Maltese Immigration Procedure for Work or Business Purposes
Maltese immigration procedures for work or business purposes vary depending on the length of the foreign citizen’s intent to stay in Malta.
Short Term Stay
– If the foreign worker needs to enter the country and carry out business activities for a short term period (less than 90 days), the following procedure is to be followed:
Business Visa Request
– the Visa is the document that allows foreigners to enter the country. This document is released by the Diplomatic Maltese Authority (Maltese Consulate) in the citizen’s country of residence (local area). Usually the Visa is released in approximately 21 – 28 days from the application date. This timing may vary depending on the competent diplomatic authority to which the request has been filed.
Long Term Stay
– If the foreigner needs, on the other hand, to work indefinitely in Malta, and therefore remains in Malta for more than the 90 day period provided for by the Business Visa, a Maltese Work Permit will have to be applied for.
Maltese Work Permit
All citizens, including EU/EEA/Swiss nationals must apply for a Maltese work permit, even if, they only work for one day. Employment licenses are normally issued valid for one year. Licenses valid for up to three years may also be applied for at the express request of the employer and provided sufficient justification is given. Licenses may be renewed thereafter where a request to that effect can be justified.
Maltese Residence Permit
A residence permit is automatically granted when an applicant’s work permit has been approved or for his/her spouse. However, this does not entitle the spouse to work or automatically qualify for an employment license unless there is a specific need for their professional skills in Malta.
Maltese ID Card
Once you have obtained your work license and resident’s permit, you can apply for a Maltese Identity Card. One does not need a work permit and/or a resident’s permit to apply for the ID Card. It simply requires an address in Malta in the applicant’s name.
Immigration Programs
Work License for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and Non EU Citizens
- Organize, acquire, and control all the necessary documents for requesting registration
- Present the necessary documentation to the relevant local office and complete process
- Accompanied visit with Local Counselor to obtain the Visa stamp