The application for the working holiday visa shall be submitted to Identita’, the citizen authority of the Republic of Malta responsible for the processing of long-stay national (D) Visas in Malta, through the External Service Provider (VFS), or as otherwise instructed by Identita’. When necessary, Identita’ retains the right to interview the applicant to determine his/her eligibility.

Eligibility

• Be between 18 and 30 years of age;
• Submits a completed individual application;
• Demonstrate Maltese descent (via documentation). Such proof of Maltese heritage includes direct ancestors’ Maltese birth certificate, passport, citizenship certificate or other official documentation recognised by Maltese authorities;
• Not be accompanied by dependents;
• A valid recognised passport (minimum 12 months before expiration).
• Clean police conduct clearance report of country/state of permanent residence (issued within the last 6 months);
• Financial proof of at least the Median National Equivalised Income (NEI) at the time of application in their bank account; OR a letter from a Maltese citizen with permanent residence in Malta hosting the applicant;
• Flight itinerary to Malta, with the arrival date set at least three months after the letter of expression of interest submission;
• Beneficiaries are required to secure private health insurance for the entire planned duration of their stay;
• Not pose any potential threat to the national security, public policy, public health or public interest;

Application Process

• A letter of expression of interest is sent to the nearest accredited Maltese diplomatic mission.
• The letter of expression of interest including documentation to prove Maltese descent is vetted by the Maltese mission and informs Identita’ accordingly.
• National D Visa (Long Stay Visa Category) is applied for by the applicant within 3 months of the intended date of arrival.
• Processing time: Approximately 6-8 weeks.
• Visa is issued for a maximum of 1 year. Beneficiary who would like to extend the stay requires to visit Identita’ and applies for a residence permit.
• Fees: Visa Fee, Visa Service Fee, Residence Permit Fee and Residence Permit Renewal Fee (if applicable).

Renewal Terms

• Renewal applications must be submitted no later than 90 days before the expiry of the visa through an annual residence permit application.
• Applicants must continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Further information

Whilst the visa shall be issued free of charge by the Maltese competent authorities, the applicant shall still be required to pay any service fees levied by the External Service Provider.

Fees are found in the following link https://identita.gov.mt/central-visa-unit-sec-page-applicable-fees-and-applications/

Information on Visa Extended Services may be found through the following link: https://identita.gov.mt/central-visa-unit-visa-extended-service-branches/