If you’re a resident of the UAE and planning a trip to Malta, you will likely need to apply for a Schengen visa. This visa allows you to visit Malta and other Schengen countries for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Whether you’re traveling for tourism, business, or even to visit family, the process is straightforward once you know exactly what documents you’ll need.
Many people believe that a Malta visa is complicated, but don’t worry! With the right steps and documents, securing your Malta visa from Dubai is simple, and we’re here to guide you through it.
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Table of Contents
What Visa Types for Malta Available for UAE Residents
Here is a list of Visa Types for Malta:
- Schengen Short-Stay Visa: Allows travel to Malta and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is suitable for tourism, business, family visits, or transit.
- Tourist Visa: For individuals planning to visit Malta for leisure purposes, such as sightseeing, exploring local culture, and enjoying the beaches.
- Business Visa: Intended for those traveling to Malta for business activities, including meetings, conferences, trade fairs, and negotiations. It does not allow employment in Malta.
- Work Visa: For individuals intending to live and work in Malta for more than 90 days. Requires sponsorship from an employer in Malta and additional documents like employment contracts and proof of qualifications.
- Study Visa: For students who plan to study in Malta, such as pursuing university degrees, language courses, or vocational training. The visa allows residence for the duration of the studies.
- Family Reunification Visa: For individuals wishing to join family members who are already residing in Malta. This visa type is for spouses, children, and other dependent relatives.
- Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Malta on their way to another destination. The visa allows only short stays during the transit period.
- Long-Stay Visa (National Visa): For individuals intending to reside in Malta for more than 90 days, including for purposes like employment, family reunification, or study. This visa is typically issued for stays exceeding 90 days but is not part of the Schengen short-stay visa category.
What Are The Required Documents for Malta Visa for UAE Residents
Here is a list of Documents Needed for Malta Visa Application:
- Completed Visa Application Form: A fully filled and signed visa application form in English.
- Passport Photo: A recent passport-size photo (not older than 6 months), meeting ICAO standards (white background).
- Valid Passport: The passport should be valid for at least 3 months beyond the requested visa period. It must have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- UAE Residence Visa: A copy of your valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID (valid for at least 3 months after departure from the Schengen Area).
- Flight Booking: A confirmed flight booking showing the full itinerary. The booking should be stamped and signed by the travel agent, or a copy of the actual flight ticket.
- Accommodation Reservation: Confirmed accommodation reservation for your stay in Malta.
- Health Insurance: Travel health insurance that covers the Schengen Area with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros. The insurance should be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
- Proof of Financial Means
- A recent bank statement (for the past 3 months), stamped by the bank, showing sufficient funds to cover your stay in Malta.
- Salary slips for the last 3 months if employed.
- If a sponsor is covering the expenses, the sponsor’s bank statements (last 3 months), guarantee letter, and a copy of the sponsor’s passport.
- Proof of Employment or Self-Employment
- A letter from your employer detailing your position, salary, tenure, and confirmation that you will resume work after your return.
- If self-employed, provide a valid trade license or the title deed of your property in the UAE.
- Invitation Letter (if applicable): If visiting friends or family, an invitation letter from the host in Malta, along with a copy of the host’s ID or passport. If the host is covering accommodation/expenses, a Declaration of Proof form (notarized) is required.
- For Minors (Under 18): Birth certificate of the minor. Parental authorization (signed by both parents/legal guardians), or a notarized letter if one parent is already in Malta. Copy of the passports of both parents/legal guardians.
- Letter of Acceptance from Educational Institution (for students): A letter from the Maltese educational institution confirming the student’s acceptance, course details, duration, and fees paid.
- Proof of Academic Qualification (for study visa): If applicable, a letter from the Department of Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs in Malta for higher education courses.
- Additional Documents for Specific Visa Types
- Business Visa: Any documents related to the purpose of the business trip, such as meeting invites, conference invitations, etc.
- Work Visa: A work contract or a letter from the employer confirming the nature of employment and the period of stay in Malta.
How to Apply for a Malta Visa for UAE Residents
Applying for a Malta visa as a UAE resident is easier than it seems, and we’re here to guide you through the process, step by step. Whether you’re traveling for tourism, business, or study, knowing exactly what to do can save you time and stress.
Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa You Need
Before you start filling out forms, it’s essential to figure out which Malta visa suits your purpose of travel. As a UAE resident, you’ll likely need a Schengen visa, which allows you to visit Malta and other Schengen Area countries. Depending on your trip, you may apply for:
- A Tourist Visa for vacation or leisure
- A Business Visa for meetings or conferences
- A Study Visa for enrolling in an academic program
- A Work Visa for long-term stays with employment in Malta
Step 2: Collect Your Required Documents
Once you’ve identified your visa type, it’s time to gather the necessary documents. Here’s a checklist to get you started:
- Completed visa application form: Make sure the form is filled out in English.
- Recent passport photo: A photo that meets ICAO standards (white background, not older than 6 months).
- Valid passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least 3 months after your planned stay.
- UAE residence visa and Emirates ID: These must be valid for at least 3 months after your expected departure.
- Confirmed flight booking and accommodation: Proof that you have arrangements for your trip.
- Health insurance: Coverage that’s valid in the Schengen Area with a minimum of 30,000 Euros.
- Proof of financial means: Recent bank statements or salary slips showing you can support yourself during your stay.
- Invitation letter (if visiting family or friends): Make sure it’s signed and includes the inviter’s ID copy.
Step 3: Book Your Appointment at VFS Global
Once you have your documents, the next step is to schedule an appointment. VFS Global is the official visa application center for Malta in Dubai. Booking an appointment ensures you’ll have the time and attention you need to submit your documents correctly.
- Visit the VFS Global website and choose the Malta Visa Application option.
- Select a date and time that works best for you.
- Pay the visa processing fee online or during your appointment, depending on the procedure at the time.
Many people mistakenly believe that they can just show up without an appointment — but scheduling one is crucial. This step will save you time and prevent any unnecessary confusion.
Step 4: Attend Your Appointment
On the day of your appointment, make sure to bring all your documents, including your passport, visa application form, and the confirmation of appointment.
During your appointment, you’ll submit your documents, pay any necessary fees, and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographs).
Step 5: Wait for Processing
After you’ve submitted your documents and biometric data, it’s time to wait for your visa to be processed. Generally, the processing time is about 15-20 working days. During this period, the Malta authorities will review your application and documents.
If your visa is approved, you’ll be notified, and your passport will be returned with your Malta visa stamped inside. If for any reason your application is rejected, you’ll receive a notification with the reasons for rejection.
Step 6: Receive Your Visa
Once your visa is approved, you’ll receive a notification from VFS Global. You can then pick up your passport with the Malta visa or have it delivered to you. It’s time to get excited and make those final travel plans!
Insurance Requirements for Malta Visa Application (UAE Residents)
When applying for a Malta visa from the UAE, one of the essential requirements you must fulfill is securing travel insurance. This is a non-negotiable part of your visa application.
However, recent updates have made it necessary to understand the specific insurance coverage requirements to avoid any confusion or issues during your application process.
What’s Changed in the Insurance Requirement?
Initially, the travel insurance requirement was quite straightforward: you needed coverage of 40,000 Euros for a period of 91 days (the typical short-stay duration for a Schengen visa). However, a significant update has been made on the official Malta website. The updated guideline now specifies that the required coverage amount has increased to 100,000 Euros, and the insurance must cover a period of 365 days (one full year).
What Does This Mean for You?
- Old Requirement: 40,000 Euros coverage for 91 days.
- New Requirement: 100,000 Euros coverage for 365 days.
This change might cause some confusion, especially for applicants relying on standard insurance policies that cover only the old duration of 91 days. If you’re applying for a Malta visa, you’ll now need to ensure that your insurance covers a full 365 days with a minimum coverage of 100,000 Euros.
Where’s the Confusion?
You may encounter conflicting information from different sources:
- VFS Website: If you visit the regular VFS website, they will likely still show the old requirement of 40,000 Euros for 91 days. Even if you ask VFS, they may confirm this outdated information.
- Malta Official Website: On the official Malta embassy or consulate website, however, you will find the updated requirement of 100,000 Euros for 365 days.
This difference in information may confuse you, but rest assured, the official Malta website now reflects the updated rules.
What Should You Do?
To ensure that you meet the requirements and avoid any issues with your visa application, it’s recommended that you opt for travel insurance with coverage of 100,000 Euros for 365 days. Even though VFS may still show the older requirement, the Malta authorities are now requesting this higher coverage.
Challenges for Some Countries (Especially Pakistan)
One of the biggest challenges faced by applicants from Pakistan is the unavailability of insurance policies that offer 365 days of coverage with 100,000 Euros. While such policies are available in countries like India and UAE, Pakistani nationals often struggle to find a suitable insurance provider offering this level of coverage.
- In Pakistan, the highest coverage available is typically around 95,000 Euros, leaving a gap of around 5,000 Euros. This makes it difficult for applicants to meet the full requirement.
Solution for Pakistani Applicants
If you’re facing difficulties finding the correct insurance in Pakistan, don’t worry! You can contact us, and we will provide you with the appropriate insurance policy that is acceptable for Malta and VFS. We offer a solution that works for applicants in Pakistan, even if local insurance providers cannot meet the required coverage.
What About UAE Residents?
If you’re a resident of the UAE, obtaining the required insurance is generally easier. However, you must have an Emirates ID to purchase travel insurance. Without it, you won’t be able to buy insurance through UAE-based providers, which is a recent change in policy. If you’re not eligible to buy insurance in the UAE due to not having an Emirates ID, we can still help you obtain suitable insurance for your Malta visa application.
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