expats. However, living costs in Valletta can be higher than in some other Southern European cities.

The Harbour Area, also known as Greater Valletta, features one of the world's most picturesque natural harbors. It serves as a vibrant social and entertainment hub with a lively nightlife scene. This cosmopolitan region is brimming with shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes, making it a perfect choice for expats seeking an urban lifestyle. St. Julians and Sliema, two popular destinations within the Harbour Area, are particularly favored by expats. However, it's important to note that the area can get crowded with tourists throughout the year, and traffic congestion is not uncommon. Additionally, living costs in the Harbour Area tend to be higher than in Valletta.

Situated to the west of St. Julian's, Swieqi is a tranquil and peaceful residential area. It offers a serene living environment, making it an ideal choice for those desiring a quieter lifestyle. On the other hand, Pembroke, located in the southeastern part of St. Julian's, features an undeveloped rocky coastline and scenic coastal hiking trails, attracting nature enthusiasts. Both Swieqi and Pembroke are known for their safety and welcoming atmosphere, facilitating the integration of expats into the local community.

Nestled in the northern region of Malta, the picturesque village of Mellieħa is a sought-after destination. Mellieħa boasts a population of approximately 10,000 residents and serves as a popular tourist attraction, especially during the summer months. The village is renowned for its stunning beaches, including Għadira Bay and Golden Bay, as well as its natural surroundings. Mellieħa offers a more affordable cost of living compared to areas like Swieqi and Pembroke, making it a preferred retirement destination for many expats. It's an excellent choice for individuals seeking a tranquil lifestyle in a charming village with breathtaking views.

Located within Swieqi, Madliena is an area known for its upscale living. It is home to numerous villas, bungalows, luxurious flats, and maisonettes. Madliena is particularly favored by expats from around the world. While some villas in Madliena can be quite pricey due to limited available land, the incredible scenic views they offer make them worthwhile investments. The area is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery and offers a warm climate, making it ideal for sun enthusiasts. Madliena is the perfect choice for those who wish to reside in close proximity to nature while enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.

You can bring your personal property from non-EU countries to Malta without incurring Import Duties, provided you meet specific conditions:

1. Your belongings must have been used for at least 6 months before arriving in Malta.
2. The intended use of your belongings in Malta must match their use in your previous place of residence.
3. Your belongings cannot be lent, hired, or sold before residing in the EU for a year.
4. Importation of your belongings should occur either six months before establishing your residence in Malta or within a year after moving to Malta.

Personal belongings that qualify for this importation include clothing, furniture, portable tools of the trade, bicycles, motorcycles, private motor vehicles and trailers, camping caravans, pleasure crafts, and private planes.
Required documents for this process include your original passport issued at least a year before importation, the Notice of Arrival, an SAD form signed by the importer, a detailed packing list, Customs Declaration for 'Bringing Personal Effects in the Customs Territory from the European Community,' proof of at least 12 months of residence abroad before arriving in Malta, and an authorization letter if you're represented by an agent. You'll also need a Certificate of Registration from the Office of the Commissioner for Revenue.

Malta, since the year 2000, has embraced a policy of allowing dual citizenship for all. This means that if you wish to become a citizen of Malta but also want to retain your current citizenship, you are free to do so.
However, it's essential to confirm whether your current country of citizenship permits dual citizenship. If one of the countries in question does not allow dual citizenship, you will need to make a decision regarding which citizenship to retain and which one to renounce.

To obtain Maltese citizenship by naturalization, you must fulfill specific residency requirements. You need to have been a legal resident of Malta for a minimum of seven consecutive years. Additionally, you must meet the criteria established by the Maltese government.

Apart from naturalization, there are other avenues to acquire Maltese citizenship:

• Citizenship by birth.
• Citizenship by registration.
• Citizenship by investment.
• Citizenship by marriage.