Long-stay visas (Type D)
Maltese EU Blue Card
A combined residence-and-work permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals who hold a degree, or equivalent experience, together with a high-salary job offer in Malta.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Issuing authority
- Identità (Highly Qualified Individuals)
- Salary threshold
- Set at a multiple of the Malta average gross annual salary
- The rule is a salary at least around 1.5x the national average gross salary; verify the current figure with Identità
- Contract length
- Highly qualified job offer of at least 6 months
- Qualification
- Higher education qualification (or, where allowed, equivalent professional experience)
Who it's for
Highly qualified non-EU nationals with a university degree (or recognised equivalent qualifications/experience) who have secured a well-paid, skilled job offer in Malta.
Requirements
- Valid work contract or binding job offer for highly qualified employment lasting at least six months
- Salary meeting the applicable threshold relative to Malta's average gross salary
- Higher education qualification certificate (degree) or, where permitted, proof of relevant higher professional experience
- For regulated professions, proof the Maltese legal requirements are met
- Valid travel document and, where needed, a visa or national long-stay visa
- Sickness insurance with adequate coverage
What you can do
- Live and work in Malta in a highly qualified role
- Benefit from family reunification for spouse and dependent children
- After qualifying periods, move more easily to work in other EU member states
- Renew the card in line with your employment
How to apply
The application is made through Identità's Expatriates channel for highly qualified individuals, supported by the employer and the qualifying contract.
Applicants still abroad who need a visa can travel on a national long-stay (Type D) visa after approval, then complete biometrics and collect the residence card in Malta.
Documents
- Valid passport / travel document
- Signed highly qualified employment contract (min. 6 months)
- Recognised higher education qualification certificate
- Evidence salary meets the threshold
- Sickness insurance
- For regulated professions, proof of authorisation to practise
Frequently asked questions
The Blue Card is specifically for highly qualified roles meeting a degree requirement and a higher salary threshold, and it adds EU-wide advantages such as easier onward mobility. The Single Permit is the general employment route.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Maltese visas
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- WORKHIGHLY SKILLEDFAST-TRACKKey Employee Initiative (KEI)A fast-track Single Permit route for highly skilled managerial or technical staff, with applications processed in around five working days.View visa details
- BUSINESSDIGITAL NOMADREMOTE WORKNomad Residence PermitMalta's digital-nomad residence permit for non-EU remote workers who earn above an income threshold while working for employers or clients based outside Malta.View visa details