UK nationals who were legally residing in Malta by 31st December 2020 (the end of the Brexit transition period) may apply for beneficiary status. In practice, this means you must have been exercising your EU Treaty rights (e.g. working, studying, or living on own resources with insurance) as an EU national before Brexit. Maltese law (Subsidiary Legislation 217.25) implements the EU–UK Withdrawal Agreement, so applicants must meet the same residence and status conditions laid down in that Agreement.

The deadline under S.L. 217.25 was 30th June 2021. If you missed that deadline, you can still submit a late application only if you have clear and reasonable grounds for the delay. Identità will assess any late application on its individual merits. Without good reason for missing the deadline of 30th June 2021, your Withdrawal Agreement rights would lapse and your application will not be processed.

You must submit a complete application form (the UK Nationals’ Residence Status form) and supporting evidence. Key documents include:

• valid UK passport(s) (for you and any family members applying);
• proof of UK nationality (e.g. a birth or naturalisation certificate);
• documentation proving residence in Malta before 2021 (such as a rental/lease agreement, utility bills, or local contracts); and evidence of how you met EU Treaty rights (for example, an employment contract and payslips, school enrolment letters, or proof of financial resources and health insurance).
• If applicable, include a police conduct certificate or other certificates (e.g. health or military) as required.

In summary, provide all documents that establish your identity, residence history in Malta, and grounds (employment, study, etc.) for your stay. (See Identità’s checklist for the full list.)

Expatriates Unit at Identità.
Applications are not submitted through the online Expatriates Portal. Instead, applicants must follow the process below:

1. Initial Contact / Appointment Request

Applicants must first send an email to: brexit.identita@gov.mt

In the email, applicants should specify whether they are applying as:

• a first-time Brexit (Withdrawal Agreement) applicant, or
• a Permanent Residence applicant (after completing five years of effective residence).

The email should include:

• Full name and passport number
• Contact number
• Current residence address in Malta
• Scanned copy of the passport bio page
• Copy of the existing residence card (if already issued under the Brexit scheme)

Once the email is received, the Expatriates Unit will reply with an appointment date and time for document submission and biometrics capture.

2. Document Preparation

Prior to the appointment, applicants must ensure that all supporting documents are prepared and up to date, including:

• Completed Brexit application form
• Proof of residence in Malta (e.g. lease agreement, utility bills, or other evidence of effective residence)
• Health insurance coverage
• Evidence of sufficient financial means
• For Permanent Residence applications: documentary proof of at least six months in a year for the past five years of effective residence (e.g. Bank statements showing transactions effected in Malta, FS3s, Pay slips, school letters.)

3. Submission and Biometrics

On the day of the appointment, applicants must attend in person at the Expatriates Unit (Identità, Valley Road, Msida) for:

• Submission of the original documents
• Verification of eligibility and supporting evidence
• Biometric enrolment (photo, fingerprints, and signature capture)
  o The application will only be considered formally submitted once the applicant has attended the appointment and provided biometrics.

4. Processing

• Once submitted, the application will undergo standard verification checks.
• Applicants will be notified by post once their residence document is ready for collection.
• Residence cards are typically issued for 10 years (depending on certain conditions).

Yes. If you stop satisfying the conditions of the Withdrawal Agreement (for example, leaving Malta for more than 6 months in a year or committing a serious offence) your status can lapse. Maltese law provides that your right to reside continues only as long as you meet all conditions. In effect, a beneficiary-status holder may lose his status and therefore his documents shall be revoked.

If Identità decides that you did not meet eligibility (for example, you failed to apply on time without reasonable cause, or you were not actually resident before end-2020), then your beneficiary status application will be refused and your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement will lapse. You will receive a written decision explaining the reason. You have the right to appeal that decision: an appeal must be lodged with the Immigration Appeals Board within three working days of the decision. If you choose not to appeal, or if the appeal fails, you can only remain in Malta under general national immigration rules (e.g. a work or residency permit for third-country nationals). If no lawful status applies, you will then have to leave Malta within one month of the decision.

You essentially retain the same rights you had as an EU citizen in Malta. This includes the right to continue living, working, studying, and accessing health care in Malta and to move freely in and out of the country. You must comply with Maltese law, but you cannot be discriminated against based on nationality. Your continued right to reside is conditional on maintaining the status of conditions (e.g. not committing serious crimes and continuing to reside for the purpose stated). Also note that after 5 years of continuous legal residence in Malta you may apply for permanent residence status.

• Identità (Expatriates Unit): brexit.identita@gov.mt (for inquiries about Brexit residence status).
• Immigration Appeals Board: Secretary, City Gate Bldg, Ordinance Street, Valletta, VLT 06 (for appeals of refusal decisions)

The Withdrawal Agreement protects close family members of qualifying UK nationals. This includes your spouse or registered partner, any children under 21 years old, and children (of any age) who are dependent on the UK national. Adult children and parents can also be eligible if they were dependent on the UK national prior to Brexit. These relationships generally must have been established before 31 December 2020. In other words, if you married or had a child with the UK national after that date, the new family member would not automatically qualify under the WA (they would need a normal Maltese permit). An important exception is that children born (or legally adopted) after 31 Dec 2020 to a UK national are protected if the UK parent already has beneficiary status. In that case, the child (under age 21) can get status provided you prove the UK parent financially supports the child and you have custody.

In addition to the standard application form and ID, family members must prove their relationship to the UK national. Typical documents include the UK national’s residence card or other proof of their beneficiary status, plus: for spouses – a valid marriage certificate; for registered partners – evidence of the partnership; for children – the child’s birth certificate listing the UK parent. You must also document the durability of the relationship: for example, joint financial records, joint tenancy, or social media/contact history for partners. If applying for an adult dependent, include evidence of the dependence (e.g. financial support records or medical reports). All documents from abroad should be duly certified or apostilled if required.

Each family member (including each eligible child) needs to submit an individual beneficiary-status application to Identità, referencing the UK national permit. You complete the same Brexit application form and indicate your family relationship. Identità will check your documents (including the UK national status) and may schedule a biometrics appointment for you. At the appointment you must present original documents (e.g. passports, birth/marriage cert.) and any fees. Once approved, you will receive your own Withdrawal-Agreement residence card (valid 10 years).

Like the UK national card, family members’ WA residence permits are valid for up to 10 years, depending on the validity of the sponsor’s validity date and can be renewed upon application. You must continue to meet the conditions (e.g. the family relationship must still exist, and you remain dependent where applicable).

If the UK national passes away, leaves Malta, or if you divorce, you may still retain your status in limited cases. For example, a spouse who lived with the UK national for at least one year and who lived together in Malta for at least three years can keep residence rights. A child studying full-time in Malta can keep status even if the UK parent leaves. A custodial parent can keep status for the child’s sake. Generally, each case depends on specific conditions detailed in law.

A family member’s application can be refused if the relationship was not bona fide or not established by end-2020, or if documentation is lacking. The consequence of refusal is that the applicant’s beneficiary rights cannot be granted. The Identità decision will be in writing, and you may appeal to the Immigration Appeals Board within 3 days.

If granted status, family members have similar rights to the UK national (to reside, work, study, etc. in Malta). The permit is tied to the family's relationship, so you remain entitled if the relationship continues (subject to the exceptions above if it ends). Family members do not automatically gain permanent residence just because the UK national did; each person must independently qualify for permanent residence by meeting the five-year rule.

• Identità (Expatriates Unit): brexit.identita@gov.mt (for family-member applications).

Under the Withdrawal Agreement (and EU law), a WA beneficiary (UK national or family member) may apply for permanent residence status once they have lived in Malta for at least five consecutive years. The five-year count includes any time before 31 Dec 2020. You must have resided “actual and real” in Malta for five years (generally meaning at least 6 months in each year) and continued to meet one of the EU free-movement conditions throughout (e.g. as a worker, student, etc.). Brief absences (up to 12 months total) for important reasons (study, military service, health) do not break the five-year period.

To apply for permanent residence under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, you must present proof that you have lawfully and continuously resided in Malta for 6 months a year for 5 consecutive years.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Current Residence Card (original and copy).

2. Passport bio page (copy).

3. Letter addressed to the Head of Unit – Expatriates Section, indicating:

• The date of first arrival in Malta; and
• A list of any absences from Malta during the last five years.

4. Documentary evidence of continuous residence for the five-year period. This may include one or more of the following, depending on your category:

• Employment: copies of work permits, engagement letters, employment contracts, or FS3s/final settlement statements.
• Self-employment: official Jobsplus engagement form, tax payment receipts, bank statements etc…
• Economic self-sufficiency:
  • Rental agreement and/or utility bills;
  • Annual tax payment records for each of the five years;
  • A declaration from your doctor confirming you have been under their care in Malta during this period;
  • Bank statements showing continuous financial activity in Malta; or

  Any other acceptable document demonstrating residence and means of support.

• Study: confirmation of continuous attendance issued by a recognised educational institution (e.g. University of Malta, College, or School).
• Minors: a certificate or letter from the Head of School confirming continuous enrolment and attendance.

5. Proof of Address:

• Documents such as recent utility bills, bank statements, rental agreements, or property purchase contracts showing the applicant’s full name and current address in Malta.

Note: Applicants who already hold a document certifying permanent residence only need to provide that document. However, if an individual has been absent from Malta for five consecutive years or more after being granted permanent status, this status is considered lost.

Applications for permanent residence must be made through the Brexit Unit at Identità.

To begin the process, send an email to brexit.identita@gov.mt, clearly stating that you wish to apply for permanent residence under the Withdrawal Agreement.

In your email, include:

• Your full name, passport number, and residence card number;
• A brief statement confirming that you have been residing in Malta continuously for at least five years;
• Attach copies of your passport, current residence card, and any supporting proof of residence (as outlined above).

Once reviewed, the Brexit Unit will contact you with further instructions and, if applicable, a biometric appointment for the verification of your documents.
At the appointment, you must present all original documents and their corresponding copies.

• The Permanent Residence card is generally valid for 10 years.
• Any changes in address or personal details must be reported to Identità.

Yes, permanent residence status does not expire in the same way a temporary card does. However, if a permanent status holder leaves Malta for 5 or more consecutive years, you will lose permanent status. In other words, you must return to Malta within 5 years of departure to keep your right. Otherwise, the permanent status shall be lost, and the individual shall choose other options with which to reside in Malta.

Apart from the five-year absence rule, permanent residence can only be lost in serious cases (for example, if obtained fraudulently or if you are absent for an important reason beyond 5 years without justification). Normally, if you don’t break Maltese criminal laws, your permanent status remains in effect.

If Identità finds you haven’t met all conditions then a refusal will be issued. You can appeal a refusal to the Immigration Appeals Board within 3 days of the decision.

As a permanent resident, you have an indefinite right to live, work and study in Malta under the Withdrawal Agreement. You are no longer required to prove each year that you meet the free-movement conditions. Your permanent card rights can only be lost by absences as explained above.

Only on a case-by-case basis. Maltese law allows late applications if you have reasonable grounds for delay. Valid reasons might include serious illness, being abroad under unavoidable circumstances, or other significant obstacles. You must supply clear evidence (doctors’ letters, travel restrictions, etc.) showing why you missed the deadline. Each case is judged individually by Identità.

In addition to the normal documents, you must include documentation supporting your reason for applying late. Identità will consider these documents when deciding whether the late application is acceptable.

Submit the Brexit residence application form as normal but attach a cover letter explaining your delay and the supporting evidence. Identità will review your excuse. If they accept the reason as reasonable, they will process your application normally.

If Identità decides your reasons were not reasonable, they will issue a written refusal and state that your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement have lapsed. You may appeal this decision to the Immigration Appeals Board within three working days. If you do not appeal, or lose the appeal, you can only remain in Malta under regular immigration rules (if eligible), otherwise you must leave.

Yes. Any residence card holder (including a Brexit card holder) who changes address must inform Identità so that the new address can be printed on your card.

You will need to submit the below listed documents:

Applicants must present both originals and copies of the following documents. Failure to do so may result in delays or rejection of the application.

1. Passport (valid) and Residence Card

2. Copy of Residence Card

3. Copy of the passport’s bio page

4. Proof of residence in Malta — any of the following may be used:

• Payslips
• FS3 forms
• Bank statements showing the applicant’s name, address, and local transactions
  Evidence should cover at least 6 months of stay per year from 2021 to 2024, or any 24 months within this period.

5. For children under 18 years:

• A school attendance letter confirming enrolment for each relevant year (2021–2024).
• No financial or residence evidence is required for minors.

6. Completed Change of Address Form (attached to the communication)
7. A printed copy of the appointment email (the official communication).

If you hold a residence card issued under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and have changed your residential address, you must inform Identità so your records can be updated.

Please send an email to brexit.identita@gov.mt to request an appointment for Change of Address.

In your email, kindly include:

• Your full name and residence card number;
• Your passport number;
• Your current registered address and the new address you have moved to;
• A brief explanation (e.g. “I have recently changed my residence and would like to update my address”);
• A copy of your passport bio page and current residence card;
• A copy of your lease agreement or Housing Authority registration showing your new address;

After reviewing your request, the Brexit Unit will contact you with further details and an appointment link for biometric verification at the Expatriates Unit.

At your appointment, you must present all required documents, including the originals and copies listed in the official communication sent by Identità.

Changing address does not affect the validity of your residence's status or card; it simply updates the card information.

You must report the loss to the Maltese police immediately and obtain a police report (typically within 3 days of loss). Then apply to Identità for a replacement card. This must be done in any case to remain legally resident.

Documents Required at the Appointment:

Applicants must bring originals and copies of the following documents.

Incomplete documentation may delay or prevent processing.

1. Valid Passport

2. Copy of Residence Card (if available)

3. Copy of the Passport’s Bio Page

4. Proof of Residence in Malta – any of the following:

• Payslips
• FS3 forms
• Social security payment receipts
• Appointment or booking confirmations
• Bank statements showing the applicant’s name, address, and local transactions

Evidence must cover at least 6 months of stay per year between 2021 and 2024, or any 24-month period within those years.

5. Police Report confirming that the residence card was lost or stolen (issued in Malta).

6. Completed Change Form (attached to the communication).

7. Proof of Payment – €22 (payable by card at the time of appointment).

8. A printed copy of the appointment email (this official communication).

How do I apply for a replacement card?

If your residence card issued under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement has been lost or stolen, you should contact Identità immediately by sending an email to brexit.identita@gov.mt.

In your email, please:

• Clearly state your full name, residence card number (if available), and passport number;
• Briefly explain the situation (e.g. lost, stolen, or damaged card);
• Attach a copy of your passport bio page and, if applicable, a police report confirming the loss or theft;

Once your report is received, the Brexit Unit will review your case and contact you with further instructions. You will then be invited to schedule a biometrics appointment at the Expatriates Unit to request a replacement card.

At your appointment, you must bring all required supporting documents as listed in the official communication provided by Identità.

The replacement card is issued with the remaining validity period of the original; in any case, you can renew it when it expires as normal.

Generally, yes. Children under 21 of a UK national (or of a UK national family member) who had status by 31 Dec 2020 qualify as family members. Even children born after 31 Dec 2020 can qualify: a child born or adopted after that date to a UK national (with status) is protected if the parent’s status exists. The child must be under 21 at the time of application and must be financially supported by the UK national (or family-member holder). You will need to prove parental responsibility or custody, and that the child is indeed dependent on the UK national.

The following originals and copies must be presented at the appointment.

Incomplete submissions may delay or prevent the processing of the residence card.

1. Brexit Application Form (attached to the confirmation email).

2. Proof of custody – either:

• Court-issued custody documents, or
• A letter from a lawyer confirming full custody (if parents are separated).

3. Child’s ID card – front and back (original and photocopy), in case of renewal.

4. Passports of both parents – originals and copies.

5. Child’s passport – original and copy of the bio page.

6. Original birth certificate and a copy.

7. School or childcare attendance letter, confirming the start and end dates of the child’s schooling in Malta.

8. Proof of residence in Malta for both parents – at least six months per year since the submission of the original Brexit application (for years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024).

• Accepted forms of evidence include payslips, FS3 forms, or bank statements showing name, address, and local transactions.

9. Copies of both parents’ residence cards – front and back.

Important Notes

• The child must be present for the biometrics appointment.
• All original documents must be presented with their copies.
• Applications missing the required documents or evidence will not be accepted.
• For families with more than one child, ensure that each applicant’s documents are separated and clearly labelled.

Applications for children follow the same Withdrawal Agreement procedure as that of the main applicant.

A separate application form must be submitted for each child, clearly indicating their status as a “minor family member.”

Once the application and supporting documents are received, Identità will review the submission and, if approved, will invite the child (accompanied by a parent or legal guardian) to attend a biometric appointment.

The invitation email will include a booking link and reference code to schedule the appointment. At the appointment, the parent or guardian must present the original versions of all required documents,

A child’s card is valid for 10 years (or until their 21st birthday, whichever comes first). If they are still living in Malta after age 21 and meet the conditions, they can apply independently for continued status or permanent residence.

If Identità concludes the child was not properly entitled (for example, the UK parent never had status or custody isn’t proven), the application is refused, and the child has no Withdrawal-Agreement rights. The decision will be written and can be appealed within 3 days.

Children with beneficiary status enjoy full residence rights: they can attend school in Malta and are covered by the same immigration freedoms as adults. They also have the right to family reunification (i.e. to live with the UK national) and education. If a child was granted status and later reaches adulthood, they would then be treated as any beneficiary adult (or apply for permanent status after five years).