Malta Type D Visa Process

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Malta Type D Visa Process: Comprehensive Guide for South Asian Workers

Process, Documents Required, and Fees for the Work Permit in Malta for South Asian Workers

South Asian workers, classified as third-country nationals (non-EU citizens from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal), must obtain a Single Permit to work and reside in Malta. This permit integrates both work and residence authorization and is valid for up to one year, with renewal possible under continued employment. The process is employer-driven and administered by Identità (Malta’s public authority for identity management) through its Expatriates Unit. As of 2025, there are no significant procedural variations specific to South Asian applicants, though standard requirements for third-country nationals apply, including annual quotas in certain sectors. Highly skilled workers may qualify for expedited processing under the Key Employee Initiative if their annual salary exceeds €35,000 and they possess relevant qualifications.

Process

  1. Job Offer and Eligibility Check: The Maltese employer must extend a formal job offer and confirm that no suitable EU or Maltese candidate is available, often through a labor market test via Jobsplus (Malta’s employment service). Quotas may apply in regulated sectors.
  2. Application Submission: The employer submits the Single Permit application online via the Identità portal on behalf of the worker. For the Key Employee Initiative, a separate fast-track application is used.
  3. Review and Approval: Identità reviews the submission, which may include background verification. Upon preliminary approval, an “Approval in Principle” letter is issued, allowing the worker to apply for a Type D visa if abroad.
  4. Issuance: The full Single Permit is granted after the worker enters Malta and completes biometric enrollment. The permit is issued as a residence card.
  5. Entry and Finalization: The worker enters Malta on the Type D visa and must register within specified timelines.
  6. Renewal: Applications for renewal are submitted by the employer before expiry, subject to ongoing employment compliance.

Processing time typically ranges from 2 to 4 months for standard applications, but 5 to 7 working days for Key Employee Initiative cases.

Required Documents

The employer submits the following documents electronically (originals or certified copies, with non-Maltese documents translated into English if required):

  • Completed Single Permit application form.
  • Copy of the worker’s valid passport (valid for at least three months beyond the permit’s expiry).
  • Signed full-time employment contract or job offer, detailing role, salary, duration, and terms.
  • Curriculum vitae (CV) and proof of qualifications (diplomas, certificates, or experience relevant to the position).
  • Position description form.
  • Proof of private health insurance valid in Malta.
  • Rental declaration form or proof of accommodation.
  • Health self-declaration form.
  • Police conduct certificate from the worker’s home country (issued within six months).
  • For specific roles, additional items such as references or professional registrations.

Fees

Fees are non-refundable and usually paid by the employer:

  • Single Permit application fee: €280.50.
  • Administrative online payment for new applications: €27.50.
  • Additional costs may include document translations or notarizations, potentially totaling €300–€400.
  • For Key Employee Initiative: Similar fees apply, with no premium for expedited processing.

Documents Required for Submission, Fees, and Time to Get Type D Visa at the Maltese Embassy in New Delhi After Receiving the Work Permit

Following issuance of the Approval in Principle for the Single Permit, South Asian workers apply for a Type D long-stay national visa to enter Malta for employment. This visa is valid for 91 to 365 days, aligned with the permit. Applications are processed through VFS Global centers in India (including Delhi) on behalf of the High Commission of Malta in New Delhi. Submissions are in person after booking an online appointment, with possible interviews. As of 2025, electronic elements may facilitate parts of the process, but in-person biometric capture is required. The Approval in Principle must be included, and applications should be submitted 15 days to 3 months prior to travel.

Required Documents for Submission

Documents must be in English (with certified translations if needed), including originals and copies:

  • Completed and signed visa application form.
  • One recent passport-sized color photograph (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, white background).
  • Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay, with at least 3 blank pages).
  • Overseas travel medical insurance (covering €30,000 minimum for Schengen area risks, valid for at least 91 days from travel date).
  • Confirmed travel itinerary (including intra-Schengen flights if applicable).
  • Invitation letter from the Maltese employer (detailing applicant’s role and work details, signed by an authorized person).
  • Applicant’s curriculum vitae (CV).
  • Signed reference letter from past employer.
  • Original bank statement (last six months, stamped and signed by the bank).
  • Signed employment contract (certified true copy by a Maltese public notary).
  • Approval in Principle letter from Identità for the Single Permit.
  • Proof of skills/qualifications (e.g., diplomas, IELTS level 3, or professional registrations; originals apostilled with photocopies).
  • Proof of accommodation (e.g., hotel booking, lease contract, or notarized declaration from host with supporting documents).
  • Photocopy of passport bio-data page.
  • Aadhaar card (for Indian applicants).

The embassy may request additional documents or an interview.

Fees

Fees are non-refundable and payable in Indian rupees equivalent at submission:

  • Visa fee: Approximately €60 (around INR 5,500, subject to exchange rates).
  • VFS service fee: Approximately INR 2,000–2,500.
  • Total approximate cost: INR 7,500–8,000, excluding optional services like courier or document assistance.

Processing Time

Standard processing ranges from 15 to 60 calendar days from submission, extendable to 6–8 weeks for cases requiring further verification, such as document authentication common for South Asian applicants. Applications under the Key Employee Initiative may process faster. It is recommended to apply at least two months in advance to account for potential delays.

For the most current information, consult Identità (identita.gov.mt) for permits and VFS Global (vfsglobal.com) or the High Commission of Malta for visas, as requirements may vary based on individual circumstances or policy updates.