Malta's Long-Stay Visa Fee Exemption Limited to Minors

Malta's Central Visa Unit has announced that only one category of foreign nationals is exempt from the long-stay visa fee: minors under the age of six. All other applicants are required to pay the applicable fee, which varies based on the purpose of the application.

It is important for applicants to note that once paid, these fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether an application is withdrawn or refused. The Central Visa Unit retains the authority to waive fees in certain justified cases, but this is at their discretion and not guaranteed.

Additionally, fees charged by Visa Application Centres are separate from the standard visa fees and currently do not exceed €150. Once a long-stay visa is granted, it allows the holder to enter Malta, serving as initial authorization for their stay.

Visa holders must arrive within the validity period stated on the visa and may need to apply for a residence permit for extended stays.