Malta student visa and study residence permit

The Central Visa Unit draws the line at 90 calendar days. Shorter courses, summer schools, exchanges and internships use a Schengen C visa in the study category (€90) where your nationality needs one. Anyone enrolled in a course longer than 90 days receives a national long-stay D visa, even nationals who would otherwise be visa-free.

What happens next depends on the level of study. Students in compulsory schooling (Year 1 to Sixth Form) and those in higher education recognised by MQRIC at MQF level 5 or higher must apply for a residence permit under Subsidiary Legislation 217.22 before their first authorisation runs out. Students on other courses longer than 90 days, typically English language courses, are covered by the D visa for up to 365 days from their first entry into Schengen.

The decisive document is the original letter of acceptance from the Maltese school or university, showing the course, its duration and fees and carrying the institution’s stamp and the principal’s signature. The Central Visa Unit’s general list adds a passport valid at least 3 months beyond the stay (or at least 8 months) and not older than ten years, travel medical insurance for the whole visa, proof of accommodation for the first month, evidence of funds and a provisional flight booking.

The long-stay visa fee is charged where you apply, together with any service fee of the visa application centre, and is not refunded. Courses up to 90 days use the €90 Schengen visa. In Malta, Identità charges €50 for a study, research or training residence permit; volunteers pay nothing.

Higher-education students apply online through the Expatriates Unit portal and complete the application in person in Malta, presenting a passport valid for at least 6 months. The course must be full time, at an institution licensed by the National Commission for Higher Education, and lead to a qualification recognised at MQF level 5. Students of the University of Malta, MCAST and the Institute of Tourism Studies are exempt from the health insurance requirement; everyone else needs cover.

Language and other non-degree students who need more time contact the Central Visa Unit no earlier than 30 days and no later than 21 days before the visa expires, with proof of satisfactory attendance and performance. The D visa cannot take you beyond 365 days in total; if the course continues, you apply to the Expatriates Unit for a residence permit in the same 30-to-21-day window.

Students on courses not covered by S.L. 217.22 may work up to 20 hours a week after their first three months in Malta, in sectors allowed by Jobsplus. Full-time higher-education students may work up to 20 hours a week from their first year, applying for a work permit once their residence permit is issued; a job related to the field of study is viewed more favourably. Jobsplus may change these conditions.

If the long-stay visa is refused, you can appeal within 15 days of the final decision to the Immigration Appeals Board, an autonomous judicial board. Visa fees are not refunded in any case, including withdrawal.