How to Move to Malta
Malta is an English-speaking EU member in the Mediterranean, popular for iGaming, finance and tourism. Workers use the Single Permit (combined work + residence), while remote workers can use the Nomad Residence Permit. Identità (the residency agency) handles applications.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Malta embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Malta has few African embassies, so you often apply through a partner Schengen embassy or a VFS centre. Malta uses VFS Global in several African countries. Use the locator/VFS to find where to apply.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
Don’t see your country? Malta has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
Around 1–3 months.
Fees roughly €280 (application + card).
Usually 1 year, renewable; pathway to long-term residence.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer from a Maltese employer.
- The employer completes the labour-market checks.
- Qualifications for the role.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a job offer
A Maltese employer offers you a role and starts the Single Permit.
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2
Employer/agent submits the application
The application is submitted to Identità with your documents.
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3
Approval & visa
Once approved, get an entry visa if you are outside Malta.
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4
Travel & collect the permit
Enter Malta, give biometrics and collect your residence card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- English is an official language — no language barrier.
- iGaming, finance and hospitality have steady demand.
Who submits this application
You don't fill this form yourself — your employer does.
For this visa, there is no public application a candidate can submit alone. Your employer files everything through their own official portal once you have an offer or a confirmed sponsor. A genuine employer never asks you to pay for this step.
See the official portal your employer uses
For work permits, your Maltese employer creates the account and submits your Single Permit application through the Single Permit Online Portal — you then confirm your details by email. Student, family and Nomad Residence applications instead go through Identità or your local Maltese consulate/VFS centre.
View official portalAround 30–60 days.
Application fee ~€300 per person.
1 year, renewable up to several years.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- You work remotely for clients/employers outside Malta (or run your own business abroad).
- You earn above the minimum monthly income (around €3,500 gross).
- Valid health insurance.
What to do, step by step
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1
Prove your remote income
Show contracts and income above the minimum threshold.
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2
Apply to Residency Malta
Submit the Nomad Residence Permit application online.
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3
Get approval & insurance
Once approved, arrange health insurance and accommodation.
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4
Travel & collect the permit
Enter Malta and collect your residence card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Ideal if you already earn online — bring your job with you.
- English-speaking, sunny and within the EU.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Single Permit Online Portal (employer-led) / Identità first
For work permits, your Maltese employer creates the account and submits your Single Permit application through the Single Permit Online Portal — you then confirm your details by email. Student, family and Nomad Residence applications instead go through Identità or your local Maltese consulate/VFS centre.
Create accountStart your Nomad Residence Permit application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationA few weeks to a couple of months.
Visa/permit fees roughly €100–€280; plus tuition.
Course length.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Acceptance at a Maltese institution or licensed school.
- Proof of funds and accommodation.
- Health insurance.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Get admitted
Receive acceptance from a Maltese institution.
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2
Show funds & insurance
Prove you can support yourself and have cover.
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3
Apply for the visa/permit
Apply via the relevant Schengen embassy/VFS or Identità.
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4
Travel & register
Enter Malta and complete residence formalities.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Malta is a popular place to study or improve English.
- Some courses allow limited part-time work.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Single Permit Online Portal (employer-led) / Identità first
For work permits, your Maltese employer creates the account and submits your Single Permit application through the Single Permit Online Portal — you then confirm your details by email. Student, family and Nomad Residence applications instead go through Identità or your local Maltese consulate/VFS centre.
Create accountStart your Student visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationA few months.
Fees roughly €100–€280.
Linked to your sponsor; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Your relative holds a valid Maltese residence permit.
- Stable income and suitable housing.
- A genuine relationship.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Check sponsor status
Your relative must hold a qualifying residence permit.
-
2
Submit the application
Apply for family reunification to Identità.
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3
Travel & collect the permit
Enter Malta and collect your residence card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- English-speaking environment eases settling in.
- Legalise/translate documents early.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Single Permit Online Portal (employer-led) / Identità first
For work permits, your Maltese employer creates the account and submits your Single Permit application through the Single Permit Online Portal — you then confirm your details by email. Student, family and Nomad Residence applications instead go through Identità or your local Maltese consulate/VFS centre.
Create accountStart your Family reunification application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Malta work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Malta — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about Malta visas
How much does the Malta Single Permit (work + residence) cost?
The Malta Single Permit (work + residence) costs: Fees roughly €280 (application + card). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Malta Single Permit (work + residence) take?
Processing for the Malta Single Permit (work + residence) takes around 1–3 months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Malta Single Permit (work + residence) valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Malta Single Permit (work + residence) is valid for usually 1 year, renewable; pathway to long-term residence. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Malta Nomad Residence Permit cost?
The Malta Nomad Residence Permit costs: Application fee ~€300 per person. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Malta Nomad Residence Permit take?
Processing for the Malta Nomad Residence Permit takes around 30–60 days. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Malta Nomad Residence Permit valid for?
The Malta Nomad Residence Permit is valid for 1 year, renewable up to several years. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Malta Student visa cost?
The Malta Student visa costs: Visa/permit fees roughly €100–€280; plus tuition. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Malta Student visa take?
Processing for the Malta Student visa takes a few weeks to a couple of months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Malta Student visa valid for?
The Malta Student visa is valid for course length. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Malta Family reunification cost?
The Malta Family reunification costs: Fees roughly €100–€280. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Malta Family reunification take?
Processing for the Malta Family reunification takes a few months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Malta Family reunification valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Malta Family reunification is valid for linked to your sponsor; renewable. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.