1. What is a Retirement Visa in Malta?

A retirement visa in Malta is a type of visa that allows foreigners over the age of 45 to live and retire in Malta. It is a long-term residence permit that is valid for up to five years and can be renewable.

2. How do I qualify for a Retirement Visa in Malta?
To qualify for a retirement visa in Malta, you must meet the following requirements:

– Be at least 45 years old
– Have proof of stable income or pension of at least €28,841 per year
– Have health insurance coverage
– Have accommodation in Malta (either renting or owning)
– Have a clean criminal record
– Not have been refused entry into any European country

3. How do I apply for a Retirement Visa in Malta?
To apply for a retirement visa in Malta, you will need to submit an application to the Maltese embassy or consulate in your home country. This application will require you to provide documents such as proof of income, health insurance coverage, and evidence of accommodation.

4. What documents are needed for a Retirement Visa in Malta?
The exact list of required documents may vary depending on your personal circumstances, but generally you will need to provide the following:

– Un formulario de solicitud completo
– Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
– Proof of stable annual income or pension (e.g. bank statements, retirement account information)
– Proof of health insurance coverage
– Proof of accommodation in Malta (rental agreement or property ownership certificate)
– Police clearance certificate from your home country
– Passport-sized photos
– Application fee payment

5. What are the benefits of having a Retirement Visa in Malta?

Some benefits of having a retirement visa in Malta include:

– The ability to live, retire, and travel within the Schengen Area without needing additional visas.
– Access to high-quality healthcare and education systems.
– A favorable tax system for retirees, including no inheritance tax and a flat rate of 15% for foreign income.
– The opportunity to become a citizen after living in Malta for 5 years.
– A safe and welcoming environment with a high standard of living.

2. Who is eligible for a Retirement Visa in Malta?

Retirement Visas in Malta are available for individuals who are non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and who:

1. Are at least 18 years old.

2. Have a stable and regular source of income, such as a pension or savings, which is enough to support themselves and any dependents without needing to work in Malta.

3. Can provide proof of health insurance coverage that is valid in Malta.

4. Own or rent property in Malta with an annual value of at least €9,500 for single applicants, or €12,000 for couples. Alternatively, they can opt for long-term rental accommodations with an annual lease amount of at least €8,750 for single applicants or €9,600 for couples.

5. Do not have a criminal record and can provide a clean police conduct certificate from their country of residence.

6. Meet the necessary visa application requirements and submit all required documents.

7. Independence candidates must have a personal net worth of at least €350,000, while both single and couple applicants should possess a personal net worth of at least €500,000 after purchasing property in Malta (if applicable).

Please note that these eligibility requirements may vary depending on the specific type of Retirement Visa being applied for.

3. Do I need to have a certain amount of money to qualify for a Retirement Visa in Malta?

No, there is no specified amount of money required to qualify for a Retirement Visa in Malta. However, applicants are required to have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and not become a burden on the Maltese government. This can include savings, pension income, or investments.

4. Is there an age requirement for a Retirement Visa in Malta?

Yes, the minimum age requirement for a Retirement Visa in Malta is 18 years old.

5. Can I work with a Retirement Visa in Malta?

No, a Retirement Visa does not allow individuals to work in Malta. It is designed for retired individuals who wish to live in Malta without working.

6. How long does the Retirement visa application process take in Malta?

The Retirement visa application process in Malta typically takes 90 days from the date of submission. However, processing times may vary depending on individual circumstances and any additional documentation required. It is recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

7. Do I need to have health insurance to apply for a Retirement Visa in Malta?

No, health insurance is not a requirement for obtaining a Retirement Visa in Malta. However, it is strongly recommended to have adequate health insurance coverage while living in Malta.

8. Can I bring my spouse and dependents with me on a Retirement Visa in Malta?

Yes, you can bring your spouse and dependents with you on a Retirement Visa in Malta. Your dependents must provide proof of their dependency on you and meet all necessary visa requirements. They may also be required to obtain their own separate visas.

9. Is there a minimum stay requirement for holders of the Retirement Visa in Malta?

No, there is no minimum stay requirement for holders of the Retirement Visa in Malta. However, applicants must prove that they can support themselves financially and have suitable accommodation for their intended period of stay in Malta.

10. Do I need to have ties to Malta or show proof of investments to qualify for the Retirement Visa?

No, you do not need to have ties to Malta or show proof of investments in order to qualify for the Retirement Visa. However, you will need to be able to demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support yourself while living in Malta. This can include pension funds, savings, or other sources of income.

11. How long is the validity of the Retirement Visa in Malta and can it be extended?

The validity of the Retirement Visa in Malta is initially for one year. It can be renewed annually, as long as the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria and has not violated any visa regulations.

12. Are there any taxes associated with holding a Retirement Visa in Malta?

There are no specific taxes associated with holding a Retirement Visa in Malta. However, as a resident of Malta, you may be subject to the same taxes as any other resident, including income tax and property tax. It is recommended to consult with a tax professional for personalized advice on your specific tax situation.

13. Can I apply for permanent residence after holding a Retirement Visa in Malta for some time?

It is possible to apply for permanent residence in Malta after holding a Retirement Visa for a certain period of time. According to the Immigration Act, a person who has been legally residing in Malta for at least five consecutive years as a holder of a Residence Card can apply for permanent residence. This would include time spent on a Retirement Visa.

However, it is important to note that the criteria and requirements for obtaining permanent residence may vary depending on individual circumstances. It is recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer or the Maltese authorities for more information on the specific process and requirements.

14. What documents are required to apply for a Retirement Visa in Malta?

To apply for a Retirement Visa in Malta, you will need to submit the following documents:

1. Completed and signed application form
2. Valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity
3. Two recent passport-size photos
4. Proof of financial means, such as bank statements or a letter from a financial institution showing sufficient funds to support yourself during your retirement in Malta
5. Proof of health insurance coverage in Malta
6. Letter from a Maltese lawyer confirming that the applicant has entered into an agreement for the leasing or purchase of property in Malta, or proof of ownership of a property in Malta
7. Police clearance certificate from the applicant’s country of origin (if applicable)
8. Medical certificate stating that the applicant is not suffering from any contagious diseases and is in good physical and mental health
9. Payment of application fee
10. Proof of payment for the Health Contribution tax (€40 per month)

It is recommended to consult with the relevant authorities and/or a trusted legal professional for any additional documentation requirements or updates before submitting your application.

15. Is knowledge of Maltese language required for the application?

In general, knowledge of the Maltese language is not required for a tourist visa application. However, if you are applying for a residence permit or citizenship in Malta, knowledge of the language may be necessary as part of the eligibility criteria.

16. Can I travel freely within Europe with my retirement visa from Malta?

As a retirement visa holder in Malta, you will have the right to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This includes other European countries such as France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. However, if you intend to stay longer than 90 days in another country within the Schengen Area, you may need to apply for a separate visa or permission from that specific country.

17.Can I use my retirement income from another country to support my application?

Yes, in most cases you can use retirement income from another country to support your immigration application. However, the amount and stability of this income may need to be verified by relevant authorities to ensure it meets the requirements for a successful application. It is best to consult with an immigration lawyer or the relevant government agency to determine the specific requirements and documentation needed for your situation.

18.How much does it cost to apply for a retirement visa in Malta?

The cost of applying for a retirement visa in Malta varies depending on the type of visa and your personal circumstances. Generally, the application fee for a temporary residence permit is €82, while the application fee for permanent residence is €233. You may also need to pay additional fees for medical examinations and background checks. It is recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer or the Maltese government website for exact costs and requirements.

19.Is it possible to convert my retirement visa into another type of visa while living in Malta?

Yes, it is possible to convert a retirement visa into another type of visa while living in Malta. However, the specific process and requirements will depend on the type of visa you are looking to obtain and your personal circumstances. You should contact the Maltese Immigration Authorities for more information and guidance on the conversion process.

20.What are the benefits of getting a retirement visa in Malta compared to other European countries?

There are several benefits of getting a retirement visa in Malta compared to other European countries:

1. Favorable tax system: Malta offers a highly attractive tax system for retirees, with low personal income taxes and no inheritance or estate taxes.

2. Cost of living: The cost of living in Malta is relatively lower than many other European countries, making it more affordable for retirees.

3. Health care: Malta has an excellent healthcare system, with both public and private options available at reasonable costs, making it an advantageous destination for retirees.

4. Great climate: With its Mediterranean climate, Malta enjoys mild winters and warm summers, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a pleasant weather all year round.

5. Vibrant culture: As a former British colony, Malta has a strong cultural influence from both Europe and North Africa. It offers a rich history, lively arts scene, and delicious cuisine for retirees to explore and enjoy.

6. English-speaking population: English is widely spoken in Malta, making it easier for retirees to communicate and adapt to their new environment.

7. Proximity to other European destinations: Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta allows easy access to other European countries like Italy, Spain, Greece, and France through its well-connected airport.

8. Safe and stable country: Malta is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in Europe with a stable political environment, providing peace of mind for retirees.

9. Retirement visa schemes: The Maltese government offers various retirement visa schemes that provide attractive options for non-European citizens looking to retire in this beautiful country.

10. Quality of life: With its stunning coastlines, picturesque landscapes, laid-back lifestyle, and friendly people, Malta offers an excellent quality of life that can be enjoyed by retirees.