Maltese ID card

Application for the issuance of a Maltese ID Card are applicable to Maltese citizens only. However, a Maltese Residence Card is also often colloquially referred to as a Maltese ID card. If you intend to reside in Malta for longer than three months as a foreigner, you're required to get an e-Residence card that is issued by Identity Malta.

Residency Card (aka ID card)

Before you apply for a Maltese ID card (aka Maltese Residence Card), you will first need to complete several steps, such as settling a residential address (for example a lease agreement or the contract of sale) and registering for Jobsplus (confirmation letter from the government-funded public employment agency).

Temporary residence

If you are a temporary resident in Malta (ie you have lived in Malta for less than 5 years)you need to bring to your appointment:

• an original passport and a copy of your passport biopage
• your current residency document and a copy
• proof of your occupation:
  • if you are working, you'll need to take evidence of your employment (such as a letter signed by your employer/declaration from Jobsplus)
  • if you previously worked but are now unemployed and a jobseeker, you'll need confirmation from Jobsplus
  • if you are self-employed, you'll need confirmation of your self-employed status from Jobsplus
  • if you are retired or financially self-sufficient, you'll need evidence of your income such as pension records or bank statements showing transactions in Malta
  • if you are a student, you'll need evidence of your enrolment in a course
• Form A – Application for Residence Documentation
• Form ID1A – Identity Registration Form
• GDPR form – General Data Protection Regulation

EU, EEA, Swiss national, and their family members can send their request to register their residence or renew their residence document to eu.ima@gov.mt.

Family members of non-EU nationals and applicants for temporary residence permits may send their request for a new application or renewal to noneu.ima@gov.mt.

Permanent residency

If you have lived in Malta for 5 years continuously you can apply for permanent residence status, and you need to submit the documents on page 3, Section B. You need to read the letter carefully and follow the instructions.

NB: If you are already a registered resident, Identity Malta Agency will write to you with an appointment at your local Identity Malta office to apply for the card. The letter will include an application form you will need to complete in person at your Identity Malta Agency at Valley Rd, Msida or St Francis Square, Victoria, Gozo. It also includes information on page 3, section A on what documents you need to take with you to your appointment.

To apply for permanent residency you need to provide:

• your original residency card and a copy
• your original passport and a copy of your passport biopage
• a letter detailing your date of arrival in Malta and any absences from Malta in the last 5 years.

You'll need to provide proof that you've been living in Malta for the last 5 years (work contracts, self-employment tax documents or Jobsplus forms, bank statements, rental contracts, etc).

An ID card is valid for 5 years. You must renew it at least 3 months before the expiry date (otherwise it's like a new application and you'll have to send all your documents again). To renew your ID card, you need to present your old ID card and fill the form ID 1A.

The e-ID Card is an identification (link to your email) that you receive when you register for an ID Card, and it allows you to access online income tax information.