Malta Business Visa - Definitive Guide

Also sometimes known as the Malta Schengen business visa, this permit is issued for people travelling to Malta for the purpose of engaging in business-related activities. Nationals of other Schengen nations and countries with visa-free arrangements with Malta does not require a permit to enter the country. The business visa is issued for a duration of up to 90 days in a 180-day period and can be available as a single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entries. 

The application for the business permit has to be made offline as there is no online application form. Before starting the application, you must ensure that you are eligible to travel to the country on a business visit. After this, you may proceed to make the application as follows - 

1. Collect all the documents you would need for the process. 
2. Visit the website of the VAC and download the visa application form. The High Commission of Malta only accepts direct applications for Humanitarian/Exceptional visas. All other applications have to be made through a VAC.  
3. Fill in the application form with all the relevant details necessary.
4. Proceed to schedule an appointment to submit the application at one of the VACs located across India. You can do this by visiting the website and booking online, or by simply calling them up. You may visit the VAC without an appointment during the mentioned working hours, however, due to the high volume of applications at the VAC, it is strongly suggested to make an appointment first.
5. Visit the respective VAC with your documents, duly signed and filled application form, and the fees. 

Please note that if you have already submitted your biometrics for a Schengen visa in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. Also, note that you must provide genuine documents and correct information. Providing false information or fake documents are grounds for automatic visa rejection. 

To be able to apply for the business permit, you must meet the following eligibility conditions - 

• You must be living in a country where you are lodging the application. If you are residing in a residence permit in any foreign nation, you may apply it to the corresponding visa authority in that particular country.
• You must possess a valid passport meeting all the regulations.
• The primary motive of your visit must be to take part in business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, trade fairs, etc.
• You must possess sufficient funds to cover your expenses during the entire stay in the country.
• You must apply for the permit only if -

• 1. Malta is your only destination, or
  2. Malta is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or,
  3. Malta is your port of entry into the Schengen region.

As per the requirements, the following are the list of documents you must submit. 

 A valid passport- 

• 1. It must have at least 2 blank pages.
  2. Passports older than 10 years are not allowed.
  3. It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
  4. Old passports, if any, are to be attached.
• A covering letter from the sending company - 
  1. This should include the visitor’s basic details and source of funds. 
  2. It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
  3. It must be on the company letterhead and must contain the seal. 
  4. It should be addressed to the Embassy of Malta.
• Invitation letter from the Maltese organisation/company stating complete details of the visit, or entry tickets to trade fairs, conferences, etc in Malta.
• Registration certificate of the Indian company.
• Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
• Proof of occupation - 

Proof of occupation such as employment letter, Copy of business license, etc.

• Financial documents -

Financial documents such as bank statements of the past 3 months, Passbook copy, ITR, etc.

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time taken for the processing of the business permit depends on several factors such as the number of entries, the validity issued, the volume of applications at the embassy, as well as your previous travel history. Normally, it takes around 10-15 working days to process this permit. However, it can take up to 30 days in certain cases, and even up to 60 days in extreme cases. As a result, it is suggested that you apply for the permit well in advance. You must apply at least 15 days before the travel date, but no more than 3 months prior to the date. 

The total fees for the Maltese business visa depend on the number of entries, the biometric charges, delivery charges, as well as any other service charges. It can also vary upon the foreign exchange rates. As a result, you must check the exact amount before starting the application. 

Once you have submitted the application at the VAC, they will then forward it to the embassy of Malta in New Delhi. Note that even if the application is submitted at the VAC, they have no influence over the processing. This is solely in the hands of the embassy. 

Once your visa has been approved, you can either collect it directly from the VAC in person, or you can have it delivered to you for an additional charge. 

After a successful application, you can check the status by visiting https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track/ and entering your reference number and date of birth. You may also track it by contacting your travel agency and have them track it for you. 

Once you get the approved permit, you must keep in mind the following points ensure that you have a hassle-free journey. 

• Keep in mind the expiry date, duration of stay, as well as the number of entries mentioned on the visa sticker. Your travel must be in accordance with these. 
• Carry all the travel documents before travelling. If you do not possess them, you will be denied entry. 
• Ensure that you travel to Malta within 6 months of the issue date, or as mentioned. After this date, your permit will become invalid and you will not be able to enter the country. 
• While you are travelling within the country, carry a copy of your travel documents with you. 
• While you are on a business permit, you cannot work on a payroll of a Maltese company or establishment. You may, however, take part in unpaid voluntary work. 
• You will not be able to extend the business visa under any normal conditions.
• You can move freely within the Schengen zone. And depending on your entry type, you may enter or exit the Schengen as allowed.