Dreaming of working in Malta? Here’s a clear, SEO-friendly guide tailored for Indian professionals looking to apply for a work visa to Malta:
Why Choose Malta for a Work Visa?
- Strong job market in sectors like IT, finance, tourism, healthcare & iGaming
- Work-life balance: 40-hour weeks, flexible hours, generous leave policies
- Competitive salaries and tax-friendly income rules
- Low living costs, quality healthcare, and safe communities
- Schengen access—live in Malta and travel visa-free across 26 European countries
Types of Malta Work Visa for Indians
1. Single Permit
- Combines work permit + residence permit
- Valid for 1+ year (depends on contract), renewable
- Processing timeframe: 2–3 months
2. Key Employee Initiative (KEI)
- Fast-track for technical/managerial roles
- Minimum annual salary: €30,000 (~₹27 lakh)
- Processed within 5–6 days; valid 1 year, renewable
3. EU Blue Card
- For highly skilled professionals
- Salary must be ≥ 1.5× Malta’s average (~€255 cost)
- Valid for a year with potential indefinite renewal
Eligibility & Application Documents
Eligibility basics:
- Indian national with a written job offer from a Maltese employer
- Clean criminal record
- Required health insurance (minimum €30,000)
- Valid passport (6+ months) and proof of funds
Essential documents include:
- Employment contract and employer declaration
- Academic certificates, CV with references
- Proof of accommodation (lease + housing authority approval)
- Bank statements, travel itinerary, biometric application form
- Police clearance certificate and passport-sized photos
Processing Time & Fees (For Indian Applicants)
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Permit | 2–3 months | €280.50 (~₹25,500) |
| Key Employee Initiative | 5–6 days | €280.50 |
| EU Blue Card | 90 days or less | €255 |
Keep in mind that minor fee changes may occur due to exchange rate fluctuations or administrative updates
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Secure a job offer from Malta
- Employer submits your Single Permit/EU Blue Card/KEI application on Identity Malta portal
- Arrange documents and complete your biometric appointment
- Wait through the processing period
- Upon approval, receive visa label in passport and enter Malta
- Obtain your residence card after arrival
Real Applicant Insights: Expectations & Challenges
- Some applicants report delays—approval letters taking 2 months or more, and some appeals can take up to 6 months
- Document reliability, proper housing proof, and employer declarations are commonly cited reasons for rejections
- Community feedback: “3‑6 months is typical, with digital backlogs slowing process”
Final Tips to Prepare
- Start early—collect documents & book appointments in advance
- Ensure housing documents are officially approved by Malta’s Housing Authority
- Try to join online communities like ‘Expats Malta’ to share tips and avoid scams
- Set aside funds to manage relocation costs and delays in receiving salary
