Author: admin

Malta, one of the safest countries in the world is attracting a number of South African nationals who are relocating due to various reasons. With the rise of Covid cases, the increment of travel restrictions for South African passport holders, and the lack of safety in general, a number of South African nationals are applying for Maltese residency or citizenship as a Plan B to be able to relocate if the situation continues to deteriorate.

In this publication, we explain why Malta is the best option for South Africans wishing to, not only be granted the right to live in Europe, but also access all European financial markets while offering their children a future filled with opportunities and choices.

1. Malta is Safe and Secure

An increase in crime rates is most often directly attributable to lack of employment opportunities in a country. Malta boasts of one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, with an unemployment rate of only 3.6% in 2021, and finding employment in Malta is quite relatively easy.

For the fourth consecutive year, in 2021 crime rates in Malta decreased by 16% which shows that Malta is a safe country to relocate to. Malta’s crime rate, at 31 instances of crime per 1,000 inhabitants largely culminates above the EU’s average 59 instances per 1,000 inhabitants. Indeed, crime levels in Malta are exceptionally low in comparison with most EU countries making it the second safest country in the world and first in the EU according to a study carried out by the AfrAsia Bank Global Wealth Migration Review. These indexes and statistics reflect a number of factors such as freedom of the press, equality in terms of gender, multi-culturalism, respect to various cultures and religions and minimal exposure to natural disasters. As a full member of the European Union, Malta is recognized as a safe place where immigrants feel part of a welcoming community.

2. Malta is an English Speaking Country

Malta, being part of the Commonwealth, is the only country in the Schengen area with English as its official language. Being an official language of Malta, English is widely spoken and is considered to be the everyday life language of most Maltese residence, making the shift to Malta, for those wishing to relocate, very smooth and free of language obstacles.
For children and university students particularly, it allows them to continue their education path with no interruption caused by any language barrier. In addition, Malta hosts a number of English schools attracting students from all over the world.

3. Visa Free Travel Destinations for Maltese Citizens

These two reasons, combined with the 186 visa-free destinations you can access as a Maltese passport holder (including the US, Canada and the UK) places Malta as a top-notch choice for South Africans, wishing to offer their families a brighter future filled with opportunities, while protecting their personal and commercial interests.

How can South African Nationals Obtain Maltese Residency or Citizenship?

It doesn’t come as a surprise that the South African community in Malta is growing. We will now explain how a South African national can apply for citizenship or residency in Malta.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme is the most popular residence programmes with South African nationals based on the fact that this gives permanent residence which is valid for life. The MPRP was launched in 2021 and it grants permanent residence if an applicant satisfies the following requirements:

1. A contribution of either €68,000 or €98,000 which is to be paid upon approval depending on whether the applicant rents or purchases property in Malta.
2. An investment in property (rental or purchase), and
3. A donation of €2,000 to a Maltese charity organisation or NGO.

Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP) for South Africans

The Malta Global Residence Programme on the other hand grants a special tax status by virtue of which an applicant can apply for a Maltese residence card. Since 2013, the GRP has been seeking expatriates seeking an alternative tax residence jurisdiction in the European Union.
The applicant must also satisfy 3 requirements including:

• A one-time non-refundable fee of €6,000
• An investment in property (rental or purchase), and
• A minimum annual tax payment of €15,000

Malta Citizenship by Investment for South African Nationals

The Granting of Maltese Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is regulated by Legal Notice 437 of 2020. Under these regulations, investors can apply for Maltese citizenship after three years or by an exceptional investment after 1 year of residency.
Under these regulations, an applicant may apply for Maltese citizenship through investment if he satisfies the following requirements:

• An exceptional contribution of €600,000 when the application is submitted after 36 months of residence or €750,000 when the application is submitted after 12 months of residence, and
• An investment in property (rental or purchase), and
• A donation of €10,000 to a Maltese charity organization or NGO.

The residence permit specifies the purpose of the holder’s authorization to stay in Malta, which may include the following instances:

1. Single Permit;
2. Self-employment;
3. Economic self-sufficiency; 
4. Study and Researchers;
5. Family Members;
6. Long-term residence;
7. Exemption under national legislation; 
8. Highly qualified employment;
9. Intra-corporate Transferees;
10. Refugees, Subsidiary Protection & SRA;
11. Other reasons.

Temporary
Application for a residence permit by all third country nationals who may fall under one of the categories listed here under are to submit their application online by clicking on the following link: http://noneu.identitymalta.com

For more information how to use this online application platform please click here

• Partners
• Health Purposes
• Religious Purposes
• Victims of Human Trafficking
• Voluntary Workers
• Working Holiday
• Posted Workers

The Expatriates Unit issues a residence permit, in a card format containing biometric features, to third-country nationals which grants them the right to legally reside in Malta.

SINGLE PERMIT

The single permit authorizes third-country nationals to legally reside and take up employment in Malta for a defined period which may be further renewed. Such application is processed by a means of a single application procedure, which includes the application of a work and residence permit.

SELF-EMPLOYMENT (Non-EU)

Renewal Applications for Self-Employed have to be submitted through the online portal, which may be accessed through https://singlepermit.gov.mt/. Applicants are required to login with their eID to access the Single Permit portal. The ‘User Manual Guidelines’ may be downloaded from the same portal for a step-by-step process on how to submit an online application.

New applicants or Still Abroad applicants can send an email on singlepermit.ima@gov.mt for guidance.

EMPLOYMENT – Less than 6 Months (Non-EU)

Applications for Employment of Third Country Nationals for a period of less than Six (6) months have to be submitted through the online portal by the Employer. The portal can be accessed by following this link https://singlepermit.gov.mt/

The User Manual Guidelines may be downloaded from the same portal for a step-by-step process on how to submit an online application.

ECONOMICALLY SELF-SUFFICIENT

Third-country nationals who plan to submit an application for a temporary residence permit on the basis of economic self-sufficiency (refer to form with checklist) must be in possession of a valid authorisation to reside in Malta. Such authorisation may be in the form of a residence permit or a visa. Applications may be submitted by high-net-worth beneficiaries of local residence investment or tax programmes, including the Global Residence Programme, the Malta Residence and Visa Programme, Malta Retirement Programme and Acquisition of Citizenship.

For more information please follow the links below:
https://cfr.gov.mt/en/inlandrevenue/itu/Pages/Global-Residence-Programme-Rules.aspx

Applicants are to submit their application online by clicking on the following link and use Form K.

STUDY, RESEARCHERS, TRAINING AND VOLUNTARY SERVICE IN THE MOBILITY PROJECT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Residence permits are issued to third-country nationals for the purpose of study, research, training and voluntary service (in the mobility project for young people) under the provisions of Subsidiary Legislation 217.22.

STUDENTS

Students have to submit their application online by clicking on the following link: http://noneu.identitymalta.com

For more information how to use this online application platform please click here

These regulations apply to third-country nationals accepted by an institution licensed by the National Commission for Higher Education to pursue a full-time course of study leading to a higher education qualification. The qualification must be recognised by the Malta Qualification Recognition Information Centre at MQF level 5. Courses may also include a preparatory programme which leads to the higher-education qualification. Third-country nationals who are visa exempt must submit their application for a residence permit within three months from their date of entry within the European Union territory. Other non-European nationals who need a visa to travel to the Schengen Area must be in possession of a visa issued for education purposes. Applications must be submitted by the applicant in person whilst in Malta.

Residence permits are also granted for the purpose of study whenever the course level does not fall under specified the levels in Subsidiary Legislation 217.22.

HEALTH REASONS

Third-country nationals who proceed to Malta to seek medical treatment may be granted a residence permit, provided that all necessary documentation is submitted to Identity Malta Agency.

Applicants are to submit their application online by clicking on the following link and use Form O

FAMILY MEMBERS

Persons who qualify under the conditions stipulated in Subsidiary Legislation 217.06 are issued with a residence permit for the purpose of family reunification with the sponsor, who has already been issued with a residence permit in Malta. This legislation can be found on https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/217.6/eng/pdf

In the case of those family members who do not satisfy the conditions of the said legislation, they may be granted a residence permit to reside in Malta if they fulfil the criteria set out in the policy related to family members. The family members policy may be accessed through the following link.

LONG TERM RESIDENCE

Third-country nationals who (i) have been legally and continuously residing in Malta for a period of five (5) years or more, (ii) have stable and regular resources, (iii) have their own accommodation and (iv) fulfil integration measures (outlined in Subsidiary Legislation 217.05), may apply for the long-term residence status (refer to form and checklist). The status of long-term residents is permanent and the residence permit would be issued for a period of five (5) years.

Requests for Long Term Residence need to be submitted via email on noneu.ima@gov.mt

PARTNERS

This application is intended for Third Country Nationals who are in a de-facto relationship with a Maltese National. Applicants providing evidence of a steady relationship are eligible to apply for this status.

Evidence may include:

1. Utility bills
2. Lease agreements and/or Purchase agreements
3. Bank statements (showing transactions between accounts or proof of joint bank account/s)
4. Flight tickets
5. Dated photographs
6. Sworn affidavits from family members who can testify the long-term relationship
7. Other documents as evidence as may be requested by Identity Malta Agency

Identity Malta Agency reserves the right to conduct interviews as necessary to prove and/or investigate the veracity of the status of partnership of the couple.

Applicants being granted such a status cannot work for the first two years holding this type of permit. Should the Third Country National wish to work, the prospective employer has to submit a single permit application.

During the first 2 years, Residence Permits are granted for a period of 6 months duration. This is renewable upon submission of a renewal application.

Applicants are to submit their application online by clicking on the following link and use Form O.

EXEMPTION UNDER NATIONAL LEGISLATION

Application for a residence permit submitted by Non-EU Nationals for the purpose of Exempt Person Status (foreign spouses of Maltese citizens and children under 21 years of age of foreign spouses and Maltese citizens – Form E) in accordance to Article 4 of the Immigration Act – Chapter 217 Laws of Malta. Such applicants are subject to an interview. Appointments for interviews are to be submitted by email on fominterviews@ima.gov.mt.

HIGHLY QUALIFIED EMPLOYMENT

Third-country nationals who satisfy the conditions of entry and residence for the purpose of highly qualified employment (Subsidiary Legislation 217.15, implementing EU Council Directive 2009/50/EC) shall be issued with a residence permit entitled EU Blue Card.

• Key Employee Initiative

The Key Employee Initiative is a national scheme which fast-tracks the application process for single permits of highly specialized professions.

Who is eligible to apply under the Key Employee Initiative?  

• A key employee is a highly-skilled person who is pivotal in the smooth running of an organization. 
• For the purpose of this initiative, key employees receive a minimum basic annual salary of €30,000. 
• They should occupy a managerial or highly-technical posts which require sufficient qualifications or adequate experience in various employment sectors. 
• Such persons could be covered by either a definite or an indefinite employment contract.

INTRA-CORPORATE TRANSFEREES

An intra-corporate transfer is a temporary secondment for occupational and training purposes of a third-country national (TCN) from an undertaking established outside Malta to a local entity which is part of the same undertaking. The transfer may also take place from an entity established in another Member State of the EU to a host entity in Malta. The admittance of such persons is regulated by Subsidiary Legislation 217.21

SEASONAL WORKERS

Third-country national seasonal workers may be issued with a residence permit for the purpose of employment as long as they satisfy the conditions outlined in Subsidiary Legislation 217.20.

POSTED WORKERS

A Posted Worker is an employee of a foreign undertaking, established in the EU, who does not normally work in Malta but is sent to work in Malta for a limited period of time by the foreign undertaking. For further information regarding posted workers the following refers https://dier.gov.mt/en/Employment-Conditions/Posting%20of%20Workers%20in%20Malta/Pages/Information.aspx

These workers are required to register such posting with the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations by filling the following form. Identity Malta Agency will issue a Residence Permit to reflect such posting and for the period covered by the said posting, provided that the workers concerned produce the necessary documentation from the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) and uploading it online with their application

Posted workers are to submit their application online by clicking on the following link and selecting Form O.

REFUGEES & SUBSIDIARY PROTECTION

The granting of Refugee and Subsidiary Protection status is the responsibility of the Refugee Commissioner. Following the issue of the certificate confirming such status, Identity Malta Agency will issue a residence permit and the relative documentation on submission of an application.

These applications (CEA Form I) have to be submitted in person at Identity Malta Agency’s Hal-Far office.

SPECIFIC RESIDENCE AUTHORISATION

Renewals for former holders of a Temporary Humanitarian Protection status and other applicants who satisfy the criteria as listed in the SRA Policy. Downloadable forms required for SRA applications namely SRA Form H, GDPR form, ID1A, Rental declaration maybe downloaded from the Application Forms section at the bottom of the page. [SRA Policy & Checklist]. These applications (Form H) have to be submitted in person at Identity Malta Agency’s Hal-Far office.

OTHER REASONS

There could be other reasons which could justify the issue of a residence permit and the relevant requests are assessed on a case by case basis.

Brexit

Applying for a Single Permit

The single permit authorizes third-country nationals to legally reside and take up employment in Malta for a defined period, which may be further renewed. In accordance to Subsidiary Legislation 217.17, third-country nationals may submit an application whilst they are either still-abroad or legally staying in Maltese territory.

Applications for a residence permit have to be endorsed by the employer and the permit would cease to apply if the applicant would no longer remain in the specified employment.

The single permit does not entitle holders to carry out: 

• Paid duties assigned by other third parties than the identified employer; and 
• Unauthorized work not related to the specific employment activity indicated in their application

• Who is eligible to apply?
• How to apply for a single permit?
• Single Permit for Still-abroad

Third-country nationals applying to reside in Malta for specific work.

• Single Permit Renewal
• Lost Card
• Change in Address
• Termination

The single permit is renewed annually and applicants are required to proceed within 90 days from the date of expiry. Renewal of applications may only be submitted while their current permit is still valid.

If the permit holder applies at a very late stage, the residence card would be collected at time of application and the applicant would be issued with an interim authorisation to reside and work in Malta. This document will allow the applicant to keep on working but is not a travel document. Applicants are advised not to make any travel arrangements before their residency permit is issued.

Key Employee Initiative

The Key Employee Initiative (KEI) provides a fast-tracked service
to highly-specialized Third-Country Nationals who are employed in
Malta. The scheme will facilitate the issuing of work/residence permits
to prospective key employees, which under normal circumstances should
not exceed 5 working days from the application’s submission date

• What is the application procedure to be followed?
• Who is eligible to apply?
• Checklists

Applications for a single permit under the KEI may be submitted while the applicant is physically in Malta or still abroad. The checklist for single permit applications submitted under the KEI may be downloaded from this website.

Right to Equal Treatment

All third-country nationals, who are legally residing and working in a Member State, shall enjoy a common set of rights on the basis of equal treatment with the nationals of the host Member States.

The right to equal treatment is not only granted to those third-country nationals who have been admitted to a Member State on the basis of employment but also to those who have been admitted for other purposes and have been given access to the labour market of that Member State. 

Third-country nationals shall enjoy the right to equal treatment when it comes to:

1. Working conditions, including pay, dismissal and health and safety at the place of work;
2. Freedom of association, affiliation and membership of an organisation representing either workers, employers or any organisation whose members are engaged in a specific occupation; 
3. Educational and vocational training;

• Such equal treatment shall apply only to those third-country nationals who are in employment or were in employment and are registered unemployed in Malta;
• This shall not include:
  • Study and maintenance grants;
  • Loans and other grants; 
• Educational and vocational training shall be given to third-country nationals who have been admitted to Malta in accordance with Subsidiary Legislation 217.22. 

1. Recognition of diplomas, certification and other professional qualifications in accordance with Maltese legislation; 
2. Branches of social security (as defined in Regulation (EC) No. 883/2004); 
3. Tax benefits (if the worker is deemed to be a resident for tax purpose in the Member State concerned); 
4. Access and supply to goods and services made available to the public, excluding housing accommodation; 
5. Advice services provided by employment offices;

The right to equal treatment shall not prejudice the right of the Member State to withdraw or to refuse to renew the residence permit issued.

Forms

ALL APPLICANTS

Electronic Identity Registration – Form ID 1A
Registration of applicant details and the type of application form

Image Capture Application Form – Form ID2
Registration of details of applicants whose live biometric image cannot be taken at the Department

Exempt Persons Status (Spouse of a Maltese National) – CEA Form E
Application for a residence permit submitted by Non-EU Nationals for the purpose of Exempt Person Status in accordance to Article 4 of the Immigration Act – Chapter 217 Laws of Malta. Such applicants are subject to an interview. Appointments for interviews are to be submitted by email on fominterviews@ima.gov.mt

Permanent Residence Scheme (Certificate by the Commissioner for Inland Revenue) – CEA Form S
Renewals for residence permits submitted by applicants who are residing in Malta and are in possession of a certificate issued under the Residence Scheme Regulations (Legal Notice 428 of 2008).

Applications for renewals of these residence permits can be submitted by following this link.

EU NATIONALS

Electoral Form
Application Form to be registered in the European Union Electoral Register as a voter for the Election of Members of the European Parliament [only applicable for first-time applicants]

Economic Self Sufficiency – CEA Form J
Application for a residence permit submitted by EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who are residing in Malta on the bases of Economic Self-Sufficiency in accordance to the Free Movement of EU nationals and their Family Members Order (Legal Notice 191 of 2007) and/or Immigration Regulations (Legal Notice 205 of 2004)

Employment/Self Employment – CEA Form A
Application for a residence permit submitted by an EU/EEA/Swiss National on the basis Employment/ Self Employment as laid down by the provisions of Free Movement of EU nationals and their Family Members Order (Legal Notice 191 of 2007) and/or Immigration Regulations (Legal Notice 205 of 2004).

Family Members – CEA Form F
Application for a residence permit submitted by an EU/EEA/Swiss National on the basis of Family Members as laid down by the provisions of Free Movement of EU nationals and their Family Members Order (Legal Notice 191 of 2007) and/or Immigration Regulations (Legal Notice 205 of 2004).

Permanent Residence – CEA Form P
Application for a residence permit submitted by EU/EEA nationals and their family members on the bases of the provisions of Free movement of EU Nationals and their Family Members Order (Legal Notice 191 of 2007) and/or Immigration Regulations (Legal Notice 205 of 2004).

Study – CEA Form M
Application for a residence permit submitted by an EU/EEA/Swiss National on the basis of study as laid down by the provisions of Free Movement of EU nationals and their Family Members Order (Legal Notice 191 of 2007) and/or Immigration Regulations (Legal Notice 205 of 2004)

NON-EU NATIONALS

Blue Card – CEA Form B
Application for a residence permit submitted by a non-EU National under the conditions of entry and residence of Third country nationals for the purpose of Highly Qualified Employment (Blue Card)

Economic Self Sufficiency – CEA Form K
Third country nationals who are beneficiaries of Malta Tax Schemes (e.g. Global Residence Program) and holders of a certificate issued for the purpose of permanent residence by the Malta Residency Agency are to submit their application online by clicking on the following link.

Employment/Self Employment – CEA Form C
Applications for Self-Employed or Employment of Less than Six (6) months have to be submitted through the online portal, which may be accessed through https://singlepermit.gov.mt/. The User Manual Guidelines may be downloaded from the same portal for a step-by-step process on how to submit an online application.

Family Members – CEA Form G
Application for a residence permit submitted by Family members of non-EU nationals

International Protection
Application for a residence permit by non-EU Nationals who are residing in Malta under International/Humanitarian protection. These applications have to be submitted in person at Identity Malta Agency’s Hal- Far office.

Long Term Residence
Third-country nationals who (i) have been legally and continuously residing in Malta for a period of five (5) years or more, (ii) have stable and regular resources, (iii) have their own accommodation and (iv) fulfil integration measures (outlined in Subsidiary Legislation 217.05), may apply for the long-term residence status (refer to form and checklist). The status of long-term residents is permanent and the residence permit would be issued for a period of five (5) years.

Requests for Long Term Residence need to be submitted via email on noneu.ima@gov.mt

Specific Residence Authorisation – Form H 
Renewals for former holders of a Temporary Humanitarian Protection status and other applicants who satisfy the criteria as listed in the SRA Policy. Downloadable forms required for SRA applications namely SRA Form H, GDPR form, ID1A, Rental declaration maybe downloaded from the Application Forms section at the bottom of the page. [SRA Policy & Checklist]. These applications have to be submitted in person at Identity Malta Agency’s Hal- Far office.

Travel requirements vary by country and may change at short notice.

Applications for exceptional travel authorisations from dark red countries/zones are to be
made via the online form for Travel Authorisation​

Residents in possession of a valid Maltese ID or Residence Card, whose permanent residence is in Malta, may apply to undergo quarantine at an alternative address if they fulfil criteria outlined below at least ten days prior to their arrival in Malta. This form can be accessed here​. Health authorities reserve the right to accept or reject such requests.

In the case of travellers arriving from red countries/zones:

• Travellers who are not in possession of a valid, recognised vaccination certificate may apply to undergo quarantine at an alternative address

In the case of travellers arriving from dark red countries/zones:

• Travellers authorised to travel to Malta from dark red countries who:

1) have a valid Maltese ID or Residence card

AND

2) whose permanent residence is in Malta

AND

3) who are in possession of a valid recognised vaccine certificate or are under 12 years of age

can apply to undergo quarantine at a residence provided further that they fulfil the following criteria:

• there are no more than 4 additional persons (apart from the passengers arriving from dark red countries) living at the address where the returning traveller/s will be residing during the quarantine period.

• any persons aged 12 years and over residing at the same quarantine address as travellers returning from dark red countries are to be fully vaccinated and are in passion of a recognised vaccination certificate.

Non-Malta residents of all ages who require to be quarantined, unvaccinated Malta residents aged 12 years and over, travelling from dark red countries and those not authorised to quarantine at an alternative quarantine address need to follow a 14 day period of quarantine in an officially designated quarantine hotel, which is recognised as such by the Superintendent of Public Health.

The applicable cost borne by a person in quarantine at a quarantine hotel is 100 euro per night which includes breakfast brought to the room. Any requirement for PCR carried out by public health authorities shall be subject to a payment of a fee of 120 euro for the administration of the test.

Any other additional expenses need to be borne by the person in quarantine.

Alternative accommodation at their residence will NOT be approved in these cases.

Please see below for more information about rules relating to travel to Malta form dark red countries – Travel from Dark Red (Travel Ban) countries/zones is only permitted for essential travel in exceptional circumstances and only with prior authorisation.

Policy changes enabling eligible travellers from dark red countries to apply to quarantine at home came into effect on Friday 17th September 2021 at 8am.Travellers applying for authorisation of travel from dark red countries via https://travelauthorisation.gov.mt/ are now being given the option to apply to quarantine at an alternative residence. Staff handling travel authorisations will also be going through previously submitted applications and communicating with applicants who may be eligible to quarantine at an alternative address.

​

CURRENT TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO ALL PASSENGERS FROM RED LISTED COUNTRIES/ZONES

1) All passengers are required to present a completed Public Health Travel Declaration and Passenger Locator Form ​(PLF). The Digital Passenger Locator Form can be accessed from https://app.euplf.eu​ . Systems are in place to verify the origins of passengers arriving in Malta. A false declaration will be considered a criminal offence.

2) A valid vaccination certificate recognised by the Superintendent of Public Health (age 12+) for a full course of vaccination (2 doses or 1 dose of a single dose vaccine) with EMA approved vaccines (Comirnaty [Pfizer], Jannsen [Johnson & Johnson], Spikevax [Moderna], Vaxzevria [AstraZeneca]), with batches that are authorized by the national regulatory authority of the administering country, with 14 days after the last dose. Unless all the above criteria are satisfied, persons will need to undergo a 14 day mandatory quarantine period in accordance with the
Standards for Quarantine for Travellers​.
​​If the full 14 days have not elapsed after the full course of the vaccine, then a 14 day mandatory quarantine period​
will be necessary.

The recognised vaccine certificates include:

-The Official Maltese vaccination certificate
-The EU Digital COVID vaccination certificate, issued by EU, EEA and non-EU countries connected to the EUDCC ​gateway. The EU Digital COVID vaccination certificate now includes certificates from Albania, Andorra, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Morocco, North Macedonia, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Switzerland, Togo, Turkey, Ukraine and Vatican City.
-The Albanian Digital Covid Certificate // Certifikate dixhitale shqiptare COVID
-The Arab Republic of Egypt COVID-19 vaccine certificate
-The Armenian “COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate” issued through the United Information System of Electronic Healthcare in the Republic of Armenia
-​The Australian International COVID-19 Digital Certificate (Medicare Express Plus App also accepted)​
-The Republic of Azerbaijan Vaccination card
-The Kingdom of Bahrain Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccination Certificate
-The Government of Bermuda Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate
-The Canadian COVID-19 Provincial Immunisation Records, as verified by Verifly app​
-The Official Chile’s Digital Vaccination Certificate
-The MiVacuna COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate – Colombia
-The Iraq “COVID-19 Vaccination Card issued by Kurdistan Regional Government – Iraq
-The Gibraltar, Jersey and Guernsey vaccination certificate​
-The Japanese – Vaccination Certificate of COVID-19 (verified using VeriFLY)
-The Republic of Kosovo Ministry of Health Vaccination Card for COVID-19
-The State of Kuwait Ministry of Health SARS-COV-2 Vaccination Certificate​
-The Lebanese COVID-19 vaccination record card ​
-The Libyan – National Center for Disease Control – Libya State of Libya COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate
-The Malaysian -Covid 19 Digital certificate verified through MySehatara App​
-The Moldovian “Vaccination Certificate” as issued by Moldova Ministry of Health​
-The Sultanate of Oman Immunisation Certificate for COVID-19
-The Palestinian Ministry of Health Vaccination Certificate
-The Covid 19 vaccination certificate issued by the Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar​
-The Republic of Rwanda – covid19 vaccination certificate issued by Rwanda Biomedical centre (only on presentation of mobile phone number and respective code)
-The Saudi Arabia vaccine certificate issued by sehhaty.sa
-The Serbian “Digital Green Certificate” with a readable QR Code*
-The Ministry of Health, Singapore Vaccination Certificate
-The South Korean “COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate-” as issued through the COOV App
-The Turkish Vaccine certificate of full course of vaccination
-The UAE Al Hosn vaccine certificate
-The UAE Vaccine certificate issued by the Dubai Health Authorities with a readable QR Code
-The United Kingdom NHS (paper or digital) Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccination Certificate​, including the Cayman Islands COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (SmartHealth)
-The United States CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card verified through the VeriFLY app. The VeriFLY app is available on both Google Play (https://bit.ly/2WkqfrI) and Apple App Store (https://apple.co/3x8K0zn). Go to https://go.daon.com/veriflyapp​ for Verifly FAQs. ​

• Serbia is a dark red country. Travel to and from Dark Red (Travel Ban) countries/zones is only permitted for essential travel in exceptional circumstances and only with prior authorisation in accordance with the procedure listed below​​

A certificate with 2 different EMA approved vaccines from the above recognised vaccine certificates is accepted as valid.The list of EMA approved vaccines can be found here: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory/overview/public-health-threats/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/treatments-vaccines/vaccines-covid-19/covid-19-vaccines-authorised.

Recognised vaccine certificates which include primary full schedule with a WHO​ approved vaccine, are now being recognised provided that a booster dose with an EMA approved vaccine has been given.​

The following are NOT VALID for travel to Malta:

•EU Digital COVID Recovery Certificates
•EU Digital COVID Vaccination Certificate showing one dose unless for a single dose vaccine. **
•COVID Vaccine Certificates with less than 14 days from the final dose
•COVID Vaccine Certificates not on the accepted list
•Negative Rapid Antigen Test, whether on EU Digital COVID Certificate or otherwise

** As of the 1st October 2021, the Maltese authorities will be accepting recognised vaccine certificates showing recovery from COVID plus one dose of an EMA approved vaccine, as per the vaccination policy of the issuing country, administered at least 14 days prior to arrival in Malta.”

All vaccine certificates are checked and verified at the borders for authenticity. It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure that his/her vaccination certificate conforms to the accepted certificates in this list and that it is readily available on arrival at border.
​If the full 14 days have not elapsed after the full course of the vaccine, then a 14 day mandatory quarantine period​
will be necessary.​

3)Travellers 12 years and over not in possession of a recognised vaccine certificate will need to present a negative nasopharyngeal Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test not older than 72 hours on arrival, and will need to undergo a mandatory quarantine period of 14 days in accordance with the Standards for Quarantine for Travellers​. Rapid Tests (Antigen Tests) are not accepted​. They are required to complete a digital passenger locator form.​

4) Children between the ages of five (5) and eleven (11) years (both ages included) accompanying vaccinated parents/guardian/s must be in possession of a negative result for a nasopharyngeal Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test, performed no longer that 72 hours before arrival into Malta. Rapid Tests (Antigen Tests) are not accepted. They are required to also complete a digital passenger locator form.

5) Children under 5 years of age,accompanying vaccinated parents/guardian/s do not need to present a ​negative result for a nasopharyngeal Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test. They are required to complete a digital passenger locator form.​

6) Pregnant persons may be exempt from quarantine when arriving from a red country/zone, after having spent 14 days in a red country/zone, upon presentation of a negative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) result performed no longer than 72 hours before arrival into Malta (Rapid Antigen Tests are not accepted) and if:
(i) in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, on presentation of a signed and dated medical doctor’s certificate or antenatal card to confirm pregnancy and dates is presented;

(ii) beyond 12 weeks of pregnancy, on presentation of a signed and dated medical doctor’s certificate or antenatal card to confirm pregnancy and dates, as well as medical certification indicating the reason why COVID-19 vaccine was not/could not be taken earlier is presented.

​
7) No specific authorisation is required to travel to Malta from red countries/zones if one has been in a red zone for 14 days prior to travel and fulfils the above criteria, except if indicated as a requirement under one of the following exemptions:

The only instance in which a request for consideration for exemption from quarantine on medical grounds is where the first dose of vaccine caused immediate severe anaphylaxis requiring medical treatment. In all other medical conditions and situations, at least one of the authorised vaccines may be administered safely.​

In the above exceptional circumstance only, on presentation of a valid, verifiable medical certificate which includes clear contact details of one’s medical specialist consultant, an exemption from quarantine on arrival from a red country/zone, may be requested by sending an email with all relevant documentation to covid19.health@gov.mt. Subject title of email should read as follows “EXEMPTION REQUEST: Name of person for whom the application is being requested.” If exemption is granted they must be in possession of a ​negative result for a nasopharyngeal Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test, performed no longer that 72 hours before arrival into Malta. Rapid Tests (Antigen Tests) are not accepted. A copy of the exemption letter from the Superintendent of Public Health must also be presented on arrival.

The relevant documents must be presented to the carrier (by air or by sea) offering travel to Malta. The documents are to be handed by the passenger to the health staff on arrival at Malta International Airport or at the Sea Port terminals.​

​Travellers are advised to ensure that all other documents that may be required, such as visas, are in order and that any required authorisations are obtained prior to making any travel arrangements.

Important Notice: Travel to and from regions/countries with known cases of the new Covid-19 variant B.1.1.529 to Malta will be temporarily banned as from 00.01am of Sunday 28th November 2021. At the moment this includes South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini and Zimbabwe.

Persons travelling to Malta from the below Red countries/Zones must not pass through transit airports in Dark Red Countries/Zones.​

Travellers arriving from any of the below mentioned countries/regions classified as RED, who have spent 14 days or longer in red zones, DO NOT require prior authorisation to travel to Malta and NO AUTHORISATION CODE IS NEEDED

Red Countries/Zones:

Albania
Andorra
Argentina​
Armenia
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan​
​​​Bahrain
Belarus
Belize​
​Belgium
​Bermuda​
Bhutan​
Bulgaria
Canada
Cayman Islands​
Chile​
Cape Verde​​​
China (including Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong)
Colombia
Croatia​
Cuba
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Djibouti​
Equatorial Guinea​​​​
Estonia
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
Gabon
Georgia
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia​
India
Iran​
Ireland
​Iraq​
Israel
Jamaica​
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Mauritania​
Maldives​
Moldova
Monaco
Morocco
Myanmar
Netherlands
New Zealand
North Macedonia
Norway​
Oman
Palestine​​​
Panama​
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Kitts and Nevis​
Sao Tome and Principe​
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Timor​
Trinidad and Tobago​
Tunisia
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
Uruguay​
United States of America​
Vatican City
Vietnam

REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELLERS ARRIVING IN MALTA FROM COUNTRIES/ZONES ON DARK RED LIST

Travel to and from Dark Red (Travel Ban) countries/zones is only permitted for essential travel in exceptional circumstances and only with prior authorisation in accordance with the procedure listed below.

Specific authorisation is required for travellers from the following countries subject to an effective travel ban in accordance with the legal notice Travel Ban (Extension to all Countries) Order (S.L. 465. 26) It is important to note that 14 days quarantine is mandatory for all authorised travellers to Malta from dark red zones/countries, irrespective of age,vaccination or residency status.

Applications for exceptional travel authorisations from dark red countries/zones are to be made via the online form for Travel Authorisation​.

Who can apply?​

Exceptional approval for essential travel may be granted for persons travelling to and from Dark Red countries/zones (irrespective of vaccination status), for:

(i) Returning Maltese citizens or residents for long stay/repatriation (not for vacation)
(ii) Other travel considered to be essential by the Superintendent of Public Health in exceptional circumstances only- adoption, reunification of spouse/partner/minor/child with parents)

In the case that travel is authorised, a unique, personal non-transferable authorisation code will be sent to each passenger, which code must be entered into the Passenger Locator Form to be completed prior to travel.
Authorised travellers will be required to follow the medical protocol:

•Present a negative result for a nasopharyngeal Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test taken no longer than 72 hr prior to arrival in Malta. Rapid Tests (Antigen Tests) are not accepted. ​

•Observe 14 full days of mandatory quarantine from arrival in Malta.

•​Follow the testing requirements as outlined in accordance with the Standards for Quarantine For Travellers

Travellers authorised to travel to Malta from dark red countries who:

1) have a valid Maltese ID or Residence card

AND
2)whose permanent residence is in Malta

AND
3)who are in possession of a valid recognised vaccine certificate or are under 12 years of age can apply to undergo quarantine at an alternate residence provided that they fulfil the following criteria:

• there are no more than 4 additional persons (apart from the passengers arriving from dark red countries) living at the address where the returning traveller/s will be residing during the quarantine period.

• any persons aged 12 years and over residing at the same quarantine address as travellers returning from dark red countries need to be fully vaccinated.

Non-Malta residents of all ages who require to be quarantined, unvaccinated Malta residents aged 12 years and over, travelling from dark red countries and those not authorised to quarantine at an alternative quarantine address need to follow a 14 day period of quarantine in an officially designated quarantine hotel, which is recognised as such by the Superintendent of Public Health.

The applicable cost borne by a person in quarantine at a quarantine hotel is 100 euro per night which includes breakfast brought to the room. Any requirement for PCR carried out by public health authorities shall be subject to a payment of a fee of 120 euro for the administration of the test.

Any other additional expenses need to be borne by the person in quarantine.​

Alternative accommodation at their residence will NOT be approved in these cases. Persons who are eligible to quarantine at another address need to submit an application via an online form for Alternative Quarantine Location Requests at least ten days prior to their arrival in Malta. This form can be accessed here​. Health authorities reserve the right to accept or reject such requests.

Important Notice: Travel to and from regions/countries with known cases of the new Covid-19 variant B.1.1.529 to Malta will be temporarily banned as from 00.01am of Sunday 28th November 2021​. At the moment this includes South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini and Zimbabwe.​

List of Dark Red Countries/Zones

Afghanistan
Algeria
Angola
Anguilla
Antarctica
Antigua and Barbuda
Aruba
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Benin
Bolivia
Bosnia and Herzegovina​
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
Botswana
Bouvet Island
Brazil
British Virgin Islands
Brunei
Brunei Darussalam
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad
Comoros
Congo
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Cote d’Ivoire
Curacao
Democratic Republic of Congo
Dominican Republic
Dominica
Ecuador
El Salvador
Eritrea
Eswatini
Egypt​
Ethiopia
French Guiana
Gambia
Ghana
Grenada
Guatemala
Guadeloupe
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Ivory Coast
Kazakhstan​
Kenya
Kiribati
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lesotho
Liberia
Madagascar
Malawi
Mali
Martinique
Mayotte
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
​Mongolia​​
Micronesia (country)
Montenegro​
Montserrat
Mozambique
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
New Caledonia
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
Norfolk Island
Northern Cyprus
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Pitcairn
Reunion
Saint Barts
Saint Lucia
Saint Maartin (French part)
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
Serbia​
Senegal
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Sint Maarten (Dutch part)
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Syria
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Togo
Tonga
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
Ukraine​
Uganda
United States, minor outlying Islands
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Virgin Islands (British)
Wallis and Futuna
Western Sahara
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

For other travel queries that are not addressed above can send an email to covid19.health@gov.mt

​Further Information

1) A vaccination certificate will only be accepted as valid if included in the list of approved vaccine certificates as listed here: Government Notices published in Govt. Gazette No. 20,635 of 1st June 2021​, Govt. Gazette No.20,653 of 28th June 2021​, Govt. Gazette No. 20 655 of 1st July 2021​ issued pursuant to Article 2 of Legal Notice 229 of 2021, Government Notice issued pursuant to Article 2 of the Travel Ban (Extension to all countries) Order Subsidiary Legislation 465.26, and Article 2 of Period of Quarantine Order, 2021 Subsidiary Legislation 465.13​,,​ Government Notice published in Govt. Gazette No. 20,687 of 20th August 2021​, Government Notice​ published in Govt. Gazette No. 20,701 of 17th September 2021​​ issued pursuant to Article 2 of the Travel Ban (Extension to all countries) Order Subsidiary Legislation 465.26, and Article 2, Government Notice​ published in Govt. Gazette No. 20,705 of 23rd September 2021​ issued pursuant to Article 2 of the Travel Ban (Extension to all countries) Order Subsidiary Legislation 465.26, and Article 2 of Period of Quarantine Order, 2021 Subsidiary Legislation 465.13 and Government Notice​ published in Govt. Gazette of the 29th September 2021​ ,Government Notice​ published in Govt. Gazette of the 4th of October 2021​ ,Government Notice​ published in Govt. Gazette of the 15th of October 2021​​, Legal Notices LN 392 and LN 393​ published in Govt. Gazette of the 21st of October ​and Government Notice published in Govt. Gazette of the 26th of October 2021​, of the same order.

The current list of COVID-19 vaccination certificates recognised by the Superintendent of Public Health are:

-The Official Maltese vaccination certificate
-The EU Digital COVID vaccination certificate, issued by EU, EEA and non-EU countries connected to the EUDCC ​gateway. The EU Digital COVID vaccination certificate now includes certificates from Albania, Andorra, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Morocco, North Macedonia, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Switzerland, Togo, Turkey, Ukraine and Vatican City.​

-The Albanian Digital Covid Certificate // Certifikate dixhitale shqiptare COVID
-The Arab Republic of Egypt COVID-19 vaccine certificate
-The Armenian “COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate” issued through the United Information System of Electronic Healthcare in the Republic of Armenia
-The Australian International COVID-19 Digital Certificate (Medicare Express Plus App also accepted)
-The Republic of Azerbaijan Vaccination card
-The Kingdom of Bahrain Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccination Certificate
-The Government of Bermuda Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate
-The Canadian COVID-19 Provincial Immunisation Records, as verified by Verifly app​
-The Official Chile’s Digital Vaccination Certificate
-The MiVacuna COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate – Colombia
-The Iraq “COVID-19 Vaccination Card issued by Kurdistan Regional Government – Iraq
-The Gibraltar, Jersey and Guernsey vaccination certificate​
-The Japanese – Vaccination Certificate of COVID-19 (verified using VeriFLY)
-The Republic of Kosovo Ministry of Health Vaccination Card for COVID-19
-The State of Kuwait Ministry of Health SARS-COV-2 Vaccination Certificate​
-The Lebanese COVID-19 vaccination record card ​
-The Libyan – National Center for Disease Control – Libya State of Libya COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate
-The Malaysian -Covid 19 Digital certificate verified through MySehatara App​
-The Moldovian “Vaccination Certificate” as issued by Moldova Ministry of Health​
-The Sultanate of Oman Immunisation Certificate for COVID-19
-The Palestinian Ministry of Health Vaccination Certificate
-The Covid 19 vaccination certificate issued by the Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar​
-The Republic of Rwanda – covid19 vaccination certificate issued by Rwanda Biomedical centre (only on presentation of mobile phone number and respective code)
-The Saudi Arabia vaccine certificate issued by sehhaty.sa
-The Serbian “Digital Green Certificate” with a readable QR Code*
-The Ministry of Health, Singapore Vaccination Certificate
-The South Korean “COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate-” as issued through the COOV App
-The Turkish Vaccine certificate of full course of vaccination
-The UAE Al Hosn vaccine certificate
-The UAE Vaccine certificate issued by the Dubai Health Authorities with a readable QR Code
-The United Kingdom NHS (paper or digital) Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccination Certificate​, including the Cayman Islands COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (SmartHealth)
​ -The United States CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card verified through the VeriFLY app. The VeriFLY app is available on both Google Play (https://bit.ly/2WkqfrI) and Apple App Store (https://apple.co/3x8K0zn). Go to https://go.daon.com/veriflyapp​ for Verifly FAQs.

• Serbia is a dark red country. Travel to and from Dark Red (Travel Ban) countries/zones is only permitted for essential travel in exceptional circumstances and only with prior authorisation in accordance with the procedure listed below 2) The following are NOT VALID for travel to Malta:
  •EU Digital COVID Recovery Certificates
  •EU Digital COVID Vaccination Certificate showing one dose unless for a single dose vaccine. **
  •COVID Vaccine Certificates with less than 14 days from the final dose
  •COVID Vaccine Certificates not on the accepted list
  •Negative Rapid Antigen Test, whether on EU Digital COVID Certificate or otherwise.
  3) The list of EMA approved vaccines can be found here: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory/overview/public-health-threats/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/treatments-vaccines/vaccines-covid-19/covid-19-vaccines-authorised.

4) Persons vaccinated in Malta may download their Maltese and EU digital vaccination certificates from https://certifikatvaccin.gov.mt.

5) The countries connected to the EUDCC gateway can be found here: https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/coronavirus-response/safe-covid-19-vaccines-europeans/eu-digital-covid-certificate_en.

6) All vaccine certificates are checked and verified at the borders for authenticity. It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure that his/her vaccination certificate conforms to the accepted certificates in this list and is readily available at arrival at border.

7) Systems are in place to verify the origins of passengers arriving in Malta. The Superintendence of Public Health requires that all persons travelling to Malta complete the Passenger Locator Form and Travel Declaration Form. The digital Passenger Locator Form (dPLF) can be accessed from https://app.euplf.eu​

8) The completed PLF and a copy of your vaccine certificate and negative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test result (for travel authorised by the SPH for travel under the medical protocol) is to be presented at boarding and then handed over to the Public Health staff on arrival to Malta (at airport or seaport). A false declaration on arrival will be considered a criminal offence.

9) Failure to present the required documents on arrival will result in mandatory RT-PCR nasopharyngeal testing and mandatory quarantine against a fee in accordance with the Standards for Quarantine for Travellers​​​ entering Malta,

10) ​​Travellers are advised to ensure that all other documents that may be required, such as visas, are in order.

These are the current travel requirements, which are continuously reviewed and are frequently updated. Travel to Malta is regulated by Legal Notices​ 92, 244, 255 280, 290, 388 and 472 of 2020; and 196, 229, 254, 255, 271, 300, 301, 368, 369, 392, 393, 465 and 466 of 2021.​