Visas and Residence Permits
Is it possible to transfer from the Nomad Residence Permit to the Malta Permanent Residence Programme?
The Nomad Residence Permit does not lead to the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP). They are two separate residence programmes. A Nomad Residence Permit holder can submit an application for the MPRP through one of the licensed agents listed on the Residency Malta website and if approved they would need to renounce the Nomad Residence Permit. Link to Agents’ List.
Does the Nomad Residence Permit lead to long-term residency or citizenship?
No, the Nomad Residence Permit does not lead to any sort of permanent/long-term residency or citizenship.
Is it possible to have a Single Permit (or any other permit) and a Nomad Residence Permit Simultaneously?
It is not possible to hold two statuses at a time. Hence if one has a Single Permit (or any other permit) and they apply for the Nomad Residence Permit, upon the issuance of the Nomad Residence Permit, other permits held by the applicant are automatically revoked.
In the case that an approved applicant is changing to another local permit from his current Nomad Residence Permit, the applicant is duly bound to notify the Nomad Client Relations Team on nomad.residencymalta@gov.mt, in order to proceed with the revocation of their Nomad Residence Permit.
What is the difference between a Single Permit and a Nomad Residence Permit?
A single permit authorises third-country nationals to legally reside and take up employment in Malta for a defined period, which may be further renewed at the discretion of Identità (formerly known as Identity Malta Agency), as per Subsidiary Legislation 217.17 of the Laws of Malta – Single Application Procedure for a Single Permit as regards Residence and Work and a Common Set of Rights for those Third Country Workers legally residing in Malta Regulations.
On the other hand, the Nomad Residence Permit enables holders to retain their current employment based in another country whilst legally residing in Malta.
Can a Nomad Residence Permit holder travel within the Schengen Area?
As long as the Nomad Residence Permit is valid, the holder is free to travel within the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days in a rolling 180-day period.
Whilst an application is in process, would an applicant automatically receive a visa extension?
The Nomad Residence Permit application process does not provide an automatic extension to one’s visa. If the allowed period of stay is set to expire, prior to full approval for the Nomad Residence Permit, they are required to exit the Schengen area in line with the visa obligations.
It is one’s responsibility to make sure they do not overstay and hence it is recommended that all applications, including the non-refundable fee, must be submitted to the Agency between 2 to 3 months in advance prior to the expiry of the allowable stay period.
The Agency is not responsible for any overstaying and the possible consequences to, the applicant. In case of a travel ban, Residency Malta Agency is not responsible for the lifting of any travel bans.
If one does not require a visa to enter Malta, how shall they proceed?
Following the Letter of Final Approval which has a validity of 90 days, the approved applicant will be required to travel to Malta for the capture of biometrics. If they do not require an entry visa to Malta, they can enter Malta as per Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code). Upon arrival, they will need to notify Residency Malta Agency via email nomad.residencymalta@gov.mt to book an appointment for the capture of biometrics.
What is the Extended Visa Service?
The extended service allows applicants to book an appointment, for processing their visa application directly through the Central Visa Unit within Identita. For further information kindly visit https://identita.gov.mt/central-visa-unit-main-page/
What is the Premium Visa Service?
The Premium Visa Service is the process of applying for a National D Visa however is not available to all jurisdictions. Hence, it is important to verify with the Central Visa Unit on visa.identita@gov.mt for further information.
What process should one follow if they require an entry visa?
Following the receipt of the Letter of Final Approval, if the approved applicant requires an entry visa they will be contacted by the Central Visa Unit at Identità (formerly known as Identity Malta Agency) in order to receive information about the visa application process.
Once an entry visa is acquired, an applicant can enter Malta within the stipulated timeframe of 90 days as indicated on the Letter of Final Approval and upon arrival, they would need to notify Residency Malta Agency via the following email address: nomad.residencymalta@gov.mt, to book their biometrics appointment.
Which nationalities require an entry Visa?
Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burma / Myanmar, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Third country nationals hailing from Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Pakistan or Sri Lanka must be in possession of an airport transit visa when passing through an EU airport international transit area.
These guidelines may change from time to time.
If one is already in Malta on a valid visa, do they need to apply for an entry visa?
If a person is in Malta with a valid visa, they do not require a further entry visa, and they can directly book an appointment for the capture of biometrics. However, it is recommended to ensure that their visa covers at least thirty (30) calendar days on the day of application.