Residence for EU and EEA Nationals

EEA nationals do not require a residence permit to reside in Malta.

EEA nationals (EU nationals and nationals of Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein) have the right to reside in Malta if they are exercising their Treaty rights as workers, self-employed persons, economically self-sufficient persons, or students. The spouse, children and grandchildren (under 21 years of age) and dependent parents or grandparents of an EEA national may also accompany him/her to Malta.

EEA nationals and their family members are also permitted to accept offers of work and seek employment in Malta, work as an employee or self-employed person, or set up a business.

Registration Certificates and Residence Cards

It is mandatory for EEA nationals and their family members to be in possession of a registration certificate or residence card if their residence in Malta will exceed a period of three months.

A registration certificate is a document issued to EEA nationals that confirms a person’s right of residence in Malta under European law.

Residence cards are issued to family members of an EEA national who are third country nationals (TCN’s), which confirms a person’s right of residence in Malta.

To apply for a registration certificate or residence card you must fill out a CEA/21 application form and present it personally at the Department for Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs. This office is located in the Castille Place building, between Upper Barrakka Gardens and the Auberge de Castille, in Valletta. Go early in the day, as the office is only open 830hrs/8:30am to 1130hrs/11:30am and lineups/queues can be long.

Contact Information:

Department for Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs
3, Castille Place
Valletta VLT 2000
Malta

Tel: +356 2200 1800
Fax: +356 2200 1830
Email: citizenship@gov.mt

Economically Self Sufficient Persons/Pensioners/Retired Persons

EEA nationals do not necessarily have to work while in Malta. However, in order to reside in Malta they must be able to support themselves and any accompanying family members, without recourse to public funds.

Economically self-sufficient EEA nationals, EEA pensioners, or retired EEA persons must have health insurance and sufficient resources not to become a burden on the State. Individuals must therefore have capital of €14,000 or a weekly income of €84.95. Married couples must therefore have capital of €23,300 or a weekly income of €93.10.

Students

EEA nationals and their family members have right of residence in Malta if the EEA national is following a course of studies, including vocational training, at a recognized educational establishment. Students must have sufficient resources to support themselves and their family members without recourse to public funds. Students must also have health insurance.

Permanent Residence

Once an EEA national and his/her family have resided in Malta for 5 years they are entitled to apply for confirmation of permanent residence. Applicants must be living in Malta, employed or self-employed, as a student, or as an economically self-sufficient person for a continuous five year period.

For residence in Malta to be considered continuous applicants may not be absent from Malta for more than six months each year. A single absence of 12 months for important reasons such as pregnancy, childbirth, serious illness, study, vocational training, or postings overseas will not affect this required residence.

Permanent residence applications may be submitted by post to the Department of Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs. The person concerned must collect residence documents personally.

By Jess Gerrow, who traded city life in Canada for island life in the Mediterranean two years ago. She is a postgraduate marketing student, blogger, and freelance writer.