Malta Student Residence Permit
After you arrive in Malta on your D visa (the long-stay entry visa in your passport), you apply online to Identità, the Maltese government office for residence permits. You then get an eResidence card (your permit card) that lasts up to one year. Fees are in euro (EUR).
MaltaEXAMPLE RESIDENCE PERMIT
Type: Student
Status: Student
Program: Example Programme
Institution: Example University
Example card. Your own card shows your real details.
What the Student Residence Permit Is
The D visa only lets you enter. The eResidence card lets you live in Malta while you study.
Visa or Permit?
Sticker in your passport.
Lets you enter Malta.
You get it before you travel.
eResidence card.
Lets you live and study in Malta.
You get it after you arrive and renew it each year.
How Identità Checks Students
At each renewal, Identità asks for your marks and attendance to check you are a real, full-time student.
Key Papers
eResidence card
Your student residence permit card from Identità.
National long-stay visa (type D)
The visa in your passport that lets you enter Malta.
Employment licence
The work permit your employer gets from Jobsplus if you work.
Breaking the Rules
What You Must Do
Study full time
At least 15 hours of classes a week, on a course at MQF level 5 or higher.
Attend classes
Most schools ask for about 75% attendance. Poor attendance can cost you your renewal.
Keep your insurance
Do not let your health insurance end, unless you study at UM, MCAST or ITS.
Work within the limit
Degree students: up to 20 hours a week, only with an employment licence from Jobsplus.
Keep your passport valid
Your permit cannot last longer than your passport.
Permits for Students
The three permits most students use, from your first year to after you graduate.
Key Times
Arrive on your D visa
Apply online
Photo and fingerprints
Collect your card
A few weeks
Permit Types
First student residence permit
Your first permit, form CEA N.01. The fee is €50.
Key Requirements:
- Full passport copy.
- Acceptance letter.
- Proof of tuition paid.
- Proof of money.
- Health screening approval.
- Health insurance, unless you study at UM, MCAST or ITS.
- Proof of housing.
Renewal
Form CEA N.02. You show you are still studying and passing.
Key Requirements:
- Copy of your current card.
- Enrolment letter for next year.
- Marks and attendance records.
- Tuition receipt for next term.
- New bank statements.
- Insurance for the next year.
9-month post-study permit
Form CEA N.03. Lets you stay up to 9 months to look for work or start a business. You get it only once.
Key Requirements:
- Letter saying you completed your course.
- Money for 9 months.
- Health insurance for the whole stay.
- Proof of housing.
From Arrival to Card
Arrive on your D visa
You must be in Malta to apply.
Apply online
On the Identità Expatriates Portal, the online site for foreign residents, form CEA N.01.
Photo and fingerprints
Identità asks you to book a biometrics appointment.
Collect your card
You collect your eResidence card in person.
Duration: A few weeks
How to Apply
You apply online, then go in person only for biometrics and to collect your card.
First Permit, Step by Step
Enter Malta on your D visa
Your D visa must be for education.
Apply only after you land in Malta.
Do your health screening
For students 18 or older staying more than 3 months.
At a private clinic in Malta. Malta checks students from countries with a very high risk of tuberculosis (TB, a lung illness). India and Pakistan are on that list, so you need a chest X-ray.
Get your housing papers
Not needed if you live in university or college housing. Use a letter from your university or college about your housing instead.
Your landlord registers the lease (rental contract) with the Housing Authority. A lawyer or notary (an official who checks and stamps papers) signs the attestation form.
Apply online
Upload your papers and pay the fee.
Create an account on the Identità Expatriates Portal and choose Study, New (CEA N.01).
Give your photo and fingerprints
At the Expatriates Unit.
Book the slot Identità offers and bring your originals.
Collect your eResidence card
Collect it in person.
You get an email when it is approved.
Renewing Each Year
Start a month early
Do not leave it to the last days.
Apply online
Choose Study, Renewal (CEA N.02) on the portal and upload new papers.
Biometrics if asked
You are called in only for biometrics, if needed, and to collect the card.
Collect your new card
Hand in your old card when you collect the new one.
After Your Studies
| From Status | To Status | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9-month post-study permit | Single Permit (work) | A job offer from a Maltese employer. | Your employer applies; you can apply from inside Malta. |
Papers You Need
Papers for your first permit. Bring the originals to your biometrics appointment.
First Student Permit (CEA N.01)
Application form
Form CEA N.01, filled in online.
Full passport copy
All pages, including blank pages. Valid at least 6 months when you apply.
Acceptance letter
On the university or college's official paper, with course title, MQF level, start and end dates, and full time.
Tuition receipt
Proof you paid at least the first semester or year.
Bank statements
The last 3 months. They must show money equal to at least 60% of Malta's national income threshold (a set yearly amount) for the time you stay. Ask your university or Identità for the euro amount.
Health screening approval
The approval email from the IDCU (Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Unit).
Health insurance
Insurance that pays up to €100,000, including hospital care. Not needed at UM, MCAST or ITS.
Housing papers
Signed lease (rental contract). Housing Authority approval. A Lease Agreement Attestation Form, signed by a lawyer or notary to confirm the lease.
Renewal (CEA N.02)
Current card
A copy of your eResidence card.
Enrolment letter
Confirms you registered for the next year.
Marks and attendance
Your transcript and attendance records.
Updated money, insurance and housing
New bank statements, insurance for the next year and your housing papers.
9-Month Post-Study Permit (CEA N.03)
Completion letter
From your school, saying you completed your course.
Money for 9 months
Money equal to at least 60% of Malta's national income threshold for the 9 months. Ask Identità for the euro amount.
Health insurance
Cover for your whole stay.
Housing papers
Lease, Housing Authority approval and a new attestation form.
From Student to Worker
Student to worker
- A job offer from a Maltese employer.
- Your employer applies for a Single Permit (Malta's work and residence permit).
How Long the Permit Takes
From your online application to your card.
Step by Step
Get papers ready
Most papers come from Malta, so start in your first weeks.
Key Activities:
- Health screening at a private clinic in Malta.
- Registered rental contract.
- Bank statements for the last 3 months.
Apply online
On the Identità Expatriates Portal.
Key Activities:
- Choose Study, New (CEA N.01).
- Upload clear scans.
- Pay the fee online.
Biometrics
At the Identità office for foreigners (the Expatriates Unit).
Key Activities:
- Bring your original papers.
- Give your photo and fingerprints.
Decision and card
Identità may ask for more papers or an interview.
Key Activities:
- You get an email.
- Pick up your card.
What Slows It Down
Missing papers
Missing papers can delay your application or lead to a refusal.
Lease not registered
Your rental contract must be registered with the Housing Authority, the office that registers rental contracts.
Not enough money
Low or unclear funds are one of the most common reasons for refusal.
How Long It Takes
Typical Cases
Keeping Your Permit
Simple habits that keep your permit safe.
What to Do
Keep your card valid
Renew before the end date on your eResidence card.
You get no extra days after it ends.
Keep studying
Go to classes and pass your exams.
Low attendance can stop your renewal.
Update your housing
Tell Identità when you move.
A new address needs a new lease, Housing Authority approval and attestation form.
Common Mistakes
Plan Ahead
Most problems come from missing a date. Plan your renewal early.
Student Residence Permit Questions
Short answers about the Malta student residence permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Links
Complete Guide to Malta
Explore all aspects of studying in Malta with our comprehensive guides
Post-Arrival - Detailed Guides
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Get personalized guidance for studying in Malta with our expert consultants
Get Free ConsultationApplying for Your Malta Student Residence Permit?
We help you put your housing, money and insurance papers in order before you apply.
Talk to an Advisor