Malta Exempts Certain Foreign Nationals from Residency Fees

The Maltese government has clarified the categories of foreign nationals exempt from the residency application fee. The first group includes EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals, along with their family members, who do not pay a fee for a standard residency application.

However, a replacement fee of €20 applies for lost, stolen, or destroyed residence documents, while a defaced document costs €15 to replace. The second group consists of individuals married to a Maltese national holding Exempt Person Status, who are also exempt from the fee.

The third group includes those with International Protection status who have recently been released from detention, exempting them from the residency fee as well. Foreign nationals not falling into these categories must pay a fee of €25 for a one-year residency permit, while long-term residents face a fee of €125 for a five-year permit.

The government notes that most applicants do not require professional help due to a simplified process since Malta joined the EU.