What happened?
The five-year route to EU long-term resident status in Malta, including core eligibility, integration and current fee.
Why does it matter?
residency
Who is affected?
Third-country nationals who have built long-term lawful residence in Malta
What should you do?
Check Form L and current long-term residence requirements
Third-country nationals may apply for long-term resident status in Malta after at least five years of legal and continuous residence, provided they also have stable and regular resources, their own accommodation and satisfy the required integration measures.
Identità’s current guidance defines continuous residence carefully. Its FAQ states that no single absence should exceed six months and total absences should not exceed ten months during the five-year qualifying period, subject to the detailed legal rules and category exclusions.
Integration requirements currently include completion of the official I Belong integration course and a Maltese-language requirement at MQF Level 2. Applicants should verify the current certificate and score requirements before applying because these conditions are important and may be updated.
The application is submitted online through the Expatriates Unit Portal using Form L. Identità currently lists a €500 application fee. Long-term resident status is permanent, while the residence card itself is issued for five years and can be renewed.
Official long-term residence information: https://identita.gov.mt/expatriates-unit-main-page/noneu-nationals/non-employment-permits/long-term-residence/