Our website uses  cookies for statistical purposes.

Our Articles

Subsidiary Protection in Malta

Subsidiary Protection in Malta


According to EU directives, a certain category of citizens can benefit from subsidiary protection in Malta. Those who do not qualify as refugees, but who have sufficient reasons not to return to their country of origin can ask for specialized help and more precisely subsidiary protection in Malta. We invite you to discover in this article what this status entails and how you can benefit from legal aid from our immigration lawyers in Malta. We are here to help you relocate to Malta.

Who qualifies for subsidiary protection in Malta?

Stateless persons and third-country nationals who would be in real danger if they return to their country of origin may benefit from subsidiary protection in Malta, according to the Refugees Act 2001. In such cases, the term “serious harm” is also taken into account. In this case, harm involves individual threat, situations of armed conflict, violence, degrading treatment, and torture, among others. Therefore, people exposed to such situations can benefit from protection in this regard, offered by the Maltese authorities. If you want to know more about how to immigrate to Malta, you can get in touch with us.

What happens to people who benefit from subsidiary protection in Malta?

Foreign citizens entering the subsidiary protection program have the right to remain in Malta and be unrestricted from traveling freely. In addition, the authorities will ensure that these persons have the necessary documents such as a residence permit with a validity of 3 years and the possibility of renewal. Here are other benefits of subsidiary protection in Malta:

  • They will have a place to stay in Malta.
  • They can be hired in Malta.
  • They can benefit from social benefits and can access various integration programs in society.
  • They have access to education and health care services.
  • The same rights are offered to the family of the person who was offered subsidiary protection in Malta.

Therefore, there are a number of advantages offered to those seeking protection in Malta, due to their situation. Everything related to the formalities for gaining these rights can be carefully managed by our immigration lawyers in Malta with experience in this case. We invite you to talk to us and see how you can move to Malta.

Do you want citizenship in Malta? You can invest in this country to obtain this status by applying for Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for exceptional Services by Direct Investment, the scheme that replaced the Malta Individual Investor Program. Thus, an investment of at least EUR 600,000 will be needed, plus a financial contribution of EUR 25,000 for each family member entering the respective application. You can learn more about this program from our experts.

Hiring people part of subsidiary protection in Malta

As mentioned earlier in this article, people who do not qualify for refugee status, but who can access subsidiary protection in Malta, can work in this country. It is important to note that they need work permits, and the authorities can take care of this without directly involving employers. Here are other job-related issues for people receiving subsidiary protection in Malta:

  • There are no restrictions on the areas in which these people can work.
  • The employment license is valid for one year but it can be extended.
  • Registration is required for social contributions.
  • Employers are required, by law, to provide the same working conditions. Working hours, remuneration rights, working conditions must be respected.
  • Authorities can check employers for compliance with subsidiary protection status in Malta.

Find out extra details from our specialists who can also help foreigners move to Malta.

Accommodation in Malta for protected persons

EU directives are clear on the rights of people without refugee status, but who feel threatened in their own country and need help. Malta complies with these directives, and people in this situation can be accommodated in open centers and can easily integrate into the community with specialized help.
There is also the Private Rent Housing Benefit Scheme, with which applicants can receive financial support if their income is low. Thus, they can more easily pay for accommodation in Malta. If you are also in this situation and want legal advice, do not hesitate to get in touch with our lawyers in Malta. We are here to help you relocate to Malta.

If you want to move to Malta, you must consider the options and formalities offered by this country. Malta Golden Visa could be a good choice if you can invest at least EUR 120,000 to obtain the necessary visa and residency. We mention in this case that permanent residence can be obtained if you invest at least EUR 250,000 in a property in this country. If you collaborate with our team of lawyers, you will be able to benefit from a hassle-free process and quick relocation.

Statistics on immigration in Malta

Malta is home to many immigrants who already benefit from great living conditions, job opportunities, and affirmation, among others. If in 2005 there were just over 12,000 foreigners residing in Malta, things changed in 2019, when over 98,000 foreigners were registered. Here are other interesting statistics:

  • Data for 2020 indicate a net migration rate of approximately 2% per thousand inhabitants in Malta.
  • Malta’s population is about 443,108 people, of whom over 98,000 are immigrants, according to worldometers.info.

Are you thinking of applying for residency in Malta? Our recommendation is to use the legal services offered by one of our lawyers. We can prepare the necessary documents and guide you through the existing programs, with the help of which you can make investments to obtain this status. You also have the option of residency through spouse application, but you can get more information in this regard from one of our lawyers who is specialized in immigration issues.

Are you interested in complete information about subsidiary protection in Malta? We invite you to contact our immigration law firm in Malta and to benefit from legal advice in this case. We have experience in immigration issues and we provide legal assistance to foreigners wanting to immigrate to Malta.