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Long-stay visas (Type D)

Maltese Family Reunification Residence Permit

A residence permit letting the family members of a legally resident non-EU sponsor join them in Malta, once the sponsor meets the income, housing and residence conditions.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The exact minimum residence period before a sponsor may apply (12-month waiting period vs longer continuous-residence rule) should be reconfirmed against the current Identità family-reunification checklist.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Malta government website before you apply.
On this page
Issuing authority
Identità (Expatriates Unit)
Sponsor waiting period
Application only after a minimum period of legal residence
Typically after around 12 months (with longer continuous-residence expectations); confirm current rule with Identità
Eligible relatives
Spouse (21+) and unmarried minor children
Including adopted / dependent children under the conditions
Decision time
Communicated within about 60 days of a complete application

Who it's for

Non-EU nationals lawfully resident in Malta who want to bring their spouse and minor children to live with them, and who can financially support the family without recourse to public funds.

Requirements

  • Sponsor holds a valid Malta residence permit and has the required period of legal residence
  • Stable and regular income sufficient to maintain the family without social assistance
  • Adequate accommodation for the family
  • Comprehensive health insurance (where not covered by national insurance, cover of at least €100,000 per family member)
  • Proof of the family relationship (marriage / birth certificates, legalised as required)
  • Valid passports for the joining family members
  • Clean criminal record for adult applicants

What you can do

  • Have your spouse and dependent minor children reside with you in Malta
  • Family members receive residence permits linked to the sponsor's status
  • Renew the permits alongside the sponsor's residence
  • Family members may access rights (such as work or study) subject to the applicable conditions

How to apply

The sponsor applies through Identità's Expatriates channel once the qualifying residence period has passed, submitting proof of relationship, income, accommodation and insurance.

Identità assesses the application and communicates a decision within roughly 60 days of a complete submission; applications made before the minimum residence period are inadmissible.

Documents

  • Sponsor's valid residence permit and proof of legal residence period
  • Marriage certificate (for spouse) and birth certificates (for children), legalised/translated as required
  • Proof of stable and regular income (payslips, employment, tax documents)
  • Proof of adequate accommodation
  • Comprehensive health insurance covering each family member
  • Valid passports and photos for each family member

Frequently asked questions

  • The sponsor must have completed a minimum period of legal residence before applying (commonly around twelve months, with continuous-residence expectations). Applications lodged too early are treated as inadmissible, so confirm the current requirement with Identità.

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.

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