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Visa Services
Malta Visa Guide
How to apply for Maltese student, work, and visitor visas and secure your residence permit
Application channel
VFS Global (Casablanca) → Identity Malta Agency decision
Processing time
4–6 weeks (national D) | 15 days (Schengen C)
Biometrics
Collected at VFS and again when applying for residence card
Visa fees
EUR 100 national D | EUR 80 Schengen C (≈ 1,090 / 875 MAD)
Overview
Malta issues Schengen short-stay visas (C) for trips under 90 days and national D visas for long-stay study, work, or family reunion. Applications from Morocco are lodged through VFS Global in Casablanca and assessed by the Maltese authorities.
Long-stay visa holders must apply for an e-residence card with Identity Malta Agency within 90 days of arrival.
Malta Visa Types
National D Student Visa
Issued to students enrolled in accredited Maltese institutions. Enables residence permit (Student e-residence card) with part-time work rights.
Employment & Single Permit
Combines work and residence authorisation. Employers submit Single Permit applications; applicants attend VFS for visa stamping.
Schengen C Visitor Visa
For tourism, short courses, conferences, and family visits up to 90 days.
Family Reunification
For dependants of Maltese residents, requiring proof of accommodation and financial means.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate genuine reason for travel, sufficient resources, valid accommodation, and a plan to respect Maltese immigration rules.
general
- Passport issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months after intended departure, with two blank pages.
- Completed and signed visa application form (C or D) plus two biometric photos (35mm x 45mm).
- Proof of comprehensive travel/health insurance covering at least EUR 30,000.
- Evidence of financial means: bank statements, salary slips, or sponsor affidavits.
- Confirmed accommodation such as rental contract, dorm booking, or host invitation.
student specific
- Letter of Acceptance from Maltese institution, specifying course, duration, and tuition fees.
- Proof of tuition payment or financial guarantee covering programme costs.
- Evidence of funds: minimum EUR 750/month for living expenses (Identity Malta guideline).
- Academic transcripts and diplomas demonstrating eligibility.
- Police conduct certificate (if studying longer than 6 months) and medical insurance valid in Malta.
Required Documents Checklist
Core Documents
- Visa application form printed and signed.
- Passport + photocopies of all pages.
- Two passport photos meeting Schengen standards.
- VFS appointment confirmation and receipt.
Financial Evidence
- Original bank statements (3–6 months) showing consistent inflows and sufficient balance.
- If sponsored, notarised declaration + sponsor’s bank statements and income proof.
- Scholarship/stipend letters detailing coverage.
Purpose-Specific Documents
- Students: Letter of Acceptance, tuition receipt, accommodation confirmation, medical insurance certificate.
- Workers: Single Permit application receipt, employment contract, employer cover letter.
- Visitors: Invitation letter, itinerary, hotel booking, proof of ties to Morocco.
- Family: Marriage/birth certificates, sponsor’s e-residence card, evidence of adequate accommodation.
Supporting Documents
- Flight itinerary (reservation only, no ticket purchase until approval).
- Travel insurance certificate with policy number and coverage details.
- Police conduct certificate (for long stay) issued within last 3 months.
- Translations of all documents not in English signed by certified translator.
Application Steps
1. Choose Visa Type & Prepare Documents
Gather originals and copies according to Identity Malta and VFS checklists.
2. Book VFS Global Appointment
Schedule submission through VFS Malta portal, pay service fee, and print confirmation.
3. Submit Application & Biometrics
Attend appointment, submit documents, provide fingerprints, and pay visa fee if not prepaid.
4. Consular Assessment
Application is forwarded to Identity Malta Agency / Central Visa Unit. Additional documents may be requested.
5. Collect Passport
Receive SMS/email when passport is ready. Collect in person or via courier. Verify visa sticker.
6. Post-Arrival Residence Permit
Within 90 days, submit application for an e-residence card (Identity Malta), including biometric capture and fee payment.
Fees & Costs
Fees are payable in MAD at VFS. Residence permit fees are paid in Malta. Some scholarship holders may be exempt from visa fees.
| Fee type | EUR | MAD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen C visa | EUR 80 | ≈ 875 MAD | Children 6-12: EUR 40 |
| National D visa | EUR 100 | ≈ 1,090 MAD | For study, work, and family reunification |
| VFS service fee | — | ≈ 280 MAD | Mandatory handling charge |
| Courier service (optional) | — | ≈ 180 MAD | Home delivery of passport |
| Identity Malta e-residence card | EUR 27.50 | ≈ 300 MAD | Paid upon application in Malta |
| Health insurance (annual estimate) | EUR 150-250 | ≈ 1,600-2,700 MAD | Must cover entire stay |
Processing Times
Processing times vary by season and visa type. Apply early, especially for October and February intakes.
Standard processing
C visa: up to 15 calendar days | D visa: 4–6 weeks
Peak season
July–September
Expect additional 1–2 weeks due to high student volume
Priority options
No formal priority, but complete applications may move faster. Emergency cases handled by Identity Malta.
Tracking & Communication
VFS offers online tracking and SMS updates. Identity Malta or the embassy may contact you by email for extra documents.
VFS tracking tool
Use reference number to monitor file status.
SMS/email alerts
Receive automatic notifications when the passport is ready.
Identity Malta support
Contact for residence permit or Single Permit inquiries.
After Approval
Check visa vignette details, prepare for travel, and schedule residence permit application if staying long-term.
Checklist
- Verify name, passport number, validity dates, and type of visa on the sticker.
- Carry admission or employment letters, financial proof, and insurance when travelling.
- Arrange airport transfer and initial accommodation.
- Plan Identity Malta appointment for the e-residence card before the 90-day deadline.
Identity Malta appointment
Submit residence permit application, biometrics, and supporting documents (rental agreement, insurance, financial proof).
Tax and social security
Workers must obtain a tax ID and social security number via JobsPlus/Commissioner for Revenue.
Bank account
Open local bank account for salary or stipend deposits; bring passport, visa, and proof of address.
Common Issues & How to Avoid Them
Incomplete bank statements
Submit original statements covering the full required period with bank stamps.
Accommodation not confirmed
Provide dorm confirmation, rental agreement, or host declaration with utility bill/ID.
Insurance not compliant
Ensure policy covers Malta, entire stay, and minimum EUR 30,000 medical coverage.
Late residence permit application
Book Identity Malta appointment immediately after arrival to avoid fines or rejection.
Untranslated documents
Translate all Arabic/French documents into English by certified translator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I apply for a Maltese student visa?
Submit your application 6–8 weeks before course start. National visa appointments are limited, so plan ahead.
Can I work with a student visa?
Yes. After 90 days in Malta, students can apply for an employment licence to work up to 20 hours per week.
Do I need to book flights before getting the visa?
No. Provide only a reservation or itinerary. Purchase tickets after visa issuance.
What is the Single Permit?
A combined work/residence permit. Employers submit the application; once approved, you receive a national D visa to travel and collect the residence card.
Can family members accompany me?
Dependants may apply for family reunification once the principal applicant holds a valid residence permit and meets income/accommodation requirements.
How long is the e-residence card valid?
Usually the duration of your course or employment contract. Renew before expiry at Identity Malta.
Is biometrics required twice?
Yes. Once at VFS for the visa, and again at Identity Malta when issuing the residence card.