Visa & residence permits
Most international students need either a visa or a residence permit to study in Malta. Here's what you need to know.
Do you need a visa?
No visa required
You can enter Malta freely on your national ID card or passport. If you're staying longer than 3 months, you'll need to apply for an eResidence document through the Expatriates Portal — apply within your first 3 months in Malta.
Visa + residence permit
You'll need a long-stay D-visa issued before you arrive in Malta. Once you're here, if your course is longer than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit through Identità's Expatriates Unit.
What you'll need to apply
- Original passport (with at least 8 months validity)
- Acceptance letter from MUV College
- Proof of accommodation (lease agreement or partner letter)
- Proof of sufficient funds (amount set by Identità — check the current figure on their site)
- Health insurance covering Malta and the EU for your entire stay
- Application fee (set by Identità)
- Completed application form (Form N.01 for residence permit, or Form M for eResidence)
Requirements and fees are set by Identità Malta and can change. Always confirm the current details on their official site before submitting.
How MUV helps
- Acceptance letter — provided as soon as your application is approved
- Education establishment stamp — required on your residence permit form, signed by an MUV official
- Form guidance — we'll tell you which form applies to your situation
- Direct support — our admissions team is one email away if anything is unclear
After you arrive: your residence permit
A residence permit is the document that lets you legally stay in Malta beyond the initial visa period. Non-EU students apply for one within their first weeks on campus, and we go through it with you step by step. It's more form-filling than fear — here's what to expect:
First week on campus
We sit down with you, check your documents, and book your appointment with Identità Malta — the government department that issues residence permits.
Documents you'll bring
Passport, visa, MUV acceptance letter, proof of accommodation, health insurance, proof of funds, and your application fee. We'll give you the full checklist and double-check it with you before you go.
The appointment itself
Around 30 minutes. You'll have your photo and fingerprints taken (biometrics), submit your documents, and pay the fee. English is fine throughout — no Maltese needed.
Your permit arrives
Usually within 4–8 weeks. You'll be notified when it's ready to collect. Once you have it, you can stay in Malta for the full duration of your studies.
Don't worry — this is what we do. Every student who needs a residence permit goes through this with our support. If you get stuck on a form, can't find a document, or just want a hand, come to the office and we'll work through it together.
Identità Malta — Expatriates Unit
Identità is the Maltese government agency responsible for all visa and residence documentation. Every application — EU and non-EU — goes through them.