What happened?
The formal family-reunification route under S.L. 217.06 for third-country nationals legally residing in Malta.
Why does it matter?
family
Who is affected?
Non-EU residents in Malta wishing to bring qualifying family members from abroad
What should you do?
Check formal Family Reunification eligibility
Malta’s formal Family Reunification route is regulated by Subsidiary Legislation 217.06 and allows an eligible third-country national legally residing in Malta to be joined by qualifying family members from abroad.
Identità currently states that the sponsor must hold a valid residence permit, have resided legally and continuously in Malta for at least two years, and demonstrate stable and regular income, adequate accommodation and comprehensive health insurance.
The application is submitted online through the Expatriates Unit Portal. Travel documents submitted with the residence application should have at least eight months validity at the time of submission.
After approval, family members who require a visa normally use the approval-in-principle documentation for the National D-visa stage before travelling. After arrival, biometrics and original-document checks are completed before the residence card is issued.
Always check the latest Identità requirements because eligibility and documentary rules differ from the separate Family Members Policy. Official information: https://identita.gov.mt/expatriates-unit-main-page/noneu-nationals/non-employment-permits/family-member/