There are numerous reasons to immigrate to Malta: some people want to enjoy a good quality of life in this country or some want to benefit from the multitude of business opportunities, investments, and many more. Many entrepreneurs relocate their companies in Malta and enjoy the appealing business climate of this country, taking advantage of relaxed legislation that applies to both local and foreign investors. Our immigration lawyers in Malta are here to guide you throughout the visa applications, residence permit in Malta, and Malta citizenship by investment programmes.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Entry visa requirement (from EU) |
No |
|
Entry visa requirement (outside EU) |
Yes |
|
Types of visas available |
Malta Tourist Schengen Visa, Malta Visa for Business Purposes, Study Visa, Visa for Medical Purposes, Family Visa, Visa for Members of Official Delegations, Airport Transit Visa |
| Time frame for obtaining work visa (approx.) |
Around 2 Weeks |
| Validity of the temporary residence permit |
One year, with the possibility of extension |
| Time frame for obtaining permanent residence (approx.) |
Around 6 months |
| Investor Visa Availability |
Yes |
| Sponsorship requirement |
No |
| Time frame for obtaining citizenship | Around 3 Years |
| Citizenship/Residency by investment scheme availability | Yes |
| Tax benefits for expats |
Protection of Double Tax Treaties, no tax on dividends, interests, no wealth tax |
How do I obtain a visa for Malta?
The visa application for Malta can start with one of our immigration lawyers in Malta who can provide in-depth support and legal assistance. Among the general conditions for a Maltese visa application, we mention the following:
- A visa application form needs to be completed, with personal information and reasons for your travel to Malta;
- The passport needs to be valid for at least 3 months before you submit the Maltese visa application;
- The return tickets reservation must be provided at the time the application is made;
- 2 photos in a passport format must be provided;
- Medical insurance covering up around EUR 30,000 needs to be prepared;
- Information about the accommodation for your stay in Malta is required;
- A copy of the marriage certificate to prove the civil status is needed.
In the case of foreign citizens wanting to immigrate to Malta and work, a copy of the employment contract is necessary, plus the Certificate of Income Tax Return and some bank statements for the last 6 months. The business license is solicited by the Maltese authorities for sole traders wanting to work in Malta. One of our immigration lawyers in Malta can provide full legal assistance for those interested in obtaining a visa for Malta, as they closely work with the Visa Application Centers in this country. Support for obtaining a residence permit in Malta is also offered.
Other types of visas for Malta
The visa applications can be made at the Maltese consulate or embassy in the home country, with full legal support offered by one of our immigration lawyers in Malta. Here are some other cases in which non-EU citizens who immigrate to Malta can solicit a visa:
- Malta visa for minors – notarized travel permission from the parents is needed;
- Malta visa for family members of a Maltese citizen– spouses need to show the marriage certificate;
- Maltese student visa – also needed for internship purposes – proof of the financial sustenance and enrollment certificate are needed;
- Malta visa for official delegations – the official invitation, the purpose of the trip and the duration of stay are needed information;
- Visa for religious purposes, cultural and sports activities – the travel itinerary, the duration of stay, the invitation letter and proof of accommodation are needed;
- Malta visa for medical purposes – a medical report and a medical attestation or document issued by the Maltese hospital or doctor are solicited.
No matter the type of visa you need, you can rely on our Maltese immigration lawyer for support and legal advice. Our specialists can also help you apply for a residence permit in Malta or Malta citizenship. If you need a digital nomad visa in Malta, contact us for legal assistance.
Interested in moving to Malta? Our specialists in the field can explain the steps for quick and correct relocation. Depending on the country you come from, you will need a Malta Schengen visa, registration with the local authorities, and obtaining a residence permit. The legal aspects of this process can be explained to you by one of our lawyers who can also prepare the necessary documents. We mention that you have the opportunity to apply for an investor visa if you want to relocate faster and obtain residency in this country.
Below you can find a video presentation about the legal services provided by our immigration lawyers in Malta:
What is a tourist Schengen visa?
The tourist Schengen visa is issued to third-country citizens who want to visit the Schengen states. This kind of visa has a validity of no more than 90 days and it can be issued for a single or for multiple entries. However, an extension can be solicited if that is the case.
Relocation to Malta is a fairly simple process compared to other countries that do not have permissive immigration policies. Moreover, Malta has implemented a series of easy programs to access both by those who want to make investments, as well as by other categories of citizens who want to move to Malta for varied reasons.
Do you want to apply for citizenship in Malta? We recommend specialized help from our Maltese immigration lawyers. They can take care of the paperwork as well as collaborate with the relevant authorities. We mention that both EU and non-EU citizens are eligible for this citizenship, and they also have the option to invest in real estate or another field of interest. However, there is a living requirement in Malta to be able to apply, but you can discuss more with our lawyers.
Malta Global Residency Programme
The Maltese government introduced the Global Residency Programme which provides a special tax regime to those who purchase or rent a property in Malta. Here are the eligibility criteria for joining this program:
- Investment of at least EUR 275,000 must be made by foreigners interested in Malta relocation.
- Health insurance is required to join this program.
- Not spending more than 183 days/year outside Malta is a mandatory condition.
- An annual tax contribution of EUR 15,000 is required.
The applicants who qualify for this important program will receive a Tax Identification Number and a Permanent Residence Certificate. In terms of advantages, foreigners will benefit from permanent residence, excellent standards of living, and plenty of business opportunities, to name a few. Joining the Global Residency Programme can be made with complete support and legal guidance offered by our immigration lawyers in Malta. Feel free to discuss this with our specialists and solicit legal assistance in this matter or for obtaining a residence permit in Malta.
Malta Residency and Visa Programme (MRVP)
Malta Residency and Visa Programme is also known as the Malta Golden Visa, a program meant to attract non-EU citizens to relocate to Malta through investments of at least EUR 120,000. A second option offered by this program is an investment of EUR 250,000 in the bond purchase, plus a government contribution of EUR 30,000. Among the requirements imposed refers to the applicant who needs to have an annual income of at least EUR 100,000 registered outside Malta. Bank savings are also solicited by the immigration authorities and the Maltese government. You should talk to our Maltese immigration lawyers and find out more about Malta Golden Visa Programme.
If you want to move to Gozo, we suggest you discuss it with our immigration lawyers in Malta. Gozo is one of the preferred destinations for foreigners who want to relocate/retire to Malta. In addition, various investment programs can be accessed for those interested in obtaining residency as quickly as possible.
Maltese citizenship by naturalization
The Individual Investor Program or IIP was launched at the beginning of 2020 and it represents a new citizenship program. The Maltese passport is offered at the time citizenship is gained. This program comes with a series of benefits, like living working, and study in any EU country, plus visa-free travel to more than 180 countries worldwide. Among the requirements to enter this program we mention the exceptional Direct Investment which implicates a donation of EUR 600,000 for 36 months of residency in Malta or EUR 750,000 for a one-year residency. Philanthropic donations of at least EUR 10,000 are required. This new investment program allows foreigners to gain Maltese citizenship under the Citizenship for Exceptional Services program and an investment of EUR 650,000. All the legal aspects of this new program can be explained by one of our Maltese immigration lawyers.
Investment benefits in Malta
A wide range of investment programs is available in Malta, for EU and non-EU nationals looking for great standards of living, a proper healthcare system, education, and many more. A series of benefits come with these investment programs, like free movement with a Maltese passport, for applicants and family members. The transfer of funds between EU countries is permissive for holders of Maltese passports. The same thing is available to EU products, as free movement and transfers are available in the EU. The taxation system in Malta is quite appealing to foreigners wanting to invest in this country. Plus, the tax minimization options can be implemented in any kind of company registered in Malta. Our immigration lawyers in Malta can tell you more about the requirements for entering this country. Support for a residence permit in Malta can be solicited.
Company relocation in Malta
Foreign companies can be relocated to Malta with complete confidence, transparency, and a lack of bureaucracies. The company relocation process starts with the de-registration in the country of origin and a series of documents that must be approved by the Maltese authorities. A declaration stating the company relocation must be signed by company owners, managers, and administrators. One of our immigration lawyers in Malta can provide legal advice.
Permanent residency in Malta
Foreign citizens can apply for permanent residence or ordinary residence, the latter being issued for EU citizens coming to Malta. As for permanent residence, this is available for both EU and non-EU citizens, under certain conditions that can be explained by one of our immigration lawyers in Malta. Here are some facts and figures about immigration in Malta:
- approximately 60% of the migrants in Malta come from EU states;
- the total number of foreign citizens registered in Malta in 2019 was around 99.000;
- there are around 450,000 citizens in Malta, among which 21% are foreigners;
- there are more than 13,000 British citizens established in Malta, as recorded in 2019.
Choosing the services of our immigration lawyers in Malta
Interested in immigration to Malta? We kindly invite you to talk to one of our specialists in immigration in Malta with experience in this field. We can provide legal assistance and representation in a wide range of immigration matters like visas, residence permits in Malta, work permits, Malta citizenship, business relocation, and many more The legislation related to immigration to Malta might seem complex to foreigners who want to move to this country. This is where our immigration specialists can offer legal advice, representation, and guidance right from the start.
People interested in immigration services in Malta are invited to contact our team of immigration lawyers in Malta. We provide complete services tailored to your needs, so do not hesitate to talk to us.