1. What is the required duration of stay before qualifying for a residence permit in Malta?

The required duration of stay before qualifying for a residence permit in Malta is 12 months.

2. Are there different types of residence permits available for expats in Malta?

Yes, there are several different types of residence permits available for expats in Malta:

1. Ordinary Residence Permit: This is the most common type of residence permit and is issued to non-EU nationals who intend to reside in Malta for longer than 3 months.

2. Long-Stay Visa:In order to apply for a residence permit, non-EU nationals must first obtain a long-stay visa, which allows them to enter and stay in Malta for more than 90 days.

3. Student Residence Permit: This is issued to individuals who wish to study at an accredited educational institution in Malta.

4. Employment Residence Permit: This permit is issued to individuals who have been offered a job or have set up their own business in Malta.

5. Self-Sufficient Person Residence Permit: This type of permit is issued to individuals who do not intend to work or study in Malta, but have sufficient financial means to support themselves.

6. Retired Person Residence Permit: This permit is issued to individuals above the age of 60 years old who have retired and can prove that they have adequate resources and health insurance coverage.

7. Temporary Residence Permit (TRP): This permit is granted under special circumstances, such as marriage or family reunification, and usually has a validity of 1 year.

8. Permanent Residence Permit (PRP): The PRP can be applied for after continuously residing in Malta on an ordinary residence permit for at least 5 years.

9. Global Residence Program: This program offers tax benefits and a fast-tracked process for non-EU nationals wishing to obtain a residence permit by making a significant contribution to the Maltese economy.

10.Who is eligible for a long-term EU resident permit?
The following groups are eligible for a long-term EU resident permit:

– Third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) who have legally resided within the territory of an EU member state for at least 5 years
– Non-EU citizens who have held a long-term residence status in another EU member state and have legally resided in Malta for at least 3 years
– Non-EU citizens who are family members of an EU citizen, where the EU citizen has been residing in Malta for at least 2 years and the non-EU citizen has legally resided with them for at least 1 year
– Non-EU citizens who are long-term residents in another EU member state, but have resided in Malta as a seasonal worker for at least 6 months prior to their application. They must also have had regular employment or self-employment during this time period.

3. How long is the processing time for a residence permit application in Malta?

The processing time for a residence permit application in Malta depends on several factors, such as the type of residence permit being applied for and the individual circumstances of the applicant.

For example, applications submitted under the Malta Individual Investor Program (MIIP) are typically processed within 4-6 months, while other types of residence permits may take longer. The timeframe can also vary based on any additional documentation or verification that may be required by Maltese authorities.

It is recommended to check with the relevant authorities or consult with an immigration lawyer for more specific information on processing times for a particular residence permit application.

4. Can I apply for a residence permit while still living outside of Malta?

Yes, you can apply for a residence permit while still living outside of Malta. However, depending on the type of residence permit you are applying for, there may be certain requirements that need to be fulfilled before submitting your application such as providing proof of accommodation and health insurance in Malta. It is recommended to check with the Maltese embassy or consulate in your country for specific instructions on how to apply for a residence permit from abroad.

5. Are there any restrictions or eligibility requirements for obtaining a residence permit in Malta?

Yes, there are restrictions and eligibility requirements for obtaining a residence permit in Malta. These may include having a valid reason for seeking residency (such as employment, studying, or retirement), meeting certain financial requirements, having health insurance, and passing a background check. In some cases, non-EU/EEA citizens may also need to obtain a work permit before applying for a residence permit. Additionally, applicants must provide necessary documentation and go through the proper application process.

6. Is it possible to work with a residence permit in Malta, or do I need additional work authorization?

As a non-EU citizen, you will need to apply for a work permit in order to legally work in Malta. This can be obtained alongside your residence permit through the employment of a local employer sponsor or through self-employment and setting up a business in Malta. It is important to note that the residence permit itself does not allow for work. You will need to obtain separate authorization for employment.

7. Do I need to show proof of financial stability in order to obtain a residence permit in Malta?

Yes, in order to obtain a residence permit in Malta, applicants must show proof of financial stability. This can be done by providing bank statements, investment portfolios, or proof of employment with a stable income. The specific requirements may vary depending on the type of residence permit being applied for.

8. Can I bring my family members with me on my residence permit in Malta?

Yes, you can include your immediate family members (spouse and children under the age of 18) in your residence permit application. They will need to submit their own application forms and provide the necessary documents as well.

9. What documentation is needed for a residence permit application in Malta?

The documentation needed for a residence permit application in Malta may vary depending on the type of permit being applied for, but generally, the following documents are required:

1. Completed residence permit application form
2. Valid passport
3. Two recent passport size photos
4. Proof of financial means
5. Proof of accommodation (rental contract or proof of ownership)
6. Medical insurance
7. Police conduct certificate from home country
8. Documents proving the purpose of stay (employment contract, enrollment in a course, etc.)
9. Marriage certificate (if applicable)
10. Birth certificates for any accompanying children (if applicable)

It is recommended to consult with the relevant Maltese authorities or an immigration lawyer for a specific list of required documents based on your individual circumstances and type of residence permit being applied for.

10. How long is the validity period of a residence permit in Malta?

The validity period of a residence permit in Malta varies depending on the individual’s situation. For EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, a residence permit is valid for up to 5 years. For non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, a residence permit is usually valid for 1 year and can be renewed if the requirements are still met. Some types of residence permits, such as permanent residence permits, may have an indefinite validity period. It is important to check with the relevant authorities for specific information about your situation.

11. Can I renew my residence permit before it expires, and if so, how far in advance?

Yes, you can renew your residence permit before it expires. It is recommended to start the renewal process at least 3 months before your current residence permit expires. This will give you enough time to gather all necessary documents and submit your application.

12. Is there an age limit for applying for a residence permit in Malta?

There is no specific age limit for applying for a residence permit in Malta. However, minors (under the age of 18) must be accompanied by a legal guardian or parent and have their permission to reside in Malta. Elderly individuals may also apply for a residence permit as long as they can meet the requirements and provide proof of sufficient financial means to support themselves.

13. What are the fees associated with obtaining a residence permit in Malta as an expat?

The fees associated with obtaining a residence permit in Malta as an expat may vary depending on the type of permit you are applying for and your individual circumstances. Some common fees may include:

1. Application Fee: The fee for submitting a residence permit application is €233.
2. Visa Fee: If you are required to obtain a visa before traveling to Malta, you will need to pay a separate visa fee which ranges from €60 to €80, depending on your nationality.
3. Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) fee: This fee is applicable if you are required to obtain a BRP card, which costs €20.
4. Bank Charges: There may be bank charges associated with making payments for your residence permit application.
5. Medical Examination Fee: If you are applying for a long-term residence permit, you may be required to undergo a medical examination at designated medical centers in Malta, which can cost around €50.
6. Translation and Notarization Fees: In some cases, you may need to submit documents translated into Maltese or English and notarized by an authorized authority which will involve additional fees.
7. Residency Card Renewal Fee: Once your residency card expires, you will need to apply for renewal and pay an additional fee of €27.

It is recommended that you check with the relevant authorities or seek advice from an immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date information on fees related to obtaining a residence permit in Malta as an expat.

14. Are there any additional requirements or procedures for students seeking a residence permit in Malta?

Yes, students seeking a residence permit in Malta must also provide evidence of a valid health insurance policy, proof of financial means to support themselves during their stay in Malta, and a valid acceptance letter from an educational institution recognized by the Maltese authorities. They may also need to undergo medical examinations and submit to biometric data collection. Furthermore, certain nationalities may require additional documents or have specific procedures to follow for obtaining a residence permit in Malta. It is advised that students consult with the Maltese embassy or consulate in their home country for more information.

15. Do I need to undergo medical examinations or vaccinations as part of the residence permit process in Malta?.

It depends on your individual circumstances and the type of residence permit you are applying for. In some cases, medical examinations or vaccinations may be required as part of the application process. For example, if you are applying for a work permit in Malta, you may need to undergo a medical examination to ensure you meet the health requirements for employment. It is best to consult with the relevant authority in Malta for specific information about medical requirements for your residence permit application.

16. Is there an interview process involved when applying for a residence permit in Malta?

Yes, applicants will need to attend an interview during the residency application process. The interview is conducted by a representative from the Malta Residency Visa Agency and may cover topics such as the reasons for applying for residency, financial stability, and background check.

17.YAre there any penalties or consequences if my residence permit expires and I have not renewed it?

Yes, there are penalties and consequences if your residence permit expires and you have not renewed it. These may include:

1. Fines: Depending on the country where you reside, you may be subject to fines for each day that your residence permit has been expired.

2. Losing legal status: If your residence permit expires, you will no longer have a valid legal status in the country. This means that you may be deported or denied entry when trying to re-enter the country.

3. Difficulty in future applications: Having an expired residence permit can make it difficult for you to apply for other permits or visas in the future. Immigration authorities may view your failure to renew as a violation of immigration laws and this can harm your chances of obtaining a new visa or permit.

4. Inability to work, study, or travel: Your expired residence permit may also prevent you from being able to work, study, or travel within your host country until it is renewed.

5. Damage to immigration history: An expired residence permit can negatively affect your immigration history and could create difficulties for future applications.

6. Possible criminal charges: In some cases, if you knowingly continue staying in a country with an expired residence permit, it could lead to criminal charges and possible deportation.

It is important to make sure that you renew your residence permit well before its expiration date to avoid these consequences.

18.Can my employer sponsor me for a work-related residency visa instead of going through the standard process?

Yes, your employer can sponsor you for a work-related residency visa if they are legally allowed to do so. This process may vary depending on the country and specific requirements, but it typically involves the employer submitting an application or petition on your behalf and providing necessary documentation to support your qualification for the visa. Some countries also require the employer to meet certain requirements, such as proving a shortage of local workers or demonstrating that they have made reasonable efforts to fill the position with a local candidate before considering a foreign worker. It is important to consult with your employer and/or an immigration lawyer for specific guidance on this process.

19.What happens if my residency visa application gets rejected by authorities?

If your residency visa application gets rejected by the authorities, you will need to enquire about the reason for rejection. Depending on the reason, you may have the option to appeal the decision, reapply with additional supporting documents or evidence, or explore other visa options. It is important to follow up and understand the specific reason for rejection in order to take appropriate action.

20.Can my siblings or other extended family members join me on my residence permit in Malta?

Yes, your siblings and other extended family members can join you on your residence permit in Malta as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. They may be eligible to apply for a dependent residence permit, which will allow them to reside and work in Malta while you are living there. Each case will be evaluated individually by the Maltese immigration authorities and they will need to submit their own application for a dependent residence permit.