Visas and Relocations

A visa is an authorization in the form of a sticker affixed to a passport that authorizes the holder to stay in or travel through Malta during a limited, specified, period

Type of visas

Malta mainly issues two (2) types of visas:

•  The Schengen Visa (short stay), which is issued for a period not exceeding 90 days and is regulated by the EU’s harmonized provisions; and

• The National Visa (long stay / D-Visa), which is issued for a period exceeding 90 days, but no longer than 365 days, and in accordance with national rules. The main reasons include employment, studies, and family reunification.

Government Authority

The Central Visa Unit (CVU) is the government’s immigration central authority responsible for the implementation of national visa policies and the provisions under the Schengen acquis (as far as visa matters are concerned).

General conditions

• Regulation 2108/1806 lists those countries of origin which are required to obtain a Schengen visa, and also lists those countries which are exempted. Such exemption would allow the person to enter and remain in the Schengen area for a maximum period of 90 consecutive days in 180 days without needing prior authorization.

• If a third-country national wishes to remain in the Schengen area for a period longer than 90 days, irrespective of their country of origin, such third-country national would need to obtain a Long-stay visa (D Visa).

• Visa D allows the holder to enter Malta and serves as the initial authorisation for stay. The visa holder must enter Malta within the validity period stated on the visa.

• Once the visa D holder arrives in Malta, depending on the purpose of stay, additional steps such as applying for a residence permit may be required.

General Documentation D Visa

• Application form;

• A valid passport with a minimum of 3 months validity beyond the extended stay, or for a period of at least 8 months of validity, which is not older than ten years;

• Photograph ICAO Standards.

• Travel medical insurance coverage, which is valid in Malta, covering any medical eventuality for the entire duration of the visa;

• Proof of accommodation to cover the first month of the intended duration of stay;

• Evidence of sufficient financial means to cover the stay in Malta;

• Provisionally booked flight tickets;

• Additional documents based on the specific visa category.