Malta Visa for Indian passport holders

As an Indian citizen, you require a visa to enter Malta, a member of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area. The type of visa depends on the duration and purpose of your visit.

• Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa): For tourism, visiting family/friends, business, or transit, with a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period.

• National Visa (Long-Stay Visa): For stays exceeding 90 days, e.g., for work, study, retirement, or joining family.

Mandatory Documents

1. Valid Indian Passport

Issued within the last 10 years:

• Ensure your passport was issued by the Indian government within the last decade. This is a security measure to prevent the use of outdated passports that may not contain modern security features.

Valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area:

• Your passport must remain valid for at least three months after you plan to leave the Schengen Area. For example, if you plan to stay in Malta until August 31st, your passport should be valid until at least November 30th.

With at least two blank pages:

• Ensure your passport has enough blank pages for entry and exit stamps from the Schengen countries. Typically, two blank pages are sufficient, but this can vary.

2. Completed and Signed Application Form

Download from the Official Government of Malta's Website or the website of the Malta Embassy/Consulate in India:

• The application form can usually be found in the "Visa" or "Consular Services" section of the official websites.

• Ensure you download the latest version to avoid any discrepancies.

Completion:

• Fill out the application form carefully and accurately. All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.

• Use capital letters for names and surnames.

• Ensure dates are in the format: DD/MM/YYYY.

Signed:

• Sign the application form in the designated area, preferably in blue ink.

• The signature should match the one in your passport.

3. Recent Photos

• Two passport-sized photographs:

• Ensure the photos meet the Schengen requirements:

• Size: 35x45mm.

• Background: White or light.

• Facial expression: Neutral.

• Glasses: Avoid wearing glasses unless necessary for medical reasons. If worn, the frames should not cover your eyes.

• The photos should be recent, ideally taken within the last six months.

4. Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans

• Showing entry and exit from the Schengen Area:

• Provide a detailed itinerary of your trip, including:

• Flight numbers.

• Departure and arrival airports.

• Dates of travel.

• Travel duration in each Schengen country (if visiting multiple countries).

5. Travel Insurance

• Covering at least €30,000 for medical and hospital expenses:

• The insurance policy must cover you for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.

• Ensure the policy includes:

• Medical expenses.

• Hospital expenses.

• Repatriation in case of serious illness or death.

• Valid for the entire Schengen Area:

• The insurance policy should be valid in all 26 Schengen countries, not just Malta.

6. Proof of Financial Means

• Bank Statement Showing Sufficient Funds:

• The amount required may vary, but for Malta, it's approximately €48 per day.

• The bank statement should:

• Be recent (ideally, issued within the last week).

• Clearly show your name and address.

• Display sufficient funds for your entire stay.

7. Accommodation Details

• Hotel Reservation:

• Provide a confirmed hotel booking or a rental agreement.

• Ensure the accommodation is within Malta.

• Rental Agreement:

• If staying in a rented apartment, provide a signed rental agreement.

• The agreement should include your name, the address, and the duration of stay.

• Letter from the Host (if staying with friends/family):

• If staying with friends or family, obtain a letter from your host:

• Including their name and address.

• Confirming the duration of your stay.

• Stating their relationship with you.

8. Proof of Purpose

• For Tourism:

• Detailed Itinerary:

• List all tourist activities and destinations.

• Include dates and durations for each activity.

• Hotel Booking or a Tour Package:

• Provide a confirmed hotel booking or a tour package that covers your entire stay.

• For Visiting Family/Friends:

• Invitation Letter:

• From your host, including their name, address, and contact information.

• Confirming the purpose and duration of your visit.

• Copy of their ID/Passport:

• To verify their identity and residency.

• Proof of Relationship:

• Documentary evidence of your relationship with the host (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate).

• For Business:

• Invitation from the Maltese Company:

• Including the company's name, address, and contact information.

• Confirming the purpose and duration of your business visit.

• Letter from Your Employer:

• Confirm your employment and the purpose of your business trip to Malta.

Additional Requirements (if applicable)

• Minor's Declaration:

• Required for minors traveling without one or both parents.

• The declaration should be signed by the non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian.

• Additional Documents for Specific Purposes:

• May include:

• For cultural, sports, or research events: Invitation letter from the organizing body, and a detailed program.

• For other purposes: Check with the Malta Embassy/Consulate for specific requirements.

Application Process

Submit Your Application:

• In Person or Through a Representative:

• At the Malta Embassy or Consulate in India (check if an appointment is required).

• Ensure all documents are in order and complete.

• Through a Visa Application Center (VAC):

• If available in your region, for an additional service fee.

Pay the Visa Fee:

• Schengen Visa Fee for Adults: Currently €80 (check for updates).

• Children (6-12 years): €40.

• Children under 6 years, Family Members of EU/EEA Nationals, and Others: Exempt in certain cases.

Wait for the Decision:

• Processing Time: Typically 15 calendar days, but can take up to 30 or 60 days in exceptional cases.

• Collect Your Passport: Once the decision is made, either in person or through a representative, depending on the submission method.

Types of National Visas with Requirements

For stays exceeding 90 days, Indian citizens can apply for the following National Visas, each with its own set of requirements:

1. Work Visa
2. Study Visa
3. Family Reunification Visa
4. Retirement/Residence by Investment Visa

Detailed Requirements for Each National Visa Type

Work Visa

• Employment Contract with a Maltese Company:
  • The contract should be signed by both you and the Maltese employer.
  • It must include:
    • Job title and description.
    • Salary and benefits.
    • Duration of employment.
• Work Permit from the Maltese Authorities:

Obtained by your employer from the Jobsplus (formerly ETC) in Malta.

Ensures you meet the necessary qualifications and experience for the role.

Qualification Recognition (if applicable):

• If your profession requires a specific qualification, ensure it's recognized by the relevant Maltese authorities.
• This might involve providing additional documentation or undergoing an assessment.

Study Visa

Admission Letter from a Maltese Educational Institution:

• Confirms your acceptance into a study program.
• Includes details about the course, duration, and language of instruction.

Proof of Language Proficiency (if the course is not in English):

• Demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction (e.g., English, Maltese).
• Accepted proofs include language certificates (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) or a medium of instruction waiver from the educational institution.

Proof of Financial Support for the Duration of Studies:

• Show sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies in Malta.
• The amount required may vary; check with the Malta Embassy/Consulate for the most current requirement.

Family Reunification Visa

Proof of Family Relationship:

• Documentary evidence of your relationship with the family member residing in Malta (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
• Applies to spouses, children, or other dependent family members.

Sponsor’s Proof of Income and Residence in Malta:

• The family member in Malta must demonstrate a stable income and residence.
• This ensures they can support you during your stay.

Health Insurance Covering the Family Member:

• The family member must have health insurance that covers you for the duration of your stay.

Retirement/Residence by Investment Visa

Proof of Retirement Income or Investment in Malta:

• Demonstrate a stable retirement income or a significant investment in Malta.
• This could be through:
  • Pension statements.
  • Investment certificates.
  • Property deeds (if investing in real estate).

Health Insurance:

• Ensure you have health insurance that covers you for the duration of your stay in Malta.

Background Check (in some cases):

• May be required for certain applicants, especially if there are concerns about the source of funds or the applicant's background.

Application Process for National Visas

• Gather All Required Documents:
• Specific to your visa type, ensure all documents are complete and in order.

• Submit Your Application:
• To the Malta Embassy or Consulate in India:
• In person (check if an appointment is required).
• Through a representative (ensure they have the necessary authorization).
• Through a Visa Application Center (VAC):
• If available in your region, for an additional service fee.

• Attend an Interview (if required):
• The Malta Embassy or Consulate may request an interview to further assess your application.
• Be prepared to discuss your application, background, and intentions.

• Wait for the Visa Decision:
• Processing Time: Can vary significantly depending on the visa type and the complexity of the application.
• Collect Your Passport: Once the decision is made, either in person or through a representative, depending on the submission method.

• Register with the Relevant Authorities in Malta upon Arrival:
• Residence Registration:
• With the local authorities (e.g., obtaining an eResidence card).
• Tax Registration:
• If applicable, register with the Maltese tax authorities.

Appointment and Submission

• Check for Appointment Requirements with the embassy/consulate or VAC.
• Submit Applications in Person if required, or through a trusted representative.

Biometric Data

• Fingerprinting is required for both Schengen and National Visas for applicants over 12 years old.
• Exemptions Apply for certain individuals (e.g., heads of state, diplomats).

Travel Insurance

• Schengen Visa: Mandatory, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• National Visa: Requirements may vary depending on the purpose of stay.

Flight Itinerary

• Schengen Visa: Recommended to show entry and exit from the Schengen Area.
• National Visa: May be required depending on the specific visa requirements.

Entering Malta

• Ensure Your Passport is Valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.
• Carry All Supporting Documents used in your visa application.

Staying in Malta

• Register with the Local Authorities if your stay exceeds 90 days (for National Visa holders).
• Respect the Terms of Your Visa to avoid any legal issues.

Extending Your Stay

• Schengen Visa: Extensions are rare and usually only granted in exceptional circumstances.
• National Visa: Follow the guidelines provided by the Maltese authorities for extension procedures.

• Official Government of Malta's Website: https://identitymalta.com/
• Malta Tourism Authority: https://www.visitmalta.com/ (for travel and tourism information)