Central Visa Unit

National Visa (D) for Trials of Third Country National (TCN) Sportspersons with Maltese-registered sports clubs

Published Date: 7th July 2025

Version: 1.0

Purpose

To regulate the entry and temporary stay of third country national (TCN) of sportspersons entering Malta to undergo trials with locally registered sports clubs.

Scope

This policy regulates the issuance of a National Long-Stay Visa (D-Visa) valid for Third Country Nationals (TCNs) who are invited for sporting trials with sports clubs officially registered in Malta.

Policy

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be sportspersons invited for trials by a national sports club, duly registered and authorised by Sports Malta or another qualified Sports Regulator depending on the sports practiced by the applicant.
The sponsor club must provide evidence of registration, invitation for trial, the planned duration and nature of the trial and a confirmation that in case of a successful trial the applicant will be given a full-time contract as a sportsperson with the club.
The applicant must hold a valid travel health insurance for the entire duration of stay, covering all health requirements, including hospitalisation.
A signed declaration / invitation by the sponsor club shall be provided.
Proof of sufficient financial means for the whole duration and repatriation costs shall be provided.

Visa Conditions

The National Visa will be valid for a non-renewable period of 100 days.
Access to the Maltese labour market shall be restricted exclusively to the activities directly related to sports as delineated in the provided evidentiary documentation.
TCNs issued with this visa are prohibited from engaging in any other employment activities in Malta during the validity of the visa.
Without prejudice to section titled ‘Transition to Single Permit’, holders of this visa may not apply for other visa categories or residence permits while physically present in Malta under this specific sports visa scheme.
Engagement in other activities within Schengen is not permitted, except for short visits that comply with Schengen short-stay rules.

Transition to a Single Permit

If the sponsoring club, or another club, wishes to formally retain the sportsperson beyond the trial period, a Single Permit application must be submitted no later than 20 calendar days before the expiry of the national visa.
The Single Permit application needs to also be endorsed by Sports Malta or another qualified Sports Regulator depending on the sports practiced by the applicant.

Exit Obligations

TCNs who have not obtained a valid residence permit or other legal authorisation to reside in Malta are required to exit the Schengen territory immediately upon expiry of the 100-day visa.
Failure to comply with exit obligations will be in violation of EU and national legislation and may result in sanctions, including potential bans from re-entering the Schengen territory.

Other Conditions