Malta and the Schengen Visa

The Schengen Visa Explained

The Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows individuals to travel freely within the Schengen Area for a period of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is a uniform visa applicable for tourism, business, family visits, or other short-term purposes. Anyone from outside the EU needs to obtain a Schengen Visa when visiting Malta, stating their duration of stay. As a member of the Schengen Area, Malta follows the common rules and regulations regarding border control and visa policies established within the Schengen framework. As said, travellers entering Malta with a Schengen Visa can also move freely to other Schengen countries without undergoing additional border checks.

The Schengen Application Process

If you plan to visit Malta for a short stay and need a Schengen Visa, you typically need to apply at the Maltese embassy or consulate in your home country. In countries that do not have a Maltese Embassy, you will likely have to apply through the Italian embassy for a Schengen Visa or the embassy or consulate of the country in the Schengen area that will be your first point of entry.

The application process involves submitting the required documents, such as proof of accommodation, your travel itinerary, proof of financial means, travel insurance and the completed visa application form/s.

Long-term Stays in Malta

For stays exceeding 90 days (long-term stays), individuals need to apply for a national visa or residence permit specific to Malta. This process for applying for this is completely separate from the Schengen Visa application process.

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of certain countries are exempt from the Schengen Visa requirement when traveling to Malta for short stays. However, the duration of their stay is still subject to the 90/180 rule.

Participating Countries

If you are from one of the EU countries in the next sentence, you do not need to obtain a visa to enter Malta. The Schengen Zone Member States are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden.

EFTA Countries

Liechtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland and Norway are Non-EU Member States but its citizens enjoy the same privileges as member states due to having EFTA status according to an Agreement on the European Economic Area, which came into effect on the first of January 1994.

The Schengen Visa and Owning/Renting Property in Malta

Having a Schengen Visa does not award one any advantages or privileges when it comes to owning property in Malta and vice versa. It is however important to note that there are no restrictions on foreign nationals owning, renting or purchasing property in Malta, but if you purchase a property outside of a Special Designated Area, you will have to obtain an AIP (Acquisition of Immovable Property) permit. If you want to read all about buying property as a foreign national in Malta, be sure to visit https://franksalt.com.mt/foreign-buyers/

Important to know

Four other EU Members States who are not yet fully-fledged members of the Schengen area namely Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania and another two namely Ireland and the United Kingdom, maintain autonomous immigration, asylum and visa policies and do not participate in any of the Schengen agreements or cooperation.

Before planning your trip to Malta or any other Schengen country, it’s crucial to check the latest visa requirements and regulations, as they can be subject to change. Contact the Maltese embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information on visa applications and entry requirements.