Become a Malta Resident with a Maltese Residence ID Card

Malta ID card for foreigners

A Maltese ID card application is important and opens many doors for you. If you intend to reside in Malta for longer than three months as a foreigner, you're required to get an e-Residence card that is issued by Identity Malta. This ID process needs a little bit more time and preparation, since you’ll have to submit the application and all the attachments in person. According to Subsidiary Legislation 460.17, Malta recognizes the right to free movement of EU citizens and treats them equally with its nationals.

EU/EEA/Swiss nationals applications for a residence card in Malta are handled electronically. An applicant will need to define the reason for his stay, fill in the respective form, and submit it along with the supporting documents as follows:

Valid passport, national identity document such as ID card
Residence in Malta
Proof of income or assets
Form A – Application for Residence Documentation
Form 1D1A – Identity Registration Form
GDPR form – Identity Malta

To rent an apartment or a house, a long-term property lease agreement will better justify the claim for residence. It is important that the landlord gives a copy of his ID, registers the contract online with the Housing Authority which forwards the rental approval letter automatically via email to the landlord and to the tenant. Foreigners applying for a residency permit in Malta will have to present a lease agreement attestation form starting from Monday 23. September, if the application involves a new lease. The new obligation by the Attestation Form will mean that owners of property must sign every lease contract with Third Country National (TCN’s) before a lawyer, a notary or legal procurator

All non-Maltese applicants applying for a Residence Document must submit the Lease Agreement Attestation Form together with other supporting documents. A copy of this form must be kept by the lessor.

The Lease Agreement Attestation Form can be found here in .pdf form

Also, it is reasonable to have utility bills registered under the own name, because banks require such documents as a proof of residency. Read more about: Maltas Foreign Population Growth And So The Residence Permits and Maltas Record Surge in Foreign Worker Permits and Population Growth in 2023

Reason to get a Residence Permit in 2024

Work in Malta - (Read more about Salary in Malta and Job Vacancies: 8,092 Job Vacancies in Q2 of 2024 in Malta.)
Obtaining a driving licence
Self-Employed in Malta - (Read more about Self Employed in Malta.)
Digital Nomad Residency - (Read more about Malta Ranks Third Best Country For Digital Nomads.)
Starting a Business in Malta

Types of Residence Permits for Malta

There are two main types of residence permits in Malta: temporary residence permit and permanent residence permit:

Temporary
- Duration: One to five years.
- Conditions: You must have a job offer, a letter of admission to a university, older than 18, a clear criminal record, etc.
- Benefits: You will be able to work, live, and study in Malta for the residence permit’s duration.

Permanent
- Duration: Indefinite
- Conditions: You must live in Malta for five years to apply for a permanent residence permit.
- Benefits: You can work and study without condition in Malta. After five years, you can apply for citizenship.

You are british nationality? Please see information about Permanent Residency for British Nationals in Malta