GoMalta Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

Malta is a Schengen Agreement country, and its visas are mainly divided into diplomatic, business, tourism, study, visiting relatives and friends, work, and marriage visas. In addition to Malta's two visa application centers in Beijing and Shanghai, since September 2017, the Malta visa application centers in Shenyang, Xi'an, Jinan, Wuhan, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Fuzhou have been authorized by the Embassy of Malta in China to officially accept various types of visa applications from applicants holding ordinary passports, collect visa fees, and provide passport return services. For specific contact information and application materials, please refer to the Malta Visa Application Center website: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/chn/zh/mlt  

According to the bilateral agreement between China and Malta, Chinese citizens holding valid diplomatic or official passports (excluding official ordinary passports) can enter, transit or exit Malta visa free for a stay of no more than 30 days. If you need to transit to or from Malaysia through other countries in the Schengen area of the European Union, please obtain the relevant Schengen visa for transit or entry/exit in advance. According to the bilateral agreement between China and Europe, Chinese citizens holding valid diplomatic passports can enter, exit or transit through any member state of the Schengen area of the European Union without a visa, and stay in the Schengen area for no more than 90 days every 180 days. Holders of Hong Kong or Macau SAR passports can enter Malta visa free and stay for no more than 90 days.

When entering Malta from a non Schengen area, Chinese citizens should choose the "Other Passports" channel to complete the entry procedures, prepare a valid passport, visa, and relevant documents for border immigration officers to inspect. If encountering difficulties, you can express your opinions to the immigration officer in person and request to contact the Chinese embassy. No entry procedures are required for entering Malta from the Schengen area.

If Malta is the last country for Chinese citizens to leave the European Union, they can apply for a refund of value-added tax on shopping in the EU upon departure. When processing, it is necessary to present the tax refund receipt issued by the store, fill out the form, and show the goods for reference. The following destination will still be an EU country and will be processed together at that time.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

Malta Customs adopts the EU unified standards, which are divided into red, green, and blue channels. For those who need to declare items or are unsure whether they need to declare, go through the red channel; For those who arrive in Malaysia from non EU countries and do not need to declare any items, please use the green channel; For those who arrive in Malaysia from EU countries and do not need to declare any items, please use the blue channel. Do not carry items for others to pass customs.

Each person entering from non EU countries is allowed to bring the following personal items duty-free: 200 cigarettes (or choose 100 cigars, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco); 1 liter of spirits with an alcohol content exceeding 22% (or 2 liters of alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content below 22%); 4 liters of non sparkling wine; 16 liters of beer (subject to value-added tax and consumption tax); Other items (including perfume, coffee, tea and electronic products) with a total value of no more than 430 euros.

Transit passengers from EU countries are allowed to freely bring into Malta duty-free goods purchased for personal use outside the EU or goods purchased within the EU, but the total quantity cannot exceed the following standards: 800 cigarettes (or choose 400 cigars, 200 cigars, or 1000 grams of tobacco); 10 liters of spirits with an alcohol content exceeding 22% (or 20 liters of alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content below 22%); 90 liters of non sparkling wine; 110 liters of beer (subject to value-added tax and consumption tax).

Individuals under the age of 17 are not allowed to carry tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.

When carrying the following items into the country, it is necessary to declare them to customs: cash or traveler's checks worth more than 10000 euros (including outbound); Self use items that exceed the tax-free limit or quota; Items used for commercial purposes; Violators will be fined or confiscated.

Prohibited or restricted items include: animals and plants, vegetables, meat products, controlled drugs, obscene materials, counterfeit and pirated products, simulated firearms, drugs, ammunition, explosives, etc.

Residency and Naturalization

Upon arrival in Malta, individuals holding a work visa are required to promptly visit Identity Malta (website: https://identitymalta.com/ ）Handle registration and residence matters; And if necessary, submit a request to the Employment Bureau JOBPLUS (website) 3 to 6 months before the end of the residency period https://jobsplus.gov.mt/ ）Apply for a work permit extension and then go to the identity bureau to apply for a residence extension.

After registration, holders of student visas can apply for residence registration at the Malta Identity Office with documents such as a letter of introduction from the school and rental receipts, and apply for a residence extension before the start of the next academic year;

Holders of other visas such as family visits can legally reside within the validity period and are generally not eligible for extension.

Malta has the highest population density in the European Union, and its government has strict regulations on non EU citizens working and residing there. In recent years, with the continuous influx of illegal immigrants from North Africa, immigration policies in Malaysia have become more stringent.

Malta recognizes dual citizenship, and foreign citizens can apply for Malaysian citizenship, but the difficulty is relatively high. Only those who have been married to local residents for 5 years and have worked locally for more than 10 years can apply. Foreign citizens can apply for citizenship through the Investment Citizenship Program (IIP). Investment requirements: Donate 600000 euros to the Maltese government and reside in Malta for at least 3 years (standard naturalization method); Or donate 750000 euros to the Maltese government and reside in Malta for at least one year (through expedited citizenship); Property requirements: Purchase a property in Malta with a price of no less than 700000 euros and hold it for at least 5 years; Or rent a property in Malta with an annual rent of no less than 16000 euros and reside in it for at least 5 years; Public donation requirement: Applicants must donate 10000 euros to local non-governmental organizations. Please refer to the relevant website of the Maltese government for details: https://komunita.gov.mt/en/ , Phone: （+356）2122 5232.，E-mail: info@komunita.gov.mt

Foreign citizens can also apply for MPRP permanent residency in Malaysia. The personal net assets of the main applicant shall not be less than 500000 euros or the annual income of the main applicant shall reach 100000 euros or more, of which 150000 euros are realizable current assets; Property investment requirements: Each household must purchase a property worth 300000 euros in the southern and Gozo regions of Malta or 350000 euros in the central and northern regions of Malta; Alternatively, each household can rent properties with an annual rent of over 10000 euros in the southern and Gozo regions of Malta, or rent properties with an annual rent of 12000 euros in the central and northern regions of Malta for a period of 5 years. Donation to the government: Each household is required to pay an administrative fee of 40000 euros to the Maltese government; A government donation of 28000 euros will be collected from each household for homebuyers, and 58000 euros will be collected from each household for renters; Each household is required to donate 2000 euros to local NGOs in Malaysia. For every additional adult child, a donation of 5000 euros is paid, and for every additional parent and spouse without a source of livelihood, a donation of 7500 euros is paid. After the application is approved, if you have resided in Malaysia for at least 12 months, you must provide proof of meeting the above conditions to the Malaysian government within 5 years, otherwise your "permanent residency" qualification will be cancelled.

After obtaining permanent residency, one can engage in investment activities (such as establishing a holding company or operating as a resident of Malaysia in other EU countries), but cannot work in Malaysia, engage in any activities that compete with Malaysian citizens, rent out properties, or enjoy local national welfare benefits. Annual application for renewal of permanent residency status is required.

Please refer to the relevant website of the Maltese government for details: https://residencymalta.gov.mt/the-mprp-programme/ , Phone: (+356) 22034000； Email: customercare.residencymalta@gov.mt .

Malta's risk level is blue (low risk)

public security

Malta is a Mediterranean island nation with a stable political situation, simple customs, good social security, and a low incidence of heinous crimes, but it requires a sense of safety. Keep your belongings and documents safe in public places or on public transportation, try to store them separately, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Do not log in to websites with unknown information or make unfamiliar phone calls to prevent online telecommunications fraud.

natural disaster

Malta has no specific natural disasters. The coast of Malta belongs to the deep-water area, so it is important to pay attention to safety when swimming in summer, and also to prevent floating jellyfish. When there are strong winds and waves in winter, try to stay away from the seaside as much as possible to avoid accidents.

FDA

Most of Malta's ingredients are imported, and the overall food hygiene is good. Freshwater resources are insufficient, with 50% coming from seawater desalination. Due to outdated pipeline infrastructure, it is not recommended to drink tap water directly.

Urgent Help

Malta Medical, Fire, and Alarm Telephone: 112

Emergency contact information for consular protection of the Chinese Embassy in Malta: 00356-77739008. Or call the Global Consular Protection and Services Emergency Call Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 0086-10-12308 or 86-10-65612308

air traffic

Malta has approximately 60 direct flights to major European cities, all of which land at Malta International Airport, which is served by buses and taxis. Malta does not have direct flights with China, but can transfer through cities such as Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, London, Vienna, Dubai, Istanbul, etc.

In addition to Air Malta, the state-owned airline of Malta, there are also regular flights operated by Emirates, Lufthansa, Air France, Alitalia, British Airways, EgyptAir, Ryanair, Easyjet, and others in Malaysia.

Malta International Airport website: https://www.maltairport.com/

Airport consultation hotline:+ 356 21249600

land transport

Malta has a small land area and no railway or highway system. Transportation mainly relies on roads, with right-hand drive and left-hand drive. The overall traffic conditions are good, and most local residents abide by traffic order. However, due to narrow roads, poor road conditions, and numerous uphill, downhill, and curved sections, traffic accidents occur from time to time.

Chinese citizens who have been in Malta for 12 months can use their domestic driver's license with a valid translation. Those who have been in Malta for more than 12 months need to apply to the Malta Transport Authority to change their local driving license. For details, please refer to the attached document https://www.transport.gov.mt/

water communication

There is a ferry between Malta Island and Gozo Island (website: https://www.gozochannel.com/ Consultation hotline: 22109000), there is a water taxi service available at the Water Front terminal in the capital city of Valletta（ http://www.vallettaferryservices.com/index.html Phone: 2346 3862), you can take a small boat here to tour the port or visit various islands. In addition, there are multiple daily passenger ships that travel back and forth to Sicily, Italy（ http://www.virtuferries.com/ , reservation phone number: （+356) 22069022）。

Urban transportation

There are over 300000 private cars in the country, with a penetration rate of 72.5%. In 2015, the Maltese public transportation system introduced bus cards and new bus routes, with a total of 2000 bus stops. Tourists and temporary visitors can purchase a "weekly card" (21 euros for adults, 15 euros for children, unlimited times within 7 days) or a "12 time card" (15 euros, available for the whole family), or purchase tickets in cash from the driver after boarding. The ticket price is not divided by route, 2 euros in summer, 1.5 euros in winter, and 3 euros for night buses. Free transfers can be made within 2 hours with the ticket receipt. Website: https://www.publictransport.com.mt/

Taxi services are available at both the airport and the port, ranging from 18 euros to 28 euros depending on the distance. You can book a taxi online in advance.

major city

Malta is divided into 68 local municipal councils, with 54 on Malta Island and 14 on Gozo Island.

Valletta, the capital, covers an area of 0.758 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 8000 people. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Commodity prices

Malta's local goods supply is basically complete, while Chinese people use less goods, mainly relying on imports, with high prices. Local Chinese have opened several Chinese supermarkets supplying vegetables, seasonings, frozen foods, tea, and more.

Euro was introduced in 2008. Food and medicine are not subject to taxation, hotel accommodation is taxed at 5%, and the value-added tax rate for most goods is 18%. Most merchants accept credit card and local debit card payments, as well as cash.

Due to the impact of EU anti money laundering policies, Malta has strict scrutiny on non EU citizens opening accounts in local banks, making it difficult for them to do so. It is recommended to obtain an international credit or debit card with international payment terms before coming to Malaysia.

The main banks in the area are Bank of Valletta and HSBC, which usually operate from 8:30 to 12:30 on weekdays and from 11:30 on Saturdays.

Insurance Medical

Malta has no endemic diseases, a complete and high-level medical security system, and its citizens enjoy free medical care. EU citizens can enjoy mutual exemption through bilateral agreements. Non EU citizens who seek medical treatment are required to pay a medical fee, which is generally 35 euros for normal medical treatment and 70 euros for emergency treatment. Examination and medical expenses are also calculated separately. Public hospital appointments can take a long time, possibly several months; Private hospitals have a relatively short duration, but the cost is slightly higher. In Majuliu, various medical insurances can be purchased according to needs and actual conditions.

The largest hospital is Mater Dei Hospital. The consultation hotline is (356) 25454184/25454286, and the emergency hotline is 112.

Customs taboos

The majority of Maltese residents are Catholics, accounting for 98% of the total population, and the church has a strong influence. People pay attention to religious etiquette and propriety, and abortion is prohibited.

Local religious and public holidays mainly include: New Year's Day (January 1), Saint Paul's Day of Remembrance (February 10), Saint Joseph's Day (March 19), Freedom Day (March 31), Passion Day (April 2), Labor Day (May 1), Uprising Day (June 7), Saint Peter and Saint Paul's Day (June 29), Assumption Day (August 15), Victory Day (September 8), Independence Day (September 21), Holy Spirit Day (December 8), Republic Day (December 13), and Christmas Day (December 25).

After entering the country, one must respect the religious beliefs of the local people and not make arbitrary judgments. Visitors to religious sites must wear long pants or knee length skirts, and their tops must be sleeved. Avoid making loud noises. Do not harm animals such as cats and dogs, and do not mention consuming wild animals in front of locals. Comply with public transportation order and do not inquire about others' privacy. During the epidemic of COVID-19, pay attention to and abide by local epidemic prevention regulations at any time.

Communications Power

Malta has relatively developed Internet, which can provide 30M and up to 1000M optical broadband services, of which 30M optical access costs 19.99 euros per month. The commonly used mobile phone standards are GSM and CDMA, and domestic mobile phones can be used by replacing them with local SIM cards.

The voltage is 230 volts (three-phase voltage is 400 volts), 60 hertz, and the voltage variation range is between+10% and -6%. Domestic electrical appliances can be directly used in Malaysia. All power sockets are British style three pin flat head sockets. For appliances with two pin plugs used domestically, it is best to carry corresponding power conversion plugs, which can also be purchased locally.

contact information

Malta Police Department: https://pulizija.gov.mt/en/Pages/Home.aspx

Consultation hotline: 2122 4001-9; Alarm hotline: 112

Malta Tourism Board: 22915000, website: www.visitmalta.com;

Malta Employment Authority: JOBPLUS： https://jobsplus.gov.mt/ Phone:+ 356 21255153

Mater Dei Hospital phone number: 25450000, emergency phone number: 112

Malta Ministry of Transport: https://www.transport.gov.mt/

Malta Airport Customs: 356 21248044/9868 (8:00-17:00) Duty Customs Officer:+356 23696119 (24/7 duty)

Malta Airlines website: www.airmalta.com