Everyone who relocates to Malta, the smallest EU member state, is enamored by the island’s breathtaking natural beauty, architectural wonders, and the Mediterranean joie de vivre that infuses daily life there. Many are drawn to Malta’s numerous prosperous industries, including the financial services sector and the gambling industry. Diverse recreational pursuits like diving, cultural events, and nightlife are also major draws.
Central Visa Unit (CVU)
The CVU is the government’s central immigration agency in charge of carrying out both the Schengen acquis’s obligations and national visa laws (as far as visa matters are concerned). Malta’s diplomatic missions abroad share responsibility for issuing visas. All applicants who have a legitimate and sufficient basis to enter Maltese territory may get a visa with the help of the Central Visa Unit.
Visa
A visa is a limited-time authorization that is attached to a passport in the form of a sticker that allows the bearer to enter or exit Malta. A third-country national does not automatically have the right to enter just because they have a visa; instead, they must demonstrate that they will comply with the entrance requirements. Regardless of having a visa, border control officials have the right to deny entrance or revoke it if it is proven that:
the bearer lacks sufficient means of sustenance, the information provided while applying for the visa was false or inaccurate, and the bearer is unable to provide information about the circumstances of his or her stay in Malta.
Malta visa types
Malta mostly grants two (2) different kinds of visas:
Short-stay Schengen
This type of visa is given to citizens of third countries, such as Pakistanis, who want to visit the Schengen region for tourism. Depending on the decisions taken by the authorities and other pertinent considerations, it may be a Single or Multiple entry visa and is given for a stay of no more than 90 days. However, if the applicant needs an extension because of unanticipated events while in Malta, he or she may submit a request for a visa extension to the Central Visa Unit.
The D-Visa, known as the national visa
This kind of visa is given under national laws for a duration greater than 90 days but not longer than 365 days.
Application
Applications must be submitted in writing and include all the information requested on the application Form. This can be obtained through the Malta Embassy in Pakistan. The applicant must sign the application form, which must contain the following information:
- a passport whose validity is at least three months; and
- one clear color passport-size photograph taken against a white background.
Application processing for visas
Usually, applications are reviewed in seven to fifteen days. The review period may be extended in some exceptional cases by up to thirty days and in extremely rare cases by up to sixty days. It is recommended to submit a visa application no later than fifteen (15) days before a planned trip to guarantee that it will be processed in time. If a multiple-entry Schengen short-stay visa holder’s existing visa has been valid for at least six months, they are eligible to apply for a new one before it expires.
Requirements for residency
Getting the documents, you need to relocate to Malta is a rather simple process. You can apply for either the Ordinary Residence or the Permanent Residence, depending on where you are emigrating from. What separates the two ultimately comes down to how much tax you pay.
Ordinary residence
Individuals traveling to Malta from the EU are subject to Ordinary Residence. Depending on your income and marital status, the tax you pay is calculated by deducting a tax credit from 0 to 35% of your gross income. Every five years, it can be renewed.
Permanent residence
No matter where you are from, anyone can apply for permanent residence. Pakistani citizens must apply for this. It can be renewed annually.
The Global residency program in Malta
The Maltese government unveiled a new residence policy in July 2013. This grants residents of third countries, such as Pakistani nationals, preferential tax status in Malta. You must meet specific requirements, such as purchasing or renting a property in Malta or Gozo and paying a minimum yearly tax due on foreign income earned in Malta, to apply for this program.
