Student visa to Malta 

Malta is becoming increasingly popular among students due to its quality education and picturesque culture. Many students holding a student visa for Malta often wonder about the possibility of traveling to other Schengen countries. In this article, we will explore the legal aspects of using a Maltese student visa for trips to other Schengen countries, as well as the conditions and restrictions to consider.

The Schengen Zone and Its Features

The Schengen Zone includes 27 European countries that have abolished border controls between them, allowing free movement across these nations. However, despite this freedom, it is important to consider the conditions related to the type of visa and the rules that apply to international students.

Travel Regulations in the Schengen Zone for Maltese Visa Holders

1. Type of Visa:
   • Students who have obtained a long-term visa (Type D) for studying in Malta can travel to other Schengen countries. This visa allows students to stay in Malta for more than 90 days and also provides the opportunity for short trips to other Schengen countries.
2. Rights of Stay:
   • Students with a long-term visa can stay in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that students can freely travel to other Schengen countries for a duration not exceeding 90 days without the need for an additional visa.
3. Short Trips:
   • When traveling to other Schengen countries, students must adhere to the rules set for short trips. It is important that the purpose of the trip aligns with the conditions of the visa and does not interfere with academic commitments in Malta.

Conditions and Limitations

1. Employment:
   • Students with a Maltese visa are permitted to work in Malta, but employment in other Schengen countries requires separate authorization. When traveling to other countries, it is important to remember that work not related to studies may be restricted.
2. Registration Requirements:
   • For extended stays in another Schengen country, registration with local authorities may be required. Each country has its own regulations, and it is advisable to familiarize yourself with them in advance.
3. Visa Regulation Violations:
   • Exceeding the allowed duration of stay or failing to meet the stated purposes of the visa can lead to legal consequences, including visa cancellation and a ban on entering Malta and other Schengen countries in the future.

Recommendations for Students

1. Check Visa Conditions:
   • Before traveling to another Schengen country, it is advisable to check the current visa conditions and entry requirements, as these may vary by country.
2. Prepare Necessary Documents:
   • Students should carry the following documents when traveling:
   • Valid passport with visa.
   • Proof of enrollment in an educational institution in Malta.
   • Hotel reservation or letter of intent to visit the country.
   • Evidence of financial means for the duration of stay.
3. Track Timelines:
   • It is important to monitor the duration of your stay and plan trips so that they do not conflict with your academic schedule to avoid violating visa regulations.

The Maltese student visa provides the opportunity to travel to other Schengen countries; however, it is crucial to comply with all visa conditions and requirements. Students with a long-term visa (Type D) can freely move between countries but must verify current visa conditions and prepare all necessary documents in advance. Adhering to all rules and recommendations will help avoid legal issues and enjoy travel across Europe while studying in Malta.

One of the key aspects of obtaining a student visa for Malta is demonstrating the applicant's financial capability. Maltese authorities require international students to show sufficient funds to cover all educational and living expenses. In this article, we will explore the minimum amount needed in a bank account for obtaining a student visa in Malta and the methods for confirming financial stability.

Minimum Amount for Living Expenses

As of 2024, the minimum amount that must be demonstrated to obtain a student visa for Malta is €8,000 for the first academic year. This amount is considered adequate to cover the essential needs of the student, including:

• Accommodation expenses.
• Food.
• Study materials.
• Medical expenses.
• Other daily living costs.

General Financial Requirements

1. Proof of Funds:
   • The applicant must provide evidence of having a minimum bank balance at the time of applying for the visa. This condition ensures that students can cover their expenses without needing to seek financial assistance from the state.
2. Ways to Confirm Financial Stability:
   • Financial stability can be proven through various documents, such as:
   • Bank Statements: Applicants must provide bank statements showing the required amount of funds, typically covering the last 3–6 months.
   • Scholarship Confirmation: If the student is receiving a scholarship, documents confirming its receipt, including the amount and duration, must be provided.
   • Sponsor Letter: If financial support comes from parents or other individuals, documents confirming the sponsor's willingness to financially support the student, along with the sponsor's bank statement, must be provided.
3. Blocked Account:
   • In some cases, Maltese consulates may require the opening of a blocked account, into which the necessary amount for living expenses for the entire study period will be deposited. These funds can be withdrawn in portions to support students.

Process of Confirming Financial Stability

1. Opening an Account:
   • International students can open a bank account in a Maltese bank to store the necessary funds for living and studying. To do this, they will need to provide a passport and documents confirming enrollment in an educational institution.
2. Financial Documents:
   • All documents confirming financial stability must be current and presented in their original form or notarized copies. If the documents are in another language, they must be translated into English with a notarized translation.

Legal Consequences of Non-compliance with Financial Requirements

1. Visa Denial:
   • If the applicant fails to prove their financial capability or provides insufficient documentation, this may result in the denial of the student visa. Maltese immigration authorities closely monitor compliance with this requirement.
2. Problems with Visa Extension:
   • Inability to confirm financial stability may negatively impact the possibility of extending the visa or obtaining residency after completing studies, potentially resulting in the need to leave the country.

Recommendations for Financial Preparation

1. Advance Planning:
   • Students are advised to plan their finances in advance and open accounts to show the required balance when applying for a visa.
2. Maintaining the Required Balance:
   • Ensure that the minimum amount is maintained in the account throughout the visa application process. Avoid large expenditures that could reduce the balance.
3. Keeping All Documents Updated:
   • Keep all financial documents up to date to quickly provide them to the visa office if necessary.

The minimum bank balance required for obtaining a student visa in Malta is €8,000 for the first year of study. Confirming financial stability is one of the key requirements for a successful visa application. Thorough preparation and compliance with all legal norms will help avoid denials and delays, ensuring students can study and live in Malta without financial difficulties.

Malta attracts international students with its quality education and cultural opportunities. However, alongside studying, many students wonder: are they allowed to work while studying on a student visa? In this article, we will explore the conditions for employment for students with a Maltese visa, the restrictions, and the legal aspects related to employment.

Types of Student Visas for Malta

There are two main types of visas for international students in Malta:

1. Short-Term Visa (Type C):
   • Suitable for study programs lasting up to 90 days. Students with this visa do not have the right to work.
2. Long-Term Visa (Type D):
   • Required for students planning to study for more than 90 days, such as in bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. This visa type allows for employment under certain conditions.

Conditions for Employment for Students with Type D Visa

1. Right to Work:
   • Students with a long-term Type D visa can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during vacations. This allows them to earn additional income and gain practical experience in their field.
2. Employment Legislation:
   • All employers must register students in the Social Security system and provide an employment contract that includes working conditions, pay, and working hours.
3. Obtaining a Tax Identification Number:
   • Students wishing to work must obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN), which is used to identify taxpayers and is necessary for employment and tax payments.

Restrictions and Obligations

1. Working on a Short-Term Visa:
   • Students studying on a short-term Type C visa are not allowed to work. Any employment activity in this case will be considered a violation of visa conditions and may lead to serious consequences.
2. Prioritizing Studies:
   • Work should not interfere with academic progress. Students must attend classes regularly and meet academic requirements. If work negatively affects performance, this may result in warnings from the educational institution or even visa cancellation.
3. Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship:
   • Students are not allowed to engage in self-employment or start their own businesses without obtaining the necessary permits.

Legal Consequences of Visa Violations

1. Visa Cancellation:
   • If a student violates visa conditions, such as exceeding the permitted working hours or failing to attend classes, this may result in visa cancellation and the requirement to leave the country.
2. Deportation:
   • Violating visa conditions can lead to deportation. This is especially relevant if the student cannot confirm their financial status or misses classes.
3. Visa Application Restrictions:
   • Having visa violations can make it more challenging to obtain other visas in the future, both for Malta and other Schengen countries.

Recommendations for Students

1. Advance Planning:
   • Students are advised to plan their work and study schedules in advance to avoid violating visa conditions and maintain a balance between study and work.
2. Consulting with Employers:
   • When searching for a job, it is essential to discuss the terms of the employment contract and responsibilities with the employer. It is also helpful to obtain information about the legal aspects of employment.
3. Seeking Legal Assistance:
   • If students have questions about employment or visa conditions, they should consult with lawyers or immigration advisors for professional guidance.

Students with a long-term Type D visa have the opportunity to work in Malta, allowing them to maintain financial independence and gain practical experience. However, it is crucial to adhere to all legal requirements and restrictions to avoid problems with visa compliance. Careful planning and attention to employment rules will ensure a successful combination of study and work in Malta.

Malta attracts international students with its high-quality education and cultural diversity. After completing their study programs, students often wonder if they can remain in the country to continue their careers, seek employment, or pursue further studies. In this article, we will explore the legal aspects concerning the rights of international students to stay in Malta after graduation, available programs, and requirements.

Legal Basis for Students Remaining in Malta After Graduation

International students who have completed their studies in Malta have several legal pathways to extend their stay:

1. Obtaining a Work Permit:
   • If a graduate finds a job in their field, they can apply for a work permit. Malta offers several types of work permits, including:
     • Work Permits for Highly Skilled Professionals: Issued for specialists working in sectors with a shortage of local personnel.
     • Standard Work Permits: Provided for other categories of workers.
2. Post-Study Work Program:
   • This program allows students who have successfully completed their studies to stay in Malta to seek employment. To participate, students must have a diploma from an accredited Maltese institution.
3. Residence Permit Extension:
   • Students can apply for an extension of their residence permit to enroll in new courses or for other purposes, such as internships.

Conditions for Extending Stay

To remain in Malta after graduation, international students must meet several conditions:

1. Proof of Graduation:
   • Students must provide official proof of graduation, such as a diploma or certificate of study, along with a transcript.
2. Financial Guarantees:
   • Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to live in Malta for the duration of their job search or further study. The minimum amount required to prove financial stability is approximately €8,000 per year.
3. Health Insurance:
   • Students must provide valid health insurance that covers all medical expenses during their stay in Malta after graduation.
4. Proof of Accommodation:
   • Students must confirm housing arrangements during the visa extension process by providing relevant documents, such as a rental agreement or reservation confirmation.

Application Process for Extending Stay

1. Scheduling an Appointment with the Immigration Office:
   • Students must schedule an appointment at the local Immigration Office (Identity Malta) to apply for a residence permit extension or work permit. It is advisable to do this at least 30 days before the expiration of their current residence permit.
2. Submitting Documents:
   • On the appointed day, students must present all collected documents confirming their eligibility for extending their stay.
3. Payment of Fees:
   • A fee may be required upon application, which varies depending on the type of residence permit and typically amounts to around €100.
4. Processing Times:
   • Processing times for applications can vary from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the workload of the immigration authorities and the completeness of the submitted documents.

Legal Consequences of Visa Violations

1. Visa Cancellation:
   • If a student fails to apply for a visa extension on time or violates the conditions of their stay, this may lead to visa cancellation and the requirement to leave the country.
2. Visa Application Restrictions:
   • Having visa violations can complicate the process of obtaining other visas in the future, both for Malta and other Schengen countries.
3. Difficulties with Future Visas:
   • Having violations may hinder obtaining other visas, both for Malta and other EU countries.

Recommendations for Students

1. Advance Planning:
   • It is important to plan actions ahead of time and gather the necessary documents for extending their stay.
2. Consulting with Immigration Specialists:
   • If students encounter questions or difficulties, it is advisable to seek advice from lawyers or immigration consultants who can help navigate visa requirements correctly.
3. Adhering to Deadlines:
   • Keep track of application deadlines and the validity of your visa to avoid potential issues with immigration authorities.

International students who have completed their studies in Malta have several legal avenues to extend their stay in the country. Obtaining a work permit, participating in the Post-Study Work program, and the option of further education are options that can help students remain in Malta to start their careers or pursue additional studies. It is crucial to comply with all visa conditions and plan ahead to avoid legal consequences and ensure legal residency in Malta.