Policy for third-country nationals who wish to apply for a long-stay visa (D Visa) 

Publishing Date: 27th November 2023

Version: 2.0

This Long-stay visa (D Visa) process policy is subject to periodic review and may be updated or revised as deemed necessary by the Maltese authorities. The latest version of the policy is the one published on the official website of Identità.

A hard copy of the most recent rendition of the Policy can be requisitioned from the reception desk of the Identità, situated at Valley Road, Msida.

For inquiries or further information regarding the Long-stay visa process, applicants may contact the Central Visa Unit.

1. Scope 

Third-country nationals wishing to enter the Schengen Area may do so provided that they have the required documents and necessary authorisation.

A Schengen visa will grant third-country nationals authorisation to enter and reside in Malta for a limited period of time, for a maximum period of 90 consecutive days within a period of 180 days. Regulation 2108/1806 lists those countries of origin which are required to obtain a Schengen visa, and also lists those countries which are exempted from such visa requirements. Such exemption would allow such nationals from such country of origin to enter and remain in the Schengen area for a maximum period of 90 consecutive days in 180 days without needing prior authorisation.

If a third-country national wishes to remain in the Schengen area for a period longer than 90 days, irrespective of their country of origin, such third-country national would need to obtain a Long-stay visa (D Visa) prior to their arrival in the Schengen area. While the Schengen visa is governed by Regulation 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, the issuance of a long-stay visa falls within the competence of each Member State.

In this regard, there is no legislation governing long-stay visas, and therefore the scope of this policy is to outline the process and guidelines for foreign nationals seeking to apply for a long-stay visa through the Maltese authorities.

The main reasons for which an authorisation to stay in Malta for more than 90 days may be given include employment, studies, and family reunification. Long-stay visas may also be issued, provided that all the conditions are fulfilled, in cases of third-country nationals wishing to enter Malta for purposes of business, traineeship, sporting events, religious, medical, cultural, nomad, diplomat visits, working holiday, and humanitarian reasons.

Holders of a long-stay visa enjoy freedom of movement to other Schengen countries provided that the general entry conditions are fulfilled. The long-stay visa does not give an absolute right of entry in the Schengen zone. Entry may be refused if the conditions of stay are no longer met, or if there is a risk of abuse of procedure.

Persons who are excluded from the scope of the Policy are persons:

• Who are nationals of the European Union and the European Economic Area;
• Who are Swiss nationals;
• Who are in possession of a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen state.

2. Application Procedure 

There are three distinct procedures which may be used by the applicant to apply for a long-stay visa, which may be used depending on the country of nationality or residence of the applicant.

The standard application process may be used by individuals who are either nationals or residents of the country where a diplomatic mission is present. The application procedures involve the following steps:

• Contact the Visa Application Centre (VAC): The applicant initiates the process by reaching out to the designated VAC. They can inquire about the necessary procedures and gather information on the required documentation.
• Schedule an Appointment: Once the applicant has a clear understanding of the requirements, they proceed to schedule an appointment at the VAC. The appointment booking ensures a systematic and organised submission process.
• Document Submission: On the appointed date, the applicant presents themselves at the VAC with all the required documents.
• Vetting of application: The mission processes the application within a standard timeframe, usually taking approximately 3 to 5 weeks from the date of the appointment. During this period, the mission assesses the applicant's eligibility, conducts necessary checks, and verifies the authenticity of the provided information.
• Collecting the Passport: Following the processing of the application, the applicant returns to the VAC to collect their passport. Should the visa be issued, it will be affixed to the applicant’s passport and will outline the specific travel permissions granted, such as the duration of stay and the terms of their extended visit.

The premium visa application process is designed for individuals who reside, or are nationals, of a country without a diplomatic mission and are applying for a long-stay visa for purposes such as employment, family reunification, or study. The application procedures entail the following steps:

• Application Initiation: The applicant initiates the premium visa application process by sending a request to visa.premium.identita@gov.mt. This request includes a copy of the approval in principle (for employment or family reunification) or an enrolment letter (for study purposes). Additionally, the applicant provides the email address of the person who will be applying on their behalf.
• Token Generation: Upon receiving the request, CVU (Central Visa Unit) issues a unique token to the provided email address. This token serves as a secure identifier for the applicant and enables them to access the application submission portal.
• Document Submission: Using the provided token, the applicant enters the token into the submission portal and uploads all the required documents.
• Document Verification and Payment: Once all the necessary documents are successfully submitted, the CVU reviews the application to ensure that all the required information is provided. At this stage, the applicant makes a payment of 300 euros, covering all associated fees.
• Shipping Label Issuance: After payment is confirmed, the applicant receives a shipping label with a unique barcode. This label contains details for the courier service that will be used to send the applicant's passport.
• Vetting of Application: The applicant sends their passport to the designated location using the provided shipping label. Upon receiving the passport, the CVU conducts a comprehensive vetting of the application, verifying the provided information and conducting any necessary checks. Depending on the specifics of the application, an interview may be scheduled to further assess the applicant's eligibility and intentions.
• Collecting the Passport: Following the processing of the application, usually within 6 to 8 weeks, the applicant is provided with a new shipping label and the passport is returned using the courier service. Should the visa be issued, it will be affixed on the applicant’s passport and will outline the specific travel permissions granted, such as the duration of stay and the terms of their extended visit.

The extended visa application process, designed for individuals seeking an extended stay in a foreign country, is available in selected countries.  The process will take 6-8 weeks, and involves the following steps:

• Contact the Visa Application Centre (VAC): The applicant initiates the process by making use of online facilitation, and reaching out to the designated VAC. They can inquire about the necessary procedures and gather information on the required documentation.
• Schedule an Appointment: Once the applicant has a clear understanding of the requirements, they proceed to schedule an appointment at the VAC. The appointment booking ensures a systematic and organised submission process.
• Visit the VAC: The applicant visits the designated VAC in person. At the VAC, they submit all the necessary documents along with their passport.
• Vetting of Application: Once the documents are received at the VAC, they are forwarded to the Central Visa Unit in order to review and assess the submitted documents to determine the applicant’s eligibility and compliance with the visa requirements, within a standard timeframe, typically taking around 4 weeks. An interview may be carried out.
• Collecting the Passport: Following the processing of the application, the applicant returns to the VAC to collect their passport. Should the visa be issued, it will be affixed to the applicant’s passport and will outline the specific travel permissions granted, such as the duration of stay and the terms of their extended visit.

3. Schengen Information System (SIS) Check

The Schengen Information System is a key tool in information sharing for European security and border management. Given that there are no internal borders between Schengen countries in Europe, SIS compensates for border controls and is the most successful cooperation tool for border, immigration, police, customs and judicial authorities in the European Union and Schengen-associated countries.

Throughout the due diligence process, such checks will be carried out and SIS allows the competent national authorities to issue and consult alerts on persons who may have been involved in serious crime or may not have the right to enter or stay in the European Union.

4. Documentation Required

Applicants must provide a comprehensive set of documents to support their Long-stay visa application. The specific documents vary depending on the purpose of the stay, but commonly include:

• A completed and signed Long-stay visa application form;
• A valid passport with a minimum of 3 months validity beyond the extended stay, or for a period of at least 8 months of validity, which is not older than ten years;
• One recent passport size photograph as per ICAO Standards. The photograph guidelines issued by ICAO may be accessed via the website of the ICAO;
• Travel medical insurance coverage, which is valid in Malta, covering any medical eventuality for the entire duration of the visa;
• Proof of accommodation to cover the first month of the intended duration of stay;
• Evidence of sufficient financial means to cover the stay in Malta;
• Provisionally booked flight tickets;
• Additional documents based on the specific visa category, as stipulated in Annex A

5. Visa fees

The fee for the long-stay visa is dependent on the scope of the application.

Minors under the age of 6 are exempt from paying any fees.

Long-stay visa fees, for justified reasons, may be waived by the Central Visa Unit.

Fees paid upon application for a Long-stay visa shall not be refundable, regardless of the circumstances, including the voluntary withdrawal or refusal of the said application.

VAC fees are not included in the above list of fees. Currently, these fees do not exceed the equivalent of €150.

5. Arrival and Residence

This visa allows the holder to enter Malta and serves as the initial authorisation for stay. The visa holder must enter Malta within the validity period stated on the visa.

Once the visa holder arrives in Malta, depending on the purpose of stay, additional steps such as applying for a residence permit may be required.

6. Extension

Applicants who are legally residing in Malta and are in possession of a valid visa or a visa exemption as granted in Regulation 2018/1806, may in exceptional circumstances submit an application with the Central Visa Unit for an extension of their authorisation to reside in Malta.

Extensions of a long-stay visa are only granted in exceptional cases and are considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the evidence submitted in support of the application.

Alternatively, the visa holder may apply for a residence permit in Malta before the Long-stay visa expires. The submission of an application for a residence permit does not grant the applicant the right to reside in Malta until a decision is taken, and should the application remain pending until the date of the conclusion of their authorised stay, the applicant would have to leave Malta until a final decision is issued by the competent authorities. The granting of a residence permit is subject to meeting the eligibility criteria and providing the necessary documents. The processing timeframe varies based on the specific category of the intended residence permit.

7. Departure

Visa holders are required to comply with the terms and conditions of their visa, as well as Maltese law. Upon the conclusion of the authorised stay, the visa holder must depart from Malta unless a further extension or residence permit has been obtained before the conclusion of their authorised stay.

8. Revocation and Annulment

The Maltese authorities reserve the right to revoke or annul a long-stay visa under the following circumstances:

1. Discovery of False or Misleading Information and/or documents.


2. Non-Compliance with Visa Conditions: In instances where the visa holder breaches the terms and conditions of the visa, such as engaging in unauthorised employment or activities not covered by the visa.


3. Public Security and Order: If the presence of the visa holder poses a threat to public security, public order, or national interests.


4. Change in Circumstances: In cases where there has been a significant change in circumstances that renders the visa holder ineligible or no longer eligible for the intended purpose of stay.


5. Upon request of the visa holder

Should a Long-stay visa be revoked or annulled by the Maltese authorities, the visa holder will be notified in writing of such decision. In such instance, the visa holder is no longer authorised to remain in Malta and is required to depart immediately, unless otherwise directed by the authorities. Should the former visa holder fail to comply with the decision, legal action, including a possible entry ban, may be initiated.

9. Appeal

Should an application for a long-stay visa be refused, applicants have the right to appeal such decision within 15 days from the final decision. Appeals are lodged directly with the Immigration Appeals Board, which is an autonomous judicial board.

Annex A   Additional documents based on the specific visa category 

Employment

• Proof of Employment in Malta: Letter from employer indicating name, address, telephone number of the employer, position of applicant, tenure duration, salary.
• Employment License as issued by Jobsplus in Malta or Work Permit Letter (Approval in Principle) issued by Identità. The Approval in Principle Letter must be valid upon application for a visa. Expired Approval in Principle Letters will not be accepted.
• Proof of Accommodation in Malta/Declaration of Proof form, duly notarised along with copy of the ID card of the host.
• Applicants with an Employment License to work as drivers must provide a driving licence. Applicants operating light passenger transport vehicles (LPTVs) must provide a driving licence issued by Malta or another Member State of the European Union. Applicants who will not be operating LPTVs but operating other vehicles are to present the Driving Licence issued to the applicant by the competent authority from the country of origin.

Study

• Original Letter of Acceptance by the Maltese Education Institution including details of the course, duration and fees with proof of payment;
• Those in full-time education should submit a letter from their education establishment clearly indicating the course of studies being followed.

Family Reunification of Non-EEA National

• Family reunification certificate issued by Identità;
• Bank Statement of the main sponsor;
• Original marriage certificate legalised in the country of origin;
• Original birth certificate legalised in the country of origin;
• Letter of invitation from the spouse in Malta, legalised/notarised by a notary or a lawyer in Malta;
• Copy of the passport of the spouse in Malta;
• Copy of the passport of the spouse/children in the country of origin.

Business

• Declaration of Proof including a copy of host’s ID card;
• Memorandum and Articles of Association of host company Proof of business between applicants and invitee;
• Proof of business being conducted by the applicant.

Citizenship or Residence Programme

• Application Receipt from the Agency;
• Acceptance letter and forms from the Agency;
• Invitation letter by the company/law firm signed by the invitee.

Court

• Invitation Letter by the law firm;
• Court hearing papers.

Cultural Visit

• Invitation letter from the host.

Dependent Children

• Children’s birth certificate;
• Proof of dependency (financial transactions showing maintenance or dependence).

Non-Dependent Children

• Children’s birth certificate;
• Invitation letter signed by the invitee.

Dependent Relatives

• Birth certificate of EU host (if parents- in-law marriage certificate & birth certificate of Non-EU);
• Proof of dependency (financial transactions showing maintenance or dependence, a letter is not sufficient).

Religious

• Invitation letter from the religious organization signed by the invitee.

Diplomatic

• Note Verbal or Invitation Letter;
• Copy of Diplomatic Documents.

Humanitarian

• Covering letter by the applicant.

Medical

• Medical report signed by the Specialist.

Political

• Invitation letter signed by the invitee.

Scientific Researcher and Training

• Invitation letter signed by the invitee.

Sport

• Invitation letter signed by the invitee.

Re-entering Malta in case of lost document

• Copy of lost document;
• Police report lodged at destination of applicant.

Application for the Long-Stay (D) Visa may be downloaded from here