How to get a Schengen Visa to Malta: Requirements and Obtaining Process

Malta, being a member of the Schengen Agreement, requires foreign nationals to apply for a Schengen visa to enter the country. This visa allows individuals to stay in Malta or other Schengen states for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period. It is granted for various purposes such as tourism, medical treatment, family visits, business, education, and more.

Foreigners also have the option to obtain a national visa, which permits them to stay in the Schengen area for longer than 90 days but not exceeding one year. Which visa to apply for depends on the purpose of the visit and the duration of stay. In this article, you will find out about different types of visas to Malta and how you can obtain them.

Who needs a visa to enter Malta

Citizens of 105 countries and territories without a visa agreement with the Schengen states need a visa to travel to Malta. At the same time, citizens of EU member states, as well as those from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and other countries with visa‑free agreements with Schengen, are exempt from obtaining a Malta visa for stays of up to 90 days within a six-month period.

However, even citizens of visa-exempt countries must obtain a national visa if they plan to stay in Malta for more than 90 days, while citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, and the US are required to obtain a residence permit. The only exception to this rule is EU nationals, who can register with local authorities to reside in Malta long-term.

Types of Malta visas

Malta mainly issues three types of visas: A, C or D. When deciding on which one to apply for, you need to consider the purpose of your trip and the duration of your stay.

Airport transit A visa allows the holder to cross the international transit zone of Malta’s International Airport and is valid for 2 days. With this visa, you will not be able to leave the area of the airport. 

You will need an airport transit visa to Malta if you are from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia or Sri Lanka.

Short-stay Schengen C visa is also sometimes called a Malta tourist visa. It allows its holder to transit through or stay in the territory of Malta and other Schengen States for no more than 90 days in any 180 days. The validity of a Schengen visa depends on the length of travel, with a maximum validity of 5 years.

It is obtained to travel as a tourist, visit relatives and friends, attend short educational courses or business training, participate in competitions and conferences, get treated in a medical clinic and other reasons. Schengen visas to Malta can be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry, allowing for one, two, or multiple visits, respectively.

Long-stay National D visa is issued for a period exceeding 90 days, but no longer than a year, according to national regulations. The reasons for obtaining a national visa to Malta are work, education, marriage or family reunification.

• Malta Work Visa is granted to individuals who wish to work in Malta. It allows foreigners to work and live in the country for more than 90 days, and it can be renewed as long as the individual holds a work contract.
• Malta Student Visa is issued to foreigners who attend study courses longer than 90 days. The maximum validity of this visa is 365 days, but it may be extended for as long as the study courses last.
• Malta Family Visa is intended for family reunification, allowing individuals to join their family members, children, or spouse/partner in Malta.
• Malta Retirement Visa is granted to foreign citizens who have retired and wish to settle in Malta. 
• Malta Digital Nomad Visa allows its holder to work remotely for a different country while residing in Malta. The validity of this visa is one year. 
• Malta Investment Visa. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme offers foreign investors the opportunity to obtain Malta residency and citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment.

Requirements for a Schengen Visa to Malta

The generally required documents for applying for a short-stay Malta Schengen visa are the following:

• a completed and signed visa application form;
• passport, the validity of which must not be less than 3 months;
• two passport-size photos in colour (35×45 mm);
• biometric data (for applicants older than 12) – 10 fingerprints and a photo;
• photocopies of previous passports and visas;
• travel medical insurance covering the entire stay, valid in the Schengen states, with a minimum coverage of €30,000;
• travel itinerary confirmation (return ticket);
• proof of visa fee payment;
• proof of sufficient funds during the stay in Malta, such as a bank statement with a balance of at least €48 per day;
• proof of accommodation, for example, a hotel reservation;
• a cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit, the duration of stay, and the departure date, among other details.

Additional documents required for applicants under the age of 18:

• birth certificate;
• visa application form with both parents’ signs (if only one parent accompanies the child, they sign the application, and the other parent provides a notarized consent);
• passport copies of both parents;
• if they travel with another accompanying person, both parents’ notarized consent for the departure of a minor, original and copy of the passport of said person;
• court order if only one parent has full custody over the minor applicant.
• adoption documents if the minor applicant is adopted;
• death certificates if their parents are deceased.

Additional documents are required for business visits, family visits, sports and cultural visits, and study visits. For medical visits, a statement from Maltese authorities or a medical doctor certifying the need for medical treatment in Malta is required.

What to do in case of Malta Schengen visa refusal

If your visa application is denied, you will receive a refusal letter stating the reasons for the denial. Common reasons include incomplete submission of required documents, insufficient funds to cover travel expenses, past criminal records, previous violations of visa regulations, and more.

Applicants have the right to appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeals Board within 15 days of receiving the notification. The appeal must include a copy of the refusal letter and supporting documents certified by a lawyer or notary, justifying the grounds for the decision to be reviewed.

The appeal should be sent by registered mail and emailed to [email protected] and [email protected]. Later, the Immigration Appeals Board will notify the appellant of its decision.

Can you study in Malta with a Schengen visa

With a Schengen visa, you can study in Malta for a short period of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. To study in Malta for more than 90 days, you must apply for a Malta student visa.

A Malta student visa is a national D visa which is issued for studying purposes, with a maximum validity of 365 days. The fee for this visa is €70. To apply for a student visa to Malta, aside from general requirements, you have to also submit the following documents:

• enrolment/acceptance letter from a licensed local education institution;
• proof of sufficient financial means which are equivalent to 75% of the national minimum wage for every month of study;
• proof of sufficient language proficiency to be able to apply for the selected course of study;
• proof of payment received by the education institution related to the applicant’s course.

The processing time for a Malta student visa is 4 weeks, but in some cases, it might take 8-9 weeks. Students may take up employment in Malta while studying. However, they will only be allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week.

Can you work in Malta with a Schengen visa

Working in Malta is not permitted with a Schengen visa. To be able to work in Malta, foreigners must obtain a Malta work visa. This term encompasses all types of Malta work permits: single permit, Key Employment Initiative, and EU Blue Card. Additional requirements for this type of visa are:

• an employment contract with a company based in Malta
• a CV with previous work experiences and references from past employers;
• invitation letter from the employer stating the professional status of the applicant and details of the work to be carried out in Malta.

Frequently Asked Questions