Archives: Units

British Nationals

British Nationals

Following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, UK nationals and their family members residing in Malta could continue to do so, provided that they satisfy the conditions provided for in the Withdrawal Agreement and national legislation established by legal notice published by the Government of Malta.

The end of the transition period fell on the 31st December 2020, whilst the application period was extended to end on the 30th June 2021, in view of the travel restrictions in force at that time due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

UK nationals, who were residing in Malta on the basis of their Treaty rights as EU nationals prior to, or, on the last day of the transition period, retained the right to continue to reside in Malta and move freely in and out of the country, as well as other associated rights, as specified in the Agreement.

The said rights also extend to family members, who fall under the provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement. However, family members, other than children, will only be covered by the provisions of this Agreement if their relationship would have commenced before the end of the transition period.

British national eligible for the beneficiary status as stipulated in the EU/UK Withdrawal Agreement and national legislation have been issued with a residence document valid for a period of 10 years.  The same document will be automatically renewed on application.  Continues retention and eventual renewal of the said residence permit is conditional on the holder of such permit continuing to satisfy all relative conditions.

For additional and specific information on the Withdrawal Agreement and Citizens’ Rights, please click here.

UK Nationals who wish to reside in Malta, be it for employment or other purposes, but were not effectively residing in Malta prior to the end of the transition period, as delineated above, may avail themselves of the applicable applications for residence permits available to Non-EU Nationals.  In most cases, depending on the circumstances, British nationals may opt for a residence permit of up to ten (10) years.  Each case is reviewed on its own merit and it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the requested documentary evidence to support his claim.

For additional queries which are not addressed on this website, please contact Identity Malta Agency on [email protected].

Identity Malta Agency

Opening Hours

Expatriates Unit – Malta

Identity Malta operates an appointment system for applicants.  Applicants whose application is approved will be sent communication by Identity Malta with details of appointment or guidelines on setting an appointment, as applicable.

For other cases, where walk-ins are accepted, the opening hours are as follows:

Unit’s Sections Day Opening Time
Single Permit – Live-in Carers Mon–Fri 07:30am – 11:30am
Single Permit – Lost card, change of address, card changes Mon–Fri 07:30am – 11:30am
Single Permit/Non-EU Collection Desk Mon–Fri 07:30am– 01:00pm
EU Collection Desk Mon–Fri 07:30am – 12:00pm
International Humanitarian Protection and SRA Office Mon–Fri 07:30am – 12:30pm

Expatriates Unit – Gozo

By appointment only from Monday to Friday from 08:00AM until 12:30PM.

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Non-EU Nationals

Non-EU Nationals

Short Stay Visits

Non-EU citizens (also known as third-country nationals) may visit Malta by means of a Schengen visa, which allows free movement within the whole Schengen Zone to European Union Schengen members as well as EFTA Schengen members. A Schengen visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days within every six-month period starting from the date of entry.

Those non-EU citizens hailing from the visa free-regime countries and who are exempt from applying for a Schengen Visa for travel purposes for the first 90 days are expected to apply for a National Visa if they wish to stay longer than 90 days.

The attainment of a Schengen visa to enter and reside for a specific amount of time in a Schengen area does not mean that the holder of such visa may take up employment or study in Malta.

Please visit the Central Visa Unit section for more information on visa matters.

Right to Equal Treatment

All third-country nationals, who are legally residing and working in a Member State, shall enjoy a common set of rights on the basis of equal treatment with the nationals of the host Member States.

The right to equal treatment is not only granted to those third-country nationals who have been admitted to a Member State on the basis of employment but also to those who have been admitted for other purposes and have been given access to the labour market of that Member State.

Third-country nationals shall enjoy the right to equal treatment when it comes to:

  • Working conditions, including pay, dismissal and health and safety at the place of work;
  • Freedom of association, affiliation and membership of an organisation representing either workers, employers or any organisation whose members are engaged in a specific occupation;
  • Educational and vocational training;
  • Such equal treatment shall apply only to those third-country nationals who are in employment or were in employment and are registered unemployed in Malta;
    • This shall not include:
      • Study and maintenance grants;
      • Loans and other grants;
  • Educational and vocational training shall be given to third-country nationals who have been admitted to Malta in accordance with Subsidiary Legislation 217.22.
  • Recognition of diplomas, certification and other professional qualifications in accordance with Maltese legislation;
  • Branches of social security (as defined in Regulation (EC) No. 883/2004);
  • Tax benefits (if the worker is deemed to be a resident for tax purpose in the Member State concerned);
  • Access and supply to goods and services made available to the public, excluding housing accommodation;
  • Advice services provided by employment offices;

The right to equal treatment shall not prejudice the right of the Member State to withdraw or to refuse to renew the residence permit issued.

Documents submitted with Applications

Every application submitted for a residence permit with Identity Malta Agency requires supporting documentation.

The original language of supporting documents must be either in English or Maltese, which are the recognised languages in the Constitution of Malta.  Original documents in other languages need to be translated.

Documents issued outside Malta

If the original document was issued by a foreign (non-Maltese) entity, the Expatriates Unit will only accept original or certified true copies of the original, specifically:

  • Documents issued by an EU Member State in their original or certified true copy do not need to be apostilled or fully legalised by virtue of EU Regulation 2016/1191 applicable from 16th February 2019;
  • Documents issued by non-EU countries in their original or certified true copy must be either apostilled or fully legalised. They are also accepted if accompanied by a forensic consultation certificate.

If the original document was issued by a foreign (non-Maltese) entity, the Expatriates Unit will only accept original or certified true copies of the original, specifically:

  • Documents issued by an EU Member State in their original or certified true copy do not need to be apostilled or fully legalised by virtue of EU Regulation 2016/1191 applicable from 16th February 2019;
  • Documents issued by non-EU countries in their original or certified true copy must be either apostilled or fully legalised. They are also accepted if accompanied by a forensic consultation certificate.

Translated Documents

  • Documents issued by an EU Member State which are not in the English language will only be accepted if translated by an Identity Malta Agency authorised translator. In this case, the translated document does not need to be legalised or apostilled.  A list of authorised translators may be found:  https://www.identitymalta.com/services/translators-list/;
  • Documents issued by an EU Member State which are not in the English language and translated by persons not in the authorised list of translators must be apostilled or legalised;
  • Documents issued by Third Countries (non-EU) which are in the English language must be legalised or apostilled;
  • Documents issued by Third Countries (non-EU) which are not in the English language must be translated into English by an authorised translator and legalised or apostilled. A list of authorised translators may be found:  https://www.identitymalta.com/services/translators-list/;
  • All translations of documents issued by Third Countries (non-EU) made outside Malta or the EU must be apostilled or legalised.

The submission of fraudulent, forged or false documentation or documents obtained under false pretence is subject to prosecution in accordance with Maltese Legislation.

NON-EU Nationals - Employment

Employment in Malta

Non-EU Nationals require a residence permit to be employed in Malta. The first step in qualifying for employment is to have an employment offer from an employer in Malta.

A residence permit on the basis of employment is issued and remains valid if the main criteria upon which it was acceded to, continue to be met, that is, the specific designation, employer and duration. This information is also printed on the residence card issued and held by the third-country national.

If any of these criteria change or stop being effective, the holder of the permit is obliged by law to inform the Expatriates Unit within Identity Malta Agency and return the residence card immediately. Failure to do so would be in violation of the Immigration Act (Cap. 217) of the Laws of Malta and may be subject to further action by the Principal Immigration Officer.

Employment must be located in Malta and the holding of a residence permit does not give the holder the right of movement within the EU in terms of employment.

The most common types of employment-related residence permits are:

Information for non-EU Nationals and Prospective Employers

A non-EU national may only apply for employment if still residing in the territory of a third country, or legally residing in Malta or any other EU member State.

A third-country national has a legal migration status only when holding a valid visa or when holding a valid residence permit on the basis of temporary or permanent residence, which permit has not been terminated or expired.

A residence permit is only valid if it is not expired, and provided that the holder still holds the same immigration status for which it was issued. A residence permit ceases to be valid should the holder no longer hold the specific employment detailed on the residence card, including termination or resignation from such employment.

Submitting an application for a residence permit to Identity Malta Agency does not regularise one’s immigration status.

An application will only be processed by the Expatriates Unit once the full list of documents required, as per the applicable checklist, is submitted, in accordance with Article 16 of Subsidiary Legislation 217.17.

All applications submitted are subject to a due diligence process carried out by Identity Malta, Jobsplus and the Police Corps and the final decision outcome is dependent on the collective outcome of this process.

Fees are non-refundable even when an application refused, withdrawn, revoked or deemed inadmissible.

Very Important Information:

  • The authorised person for the organisation submitting the application is the person known as the Administrator and logs in using own personal eID;
  • eID credentials must not be shared, given or used by anyone other than the rightful owner;
  • If the Administrator wishes to authorise either an employee of his organisation or a supplier to manage applications for third-country nationals on behalf of own organisation, it is important to assign rightful access rights by following guidelines under sections ‘User Management’ and Mandate (Delegate) Company Services of the User Manual;
  • Unauthorised use of someone else’s credentials is liable to prosecution.

Single Permit

The single permit is regulated by Subsidiary Legislation 217.17.  It is a temporary-type permit which authorises third country nationals to legally reside and take up employment in Malta for a defined period of over 6 months which may be further renewed.  The single application procedure incorporates an employment license and residence permit.

In accordance with Subsidiary Legislation 217.17, an application may be submitted when the third-country national is either still abroad, that is, outside the Schengen area or when legally staying in the Maltese territory or another Schengen state.

The single permit does not entitle holders to:

  • carry out paid duties assigned by parties other than the identified employer;
  • carry out unauthorised work not related to the specific employment activity indicated in their application;

be assigned duties outside the Maltese territory.

Who is eligible to apply for a Single Permit?

Third country nationals who receive a job offer from a company registered and operating in Malta are eligible to apply for a Single Permit that enables them  to be employed in the job specified on the application. The employer must also be registered with Jobsplus.

Third country nationals cannot directly submit an application for a single permit but their prospective employer needs to apply online on their behalf.

The Expatriates Unit will only proceed with applications where at the time of application the third-country national is, either still in the country of residence (Still Abroad), or holds legal status in Malta, by means of a valid residence permit or Visa.

Should it ensue, during the processing of the application, that the third-country national is not eligible as per the criteria of Subsidiary Legislation 217.17, the application will be refused with no recourse to refund.

Persons who are residing in the Schengen area, including Malta, on the basis of being beneficiaries of a protection certificate (refugee, subsidiary and temporary humanitarian protection), including those awaiting a decision on their immigration status, are not eligible to apply for a Single Permit.

Crew Members

When a crew member joins a vessel in Malta, the crew member is considered to be abroad. Crew members are given a departure stamp on the passport as soon as they are listed on the crew list. Should any crew member apply for a single work permit, the prospective employer must submit a still abroad application.

Once the applicant is authorized to proceed to Malta in order to take up employment, should the applicant require a visa to enter the Schengen area of Europe, the applicant is required to present a letter with the visa application form, and other required supporting documents, to the pertinent Maltese Embassy or Maltese Consulate within 180 days of receipt of the approval in principle letter.

Applying for a single permit

Single Permit applications may only be submitted by the employer, in the capacity of the Maltese organisation entrusting the carrying out of specific employment to the non-EU national.

Live-in carers may apply directly, provided that the application is endorsed by the employer.

Employers may apply for a third-country national through the Single Permit Online Portal.  Follow these guidelines to apply and gain access on the portal.

Once access is approved by Identity Malta Agency, the employer can log into the Single Permit Online Portal.  Guidelines to submit and manage existing applications can be found here.

Once the employer submits an application, the third-country national receives a link to confirm  the application and validate the data submitted.  Once confirmation is submitted, the employer will receive a notification for final submission of application.

Final submissions may only be done if the payment has been submitted online, by either the employer or the third-country national.

Applicable fee:  €280.50

Documents required for Single Permit Applications

The below are the most common documentation required for the submission of a Single Permit Application (including Renewals and Change of Employer).

Some specific application types may include additional or different documentation.

Identity Malta Agency may also request additional supporting documentation in certain circumstances.

Passport and a copy of same full passport

  • Original passport must always be presented at Identity Malta Agency offices;
  • A copy of the whole passport in (.pdf) format, including blank pages must be presented;
  • Passport must be valid for at least six (6) more months from the date of application;
  • Visa on passport (Schengen or other) is valid for at least the application period.

Curriculum Vitae

Insurance Policy

  • Must be a comprehensive insurance policy and valid for at least one (1) year.

Health Screening

Employment Contract

  • A copy of the original has to be submitted and presented;
  • Document must be signed by both employer and the non-EU national applying for the Single permit;
  • Position of employment must be the same in all the submitted documentation.

Declaration of Posting

 Declaration of Suitability

Position Description

Proof of Advertisement

  • Advertisement is not older than six (6) months from the date of application.

Qualifications of the applicant (Non-EU National)

  • All qualification certificates are to be accompanied with the recognition from the Malta Qualifications Recognition and Information Centre (MQRIC). Should the recognition by MQRIC still be pending, their receipt is to be attached instead.

Accommodation agreement (Lease or Rent)

  • An original contract is to be presented with original signatures of both landlord and tenant;
  • Details of landlord and tenant on the contract should include name, ID card number and the rent address;
  • The contract is to be accompanied by the Declaration by Landlord form;
  • If Landlord is not Maltese, a purchase agreement of the same premises needs to be presented;
  • Contract must not have details crossed off in pen or white-out and written over.
  • Should the accomodation be in a hote/guesthouse, this form must be filled instead of the lease agreement.

Housing Authority Approval Letter

A copy of the approval letter issued by the Housing Authority for the registration of property as a rental as per Cap. 604 of Maltese legislation.

Processing period of the application

Employers have the facility to view and modify all submitted applications from the Single Permit Online Portal. The real-time status of an application is visible from the application dashboard. The meaning of each status can be found in the section Online Portal-Status Description within the User Manual.

Third-country nationals, on whose behalf an application is submitted, may also view the status of their own application by following the same link they had received by e-mail.

Subsidiary Legislation 217.17 allows four (4) months for the processing of a Single Permit application, however the average processing time is closer to two (2) months, from the date of submission of applications accompanied by all required documents

Outcome Decision

Identity Malta Agency carries out the necessary due diligence checks on the application and the outcome is communicated to the prospective employee and the employer.

Positive Decision

Where the outcome of the due process is positive, Identity Malta Agency will issue an Approval in Principle letter which is received by both the employer and the third-country national.

This letter is not a substitute for the residence permit and process is not yet complete for the issuance of the permit.

The Approval in Principle letter:

  • indicates the validity period of the same letter- this period is not extendable and should it expire, Identity Malta cannot proceed with the application;
  • serves as the document by which third-country nationals who require a visa to travel to Malta, may apply at their respective mission;
  • provides guidelines on how to set an appointment for biometrics via the online booking system;
  • provides the list of documentation that the third-country national must present at the biometrics appointment – failure to present such documents will result in a nullified appointment.

Negative Decision

In cases where there is a negative outcome from the due process, Identity Malta Agency will issue a refusal letter to the application submitted. The refusal letter includes the reason for refusal.

Right of Appeal

A decision may be appealed before the Immigration Appeals Board within three (3) days of the Identity Malta’s decision.

The Immigration Appeals Board is an entity autonomous from Identity Malta Agency and operates in accordance to the provisions of the applicable subsidiary legislation under the Immigration Act (Cap. 217 of the Laws of Malta).

Finalising the Single Permit Process:

Biometrics and Interim Receipt

Once an Approval in Principle letter has been issued, the Non-EU national may book an appointment via the online booking system (https://expatsbooking.identitymalta.com).

On the day of the appointment, the applicant is to be present at the Identity Malta Agency office where his appointment was booked (Malta or Gozo) on time.  Latecomers may be refused service and would need to book another appointment.

Applicant must always present a valid passport and his last issued residence document (where applicable) for the biometrics appointment, along with the list of supporting documents listed on the Approval in Principle letter and the original documents which had been submitted online at the time of application.

During the appointment session, the biometrics will be taken. using the ICAO standards for taking photographs and fingerprints, which include:

  • looking directly at the camera;
  • not wearing tinted eyeglasses or glasses with heavy frames;
  • keep eyes open;
  • hair must be swept away from the face;
  • no head coverings except for religious reasons, but facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of the face must be clearly shown.

For the appointment do not wear tops without sleeves and remove bags with straps away from the torso area.

Once the biometrics are captured and documentation presented satisfactorily, the applicant will be issued with an Interim Receipt, printed on security paper. The Interim Receipt is not a travel document and is time sensitive. Up until the expiry of the document, the holder is legally authorised to stay in Malta. Should the Interim Receipt be close to expire and the collection letter not yet arrived, holder may e-mail [email protected] requesting an update on the residence document issuance and requesting an extension of the Interim Receipt.

In the case of employment-related residence permits the Interim Receipt will include a stamp for ‘Temporary Authorisation to Work’. This allows the non-EU national to take up employment immediately and not need to wait until the residence document to be issued.

Collecting the residence document

Following the biometrics process, Identity Malta Agency will process the application.  Once the application is fully approved, as per Subsidiary Legislation 217.17, the employee will receive a collection notification with a PIN at the address provided to Identity Malta Agency.

Recipients of the letter may collect their residence card with the single permit status from the Identity Malta Agency offices in Msida, from Monday to Friday, between 0730hrs and 1130hrs, upon presentation of the collection letter, the interim receipt and the passport.

No appointment is necessary.

Key Employment Initiative

The Key Employment Initiative (KEI) offers a fast-track to the single permit procedure to highly skilled third country nationals.

KEI applications expected processing time is five (5) working days from the submission of the application. An application is only considered as submitted once all the documentation required as per applicable checklist is submitted online.

Who is eligible to apply for the Key Employment Initiative?

The fast-track route is available to third-country nationals who have received a job offer in Malta for a managerial or highly technical position, which position requires the relevant qualifications or adequate experience applicable to the job.

Eligibility criteria will include, amongst other documentation submitted to Identity Malta Agency proof of:

  • an annual gross salary of at least €30,000 per annum;
  • certified copies of the relevant qualifications, warrants or proof of work experience.

The KEI is also extended to innovators involved in start-up projects which are specifically endorsed by Malta Enterprise.

Approved applicants will be issued with a residence permit which will be valid for a period of one year in its initial year. Subsequently, this may be renewed for a longer period (up to three years), provided that the employee presents:

  • a valid definite or indefinite contract, and;
  • the original annual tax declaration form stamped by the Inland Revenue Department.

The administrative process of KEI applications follows that of the regular Single Permit, including the due diligence process, however the process is fast-tracked.

 

Applicable fee:  €280.50

Renewal of Single Permit

The single permit is generally renewed annually, and the administrative process follows the same single permit procedure.

Renewal of applications may only be submitted while their current permit is still valid. If a renewal application is not submitted before the expiry date of the previous, the third-country national may fall in an irregular migration status and would be in violation of the Immigration Act (Cap. 217) of the Laws of Malta.

To allow sufficient processing time, the renewal process should start 90 days from the date of expiry. If the third-country national renewing the permit requires a health screening, as specified by the Maltese Public Health Authorities, application can only be submitted 30 days prior to expiry. The updated version of Health screening requirements for single permit renewals may be found on:  https://deputyprimeminister.gov.mt/en/health-promotion/idpcu/Pages/Renewal%20of%20Work%20Permit.aspx.

 

Applicable fee:  €280.50

Change in Address

Non-EU nationals must register any change of address with the Expatriates Unit at Identity Malta Agency.  Failure to notify a change in address may result in the revocation of the residence permit.

A change of address may be submitted online, through the online single permit portal.  Documentation required for a change of address is:

  • copy of the existing residence card;
  • a copy of the new property’s purchase or rental agreement;
  • a rental declaration form originally signed by the property owner;
  • an approval letter from the Housing Authority for the registration of property as a rental as per Cap. 604 of the Laws of Malta.

 

Applicable fee:  €27.50

Other Changes

Non-EU Nationals changing surname, gender and other personal details listed on the residence document, are to fill in this form and bring it to Identity Malta Agency, Valley Road, Msida fully filled, so that their residence document may be updated and issued with the updated details.

Applicable fee:  €27.50

Lost/Stolen Residence Card

Residence Card holders who lose their residence card must inform Identity Malta Agency online within three (3) days, providing a valid local police report.

Failure to notify Identity Malta Agency of a lost/stolen card may result in the revocation of the residence permit.

 

Applicable fee:  €27.50

Termination

The single permit’s validity depends on the conditions at the time of original issuance of the permit, including the specific employment undertaken and the employer. The same permit is not valid for employment with a different employer or in a different position/designation.

In the eventuality of a job termination, the employer who applied for the specific single permit:

  • obliged by law to submit a Termination Form to Jobsplus within four (4) days of the termination date (as per Legal Notice 110 of 1993 and Act No. XXVII Employment Training Services (Amendment) Act, and Legal Notice 226 of 2016);
  • must inform the Expatriates Unit at Identity Malta Agency within four (4) days of the termination date either by:
    • submitting an online termination as per section ‘How to submit a Withdrawal or Revocation Request’ on User Manual, or;
    • by sending an e-mail to [email protected].

Obligations of the Non-EU National in case of Termination

Should the employer resist from issuing a termination when the employment has been terminated, the third-country national may submit a signed declaration to:  [email protected].

The third-country national is also obliged to:

  • inform Identity Malta Agency of this termination by sending an email to: [email protected], and;
  • return the residence card to Identity Malta Agency, Valley Road, Msida.

Failure to comply with the above, conditions may render the non-EU national in violation of the provisions of the Immigration Act (Cap. 217).

Change of Position (Designation) or Employer

The single permit issued to a non-EU National is specific to the Employer and the Designation as applied for and as listed on the residence document.

Any changes occurring in either of these criteria render the permit null and void, irrespective of the date validity showing on the same document, and necessitate a new application.

Change of Employer

A Change of Employer application may be submitted by the new employer, prior to the non-EU National terminating previous employment.  The process follows the same single permit procedure through the Single Permit Online Portal.

If the third-country national is already terminated from the previous employment, should an application by a new employer be submitted within a 10-day period it may be considered for processing, even though the migration status of the third-country national is considered irregular as per Immigration Act (Cap 217), of the Laws of Malta.  It is to be emphasized that the 10-day period is a grace period and does not emanate from any legislation.

If the third-country national has been terminated for longer than 10 days, any application should be submitted following the eligibility and legality criteria as delineated in Subsidiary Legislation 217.17 and as summarised here.

Applicable fee:  €280.50

Change of Designation

In the eventuality of a change of designation with the same employer, the employer must submit an online Change of Designation application through the Single Permit Online Portal.  Guidelines in submitting this type of application may be found in section ‘How to submit a Change in Designation application’ on the User Manual.

 

Applicable fee: €280.50

Intra-Corporate Transferee

An intra-corporate transfer is a temporary secondment for occupational and training purposes of a third-country national (TCN) from an undertaking established outside Malta to a local entity which is part of the same undertaking. The transfer may also take place from an entity established in another Member State of the EU to a host entity in Malta. Subsidiary Legislation 217.21 regards the Legal Provisions regulating the said processes.

Click here for more information on the conditions and requirements for the Residence Permit on the basis of Intra-Corporate Transferee.

Failure to notify Identity Malta Agency of a change of position or of a change in employer may result in the revocation of the residence permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Single Permit

Single Permit

Blue Card

Blue Card

Non-EU

Non-EU

Self-Employed

Self-Employed

NON-EU Nationals - Non Employment

Exemption Under National Legislation

  • Application for a residence permit submitted by Non-EU Nationals for the purpose of Exempt Person Status (foreign spouses of Maltese citizens and children under 21 years of age of foreign spouses and Maltese citizens – Form E) in accordance to Article 4 of the Immigration Act – Chapter 217 Laws of Malta. Such applicants are subject to an interview. Appointments for interviews are to be submitted by email on [email protected].

Economically Self-Sufficient - Form K

Study, Researchers, Training and Voluntary Organisations

  • Residence permits are issued to third-country nationals for the purpose of study, research, training and voluntary service (in the mobility project for young people) under the provisions of Subsidiary Legislation 217.22.

Students

  • Students have to submit their application online by clicking on the following link: http://noneu.identitymalta.com

    For more information how to use this online application platform please click here

    These regulations apply to third-country nationals accepted by an institution licensed by the National Commission for Higher Education to pursue a full-time course of study leading to a higher education qualification. The qualification must be recognised by the Malta Qualification Recognition Information Centre at MQF level 5. Courses may also include a preparatory programme which leads to the higher-education qualification. Third-country nationals who are visa exempt must submit their application for a residence permit within three months from their date of entry within the European Union territory. Other non-European nationals who need a visa to travel to the Schengen Area must be in possession of a visa issued for education purposes. Applications must be submitted by the applicant in person whilst in Malta.

    Residence permits are also granted for the purpose of study whenever the course level does not fall under specified the levels in Subsidiary Legislation 217.22.

Family Members – Form G

  • Persons who qualify under the conditions stipulated in Subsidiary Legislation 217.06 are issued with a residence permit for the purpose of family reunification with the sponsor, who has already been issued with a residence permit in Malta. This legislation can be found on https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/217.6/eng/pdf

    In the case of those family members who do not satisfy the conditions of the said legislation, they may be granted a residence permit to reside in Malta if they fulfil the criteria set out in the policy related to family members. The family members policy may be accessed through the following link.

Long-Term Residence

  • Third-country nationals who (i) have been legally and continuously residing in Malta for a period of five (5) years or more, (ii) have stable and regular resources, (iii) have their own accommodation and (iv) fulfil integration measures (outlined in Subsidiary Legislation 217.05), may apply for the long-term residence status (refer to form and checklist). The status of long-term residents is permanent and the residence permit would be issued for a period of five (5) years.

    Requests for Long Term Residence need to be submitted via email on [email protected]

Health Reasons

  • Third-country nationals who proceed to Malta to seek medical treatment may be granted a residence permit, provided that all necessary documentation is submitted to Identity Malta Agency.

    Applicants are to submit their application online by clicking on the following link and use Form O

Partners of Maltese Nationals

  • This application is intended for Third Country Nationals who are in a de-facto relationship with a Maltese National. Applicants providing evidence of a steady relationship are eligible to apply for this status.

    Evidence may include:

    1. Utility bills
    2. Lease agreements and/or Purchase agreements
    3. Bank statements (showing transactions between accounts or proof of joint bank account/s)
    4. Flight tickets
    5. Dated photographs
    6. Sworn affidavits from family members who can testify the long-term relationship
    7. Other documents as evidence as may be requested by Identity Malta Agency

    Identity Malta Agency reserves the right to conduct interviews as necessary to prove and/or investigate the veracity of the status of partnership of the couple.

    Applicants being granted such a status cannot work for the first two years holding this type of permit. Should the Third Country National wish to work, the prospective employer has to submit a single permit application.

    During the first 2 years, Residence Permits are granted for a period of 6 months duration. This is renewable upon submission of a renewal application.

    Applicants are to submit their application online by clicking on the following link and use Form O.

Refugee and Subsidiary Protection

  • The granting of Refugee and Subsidiary Protection status is the responsibility of the Refugee Commissioner. Following the issue of the certificate confirming such status, Identity Malta Agency will issue a residence permit and the relative documentation on submission of an application.

    These applications (CEA Form I) have to be submitted in person at Identity Malta Agency’s Hal-Far office.

Specific Residence Authorisation

  • Renewals for former holders of a Temporary Humanitarian Protection status and other applicants who satisfy the criteria as listed in the SRA Policy. Downloadable forms required for SRA applications namely SRA Form H, GDPR form, ID1A, Rental declaration maybe downloaded from the Application Forms section at the bottom of the page. [SRA Policy & Checklist]. These applications (Form H) have to be submitted in person at Identity Malta Agency’s Hal-Far office.

Other Reasons

  • There could be other reasons which could justify the issue of a residence permit and the relevant requests are assessed on a case by case basis.

Click on the applicable Checklist and/or Form hereunder to download :

Checklists:

Forms:

Identity Malta Agency

Opening Hours

Expatriates Unit – Malta

Identity Malta operates an appointment system for applicants.  Applicants whose application is approved will be sent communication by Identity Malta with details of appointment or guidelines on setting an appointment, as applicable.

For other cases, where walk-ins are accepted, the opening hours are as follows:

Unit’s Sections Day Opening Time
Single Permit – Live-in Carers Mon–Fri 07:30am – 11:30am
Single Permit – Lost card, change of address, card changes Mon–Fri 07:30am – 11:30am
Single Permit/Non-EU Collection Desk Mon–Fri 07:30am– 01:00pm
EU Collection Desk Mon–Fri 07:30am – 12:00pm
International Humanitarian Protection and SRA Office Mon–Fri 07:30am – 12:30pm

Expatriates Unit – Gozo

By appointment only from Monday to Friday from 08:00AM until 12:30PM.

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EU Nationals

EU Nationals

EU Nationals do not need a permit to reside and work in Malta.

The Free Movement of European Union Nationals and their Family Members Order 2007 which transposes the provisions of the European Union Council Directive 2004/38 of the European Parliament, and the Council of 29th April 2004 makes provisions for the implementation and administration of EU and EEA nationals’ right, in exercising their free movement.

Amendments were made to this Order by means of Legal Notice 329 of 2011 and Legal Notice 107 of 2012.

EEA Nationals

European Economic Area (EEA) nationals have the right to reside in Malta when exercising their treaty rights as workers, self-employed persons, economically self-sufficient persons, family members, exempt or students. Such rights may be restricted on the grounds of public policy, public security, public health or if they become an unreasonable burden on Malta’s social assistance system.

Registration Certificate and eResidence Document

If an EU or EEA National intends to reside and/or work in Malta for longer than three (3) months, they are required to register their residence with Identity Malta.  They will be issued with an eResidence document based on their scope of residence in Malta.

Applying for the eResidence Document

Malta has a constitutive system for the issuance of eResidence document and EU and EEA Nationals who will be taking up residence in Malta for longer than three (3) months may register their interest to apply by sending an e-mail to:  [email protected].

The e-mail should contain:

  • name and surname of the applicant;
  • nationality and country of residence prior to coming to Malta;
  • Passport Number;
  • In the case of a renewal or where applicant held previous eResidence document, the residence number (format: 000000A);
  • Purpose of residence in Malta: employment, study, economic self-sufficient, family member.

 

The Agency will respond to such requests within 48 working-hours, sending the applicant a date and time for the biometrics appointment, accompanied by the applicable form that needs to be filled and the list of documents that need to be presented at the time of appointment.

On the day of the appointment, identification is carried out by means of the presentation of an identity card or passport.

Applicants are required to be on time and provide all the documents required in both the original format as well as a copy that will be retained by the Agency.

Click on the applicable Checklist and/or Form hereunder to download :

Checklists:

Forms:

Documentation requirements

Original documents must be in Maltese or English.

Documents issued by EU Member States that are not in the English language need to be translated into Maltese or English by an authorised translator, a list of which may be accessed from: https://www.identitymalta.com/services/translators-list/.

Translations of all EU public documents done in Malta by persons registered on the Identity Malta Agency ‘Translators’ List do not require to be apostilled or legalised.

Translations of all EU public documents done in a European Union member state by a translator that can be verified on the EU portal: https://e-justice.europa.eu/content_public_documents-551-en.do,  are also accepted by the Expatriates Unit and need not be apostilled or legalised.

If the translator cannot be verified through this list, the translated document must be apostilled or legalised.

Change of Address

Persons residing in Malta are required to inform the competent authorities of a change of address.  In the case of eResidence documents, the competent authority is Identity Malta Agency.

A change of address may be notified via e-mail to: [email protected], indicating:

  • Name and surname;
  • Residence number (format: 000000A);
  • Former and New address.

 

Identity Malta Agency will respond with a date and time for the biometrics appointment, accompanied by the applicable form that needs to be filled and the list of documents that need to be presented at the time of appointment.

Fees

Applying and the issuance of an eResidence document is free of charge to EU and EEA Nationals.

Damaged documents may be replaced against a fee of €16.50.

A lost document may be replaced against the presentation of an official report issued by the Malta Police and against a fee of €22.

Appeal

The rights regarding any appeal regarding the rights of EU nationals being restricted are available in Subsidiary legislation 460.17. Such appeal may be lodged with:

Immigration Appeals Board,

9/10; 13/14 City Gate,

Valletta ​

Appeals and related submissions concerning residence permits, residence documents and residence statuses must be submitted physically at the premises of the Immigration Appeals Board.

There is no tacit approval or administrative silence arrangements. A person may find recourse regarding an administrative process with the Ombudsman. The Maltese legislation provides for the review of administrative decisions under the provisions of Chapter 12 of the laws of Malta.

Procedure is conducted in English.

Identity Malta Agency

Opening Hours

Expatriates Unit – Malta

Identity Malta operates an appointment system for applicants.  Applicants whose application is approved will be sent communication by Identity Malta with details of appointment or guidelines on setting an appointment, as applicable.

For other cases, where walk-ins are accepted, the opening hours are as follows:

Unit’s Sections Day Opening Time
Single Permit – Live-in Carers Mon–Fri 07:30am – 11:30am
Single Permit – Lost card, change of address, card changes Mon–Fri 07:30am – 11:30am
Single Permit/Non-EU Collection Desk Mon–Fri 07:30am– 01:00pm
EU Collection Desk Mon–Fri 07:30am – 12:00pm
International Humanitarian Protection and SRA Office Mon–Fri 07:30am – 12:30pm

Expatriates Unit – Gozo

By appointment only from Monday to Friday from 08:00AM until 12:30PM.

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Expatriates Unit

Expatriates Unit

The Expatriates Unit is involved in the legal migration process and caters for the processing and issuing of residence documentation. This involves the implementation of the provisions of national legislation with regards to the EU nationals’ freedom of movement and other regulations concerning third-country nationals residence documentation.

Identity Malta Agency

Opening Hours

Expatriates Unit – Malta

Identity Malta operates an appointment system for applicants.  Applicants whose application is approved will be sent communication by Identity Malta with details of appointment or guidelines on setting an appointment, as applicable.

For other cases, where walk-ins are accepted, the opening hours are as follows:

Unit’s Sections Day Opening Time
Single Permit – Live-in Carers Mon–Fri 07:30am – 11:30am
Single Permit – Lost card, change of address, card changes Mon–Fri 07:30am – 11:30am
Single Permit/Non-EU Collection Desk Mon–Fri 07:30am– 01:00pm
EU Collection Desk Mon–Fri 07:30am – 12:00pm
International Humanitarian Protection and SRA Office Mon–Fri 07:30am – 12:30pm

Expatriates Unit – Gozo

By appointment only from Monday to Friday from 08:00AM until 12:30PM.

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Public Registry Office

Public Registry Office

The responsibilities of the Public Registry originate from the Public Registry Act (Cap. 56), the Marriage Act (Cap. 255), the Civil Unions Act (Cap. 530), and the Civil Code (Cap. 16) (Articles 1 to 306).

The Public Registry was founded on 3rd August 1889, and its records date back to 1863. Records kept at the Public Registry include Acts of Birth, Marriage, Civil Union, Death and Adoption Registrations.

Annotations to the mentioned Acts and Registrations are made following a court decree or judgment. Certificates are issued on request.

CIVIL REGISTRATION
REGISTRY FOR LEGAL PERSONS

Civil Status & Customer Care Section

The Civil Status & Customer Care Section
issues true copies of Acts of Birth, Marriage,
Civil Union and Death registered in Malta.

It is also responsible for the issuance of Free Status Certificates. Birth, Marriage, Civil Union, Death and Free Status certificates can be ordered online on www.certifikati.gov.mt and have them delivered to an address of your choice.

A certificate ordered online may be sent by post or picked up from the Public Registry Office. The Civil Status & Customer Care Section processes all certificates orders within six (6) working days from date of submission. Alternatively, certificates can be physically obtained from the Civil Status & Customer Care Section or by placing an order with the Public Registry Office.

Birth, marriage, civil union, free status and death certificates issued by the Civil Status Customer Care Section may be presented to other EU Member State’s authorities, since these no longer require an apostille. For ease of translation, a multi-lingual standard form can be obtained for any of the certificates.  These certificates can be ordered online on www.certifikati.gov.mt or physically obtained from the Civil Status Customer Care Section.

Marriage Registry Section

Marriages and Civil Unions in Malta are regulated
by the provisions of the Marriage Act, Cap. 255
(effective as of 12th August 1975) and the Civil
Unions Act, Cap. 530 (effective as of 14th April 2014).

Both acts were amended by Act XXIII of 2017 (effective as of 1st September 2017).The Marriage Registry Section was established in August 1975, the same year in which the Marriage Act, which regulates all Marriages and Civil Unions contracted in Malta, came into act.

The Marriage Registry Section receives requests for the publication of banns for marriages and civil unions taking place in Malta.

Applications for the publication of banns are received within three (3) months, but not less than six (6) weeks, from the date of marriage or civil union. The section provides the service of a marriage room where Civil Marriages and Civil Unions may be officiated.

The Marriage Registry Section guides Maltese nationals marrying foreigner accordingly.

Marriage

The process of formalities in preparation for marriage is as follows:

i. Religious Marriages

Couples are requested to book an appointment with a Marriage Registry Officer by accessing the following link or by sending an email to [email protected] at least three (3) months before their marriage date. The email must contain a telephone number where the couple may be contacted.

The Marriage Registrar should be notified of the following:

  1. The church where the marriage will be held;
  2. The date of marriage;
  3. The name and surname of the priest who will celebrate the marriage ceremony;
  4. The surname/s of the spouses after marriage and the family name being adopted.

The couple should also provide:

  1. Birth certificates (if the applicants’ birth is not registered with the Malta Public Registry) apostilled or legalised as necessary (unless these are coming from the European Union);
  2. Identification documents and copies thereof;
  3. A photocopy of the identification documents of the witnesses;
  4. Other documents as required.

Ten (10) days before their marriage, the couple need to collect two (2) copies of the Act of Marriage and the Certificate of Banns. These should be presented to the Parish Priest of where the wedding ceremony will be held.

After the celebration of the nuptial mass, the couple, together with the witnesses and the wedding officiant who administers consent, must sign the Marriage Act. This certificate must be returned to the Public Registry Office by the Parish Priest for registration.

Maltese nationals planning on getting married to a foreigner or a person who has lived abroad for a period of time will be requested to present additional documentation in support of their application.

Those couples who are getting married in Gozo should apply for their marriage banns at the Marriage Registry in Victoria, Gozo.

Marriages can take place on board passenger ships registered in Malta. In such cases couples are advised to contact the Marriage Registry Section for guidance.

ii. Civil Marriages

The Marriage Registry Section also provides services for civil marriages. Those couples opting for a civil marriage must also contact the Marriage Registry Section at least three (3) months prior to their marriage date for the publication of banns.

Couples are requested to contact the Public Registry on (+356) 2590 4240 or [email protected] at least three (3) months before their marriage. The email must contain a telephone number where the couple may be contacted.

A civil marriage may take place in the Marriage Registry Marriage Room or at any other public place that has been approved beforehand by the Marriage Registrar.

The Marriage Registrar should be notified of the following:

  1. The place where the marriage is to be held;
  2. The date of the marriage;
  3. The surname/s of the spouses after marriage and the family name being adopted.

The couple should provide:

  1. Birth certificates (in case of applicants whose birth is not registered at the Malta Public Registry) apostilled or legalised as necessary (unless these are coming from the European Union);
  2. Identification documents and copies thereof;
  3. A photocopy of the identification documents of the witnesses;
  4. Other documents as required.

The forms required are:

  • Request for the publication of banns for matrimony for the purposes of Article 7(4) of the Marriage Act; &
  • Declaration under Article 7(5) of the Marriage Act.

Couples getting married in Gozo should apply for their marriage banns at the Marriage Registry in Victoria, Gozo.

Marriages can take place on board passenger ships registered in Malta. In such cases couples are advised to contact the Marriage Registry Section for guidance.

Before submitting any foreign public documents for the application for the publication of Banns, it is important to review the following link for guidance.

Civil Union

Three (3) months before the civil union date, the partners should request the publication of banns at the Marriage Registry Section. Partners are requested to book an appointment with a Marriage Registry Officer by accessing the following link or by sending an email to [email protected]. The email must contain a telephone number where the couple may be contacted.

A civil union may take place in the Marriage Registry Marriage Room, or at any other public place that has been approved beforehand by the Marriage Registrar.

The Marriage Registrar should be notified of the following:

  1. The place where the civil union will be held;
  2. The date of civil union;
  3. The surname that the partners after the civil union and the family name they will be adopting

The partners should provide:

  1. Birth certificates (in case of applicants whose birth is not registered at the Malta Public Registry) apostilled or legalised as necessary (unless these are coming from the European Union);
  2. Identification documents and copies thereof;
  3. A photocopy of the identification documents of the witnesses;
  4. Other documents as required.

Five (5) days prior to the date, partners are to contact the Marriage Registry Section to confirm their civil union.

Those partners who are entering into a civil union in Gozo should apply for their civil union banns at the Marriage Registry in Victoria, Gozo.

The forms required are:

  • Application for the purposes of Sec. 4.2 (a) of the Civil Unions Act, 2014; &
  • Declaration for the purposes of Sec. 4.2 (a) of the Civil Unions Act, 2014

Further information on Marriage, Civil Union and Cohabitation can be obtained on the following link.

MARRIAGE BANNS APPLICATION DATE CALCULATOR

By clicking on this link, you can find out when to submit your application for the publication of your Marriage Banns

MARRIAGE BANNS APPOINTMENT 

Couples/partners are asked to book an appointment with a Marriage Registry Officer at least three (3) months before their wedding date by accessing this link or sending an email to [email protected]. The email must include a contact number where the couple can be reached.

Article 15(1) of the Marriage Act (Cap 255 of the Laws of Malta states that;   ‘15.(1) A civil marriage shall be contracted in the presence of the Registrar, or of an officer of the Marriage Registry authorised by the Registrar to officiate at marriages, and of the witnesses required by this Act.’.

Application forms

Select a form from the drop down menu to download

Local and Foreign Notifications Section

The Local and Foreign Notifications Section is responsible for accepting notifications for the registration of all births and deaths in Malta, and notifications of civil status of Maltese citizens occurring abroad.

 

Local Notifications

The local notification of a birth and death occurring in Malta can be made by visiting the Public Registry offices in Mater Dei Hospital, Msida or at Onda Building, Aldo Moro Road, Marsa.   Local births and deaths occurring in Gozo can be notified at the Gozo Public Registry, By the Bastion Road, Victoria, Gozo.

Local notifications can also be made online by clicking on https://pubregnotifications.gov.mt/.

Further information on birth notifications can be obtained on the following Link.

Further information on death notifications can be obtained on the following Link.

Local notifications of birth and death can also be made by post.  Further information can be obtained by contacting the Public Registry on +356 2590 4200 or by sending an email on  [email protected].

 

Foreign Notifications

The notification of foreign Acts of civil status of Maltese citizens may be notified at the Public Registry offices at Onda Building, Aldo Moro Road, Marsa, and at the Gozo Public Registry, By the Bastion Road, Victoria, Gozo or through one of the Maltese overseas missions.

It is to be noted that;

  • European Union public documents do not need to be apostilled or fully legalised by virtue of EU Regulation 2016/1191 applicable from 16th February 2019.
  • Non-EU public documents need to be either apostilled or fully legalised.

All documents are retained and indefinitely preserved in the Archives of the Public Registry.

In all cases, it is important to view the following link ……  for guidance before submitting any foreign public documents for registration.

Registration Section

The Registration Section registers local
as well as foreign Acts of Births, Marriages,
Civil Unions and Deaths.

The registrations of foreign acts of civil status pertain to Maltese citizens who were born, married or died abroad. When necessary, supporting legal documentation relating to the status of the parents of the child or of the deceased are requested to confirm that all details are correct before the ultimate registration of the Act takes place.

Annotations & Adjustments Section

Any person, who may have an interest, may bring an action before the competent courts in Malta for:

  • the correction of any registered Act of Civil Status,
  • the legitimation of a person born out of wedlock and
  • the acknowledgment of the paternity of a person born out of wedlock.

Corrections by means of the prescribed application forms, indicated in the Civil Code (Cap. 16 of the Laws of Malta), may also be made through an application submitted to the Public Registry. Adjustments may be requested through Forms V, TT, UU, WW, XX, and Y.

It must be stressed that any change made through these forms is irrevocable. It is also recommended that the Public Registry, Annotations, and Adjustments Section is contacted for further information, by sending an email to [email protected] or calling on (+356) 25904200 during office hours for further guidance on these forms.

You may wish to view further information on each form through the following link.

Furthermore, annotations deriving from legitimation per ‘subsequens matrimonium’ also fall under the competence of the Annotations & Adjustments Section.

Nullities and divorces of marriage and civil unions obtained in Malta and abroad (as long as these are issued by the competent authorities) are registered with the Public Registry Office.

These may be registered at the Public Registry Office after ascertaining that they conform to the relative requisites of the Maltese law. All changes emanating from the above instances are recorded in the Annotations column of the relative Civil Status Act.

Following a court sentence, the section annotates and corrects the Public Registry’s records accordingly. This annotation may lead to the correction of the original Act of Civil Status, including birth, marriage, civil union or death certificates.

In the case of couples who have completed their legal separation procedures, this section annotates the change to their birth surname.

The annotations process is completed within three (3) working days from the receipt of the judgement of the relevant court, or the submission made by the applicant.

The certificate can then be ordered on www.certifikati.gov.mt and is sent by post. The Public Registry Office will process the order within six (6) working days from date of submission.

Alternatively, one may collect the certificate from the Public Registry Office in Marsa or Victoria, Gozo.

The Annotations & Adjustments Section is also responsible for the issue of certificates of cohabitation under the provisions of the Cohabitation Act (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Malta). The Cohabitation Act meets the needs of cohabitants who do not wish to be bound by either marriage or civil union. This Act protects cohabitants by legally recognising their rights and duties.

In all cases, it is important to view the following link …… for guidance before submitting any decisions of a foreign Court for registration.

The Archives Section

The Public Registry holds records that include Acts of Birth, Acts of Marriage, Acts of Civil Union, Acts of Death, Cohabitation, and Adoption Registrations. The original Acts of Birth, Death, and Marriage date back to 1863, whilst the original Acts of Civil Unions date from 2004.

The four (4) Registers contain all Acts of Birth, Marriage, Civil Union and Death which took place in Malta.

These also include any Act of Birth, Marriage, Civil Union or Death of a citizen of Malta drawn up or registered in a foreign country by a competent authority, provided that there is a request from any person interested and the authenticity of such Act.

For more information on Annotations and Adjustments regarding gender change and the recognition of the new gender please click here.

For more information on Annotations and Adjustments regarding adoptions, please click here.

Identity Malta Agency

Opening Hours

Public Registry – Malta

Monday: 07:30am – 02:00pm
Tuesday: 07:30am – 02:00pm
Wednesday: 07:30am – 02:00pm
03:00pm – 06:00pm
Thursday: 07:30am – 02:00pm
Friday: 07:30am – 02:00pm
Saturday: 07:30am – 11:00am

Public Registry – Gozo | 16th June till 30th September

Monday: 07:30am – 12:00pm
Tuesday: 07:30am – 12:00pm
Wednesday: 07:30am – 12:00pm
Thursday: 07:30am – 12:00pm
Friday: 07:30am – 12:00pm

Public Registry – Gozo | 1st October till 15th June

Monday: 08:00am – 13:00pm
Tuesday: 08:00am – 13:00pm
Wednesday: 08:00am – 13:00pm
Thursday: 08:00am – 13:00pm
Friday: 08:00am – 13:00pm

N:B Gozo offices stay open till 2:00pm for any queries but not for cash transactions.

Searches Unit

Prezentata Section and
Searches Unit – Public Registry

The main function of the Searches Unit is to provide official searches against individuals and entities in connection with the enrolment of notes pertaining to the transfer, inter vivos as well as causa mortis of immovable property and the registration of notes of hypothec and privilege, which secure obligations such as loans and payment of ground-rents.

Searches carried in connection with the transfer of property and obligations, known as “Transfers and Liabilities”, are normally requested when deeds for transfer of property under any title and deeds of obligations are drawn up.

Deeds in connection with Public Wills, known as Certificates of Wills, establish whether any will made by a particular individual is enrolled with the Public Registries of Malta and Gozo.

PREZENTATA SECTION

Services offered at Prezentata Section include:

  • Enrolment and Registration of Notes by Notaries; 
  • Registration of judgments or decrees delivered or given by the Courts of Justice;
  • Countersigning of official searches;
  • Attending court sittings.

FRONT OFFICE

Services offered at Front Office include:

  • Ordering searches and testamentary wills;
  • Delivering searches prepared by back office to clients and collecting payment;
  • Collecting payment in connection with notes received by Prezentata Section;
  • Customer Care Service to the general public;

BACK OFFICE

This section processes orders either received from Front Office, submitted by the general public online, or submitted by registered users through the Searches system. The Back Office is responsible for the index of every enrolment received by the Prezentata Section (using full name and parental details).

Searches

Search on Firms

A search may be ordered in relation to any company. There are two types of searches; (a) Transfers and (b) Liabilities. 

The scope of ordering a ‘transfer’ search is to find out what immovable property a firm owns. The search will only yield results if the property is acquired by a public deed and is enrolled by a Notary Public at the Public Registry office. For instance, a person may order a transfer search on a particular firm in the period between 1990 and 2012. Therefore, all property acquired by contract during that period will feature in the search results. 

On the other hand, a ‘liabilities’ search will reveal whether the firm has any privileges or hypothecs securing any obligations, such as loans and payment of ground-rents.

Click Here
Fast Track Search

Search on Individuals

A search may be ordered in relation to any person. There are two types of searches; (a) Transfers and (b) Liabilities. 

The scope of ordering a ‘transfer’ search is to find out what immovable property a person owns. The search will only yield results if the property is acquired by a public deed and is enrolled by a Notary Public at the Public Registry office. 

On the other hand, a ‘liabilities’ search will reveal whether the person has any privileges or hypothecs securing any obligations, such as loans and payment of ground-rents.

Click Here
Fast Track Search

Search on Wills (Testamentary Searches)

A testamentary search may be ordered on any person (living or deceased) in order to determine whether the person in case has registered a public will or not. The search will not reveal the will’s content, but it will disclose the date and time of the will and the Notary Public who published the same will. The content of the will can only be seen by the person drawing up the will or by his/her heirs. The search result does not include secret wills as the latter have to be ordered from the Voluntary Jurisdiction Section of the Civil Court. Before ordering testamentary searches it is important to allow 21 days to pass from the date of the person’s demise.

Click Here

Application for Testamentary Searches

Public Wills

A testamentary search may be ordered on any person (living or deceased) to determine whether the person in case had registered a public will or not. The search will not reveal the content of the will itself, but a summary stating the date of the will and the Notary Public who published the same will. The contents of the will can only be seen by the person drawing up the will or by his/her heirs.

Secret Wills

This application may also be used to search for secret wills of a deceased person. Such wills are deposited at the Civil Court (Voluntary Jurisdiction Section). Applicants will be informed of the result of the search and if it proves to be positive, an application for the publication of the secret will may be filed with the Court Registry by an advocate or a Notary Public.

Click Here

Land Valuation & Decontrol Office

Customers, or their legal representative, are to fill in the prescribed form stipulated in Article 3 of the Housing (Decontrol) Ordinance of 1959. The form is to be submitted together with the deed of acquisition of property and other supporting documents (if applicable). After the necessary verification is carried out, an Order of Decontrol, duly signed by the director or his representative, is issued. A certificate of Decontrol can also be issued on request.

The Land Valuation Office incorporates thousands of files (notices) containing proof of ownership of residential tenements and other relevant details (such as rental values, Rent Regulation Board judgments, details on deeds of transfers relating to the property in question and other correspondence). The registration of property was carried out between 1939 and 1948 and was officially required in the wake of the setting up of the War Damage Fund.

Notaries mainly utilise this service in preparation of the drafting of contracts.

Identity Malta Agency

Opening Hours (Malta & Gozo)

Front Office and Prezentata Section

From Monday to Friday, except on public holidays.

Summer (16th June till 30th September) – 07:30am till noon

Winter* (1st October till 15th June) – 08:00am till 01:00pm.

*Offices will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday of Holy Week.

Searches Unit – Gozo

From Monday to Friday, except on public holidays.

Summer (16th June till 30th September) – 07:30am till noon

Winter (1st October till 15th June) – 08:00am till 01:00pm.

Central Visa Unit

Central Visa Unit

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). The responsibility of issuing a visa is shared with Malta’s Diplomatic Missions abroad.
The Central Visa Unit is committed to facilitate the issuance of a visa to all applicants, who have a valid and genuine reason to reach the Maltese territory.

What is a Visa?

A visa is an authorisation in the form of a sticker affixed to a passport which authorizes the bearer to stay in or travel through Malta during a limited, specified, period. The possession of a visa does not give the third country national the automatic right of entry, as bearers must prove that they will meet the conditions of entry.

Notwithstanding the possession of a visa, border control authorities may refuse entry or annul the visa if it is established that:

  • the bearer is not in possession of adequate means of subsistence;
  • the data submitted during the visa application produced was incorrect or falsified;
  • the bearer is unable to provide details regarding the circumstances of his/her stay in Malta.

Border control authorities may refuse entry also for reasons of security or public policy. 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; &
  • 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.

Schengen Visa

The Schengen area and cooperation originate from the Schengen Agreement of 1985.

It represents a territory where the free movement of persons is guaranteed. The signatory States to the agreement have abolished all internal borders in lieu of a single external border. Therefore, common rules and procedures are applied to visas for short-stays, asylum requests and border controls. Simultaneously, cooperation and coordination between Police services and judicial authorities guarantee security. Schengen cooperation was incorporated into the European Union legal framework by the Treaty of Amsterdam of 1997. 

A Schengen visa is an authorization issued by a Schengen State with a view to:

  • transit through or an intended stay in the territory of the Schengen States of a duration of no more than 90 days in any 180 days period (“short stay visa”),
  • transit through the international transit areas of airports of the Schengen States (“airport transit visa”).

Schengen Member States

To date, a total of 26 countries adhere to the Schengen Agreement; 22 EU Member States and another four (4) Associated States (non EU Member States) have abolished border control and have fully implement the Schengen acquis in relation to the issuance of a visa. The 26 Schengen Member States are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland*, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein*, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway*, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland*

(* Non EU Member States)

While four (4) EU Members States – Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania – are not yet fully-fledged members of the Schengen area and another two (2) – Ireland and the United Kingdom – maintain autonomous visa, immigration and asylum policies and do not participate in Schengen cooperation.

Key Rules 

The key rules adopted within the Schengen framework include:

  • Removal of checks on persons at the internal borders;
  • A common set of rules applying to people crossing the external borders of the EU Member States;
  • Harmonisation of the conditions of entry and visas rules for short stays;
  • Enhanced police cooperation (including rights of cross-border surveillance and hot pursuit);
  • Stronger judicial cooperation through a faster extradition system and transfer of enforcement of criminal judgments;
  • Establishment and development of the Schengen Information System (SIS).

Visa Code

The Visa Code establishes the procedures and conditions in issuing visas for short stays (maximum of 90 days during any 180 days) in and transit through EU Member States applying the Schengen acquis in full, and the associated states. Therefore, any visa applications to enter Malta for short stays shall conform to the procedures established by the said Visa Code.

Visa Application

Visa applications must be in writing and should give all the details required on the Visa Application Form (this can be downloaded from this website or acquired from one of Malta’s Diplomatic Missions abroad).

The Visa Application Form must be signed by the applicant, and should include:

  • Passport (validity of which must not be less than 3 months); and
  • one (1) passport-size photograph (in colour, taken against a white background and the face should be clearly visible);

Time limit for processing a visa application

In most cases, applications are reviewed within seven (7) to fifteen (15) days.In individual cases, where further scrutiny of the application is necessary, the deadline may be extended up to a maximum of 45 calendar days after the application has been considered admissible.

It is recommended not to file a visa application later than fifteen (15) days prior to a planned trip, or otherwise it cannot be guaranteed that the application will be processed in time. Holders of multiple-entry Schengen short-stay visas can lodge a visa application before this visa has expired, provided it has been valid for at least six (6) months. Visa applications of family members of EU citizens will be reviewed in the shortest possible period of time.

Supporting documents

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION, DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF VISA REQUESTED AND/OR ACCORDING TO THE MISSION/REPRESENTATIVE, SHALL INCLUDE:

  • The purpose of the visit;
  • Means of transport and for the return journey;
  • Means of subsistence (support) during the journey and stay;
  • Accommodation arrangements.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION, DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF VISA REQUESTED AND/OR ACCORDING TO THE MISSION/REPRESENTATIVE, SHALL INCLUDE:

  • A letter of invitation;
  • A summons;
  • Certificate of enrolment;
  • An organised trip.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS REGARDING MEANS OF TRANSPORT AND RETURN SHALL MEAN:

In support of an application for a short-term or travel visa, applicants must show that they are in possession of adequate and valid individual or group Travel Medical Insurance, which covers any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment. The insurance must be valid throughout the Schengen Member States and should cover the entire period of the person’s stay. The minimum coverage is €30,000.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS REGARDING MEANS OF TRANSPORT AND RETURN SHALL MEAN:

  • A valid return ticket; or
  • A certificate of a reserved and prepaid journey.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS REGARDING MEANS OF SUBSISTENCE INCLUDE:

  • Cash in convertible currency;
  • Traveller’s cheques;
  • Cheque books for a foreign currency account;
  • Credit cards;
  • Or any other means that guarantees funds in hard currency.

The level of means of subsistence shall be proportionate to the length and purpose of the stay.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WITH REGARDS TO THE ACCOMMODATION INCLUDE:

  • Hotel reservation or reservation for a similar establishment;
  • Documents proving the existence of a lease or a title deed in the applicant’s name to a property situated in the country to be visited;
  • Where a third-country national states that he/she shall stay at a person’s home or in an institution, the applicant must present a written declaration (Declaration of Proof) by the host, vouching for his/her commitment to accommodate the third-country national. The Diplomatic Mission and Consular posts will verify such declarations, where such checks are necessary;
  • Or present a certificate in the form of a harmonised form, which must be filled in by the host/institution and stamped by the competent authority in Malta (according to the provisions laid down in its national legislation), vouching for the host’s commitment to accommodate the third-country national.

TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE

In support of an application for a short-term or travel visa (including Long-stay visa), applicants must show that they are in possession of adequate and valid individual or group Travel Medical Insurance, which covers any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment. The insurance must be valid throughout the Schengen Member States and should cover the entire period of the person’s stay. The minimum coverage is €30,000.

DECLARATION OF PROOF

Applicants, who are being invited from a reference host person in Malta, must present a Declaration of Proof, whereby, the Maltese host will declare that he/she are able to accommodate the applicant and/or being able to bear the applicant’s living costs and repatriation.

The Declaration of Proof form must contain information about the purpose of the applicant and indicate, in particular, the following:

  • Whether its purpose is proof of sponsorship and/or of accommodation;
  • Whether the host is an individual, a company or an organisation;
  • The host’s identity and contact details;
  • The invited applicant(s);
  • The accommodation’s address;
  • The length and purpose of stay;
  • Possible family ties with the host.

It should therefore contain complete and relevant information about the host person extending the invitation, the applicant (as the invited person) and their relationship (including any family relationship), along with the purpose of stay to be covered by visa. The invitation should also state whether the host person extending the invitation will also be the financial guarantor for the applicant.

By completing and signing the Declaration of Proof, the reference host person guarantees to be financially responsible for any expenses incurred in connection with the applicant’s stay in Malta and repatriation, if the applicant fails to return to his/her country of origin before the expiry of the visa applied for.

The Declaration of Proof is to be certified, witnessed and stamped by a legal representative. If any information provided is found to be false or incorrect, the host person, whether an individual, a company or an organisation, is liable to criminal responsibility under the Laws of that particular Member State. In Malta, Articles 188 and 189 of the Criminal Code (Chapter 9 of the Laws of Malta) and Article 32 of the Immigration Act (Chapter 217 of the Laws of Malta) will apply along with any other law or regulation which may be in force at the time of the unlawful declaration.

Who Requires a Visa?

Bound by Regulations, the list of third-countries whose nationals are subject to the visa requirement when traveling to Malta and/or any other EU Member State are:

AFGHANISTAN ALGERIA ANGOLA
>ARMENIA AZERBAIJAN BAHRAIN
BANGLADESH BELARUS BELIZE
BENIN BHUTAN BOLIVIA
BOTSWANA BURKINA FASO BURMA/MYANMAR
BURUNDI CAMBODIA CAMEROON
CAPE VERDE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC CHAD
CHINA COMOROS CONGO
COTE D’IVOIRE CUBA DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
DJIBOUTI DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ECUADOR
EGYPT EQUATORIAL GUINEA ERITREA
ETHIOPIA FIJI GABON
GAMBIA GHANA GUINEA
GUINEA-BISSAU GUYANA HAITI
INDIA INDONESIA IRAN
IRAQ JAMAICA JORDAN
KAZAKHSTAN KENYA KOSOVO
KUWAIT KYRGYZSTAN LAOS
LEBANON LESOTHO LIBERIA
LIBYA MADAGASCAR MALAWI
MALDIVES MALI MAURITANIA
MONGOLIA MOROCCO MOZAMBIQUE
NAMIBIA NAURU NEPAL
NIGER NIGERIA NORTH KOREA
OMAN PAKISTAN PALESTINE
PAPUA NEW GUINEA PHILIPPINES QATAR
RUSSIA RWANDA SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE
SAUDI ARABIA SENEGAL SIERRA LEONE
SOMALIA SOUTH AFRICA SOUTH SUDAN
SRI LANKA SUDAN SURINAME
SWAZILAND SYRIA TAJIKISTAN
TANZANIA THAILAND TOGO
TUNISIA TURKEY TURKMENISTAN
UGANDA UZBEKISTAN VIETNAM
YEMEN ZAMBIA ZIMBABWE

Third-country nationals who must be in possession of an airport transit visa when passing through an EU airport international transit areas are:

Afghanistan Bangladesh Democratic Republic of the Congo
Eritrea Ethiopia Ghana
Iran Iraq Nigeria
Pakistan Somalia Sri Lanka

Where To Apply

Visa applications may only be lodged, examined and decided upon by the Consulate in whose jurisdiction the applicant legally resides. A visa application lodged by a third-country national, legally present but not residing in its jurisdiction, may be accepted if the Central Visa Unit considers that the justification provided by the applicant on the submission of application to a particular Consulate of Malta, is both coherent and credible.

 

The representation agreement with Germany in Botswana, Guinea, Mongolia, Namibia and Togo will be re-activated on 31.10.2022. Representation in Zimbabwe will remain suspended until further notice.

Conditions for Issuing a Visa

If Malta is the sole or the main destination of the visit, it is the Maltese authorities who shall examine the visa application.

In a country where Malta has no Consular Representation, an application may be submitted with the Consul of another Member State with which Malta has a bilateral agreement with.

Malta has also made arrangements with private external service providers so that an application may be submitted at their offices (including the capturing of biometric features).

A uniform visa may be issued for one or multiple entries with a maximum validity of five (5) years. In certain humanitarian cases, the period of validity of a visa may be extended. 

A visa application may be lodged by the applicant at the earliest six (6) months before the intended visit. When lodging an application, the applicant must appear in person, unless this requirement has been waived. Apart from certain exceptions, the applicant must allow the collection of his/her fingerprints. Applicant will be exempted from having their fingerprints captured for a period of 59 months and need to pay the applicable fee. The visa fee may be waived or reduced in individual cases, including cultural, foreign and development policy reasons. 

A visa is refused if the applicant:

  • Presents a false travel document;
  • Gives no justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay;
  • Provides no proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the duration of the stay nor for the return to his/her country of origin/residence;
  • Has already exhausted the 90 days of the current 180 days period;
  • Is subject to an alert in the Schengen Information System (SIS) for the purpose of refusing entry;
  • Is considered to be a threat to the public policy, internal security or public health of one of the Member States;
  • Provides no proof of travel medical insurance, if applicable;
  • Presents supporting documents or statements whose authenticity or reliability is doubtful.

In certain cases, the period of validity of a visa may be extended, while under certain circumstances, the visa may also be annulled or revoked. 

Applicants who have been refused or have had their visa annulled or revoked, have the right to appeal against such decision to the Immigration Appeals Board within fifteen (15) days of the notification of such decision. Any communication to the Immigration Appeals Board should be addressed to: 

The Secretary

Immigration Appeals Board

15, 1st Floor

City Gate Building,

Ordinance Street,

Valletta

Visa Appeals Procedure

Whenever a visa application is refused, annulled or revoked by the Maltese authorities, the applicant is issued a refusal letter notifying him/her of the reasons of such refusal. 

Applicants who have been refused or have had their visa annulled or revoked, have the right to appeal against such decision to the Immigration Appeals Board within fifteen (15) days of the notification of such decision. Any communication should be in English and addressed to the Immigration Appeals Board as follows: 

The Secretary

Immigration Appeals Board

15, 1st Floor

City Gate Building,

Ordinance Street,

Valletta

Applicants must submit to the Immigration Appeals Board within 15 days a copy of the refusal letter and other supporting documents justifying the grounds on which the decision should be reviewed. Such documents must be certified true copies of original by a lawyer or notary. 

The appeal should be sent by registered mail and emailed to [email protected];[email protected].

Subsequently, the Immigration Appeals Board will notify the person lodging the appeal and the Central Visa Unit with its decision.

Visa Student Application

Courses not exceeding 90 calendar days

Third-country nationals attending courses of a duration that does not exceed 90 days are to be issued with a Schengen Short-Stay Visa (C-Visa).

The  applicant  is to present  his/her application  at one of the submission points indicated below where the applicant resides or is legally present together with supporting documents:

  • Directly at one of Malta’s missions or consular posts;
  • At the premises of another Member State representing Malta, or;
  • At the premises of an authorised External Service Provider.

Together with his/her application, the applicant is required to submit their biometric data.

If  approved,  the visa shall  be granted on the  basis of a multiple  entry visa for the duration of the entire course, plus a 7-day grace period, provided that the total amount does not exceed 90 days.

In  normal  circumstances,  the processing time,  from the date of submission  of the application to the final decision on the application, shall not exceed the period of 15 working days.

The  above  procedure  is not applicable  for students who are  listed as visa-exempt nationals.

Courses exceeding 90 calendar days

Applicants (including those TCNs who are visa exempt for 90 days) who apply for courses which exceed 90 calendar days are to be issued with a National Long Stay Visa (D-Visa).

Applicants must present their application at one of the submission points indicated below:

  1. Directly at one of Malta’s missions or consular posts, or;
  2. At the premises of an authorised External Service Provide.

Extension of Stay

  1. In  all cases  where the course  exceeds 90 days, except  for higher-education courses recognised by MQRIC at Malta Qualifications Framework Level 5 or higher, the further authorisation to stay in Malta shall be extended by a national D-visa for a maximum period of 365 days counting from the initial date of entry into the Schengen area.
  2. Students  who would  require a further  authorisation to stay  in Malta are required to contact the CVU not before 30 days, and by not later than 21 days, before  the expiry of their visa, and present all the required documents including proof of satisfactory performance and attendance.
    1. If  the duration  of the course  exceeds 365 days  and the student would  have already exhausted the  validity of the national visa,  or his/her stay in the Schengen area  already exceeded 365 days, the student  must apply for a residence permit in order to extend his/ her stay in Malta. Applicants will be required to contact the IMA Expatriates Unit not before 30 days and by not later than 21 days before  the expiry of his/her visa and present all the required documents including proof of satisfactory performance and attendance.
  3. Students (as defined in Subsidiary Legislation 217.22) following a higher-education course which exceeds 90 days must apply for a residence permit before the expiry of their initial authorisation to stay.

Relevant documents in support of a visa application

  1. Completed and signed visa application form duly filled  in English, together with one recent passport-sized photo;
  2. Valid  passport,  showing at  least three blank  pages, with a validity  period beyond the duration of the entire course plus three months;
  3. Proof of sufficient financial means which are equivalent to 75% of the national minimum wage for every month of study;
  4. Air ticket/s to the final destination with the return trip, where applicable;
  5. Host/hotel confirmation for the duration of the course;
  6. Letter  of sponsorship,  including a copy  of the identification  document and contact details of sponsor/s,  if the applicant is sponsored by a third party;
  7. Proof of scholarship, if applicable;
  8. Students who are not pursuing a higher-education qualification must provide an enrolment/ acceptance letter from a local education institution licensed by the national regulator. For courses below MQF level 5, the documentation must include  a confirmation that the student will be covering a minimum of 15 contact hours per week, a copy of the time table and a schedule of lessons per every month of study.
  9.  Students who are pursuing a higher-education qualification must provide an enrolment / acceptance letter from a local education institution licensed by the national regulator. The document must include a confirmation that 60 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) are obtained within a maximum period of one year. The same proportion will be applied for other credit systems. These students also have to present evidence of the times table and a schedule of lessons per every month of study.
  10. Proof of sufficient language proficiency to be eligible to apply for the selected course of study;
  11. Travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000;
  12. Full-refund medical health insurance from a recognised provider covering the entire duration of the course. The policy must cover the entire duration of the course and not the duration of the visa originally issued to the applicant;
  13. Birth certificate/family book, in case of minors;
  14. Authorisation  of the two parents  or legal guardians, in  case of minors. The authorisation document has to be duly authenticated. In case of any doubts the Consul may always request further information or documents;
  15. Passport data page of both parents or legal guardians, in case of minors;
  16. Proof of payment received by the education institution related to the applicant’s course:
    1. For courses of a value of up to €1,000, the receipt covering full payment shall be requested;
    2. For  courses  of a value  of more than  €1,000 but less  than €2,500, the receipt covering up to 75% of the course shall be requested;
    3. For courses of a value that is equal to or higher than €2,500, the receipt covering up to 50% of the course shall be requested;
  17. Any  additional  documents that  may be deemed necessary  by the Consular Post.

General Rules & Obligations

  1. Representatives of educational establishments will be requested to submit a list of accepted students to the CVU prior to the commencement of the visa process. Following preliminary checks, CVU will communicate the approved list of students to the respective Consular post or Member State (in case of representation). CVU shall inform the respective educational establishment of the  list of students that may submit their application and the relevant submission point. CVU clearance does not equate to an approval of the visa application.
  2. Normal visa procedures, including interviews with the applicants and additional due diligence procedures, are to be followed at the discretion of the CVU and the Consular Post.
  3. Consular offices will process student visa applications as provided for by CVU in line with IMA policies.
  4. Consular offices will keep CVU updated on the outcome of the visa process. They  must return the list of applicants together with information about the outcome of their applications.
  5. CVU shall inform the relevant educational establishment, MEDE and IMA Expatriates Unit of the list of students who have been granted a visa to pursue a study course in Malta.
  6. Education establishments are obliged to inform MEDE and CVU immediately regarding:
    1. Non arrivals of student/s in Malta who have therefore not reported to the school;
    2. Any changes in accommodation arrangements or course of study of the students;
    3. Unjustified students’ absence from the school, or;
    4. Any other relevant matters which may lead the authorities to revoke an issued visa or residence permit.
  1. Schools may be obliged to forward to IMA monthly attendance records of each student issued with a visa or residence permit. IMA may also request a progress report on individual students.
  2. IMA and the Police Immigration Office may carry out physical inspections at the school and monitor attendance of the students concerned. Any information concerning irregularities of shortcomings by the schools with respect to immigration matters will be passed on to the relevant national regulators for any action which may be deemed appropriate.

Employment

Students who do not qualify under the provisions of Subsidiary Legislation 217.22, and are following courses which exceed 90 days, may take up employment in Malta. Access  to employment may be granted subject to conditions imposed by Jobsplus, including those sectors where these students would be allowed to work. Students will only be allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week after their first three months of study in Malta. These provisions are subject to change from time to time according to the discretion of the Ministry responsible for Jobsplus.

TCNs pursuing a full-time course leading to a higher education qualification recognised by MQRIC may take up employment for a maximum period of 20 hours per week, starting from their first year of study. In such instances, the student may apply for a work permit upon the issuance a residence permit, which will include specific reference to S.L. 217.22.   It must also be noted that an application for a work permit will be considered more favourable if the employment offer is related to the student’s chosen area of studies.

Fees

Applicants must pay applicable fees in accordance with Fee Ordinance L.N.287 of 2020.

The Central Visa Unit accepts credit card and cheque payments.

Applicable fees for a long-stay visa application are as follows:
(a) Study purpose €70
(b) Any other purpose €100

Children under the age of six years are free of charge.

Application forms

Select a form from the drop down menu to download

Identity Malta Agency

Opening Hours

Central Visa Unit – Malta

Monday to Friday from 08:00am to 02:00pm

Central Visa Unit – Gozo

Monday to Friday from 08:00am to 12:30pm

Passport Office

Passport Office

The Passport Office issues a Maltese passport to Maltese citizens and assists Maltese Embassies, Maltese High Commissions and Consulates abroad. On 30th September 2008, the first Maltese biometric passport was issued, bringing Malta in line with EU legislation and becoming part of the US Visa Waiver Program. Subsequently, on 28th June 2010, the Malta Passport Office initialised the process of capturing fingerprints of applicants in accordance with EC Regulation No. 2252/2004. Later this year, Malta will be getting a technologically advanced new passport, making the travel document even safer.

Applying for a Passport

Adults

First-time applicants need to personally call at the Passport Office and present the following documents:

  • e-ID card and a photocopy of the said document front and back; &
  • Form A (which can be downloaded from this website), with sections 1, 2, 5, 7 and 9 duly filled. Section 7 needs to be filled in by a recommender.

Facial biometric image and fingerprints will be captured at the Passport Office.

Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents is not submitted, the application process stops immediately.

Passport Collection

Applicants over 12 years of age need to personally call at the Passport Office to collect the passport. Fingerprints will be captured again for authentication reasons and the passport’s chip will be checked as necessary. Adults need to present their e-ID card and receipt.

Minors

Children under the age of six (6) years:

  • They don’t need to visit the Passport Office;
  • Form A (which can be downloaded from this website), with sections 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7 duly filled. Section 7 needs to be filled in by a recommender;
  • Both parents need to sign Section 6 in front of the recommender. The recommender must witness both parents’ signatures in his/her presence;
  • Present two (2) identical passport photos taken against a white background (see photo recommendations in the ICAO photo recommendations below for more details regarding the photos), where one (1) of the photos must be signed and endorsed at the back by the same recommender who signed Section 6 and 7 in Form A;
  • The endorsement must be as follows: This is a true likeness of (Name and Surname), and ONLY the signature of the recommender underneath;
  • Present both parents’ ID cards and a photocopy of the said documents front and back;
  • All of the above documentation need to be submitted to the Passport Office by at least one of the parents.

Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents is not submitted, the application process stops immediately.

Minors between six (6) and thirteen (13) years:

They have to personally call at the Passport Office and present the following:

  • Form A (which can be downloaded from this website), with sections 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7 duly filled. Section 7 needs to be filled in by a recommender;
  • Both parents need to sign Section 6 in front of the recommender. The recommender must witness both parents’ signatures in his/her presence;
  • One (1) passport photo taken against a white background (see photo recommendations in the ICAO photo recommendations below for more details regarding the photos), signed and endorsed at the back by the same recommender who signed Section 6 and 7 in Form A;
  • The endorsement must be as follows: This is a true likeness of (Name and Surname), and ONLY the signature of the recommender underneath;
  • Both parents’ ID cards and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
  • All of the above documentation need to be submitted at the Passport   Office by at least one of the parents;
  • Facial biometric image will be taken at the Passport Office; &
  • Minors aged twelve (12) years and over will also have their fingerprints captured.

Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents is not submitted, the application process stops immediately.

Minors between fourteen (14) and fifteen (15) years:

They have to personally call at the Passport Office and present the following:

  • Form A (which can be downloaded from this website), with sections 1, 2, 5, 7 and 9 duly filled. Section 7 needs to be filled in by a recommender;
  • Both parents have to sign on Section 6, in front of the recommender. The recommender must witness both parents’ signatures in his/her presence;
  • Minor’s 14+ e-ID Card and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
  • Both parents’ ID cards and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
  • All of the above documentation need to be submitted at the Passport Office by at least one of the parents; &
  • Facial biometric image and fingerprints will be taken at the Passport Office.

Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents is not submitted, the application process stops immediately.

Minors between sixteen (16) and seventeen (17) years:

They have to personally call at the Passport Office and present the following:

  • Form A (which can be downloaded from this website), with sections 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, and 9 duly filled. Section 7 needs to be filled in by a recommender;
  • Both parents have to sign on Section 6, in front of the recommender. The recommender must witness both parents’ signatures in his/her presence;
  • Minor’s 16+ e-ID Card and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
  • Both parents’ ID cards and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
  • All of the above documentation need to be submitted at the Passport Office by at least one of the parents; &
  • Facial biometric image and fingerprints will be taken at the Passport Office.

Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents is not submitted, the application process stops immediately.

Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Valid Passport

If a minor’s VALID passport is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the parents need to submit a police report with such claims. The Passport Office will not process the application unless a police report is filed. The above-mentioned steps need to be taken so that a new passport will be issued.

One of the parents, in the name of the minor applicant, would need to take an oath or give a sworn declaration to the Passport Office.

The oath is charged €11.

Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Expired Passport

In the case of a lost, stolen or destroyed expired passport the above-mentioned procedure needs to be followed. 

Passport Collection for Minors

The passport needs to be collected by either one of the minor’s parents and present their e-ID Card. Minors aged 12 years and above, need to personally call at the Passport Office in order to collect the passport to have their fingerprints captured again for authentication reasons and the passport’s chip will be checked as necessary.

Collective Passport

A collection passport is issued in favour of approved groups of students, boy scouts, girl guides or members of other recognised youth organisations (under 18 years) travelling with an adult group leader, who has a valid individual passport. 

A Collective Passport is issued for groups of not less than five (5) persons and not more than fifty (50).

All the group members must be citizens of Malta and must be travelling and staying together throughout the whole duration. The collection passport fee is €95 and should be paid on application.

The group leader would need to submit the following documents:

  • An alphabetical list of the persons travelling, including surname, name, place of birth, date of birth and home address;
  • Birth certificate issued by the Public Registry Unit;
  • Written consent of the legal guardians or parents of each person;
  • Two(2) recent passports size photos of all persons and one (1) of them should be endorsed and signed by a recommender;
  • The group leader’s passport for verification.

Fees

The fee for a collective passport is €95, paid upon application.

Emergency Travel Document

Last update: 19/05/2020

The Passport Office issues a one-way Travel Document (‘ETD’) to EU Nationals and a Document of Identity to Non-EU nationals. This service is available for tourists, foreign students or foreign residents whom their passport or travelling document/s has been stolen, lost, destroyed, or expired while they are residing in Malta and are going back to their country.

To apply for a one-way travel document, one needs to fill in Form A which can be found in the “Application Forms” section below, and follow the below instructions.

To obtain an ETD, Applicant must visit the Passport Office in person and fill in FORM A as below:

  • Adults must fill in sections 1, 2, 7, and 9 from the Form A, and also bring 2 passport sized photos, which one of them has to be signed by a recommender. The applicant also must bring the flight itinerary and any other identification documents available (originals or true copies).
  • For children aged 17 and under, section 1, 2, 6, and 7 must be filled in from Form A, and bring 2 passport sized photos, which one of them has to be signed by a recommender. Both parents must be present at the office together with the minor. An original birth certificate of the minor/s must be presented on application. Both parents’ original valid identity documents along with the flight itinerary must be presented.

If both the minor’s parents or one of the parents is not with the minor here in Malta, the minor’s parent/s has to go to the nearest Maltese representation (if there is at the country where they are residing), if there is no Maltese representation in the country where the parent/s is/are residing, he/she/they has/have to go to the nearest EU embassy to sign the consent form for their minor, to give the authority the permission to do him/her this one-way travel document.

If the applicant has lost, destroyed or his/her identification document have been stolen, the holder is required to submit a police report with such claims. The Passport Office will not process the application unless a police report is presented with the Form A. The applicant would need to take an oath or give a sworn declaration to the Passport Office.

For the recommender’s signature: We have a number of Foreign Consular Representations here in Malta. An applicant must seek the assistance of his country’s consular representation for recommendation purposes and the relevant authorization letter. If there is no Foreign Consular Representation here in Malta, the Form A and the back of the photos must be recommended by a Maltese professional person that is known by the applicant.

Please note that this service is only offered to applicants whose country has no Embassy in Malta. If the concerned applicants have an Embassy here in Malta, they can seek assistance from their relevant embassy. This document is issued on the clearance of the competent authority and is not issued to Maltese citizens who are in Malta and do not have a passport.

Under governing laws, no means of redress is available against a decision concerning an ETD.

The applicable fee for a one-way travel document is €9. If the identification document has been lost, destroyed or stolen, an extra €11 must be paid for the oath. The Passport Office accepts payments by cash, Credit Card, VISA, Revolut or cheque.

The normal procedure entails that the applicants buy the flight tickets, so their respective authorities are advised, and they always complete the procedure accordingly.

The competent authorities usually always reply and comply. No legal consequences are taken by Passport Office if any applicant needs to take legal action, they do so on their own accord.

The procedure is normally carried out in English as most of the applicants are foreigners.

Most of the competent authorities always send their authorization email in short time. If time is restricted due to an urgent flight, we send reminders to speed the process.

Refugee

Applicants applying for an adult’s refugee passport should visit the Passport Office and present the following:

  • Application form filled and signed by a Maltese recommender; 
  • One (1) recent photo of the applicant (in colour), taken against a white background, signed and endorsed by a recommender (who should also complete the relevant part in the application form);
  • Applicants’ e-Residence Card (or Travel Documents) and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
  • Refcom card issued by the Refugee Commission and a photocopy of the said document front and back;

The applicant would need to pay an application fee of €60. 

Applicants applying for a child’s refugee passport should visit the Passport Office with their children (six (6) years or over) and present the following:

  • Application form filled and signed by both parents; 
  • Two (2) recent, identical, photos (in colour) of the child, taken against a white background. One (1) of photos must be signed at the back and endorsed by a recommender (who should have also completed the relevant part of the application form);
  • Both parents’ eResidence Card (or Travel Documents) and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
  • Refcom cards issued by the Refugee Commission and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
  • The child’s passport (if any) if he/she was already issued with a Travel Document;

The applicant would need to pay an application fee of €60.

Aliens

Applicants applying for an adult’s alien’s passport should visit the Passport Office and present the following:

  • Application form filled and signed by a Maltese recommender; 
  • One (1) recent photo of the applicant (in colour), taken against a white background, signed and endorsed by a recommender (who should also complete the relevant part in the application form);
  • Applicants’ e-Residence Card (or Travel Documents) and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
  • Refcom card issued by the Refugee Commission and a photocopy of the said document front and back;

The applicant would need to pay an application fee of €60. 

Applicants applying for a child’s alien’s passport should visit the Passport Office with their children (aged six (6) or over) and present the following:

  • Application form filled and signed by both parents; 
  • Two (2) recent, identical, photos (in colour) of the child taken against a white background. One (1) of photos must be signed at the back and endorsed by a recommender (who should have also completed the relevant part of the application form);
  • Both parents’ eResidence Card (or Travel Documents) and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
  • Refcom cards issued by the Refugee Commission and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
  • The child’s passport (if any) if he/she was already issued with a Travel Document;

The applicant would need to pay an application fee of €60.

Second Passport

A Second Passport is a passport requested by someone who uses the passport solely for work-related purposes.

To apply for a second passport the applicant need to personally call at the Passport Office, and present the following documents:

  • e-ID card and a photocopy of the said document and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
  • Form A (which can be downloaded from this website), with sections 1, 2, 5, and 9 duly filled;
  • A recommendation letter signed by the company’s director stating why the applicant is requesting this passport. If the applicant is the director of the company, this letter has to be written and signed by the company’s notary, lawyer, accountant, or auditor; &
  • A photocopy of the e-ID Card / Passport of the person who has signed the recommendation letter.

Please note that this passport will be valid for 10 years, however, restricted for 2 years.

Facial biometric image and fingerprints will be captured at the Passport Office.

Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents is not submitted, the application process stops immediately.

Fee

All applicants need to settle the applicable fees when the applications are submitted. The Passport Office accepts payments by cash, credit cards or cheque. 

Applicable Tariffs

Passport type Validity Fee
Adult Passport over 16 years (applying between Sept & March) 10 years €70
Adult Passport over 16 years (applying between April & August) 10 years €80
Passport for Minors age between 10 and 15 years 5 years €40
Passport for Minors under 10 years 2 years €16
Other services Fee
Administration of Oaths (for passports only*) €11
Arabic Translation €7
Collective Passport €95
Document of Identity / Emergency Document €9
Diplomatic Passport  (issued by authority only) €40
Refugee Travelling Documents (all ages) €60
Aliens’ Passport (all ages) €60
Second Passport (issued by special authority) €135
Urgent Passport for adults over 16 years (issued within 4 hours) €140
Urgent Passport for minors age 10 to 15 years (issued within 4 hours) €80
Urgent passport for minors under 10 years (issued within 4 hours) €60
Urgent passport for adults over 16 years

(issued after office hours and only in special cases)

 €185
Urgent Passport for minors age 10 to 15 years

(issued after office hours and only in special cases)

 €125
Urgent passport for minors under 10 years

(issued after office hours and only in special cases)

 €105

Passport Renewal

Adults over the age of eighteen (18) wishing to renew their passport must personally visit the Passport Office and present their:

  • e-ID card and a photocopy of the said document front and back; &
  • Form A (which can be downloaded from this website) with sections 1, 2, 5 and 9 duly filled.

Facial biometric image and fingerprints will be captured at the Passport Office.

Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents is not submitted, the application process stops immediately.

In the case of minors, passports are not renewed and minors would need to re apply as if it where their first-time. (Please see application process in the Minors section). 

Passport Collection

Applicants over 12 years of age need to personally call at the Passport Office to collect the passport. Fingerprints will be captured again for authentication reasons and the passport’s chip will be checked as necessary. Adults need to present their e-ID card and receipt.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Passport

Renewal of a VALID lost, stolen or destroyed passport for Adults

When a valid passport is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the holder must personally visit the Passport Office and present the following documents:

  • e-ID Card and a photocopy of the said document front and back;
  • Form A (which can be downloaded from this website), with sections 1, 2, 5, 7, and 9 duly filled. Section 7 needs to be filled in by a recommender; &
  • Submit a police report with such claims. The Passport Office will not process the application unless a police report is filed.

Facial biometric image and fingerprints will be captured at the Passport Office.

The applicant would need to take an oath or give a sworn declaration to the Passport Office.  The oath costs €11.

Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents are not submitted, the application process stops immediately.

Renewal of an EXPIRED lost, stolen, or destroyed passport for Adults

When an expired passport is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the holder must personally visit the Passport Office and present the following documents:

  • e-ID Card and a photocopy of the said document front and back; &
  • Form A (which can be downloaded from this website), with sections 1, 2, 5, 7 and 9 duly filled. Section 7 needs to be filled in by a recommender.

Facial biometric image and fingerprints will be captured at the Passport Office.

Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents is not submitted, the application process stops immediately.

Emergency Service

The Passport Office offers an emergency service where a passport application is processed in the same day at an extra cost (as indicated above). 

Applicants should fill in Form A and notify the Passport Office beforehand by calling (+356) 2590 4100. If all relevant information is correct, the application is processed in four (4) working hours. 

If applicants calls before 10:00AM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, than they may collect their new passport on the same day. On Wednesdays, the applicant may call till 02:00PM. Requests for an urgent passport lodged after the indicated time or on a Saturday will be processed and ready for collection on the next working day. 

This service does not apply if the passport is lost/stolen or was issued for a restricted window period. To urgently replace a lost, stolen or destroyed passport, the applicant must first file a police report. In such cases, the assistance of the Passport Office would be required and the passport would be ready on the next working day.

Requests for a second passport should be made to the Passport Office with the necessary verification documents attached. If such request is turned down by the Passport Office, then the applicant will be reimbursed by cheque on the presentation of receipt.

In case of an emergency outside office hours, the general public is required to contact (depending on the mode of transportation):

• Seaport Immigration,
• Airport Immigration,
• Malta International Airport,
• Sea Terminals, or
• For Medical reasons, one can contact Mater Dei Hospital or any other private hospital.

Our officers will be immediately notified and will provide service during our silent hours for an additional fee if the applicant provides at least four (4) hours of notice prior to his/her departure.

If the applicant’s passport is lost, stolen, or destroyed, his or her application cannot be processed outside of business hours.

An original and valid ID card is also required. During silent hours, passports cannot be issued in the absence of a valid original ID card.

Applicants Unable to Call in Person

If the applicant is unable to call in person at the Passport Office due to severe medical/health reasons, a family member can fill in for him/her. In that case, the applicant would need to fill in Form A and the Image Capture Application Form (which can be downloaded from this website). A recent photo needs to be attached to the latter and the applicant would need to sign in black ink. The applicant should refer to the photo guidelines in Form A and make sure that the photo was taken in the last three (3) months.

The assigned relative calling on his/her behalf should bring along with him/her the following:

  • Form A;
  • Applicant’s photo;
  • Image Capture Application Form;
  • Applicant’s existing passport; and
  • Applicant’s e-ID card and a photocopy of the said document front and back.

Furthermore, the applicant would need to send a medical certificate (endorsed by a local general practitioner) stating his/her medical condition and the reason for his/her inability to apply and collect his/her passport in person. The relative applying for and collecting his/her passport should be indicated in the medical certificate. The photos and the medical certificate will be kept for record purposes. 

The relative applying on his/her behalf must also present his/her e-ID card and a photocopy of the said document front and back when submitting the application on his/her behalf and later on collection. 

The Passport Office may refuse to process one’s application if it cannot confirm his/her true identity with the documents submitted. Consequently, applicants may be asked to provide further documentation to sustain his/her identity.

Certificates to Present When Applying for a New Passport

When applying for a Maltese passport, it is important to have your birth, marriage, separation, or divorce (if applicable) registered with the Maltese Public Registry before applying for the passport.

If the applicant acquired Maltese nationality by registration, naturalisation or has a dual nationality, then the relevant certificates must be presented on application. Other certificates are not needed.

People who acquired Maltese Citizenship

Anyone who acquired Maltese citizenship and are applying for a Maltese Passport for the first time, have to come personally to the Passport Office and submit the following documents:

  • Form A (which can be downloaded from this website), with sections 1, 2, 5, 7 and 9 duly filled. Section 7 needs to be filled in by a recommender;
  • e-ID Card. (If the applicant does not have an Identity Card because he/she does not reside in Malta, needs to present 1 passport size photo signed by the same recommender who signed Section 7 on Form A); &
  • Maltese Citizenship Certificate.

Facial biometric image and fingerprints will be captured at the Passport Office.

Under normal circumstances, applications are processed within four (4) working days and are collected from the Passport Office. In case the application is not properly complete, the applicant will be notified. This may prolong the whole process. In case any one or more of the necessary documents is not submitted, the application process stops immediately.

Conditions of use

The biometric passport contains sensitive electronics features, and should not to bent, perforated or exposed to extreme temperatures (not less than -10°C and not more than +50°C) or immersed in any type of liquid.

The passport should be stored in a clean and dry place, protected from UV/visible light, mechanical stress, scratching or rubbing. Excessive impact, resulting in a visual mark or indentation, should be avoided.

This passport is the property of the Government of Malta and it may be withdrawn at the government’s discretion. This is a valuable document which cannot be modified in any way and should not be left in the possession of any unauthorised person. 

Any attempt to change the data or appearance of the passport will also invalidate the warranty. Failure to observe these conditions will result in the passport being replaced at the applicant’s expense. In the event of deliberate abuse or attempts at manipulation, the applicant may also be liable to criminal prosecution.

Accidental or deliberate damage to the passport will invalidate the warranty.

Visa Waiver Program

The visa waiver program is a government program of the United States of America that enables citizens of Malta and nationals from the other 37 visa waiver countries to enter the United States of America for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. The advantage of entering the United States of America under the visa waiver program is that travellers can travel on short notice without obtaining a visa in advance. The visa waiver program applies to all territories of the United State of America, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US-Virgin Islands.

However, travellers holding a Maltese e-Passport must pre-register and have their visit to the United States of America approved. Registration is done online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP. A Travel Authorization is currently valid for two (2) years unless the passport expires earlier, in which case the expiry date and travel authorization validity date will be the same.

What is the purpose of ESTA?

As indicated above, ESTA is an application system for individuals travelling under the Visa Waiver Program.  The Visa Waiver Program has made visiting the US an easy and simple process for the millions of visitors in possession of an e-passport. The ESTA application process is overseen and managed by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

TTo apply for ESTA, Maltese citizens should visit the U.S. Embassy’s website (https://mt.usembassy.gov/), navigate to visas, click on learn more about ESTA – Visa waiver program and choose Apply for an ESTA authorisation. This will navigate the user to the ESTA application website, where applicants need to answer a set of questions.

Travellers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, including Malta, will be required to pay a fee of $14.00 when applying for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

The ESTA is not a visa and a person from a non-visa waiver country should not attempt to apply for ESTA.  ESTA only pre-screens visa waiver travellers in order to allow them to travel to the US.  An approved ESTA does not guarantee entry to the US, but it is a prerequisite to travel to the US by air or sea carrier.  If the traveller does note bear an ESTA approval, then he/she will be instruct to apply for a visitor’s visa at the nearest US Embassy. Without an ESTA approval, travellers may experience delays and be denied boarding or refused entry at the US border control.

Travellers from a Visa Waiver Country who are not in possession of an e-passport but an older version, need to apply for a visitor’s visa in advance.

For further information, please visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

Passport Photograph Guidance

Applicants are advised to follow the below instructions carefully. If the photos do not meet the said requirements, then the application will be considered incomplete or completely turned down. Photographs are kept for record purposes and are not returned. 

Photographs are required in the following cases:

  • Minors under fourteen (14) years;
  • Persons who do not hold a valid Maltese e-ID card since they are not residing in Malta;
  • Applicants unable to call in person at the Passport Office due to health, old age or sickness reasons;
  • Persons calling at Maltese Embassies that do not have a Biometric Capture Station installed.

Whenever applicants are requested to attach a set of photos to their application, it is important to point out that:

  • The photos must be printed on photo-quality paper and in high resolution;
  • The photos must be in colour, taken against a white background and printed on a non-glossy paper;
  • The photos must be not older than six (6) months;
  • Whenever two (2) photos are required, these must be identical;
  • In the case of minors under the age of fourteen (14) years, they must be the only subject in the photograph. The portrait shall show the minor alone with no other people, chair backs or toys visible;
  • The photos should measure 45mm x 35mm (1.77 x 1.38 inch) in height and width; 
  • The photos should portray a close-up of the applicant’s head and the top of his/her shoulders. The face should take up 70-80% of the vertical dimension of the photograph;
  • The head of the person being photographed should not be tilted up, down or to the side, but centred.
  • The photos need to be in sharp focus and of high quality with no creases or ink marks;
  • The photos need to show the applicant looking directly towards the camera, portraying his/her neutral expression. Smiles, frowning, raised eyebrows or unusual expressions are considered to be not acceptable;
  • The photos should have the appropriate brightness and contrast, showing the person’s natural skin tone;
  • The photos shall show the applicant with his/her eyes open and clearly visible (with no hair obscuring the eyes) and the mouth closed; 
  • The applicant needs to look facing square to the camera, not looking over one shoulder (portrait style);
  • The head should be upright so that an imaginary horizontal line drawn between the centres of the eyes may be parallel to the top edge of the picture;
  • Both edges of the face shall be clearly visible;
  • The background shall be plain and white. Photographs with dark, busy or patterned backgrounds will not be accepted;
  • The lighting shall be uniform with no shadows and no reflection on the face;
  • Red eyed photographs are not accepted;
  • The person should wear normal/casual attire, without wearing a hat or dark glasses.  
  • Head coverings shall not be accepted except in circumstances specifically approved by the competent authority. Such circumstances may include religious, medical or cultural reasons;
  • Unless worn daily for religious reasons, all hats or headgear should be removed for the photo. A signed statement from the applicant must be submitted with the application verifying that the item is worn daily for religious reasons.  In all cases, no item or attire should cover or otherwise obscure any part of the face;
  • A photo depicting a person wearing a traditional facemask or veil that does not permit adequate identification is not acceptable;
  • The photo shall show the eyes clearly with no light reflection off the glasses and no tinted lenses. If possible, avoid heavy frames. The frames shall not cover any part of the eyes.  Dark glasses or non-prescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless they are needed for medical reasons, in which case a medical certificate is required;
  • Photographs where the face of the person is not focused will not be accepted;
  • Slot machine photographs, textured photos, inferior quality photographs and photographs subject to fading or sensitive to heat are not acceptable;
  • Only original photographs are acceptable. Copied or digitally scanned photos will not be accepted;  
  • Photographs must not be digitally altered or retouched to change the person’s appearance in any way;

Application forms

Select a form from the drop down menu to download

FAQs

What is an electronic passport?

An electronic passport has an embedded electronic chip which safely stores the holder’s personal information displayed on his/her bio-data page. The electronic features also provide an additional layer of security at boarder control.

Do applicants need to visit the Passport Office when applying for a new passport?

Maltese citizens applying for a passport should visit the Passport Office in person with the exception of housebound individuals, elderly or sick people, and children under six (6) years of age.

If the applicant is unable to visit the Passport Office due to severe medical/health reason, a family member can fill in for him/her.

Which documents to submit on application?

Maltese citizens applying for a passport should fill in Form A, have it signed by a recommender and present their identity card (where applicable) and a photocopy of the said documents front and back. Those individual who are not registered with the Public Registry Unit should contact the Passport Office beforehand, and they will be advised on what other documents they need to submit.

Refugees and persons who were granted temporary humanitarian status need to present their refugee status certificate and humanitarian status certificate.

In the case of renewals, the previous passport needs to be submitted too.

Is the applicants’ photo taken at the Passport Office?

Applicants’ photos are taken at the Passport Office, unless: 

  • The applicant is unable to call in person at the Passport Office (due to health reasons, old age or sickness) and the person applying on his/her behalf would need to submit two (2) signed photos of the applicant, as explained below.
  • Infants up to five (5) years would need to have two (2) photos* signed by a recommender. The infant is not required to visit the Passport Office. 
  • Minors between six (6) and thirteen (13) years would need to have one (1) photo* signed by a recommender. Minors have to personally call at the Passport Office to have their live facial biometrics captured. Minors aged twelve (12) years and over will also have their fingerprints captured. 
  • Minors between fourteen (14) and fifteen (15) years do not need to bring with them a passport photo, but they do need to present their 14+ Maltese e-ID card and a photocopy of the said documents front and back. Minors have to personally call at the Passport Office to have their live facial biometrics, fingerprints and signature captured. 
  • Individuals between sixteen (16) and seventeen (17) years do not need to bring with them a passport photo, but need to present their 16+ Maltese e-ID card and a photocopy of the said documents front and back. Minors have to personally call at the Passport Office to have their live facial biometrics, fingerprints and signature captured.

*The passport photo size should be 40mm x 30mm and whenever two (2) photos are required, they need to be identical copies of a recent coloured photograph, taken against a white background and printed on a non-glossy paper. The face has to be facing straight to the camera, showing a neutral expression. The photos should be taken full face without wearing a hat or tinted glasses. Slot machine photos, textured photos, group photos, inferior quality photos and photos subject to fading or sensitive to heat, are not acceptable.

The recommender is required to endorse and sign one (1) of the photos, writing on the back “Certified true likeness of (name and surname of applicant)”.

What happens if a person’s fingerprints cannot be captured?

Persons over the age of twelve (12) years must have their fingerprints and facial biometric features captured when either applying for an ordinary passport, diplomatic passport, alien passport or a convention travel document.

Normally, both left hand and right hand index fingers are scanned. Alternatively, whenever the index fingerprint cannot be captured, either the thumb, middle or ring finger is scanned.

If the applicant is temporary physically impaired and his/her fingerprint’s biometric data cannot be captured, a passport valid for one (1) year or less is issued. The Passport Office cannot capture two (2) different fingerprints of the same hand. A passport valid for a full cycle may be then issued once the individual recovers from his/her temporary physical impairment, and can have his/her fingerprints captured. In such cases, the applicant will have to submit his/her current passport for cancellation, fill in Form A and pay the application fee. Only in those cases where an applicant is permanently physically impaired and cannot have his/her fingerprints captured will the Passport Office issue a passport valid for a full cycle. Such cases are assessed on an individual basis by the Principal Passport Officer or his/her designate. The applicant would still be required to personally call in the Passport Office and have his/her digital photo and signature taken.

On the other hand, if an applicant is over the age of twelve (12) years and is unable to call in person to apply for his/her passport and have his/her fingerprints captured due to a temporary or permanent medical reason, sickness or because of old age, he/she will be issued with a passport which is valid for one (1) year or less. In such circumstances, a medical certificate must be submitted to sustain the applicant’s claim of infirmity.

In the unlikely event that the fingerprint capturing station fails to capture the applicant’s fingerprint because of a technical problem (especially in urgent matters and in the case of outside office hours service), the Passport Office will issue a passport without the encoded fingerprints, which will be valid for one (1) year or less.

Upon collection (refer to Note 13 in Form A) the applicant will be requested to have his/her fingerprint captured one more time. This is done in order to verify that the passport is collected by its rightful owner. Applicants over the age of twelve (12) years must personally call to the Passport Officer in order to collect their passport (minors must always be accompanied by one of their parents).

If the fingerprints captured on collection does not match that stored on the e-passport’s chip, the travel document will not be released and the matter will be investigated by the Passport Officer in charge.

How long does it take to get a new passport?

Under normal circumstances it takes four (4) working days (from the date of application) to get a new passport. In the case of emergency a passport, the document would be ready in four (4) hours.

From where and when can applicants collect their new passport?

Applicants need to present their e-ID card and may collect their passport on the following dates:

Opening Hours between 1st September & 31st March
Date Time
Monday  07:30 – 14:00
Tuesday 07:30 – 14:00
Wednesday  07:30 – 14:00 /                               15:00 – 18:00
Thursday  07:30 – 14:00
Friday  07:30 – 14:00
Saturday  07:30 – 11:00
Opening Hours between 1st April & 31st August
Date Time
Monday  07:30 – 14:00
Tuesday 07:30 – 14:00
Wednesday  07:30 – 14:00 /                               15:00 – 18:00
Thursday  07:30 – 14:00
Friday  07:30 – 14:00 /                               15:00 – 18:00
Saturday  07:30 – 11:00

Can a dual citizen apply for a Maltese Passport?

Yes, a dual citizen may apply for a Maltese passport. Apart from filling in the relevant form, the applicant would need to submit an official letter confirming that the Maltese Government considers the applicant to be a dual national. This letter is issued by the Citizenship Unit and a photocopy of the said document should also be presented.

If an applicant lives abroad, how can he/she apply for a Maltese passport?

A citizen of Malta may apply for a Maltese passport at one of Malta’s Embassies, High Commissions or Consular Offices.

Where is the Passport Office situated?

The Passport Office is found at Onda Building, Aldo Moro Road, Marsa, MRS 9065.

Where to apply in Gozo?

Applicants need to visit the Department of Customer Services, Passport Office, St. Francis Square, Victoria, Gozo.

Telephone: (+356) 2215 6270 / (+356) 2215 6247 Fax: (+356) 2155 9206

Those applying in Gozo may pick their passport from the same office.

From where to collect Application Form A?

Application Form A can be downloaded from this website or alternatively collected from the Passport Office or any Local Council, Police Station or Travel Agency.

What to do in case of a lost, stolen or destroyed passport?

Should a passport be lost, stolen or destroyed, the holder is required to submit a police report with such claims. The Passport Office will not process the application unless a police report is filed. The applicant would need to take an oath or give a sworn declaration to the Passport Office. Furthermore, the applicant would need to fill in the relevant forms and pay the applicable fee.

Fees

Passport Type Validity Fee
Adult Passport over 16 years (applying between Sept & March) 10 years  €70
Adult Passport over 16 years (applying between April & August) 10 years  €80
Passport for Minors age 10 – 15 years 5 years  €40
Passport for Minors under 10 years 2 years  €16

 

Services Fee
Administration of Oaths (for passports only*) €11
Arabic Translation €7
Collective Passport €95
Document of Identity / Emergency Document €9
Diplomatic Passport             (issued by authority only) €40
Refugee Travelling Documents (all ages) €60
Alien’s Passport (all ages) €60
Second Passport (issued by special authority) €135
Urgent Passport for adults over 16 years (issued within 4 hours) €140
Urgent Passport for minors age 10 to 15 years  (issued within 4 hours) €80
Urgent passport for minors under 10 years (issued within 4 hours) €60
Urgent passport for adults over 16 years (issued after office hours and only in special cases) €185
Urgent Passport for minors age 10 to 15 years (issued after office hours and only in special cases) €125
Urgent passport for minors under 10 years (issued after office hours and only in special cases) €105

Passport fees are payable in advance and the Passport Office accepts cash, cheque or card payments.

Who is the recommender?

The recommender must be a Maltese/EU/Commonwealth national residing in Malta with a university degree who has known the applicant for 2 years or more. In the absence of a rubber stamp, a warrant number is required. Parents/close relatives cannot serve as recommenders.

Identity Malta Agency

Opening Hours - Malta

Passports Office – Malta

Monday 07:30 – 14:00
Tuesday 07:30 – 14:00
Wednesday 07:30 – 14:00 and 15:00 – 18:00
Thursday 07:30 – 14:00
Friday 07:30 – 14:00
Saturday 07:30 – 11:00

Passsports Office – Gozo | Winter

Monday 07:30 – 13:30
Tuesday 07:30 – 13:30
Wednesday 07:30 – 13:30
Thursday 07:30 – 13:30
Friday 07:30 – 13:30
Saturday 07:30 – 11:00

 

Passports Office – Gozo | Summer

Monday 07:30 – 12:00
Tuesday 07:30 – 12:00
Wednesday 07:30 – 12:00
Thursday 07:30 – 12:00
Friday 07:30 – 12:00
Saturday 07:30 – 11:00

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E-ID Cards Unit

E-ID Cards Unit

The Identity Card Unit (ICU) is the authority responsible for the issuing of electronic identity cards to Maltese citizens and the registration of e-ID (virtual) accounts for individuals.

Services Offered

The ICU will issue a new e-ID card whenever applicants;

  • Apply for the first time (persons aged 14+ may apply);
  • Change their personal details or residential address on their card;
  • Report that their e-ID card has been lost or stolen;
  • Turn 16, 18, 60 or 75 years of age.

Applying for an e-ID Card

First-time applicants must fill in and submit the following documentation:

  • Form ID 10 – Application for a Maltese Identity Card (giving particular attention to
    section D) and attach a recent passport-size photo signed by the authorised witness who signed Section D;
  • Previous Residence Card (whenever the applicant acquired Maltese citizenship and
    formerly held a Residence Permit card bearing an “A” number);
  • A letter of confirmation or certificate issued by the Citizenship Unit as proof of being a Maltese citizen. This proof is not necessary if the applicant was:
    • Born in Malta from married parents and at the time the father was a Maltese
      citizen;
    • Born in Malta or abroad after 1 st August 1989 from a mother of Maltese
      nationality;
    • Adopted in Malta when he/she was ten (10) years or younger;
    • Born in Malta from foreign parents between 10 th February 1981 and 1 st August
      1989 (applicable only if the parents did not form part of the diplomatic corps);
    • Born in Malta, emigrated and acquired foreign citizenship after 10th February
      2000.

Submit online form.

Changing one’s Details or Address

Citizens requesting to change their personal details or residential address on their e-ID card must:

  • Fill in Form ID10a – Application for a Maltese Identity Card; &
  • Present their existing e-ID card.

Lost or Stolen e-ID cards

In the case of a lost or stolen e-ID Card, one must file a police report and re-apply for a new card at the Identity Card Unit.

Those reporting a lost or stolen e-ID Card should:

  • Fill in Form ID 10 – Application for a Maltese Identity Card; &
  • Submit a Police report, clearly stating their e-ID card number.

Whenever issuing a new e-ID card in replacement of a lost or stolen e-ID card, a fee of €22 is charged even when the lost or stolen e-ID card is expired.

If the lost or stolen identity card is not an e-ID card, the applicant needs to duly fill in Form ID 10 section D, which should include (i) a declaration by an authorized person verifying that he/she knows the applicant and (ii) a passport-sized photo of the applicant signed by the same authorized witness, certifying the applicant’s identity. If the lost or stolen identity card was already an e-ID card, then there is no need to fill in Form ID 10 section D.

When applying for an e-ID Card the applicant may also apply for:

  • e-ID virtual account; &
  • Senior Citizen Card (if the person is over the age of 60 years).

Senior Citizens

Senior citizens of 60 and 75 years must apply for a new e-ID card. “Il-Kartanzjan” has been phased out, but all the previous benefits enjoyed were retained.

Housebound Service

The Identity Card Unit provides a free of charge housebound service to all those applicants who have mobility issues. Submit ONLINE form. Those applicants who require assistance can send a request on [email protected] or call (+356) 2590 4300.

E-ID Virtual Account

When applying for an e-ID card, applicants may subscribe for their e-ID (virtual) account, which is required to access Government online services. Following the receipt of an application by the Identity Card Unit, the identity of the applicant is verified and an activation link is sent to the email provided by the applicant.

Applicants may choose to make use of the certificates (Authentication Certificate and Signature Certificate) found on their electronic identity card and kept on their computer. Moreover, one would also need to make use of a Card Reader and insert PIN A and PIN B, which are sent to the applicant’s residence when registering for an e-ID card. The identity card certificates are generally used for sensitive e-Government services,  related to online financial services or submission of tenders.

Organisations can also register as identifiable entities for the purposes of an e-ID (virtual) account. Consequently, organisations will be permitted to make use of organisational services that can interact with online service providers. In order to register an organisation, one must appoint an Organisation Manager, who must have a personal e-ID account as well as a personal digital certificate.

The software, specifications for the e-ID card reader, as well as further instructions on how to register an organisation e-ID account are available on this link. 

Service providers interested in launching an e-Service should consult with the Identity Malta Agency, and subsequently enter into an agreement.

Electoral Office

As from 12 th  February 2014, the Identity Cards Unit was transferred to Identity Malta Agency. However, it was agreed that Identity Malta Agency would accept applications related to citizens’ electoral data on behalf of the Electoral Office.

The image and information captured to produce the actual e-ID card is passed to the Electoral Office and used for election related purposes, including the printing of voting documents and the publication of electoral registers.

  • Persons applying for the first time (including disenfranchised persons) are required
    to fill in and sign Electoral Form 1 and 4;
  • Persons applying to change their address details are required to fill in and sign
    Electoral Form 2;
  • Persons applying to change their surname and address are required to fill in and sign
    Electoral Form 2A;
  • Persons applying to correct any information are required to fill in and sign the
    Electoral Form 3.

Defining the Letter at the end of the E-ID Number

The Identity Card Unit assigns one of the below letters to the end of the birth registration number.

A Applicable to foreign persons who have received a Residence Permit;
B Applicable to Maltese persons whose birth was registered between 1800 and 1899;
G Applicable to Gozitan persons whose birth was registered between 1900 and 1999;
H Applicable to Gozitan persons whose birth was registered after 2000;
L Applicable to Maltese persons whose birth was registered after 2000;
M Applicable to Maltese persons whose birth was registered between 1900 and 1999;
P Applicable to Maltese citizens born abroad and who find it difficult to produce an
original birth certificate that they can register in Malta;
Z Applicable to Gozitan persons whose birth was registered between 1800 and 1899;

Fees

First time application for an e-ID card Free
Renewal of expired e-ID Card or containing data that is no longer correct which are not declared as lost, stolen or defaced Free
Applications for new e-ID Cards in replacement of lost or stolen or destroyed e-ID Cards €22
Applications for new e-ID Cards in replacement of defaced e-ID Cards €16.50

Application forms

Select a form from the drop down menu to download

Identity Malta Agency

Opening Hours

E-ID Cards Unit – Malta

Monday: 07:30am – 2:00pm
Tuesday: 07:30am – 2:00pm
Wednesday: 7:30am – 2:00pm
3:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday: 7:30am – 2:00pm
Friday: 7:30am – 2:00pm
Saturday: 7:30am – 11:00am

E-ID Cards Unit – Gozo

Monday: 07:30am – 2:00pm
Tuesday: 07:30am – 2:00pm
Wednesday: 7:30am – 2:00pm
3:00pm – 6:00pm
Thursday: 7:30am – 2:00pm
Friday: 7:30am – 2:00pm
Saturday: 7:30am – 11:00am