Navigating Your Visa and Entry Requirements for Malta!
Visiting Malta is a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, and make memories that will last a lifetime. But before you start packing your bags, there are a few essential steps to take to ensure your journey is smooth and stress-free. Find out what visa, entry or working requirements you need to meet to work in or just visit Malta. Don't worry, travellers from most countries do not have to go through a complicated visa process. We're here to guide you every step of the way! We offer support in preparing and verifying all the necessary documents for your Malta visa application. Our experience will help streamline the process, guiding you through each step. So you can look forward to your English course in Malta.
First Things First: Do You Need a Visa?
Yes, the journey to the heart of the Mediterranean requires some planning, and for many students from non-European countries, the first step is applying for a student visa. But there is no need for fear! We're here to assist you through this process to ensure everything is ready for your grand Maltese adventure.
Understanding Your Visa Options
Malta warmly welcomes citizens from over 90 countries around the world and allows them to visit Malta without a visa. Travellers from other countries must apply for a visa before arrival. Let us find out if you are one of the lucky travellers!
Schengen member State: If you're from a Schengen member state, your journey to Malta is just a breeze away. Simply grab your National ID Card or passport, and you're ready to board your flight to this Mediterranean paradise. Even if you're from an EU country outside the Schengen zone, or you're a British national, you can join the fun; just bring your passport along! So, if you're an EU or Schengen national, your adventure doesn't have to end with a vacation. Fancy living and working amidst Malta's scenic landscapes and historical marvels? It's all possible, and you won't need a visa for it!
Visa on Entry: Malta's hospitality extends beyond Europe. Over 60 other nations share this privilege, allowing their citizens to soak in Malta's beauty visa-free. Whether you're coming for tourism, business, or just passing through, you could Enjoy up to 90 days of enchanting days in Malta in any one 180 day period. And even better, if you want to extend your visa for Malta you can apply for a visa extension after entering the Schengen area for the first 90 days. Our students will need to prove that their original reason for entry was to study for less than 90 days. This will be proved with attendance records showing 75% or above. Our students can use the extended visa service process offered by Sprachcaffe.
From 2025 on, there will be an additional tiny step for visa-exempt nationals. You'll need to complete a quick ETIAS registration for Malta (don't worry, it's a simple process) to ensure your travels remain smooth and hassle-free.
Check out the list of countries that do not need a visa below. If your homeland is on it, your Maltese adventure is just a heartbeat away. Pack your excitement, curiosity, and spirit of adventure; let's make unforgettable memories in Malta!
If you've found your country on the list, congratulations! Prepare yourself for the journey of a lifetime. If not, don't worry; there are still options for you. Regardless, the beauty, culture, and warmth of Malta await your arrival. Get ready to explore, learn, and grow in this European gem. See you in Malta!
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei Darussalam
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominica
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Macedonia
- Malaysia
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Norway
- Palau
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Republic of Cyprus
- Romania
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Timor Leste
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vanuatu
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
This list is subject to change without notice and we cannot guarantee its accuracy at any time.
Pre-arrival Visa for Malta
Certain students must secure this visa BEFORE landing in Malta. Without it, you won't be allowed entry, so it's crucial to check your eligibility right away. This visa grants you 90 days in the Schengen area, providing just enough time to get settled in and absorb the initial wonder of Malta.
The Process of getting a Visa for Malta
1. Plan Ahead: Start your visa application process early to avoid any stress! It's wise to apply at least three weeks before you plan to travel. Remember, getting an appointment can sometimes take a while, depending on the embassy's schedule.
2. Find Your Embassy: Search for the closest Maltese embassy or consulate and arrange an appointment. If Malta doesn't have an embassy in your country, don't worry! You'll find one in a nearby country. Sometimes, other Schengen country embassies accept visa applications for Malta, or specific visa application centers might be designated for the task.
3. Accurate Application: Take your time to fill out the application form. Be thorough and honest with the information you provide. Whether you're filling it out online or on paper, you'll need to submit two signed copies, so make sure everything is accurate!
4. Manage the Fee: It's time to pay the visa fee. The authority you're dealing with (embassy, consulate, or visa center) will guide you on how to make the payment, often via online methods or bank transfers. Keep your payment confirmation safe as you'll need to attach it to your application documents.
5. Interview Prep: Get ready to make a great impression during your visa interview. Research commonly asked questions in visa interviews for Malta and practice your responses. Confidence is key!
6. Gather Your Documents: Before you submit your application, double-check that you have all the necessary documents. It's better to be thorough than to realize you've forgotten something important later on.
7. Appointment Day: The day has arrived! Head to your appointment, and remember, punctuality is crucial. Arrive on time, as being too early or too late can disrupt the schedule for everyone.
By following these steps, you're well on your way to securing your visa for Malta. Each phase is an important part of the journey, so embrace the process. Soon, you'll be packing your bags for an unforgettable adventure!
And we have even better news, our students can extend their visas in Malta as long as they originally enter the Schengen area with a study visa. Students have to apply for a long-term visa using the new Extended Visa Service provided by VFS.
Required documents for a visa to Malta
Before you dive into the crystal-clear waters, there's a little paperwork adventure you need to embark on - don't worry, we've got the treasure map for your visa application right here!
1. Your Application Form: Start with a fully-filled visa application form. Make sure all the details are correct, print it, and sign your name with a flourish at the end!
2. Say Cheese for Your Photos: You'll need two recent photos. Remember, these snaps should be fresh from the last three months and must match the Schengen visa photo requirements.
3. Passport Please: Wave your no-older-than-ten-years passport that will stay valid for at least three more months beyond your Schengen adventure. It needs two blank pages - ready for those new travel stamps!
4. Your Travel Plans, Booked: Show off your roundtrip reservation or itinerary. It should spell out your entry and exit dates from the Schengen area. Need help getting a flight reservation? No worries, there's plenty of advice out there!
5. Health Insurance for Safe Travels: Prove you're covered with travel health insurance for any "oops" moments. It should handle medical emergencies up to €30,000 for your entire Maltese holiday.
6. Your Home Away From Home: Let them know where you're crashing by providing proof of accommodation. Hotel booking, rental agreement, or a letter from your tour organizer will do the trick.
7. Show Me the Money! Present proof you can afford this escapade. Bank statements or a sponsorship letter (also known as an Affidavit of Support) are perfect. Combine both if you need to!
8. Joining Someone in Malta? Got a friend or relative in Malta? Include their invitation letter, a copy of their ID, and the official "Declaration of Proof" form they filled out for you.
9. Family Ties: If you're visiting family, you'll need to prove the relationship with your Maltese host.
10. It's Complicated (Your Civil Status): Single? Married? Something else? Show a document like a marriage certificate or a birth certificate to clarify.
11. Work or Study Life: Employed? Self-employed? Student? You'll need to prove it with documents like an employment contract, business license, or enrollment evidence. Don't forget your Income Tax Return!
12. Your Travel Tale: Write down your travel plans, including the why, where, and when of your European journey, plus all your personal details.
13. For underaged Travelers (Minors): For the young adventurers, provide a birth certificate, adoption papers, custody decree, or a parent's death certificate if applicable. Also, a consent letter from the parents or legal guardians is a must.
Getting a visa for Malta means following specific rules set by the authorities. It's crucial to understand and follow these requirements accurately when applying, but keep in mind, they can change, and their current status isn't always guaranteed. For any questions or uncertainties, reaching out to the embassy or visa application center is your best bet.
That's it, future globetrotters! Gathering your documents is like collecting travel charms. Each one brings you closer to your Maltese adventure. Get ready! Soon you will be strolling through the historic streets of Valletta, improving your English and gaining valuable new experiences!
Making Your Stay Longer: Visa Extension for Malta
Aha! Have you fallen in love with the islands and wish to stay beyond 90 days in Malta? We've got you covered!
Visa Extension for Malta: Want to extend the fun and learning? If you're planning to soak up more knowledge and culture beyond the initial 90 days, this is your go-to option. Our dedicated team at Sprachcaffe Malta is here to support your extension application, providing necessary documents and guidance.
Every student from Non-Schengen Countries who wants to enjoy Malta's beauty for more than 90 days must apply for this extension. It's your passport to an extended, enriching experience on this magnificent island. Students from visa exempt countries can use the extended visa service process from 1st of March 2024, although this is currently not obligatory.
Students who require a visa and book a course for more than 12 weeks will need to use this service before arriving to Malta. When the day comes to apply for your visa extension, you'll need to have your paperwork in order. That includes original documents and copies, all neatly organized and double-checked for consistency. Don't overlook the details - they can make a world of difference!
How does the extended visa service work?
The process is very simple: 1. Our students or agents apply for the visa extension. 2. Sprachcaffe sends an invoice confirming the requested services plus €150 administration fee for applying for the visa at the relevant VFS office in their country. 3. Once the booking and payment are completed, Sprachcaffe issues a Letter of Acceptance and receipt. 4. In order to submit an application online and set an appointment for the visa, Sprachcaffe will need to receive all the required documents from the student/agent:
- Accommodation - proof of accommodation for a minimum of the first 14 nights. We will include the proof of accommodation in the letter of acceptance.
- Bank statement - proof of having access to enough money to support the entire stay: €18/day if the accommodation is booked through the school. Students must provide bank statements showing all transactions for the last 3 months and a recent bank certificate in English.
- Insurance - travel insurance valid from the first entry in the Schengen area until the end of the stay, with a minimum coverage of €30.000 valid in all Schengen countries
- Flight Tickets - full flight ticket itinerary, including name and dates of arrival/departure. Return flights must be out of the Schengen area and must not exceed 7 days after the end of course date.
Exception: Students staying for more than 6 months; a return flight ticket is not needed.
On the day of the appointment, the student will need to deliver their passport to their local VFS office. VFS will send the passport to Malta to receive the visa and then send it back. Once our students receive their visa, they can enter the country and start the course.
*The extended visa service cost €150, which will need to be paid to Sprachcaffe to submit the application. This fee includes the visa application and transportation costs of the passport. The local VFS offices may also charge additional fees for their services. Rescheduling or cancellation of appointments is not permitted. Visa fee, once paid, will not be refundable.
Working in Malta
Summer jobs are a fantastic way to earn some money, gain experience, and enjoy your time in a beautiful place like Malta. Now, whether you need a work permit for a summer job in Malta depends on where you're from. Students from visa excempt countries will be able to apply for a part-time employment license (20 hours/week) as soon as they enter Malta and have found an employee who is willing to proceed with their work permit application. However, if you're from Asia, Africa, America, or anywhere not in the EU/EEA, obtaining a work permit is madatorry, this involves several steps. Firstly, you must secure a job in Malta, as your employer will need to validate that they require your specific skills and will often assist in the application process. Following this, you will apply for an employment license (work permit) and, after its approval, a long-stay visa and eventually, a residence permit.
Let's walk through what you need to do to get your work permit. It's not too complicated, and before you know it, you'll be all set to start your new job!
Job Offer in Hand: First things first, you need a job in Malta. Companies in Malta will look at your skills and if they think you're the right fit, they'll offer you a job. That's your ticket to start the work permit process!
Gather Your Documents: You'll need a few important things like a copy of your job contract, a valid passport, and some passport-style photos. Also, you'll need documents related to your qualifications and experience, like your diploma or letters from past jobs. Make sure they're all up to date!
Health Check Time: Malta wants to make sure you're in good health. So, you might need a medical certificate saying you're fit to work. It's super simple; a quick visit to the doctor should do it.
Application Form Magic: Now, you or your employer needs to fill in a special form to apply for the work permit. It's important to take your time and fill it out carefully. You want to make sure all the information is just right!
The Waiting Game: After sending in the application, you need a little patience. It can take some time for the authorities to check everything and make their decision. But don't worry, they're working on it, and soon enough, you'll get an answer!
Green Light - Approval!: If all goes well, hooray, you'll get your work permit! That's your green light to start working and enjoying life in Malta.
Remember, every step you complete is a step closer to your new adventure in Malta. Yes, there might be a bit of waiting and a few forms to fill in, but it's all part of the journey
We're in This Together!
It's important to start this process well before you plan to travel, as it can take several months. Ensure you frequently check for the latest requirements and procedures, as immigration policies can change. Consulting can be found here or at the Maltese embassy or immigration office websites.
Remember, we're here to support your educational journey every step of the way. From the first visa to potential extensions, we'll ensure you're well-prepared for your time in Malta. So, get ready to embrace this extraordinary experience, meet new friends, learn in a fantastic environment, and create unforgettable memories! Malta awaits you!
Do you have questions about the Sprachcaffe Campus in Malta?
We are always ready to solve any doubts you might have!