From Tourist to Resident: Long-Term Stay Options in Malta for Indians

 Enjoyed your Malta getaway? Don’t rush off! Discover the viable options for Indian travelers to shift to long-term residency, from employment permits to investment programs.  

Malta, with its breathtaking Mediterranean beauty, rich cultural heritage, and expanding economy, frequently enchants Indian visitors, leaving them longing for an extended stay. While a Schengen tourist visa permits brief visits, transitioning to long-term residency in Malta from India necessitates familiarity with the various legal routes available. For Indians dreaming of a life beyond their vacation on the island, paths include seeking employment and acquiring a Malta work permit for Indians or exploring substantial investment opportunities. Each option comes with distinct requirements, processing durations, and financial obligations, making it crucial to select the approach that aligns with individual situations.  

One prevalent way to stay in Malta long-term is through employment. If you have valuable skills or qualifications, obtaining a job offer from a Maltese employer is the initial step toward securing a Malta work permit for Indians. This process generally requires the employer to show that they were unable to find an appropriate candidate within Malta or the EU/EEA. After securing a job offer, you will apply for a Single Permit, which integrates both work and residence permits. Malta has specific programs like the Key Employee Initiative aimed at highly skilled individuals earning an annual gross income of at least €30,000, allowing for an expedited application process. Though competitive, booming sectors in Malta, such as IT, iGaming, finance, and healthcare, provide considerable opportunities for skilled Indian professionals.  

For those with significant financial resources, the Malta investment visa, formally known as the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), opens a pathway to Indian residency in Malta. This program enables non-EU nationals, including Indians, to obtain permanent residency by combining property investment (purchase or lease), a governmental contribution, and a philanthropic donation. The investment criteria for the MPRP necessitate showcasing capital assets of no less than €500,000, including a portion in liquid financial assets. This program is particularly appealing as it permits the inclusion of multiple generations of family members and offers visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. Moreover, for remote workers, Malta has launched the Digital Nomad Visa (Nomad Residence Permit), allowing individuals earning income from outside Malta to live on the island for up to a year, with a chance for renewal. While it doesn’t directly lead to permanent residency, it’s an excellent opportunity to experience life in Malta and explore other long-term possibilities. Grasping these various options is the initial step toward transforming your Maltese vacation into a long-term lifestyle, and Worldify Overseas Pvt. Ltd. can offer expert assistance on each of these pathways.