Residence permits are issued to Third Country Nationals for the purpose of study, research, training and voluntary service (in the mobility project for young people) under the provisions of Subsidiary Legislation 217.22.

Students

Students must submit their application online, through the Expatriates Unit Portal 

These regulations apply to third-country nationals accepted by an institution licensed by the National Commission for Higher Education to pursue a full-time course of study leading to a higher education qualification. The qualification must be recognised by the Malta Qualification Recognition Information Centre at MQF level 5.

Courses may also include a preparatory programme which leads to the higher-education qualification. Third Country Nationals who are visa exempt must submit their application for a residence permit within three months from their date of entry within the European Union territory. Other non-European nationals who need a visa to travel to the Schengen Area must be in possession of a visa issued for education purposes. Applications must be submitted by the applicant in person whilst in Malta.

Residence permits are also granted for the purpose of study whenever the course level falls under the specified the levels in Subsidiary Legislation 217.22.