Family Reunification in Malta: A Comprehensive Guide for Filipino Spouses & Children

The flourishing economy of Malta and its accommodating visa options have turned it into a favored location for numerous Filipino professionals, especially in the hospitality, healthcare, and technology fields. As more Filipinos establish themselves in Malta, the logical next step is to bring their families along. Through Malta’s Family Reunification program, Filipino workers have the opportunity to lawfully sponsor their spouses, underage children, and dependent relatives, fostering a more stable and fulfilling life abroad. However, navigating the legal requirements, timelines, and practical expectations is essential to achieve this goal.  

To be eligible as a sponsor, the Filipino applicant must have held a valid residency permit in Malta for a minimum of one year, although this requirement can be bypassed for specific job categories like healthcare workers. Sponsors are also required to prove a consistent and sufficient income to support their family members independently, without relying on social assistance. For instance, an individual sponsor seeking to bring their spouse and one child usually must demonstrate a monthly income between €1,200 and €1,500, in addition to providing evidence of adequate housing and valid health insurance for all dependents. Such documentation is validated through employment contracts, bank statements, lease documents, and insurance papers.  

The timeframe for processing family reunification applications typically spans from 60 to 120 days, contingent on the permit type and the thoroughness of the submitted documents. Applications should be submitted through Identity Malta, either online or via the employer’s legal representative. After approval, family members must apply for their national visas at the closest Maltese Embassy or VFS Global office in the Philippines, after which they are permitted to travel and receive their residence cards upon arrival. It is important to note that children must be registered in school, while spouses can also seek a separate work permit once they are settled.  

Actual waiting periods can differ, and many Filipino families share experiences of a 3 to 5-month duration from the inception of the process to completion. For example, Maria, who works as a nurse in Sliema, successfully brought her husband and daughter over in just under four months, primarily due to early document preparation and support from her employer. Nevertheless, delays can happen as a result of missing documentation, housing inspections, or backlogs at the embassy. Consequently, early planning and maintaining close communication with both Maltese and Philippine authorities throughout the process is crucial.  

Ultimately, Malta presents a beneficial pathway for Filipino family reunification, combining strict documentation requirements with a transparent route to legal residency. For Filipinos aspiring to not only work overseas but also to flourish as a family, Malta’s reunification policy is not just feasible—it is becoming increasingly prevalent and often more swift than in many other EU countries.