Emigration to Malta: how can Ukrainians move there in 2026?

Malta attracts Ukrainians with its warm climate, English as the official language, and opportunities for work and study. In 2026, the rules for entry and obtaining visas here have their own peculiarities, which are important to consider before planning your move. Learn more about the conditions for emigration, types of visas, and legalisation options in Malta

Legal assistance on visa issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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Malta remains one of the most attractive countries for emigration thanks to its Mediterranean climate, English as a second official language, and stable economy. For Ukrainians, this country can be a promising option for study, work, or business.

What visa requirements are in place in 2026, what documents are needed, and how to plan your move correctly — we will tell you more in this article.

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Do Ukrainians need a visa to Malta in 2026?

Despite the visa-free regime between Ukraine and the EU, it only allows short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

For long-term residence, work or study, it is necessary to obtain a Maltese national visa or residence permit. This means that in order to emigrate in 2026, you will need to apply for a long-term residence permit.

Malta is abolishing its ‘golden passport’ programme and switching to a merit-based citizenship model. For more details, please read here.

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Visas for Ukrainians in Malta: what types are available?

There are several main options available to Ukrainians:

– Schengen visa (type C) — short-term trips of up to 90 days. Not suitable for emigration.

– National visa (type D) — for stays of more than 90 days. This type is issued for study, work or family reunification.

– Student visa — issued for study at Maltese universities or language schools.

– Work visa / Employment Licence — issued to foreigners who have received a contract from a Maltese employer.

– Family reunification visa — available to family members of legal residents of Malta.

– Business visa / residence for investors — for those who invest in the country's economy or start a business.

Will the Maltese citizenship programme be closed due to investment? We explain in the link.

How to obtain a visa to Malta for Ukrainians: what documents are required?

To apply for a national visa or residence permit, the following documents are usually required:

– foreign passport (valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip);

– completed visa application form;

– photo of the required format;

– confirmation of the purpose of the trip (employment contract, invitation from a university, business documents);

– financial guarantees (bank statements, proof of income);

– confirmation of accommodation in Malta (rental agreement or letter from the host);

– medical insurance covering the period of stay;

– certificate of no criminal record (for long-term stays);

– receipt of payment of the consular fee.

Documents are submitted to the Consular Section of Malta or through visa centres.

Take care of your health while travelling abroad with medical insurance from the Visit Ukraine portal, which guarantees reliable protection. Ensure your peace of mind while travelling.

Stages of obtaining a visa to Malta

1. Choose the reason for moving — work, study, business or family reunification.

2. Find official confirmation — contract, invitation from a university, company registration.

3. Prepare a package of documents — collect all certificates, insurance, proof of financial solvency.

4. Submit your application — at the consulate or visa centre.

5. Wait for a decision — usually 2–6 weeks, depending on the type of visa.

6. Obtain a visa and move — after entering the country, you must register with Identity Malta (the state immigration agency).

For successful document processing, it is recommended to contact qualified visa lawyers. Specialists will advise you on the necessary documents, help you prepare your application and provide full legal support throughout the process, from start to finish.

Malta for Ukrainians: how to emigrate in 2026?

The process of emigrating to Malta for Ukrainians consists of several stages: obtaining a visa, applying for a residence permit, and then legalising your status through study, work, investment or family reunification.

In 2026, Malta remains open to foreign professionals and entrepreneurs, offering various programmes for temporary or permanent residence. Below we will look at what options are available and what documents are required to legalise your stay.

Read also: Life in Malta as an expat: pros and cons, cost of living and employment prospects.

Residence permit in Malta

A temporary residence permit in Malta (Residence Permit) is issued for a period of 1 year with the possibility of extension. It is available to students, employees, family members of residents, as well as entrepreneurs who wish to optimise their taxation. For businesspeople, a contribution of €6,000 to the state budget is required.

The main advantages of a residence permit are:

– visa-free travel to Schengen countries;

– a flexible tax system that allows you to optimise your taxation;

– access to international banks and investment opportunities;

– an attractive real estate market (rent yields 5% per annum);

– a high level of security and quality of life;

– access to quality education and healthcare.

To obtain a permit through employment, you must have a contract with an employer in areas where there is a shortage of personnel (mainly IT, finance, pharmaceuticals). Along with the work permit, a residence card is issued, which must be renewed annually. The validity of the permit is directly linked to the contract.

For wealthy investors, there are two ‘golden’ programmes: obtaining citizenship or permanent residence. The fastest way to obtain a Maltese passport is to invest €600,000 in a state fund. Depending on the contribution, citizenship can be obtained in 1-3 years.

About the healthcare system in Malta— follow the link.

How to obtain Maltese citizenship for Ukrainians?

There are several ways to obtain Maltese citizenship:

– naturalisation;

– birth or descent;

– marriage to a Maltese citizen;

– registration;

– investment programmes.

Citizenship through naturalisation 

Ukrainians can apply if:

– they have lived in Malta for at least 12 months continuously;

– they have previously lived on the island for 4 years within a 6-year period;

– they have no criminal record and do not pose a threat to the country;

– they speak English and Maltese.

This option is also available to former Maltese citizens, children of citizens or persons born on the island.

Citizenship through investment

The official Malta Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment programme has been in place since 2020. It provides for:

1. Investment — from €600,000 (for 36 months of residence) or from €750,000 (for 12 months of residence). Plus €50,000 for each additional family member.

2. Real estate — purchase of a property worth €700,000 or rent of €16,000/year for 5 years.

3. Charity — donation of €10,000 to a government-approved organisation.

4. Due diligence — multi-level verification of the applicant.

The programme is available to the main applicant, their spouse, children under 28, and parents over 55. The total quota is no more than 400 applications per year.

Reasons to start your own business in Malta — collected here.

Employment in Malta

Malta actively attracts foreign specialists in the fields of IT, finance, medicine and the gaming industry. To work, you need to obtain a D visa and an Employment Licence.

Types of work visas:

– Short-term visa (C) — allows you to stay for up to 90 days. For Ukrainians who have a visa-free regime, it is not actually necessary.

– Long-term visa (D) — required for those planning to work or study officially.

Requirements for obtaining a work visa:

– application form and cover letter stating the purpose of the trip;

– valid foreign passport and two photographs;

– medical insurance for the Schengen area;

– employment contract with the company;

– proof of residence and financial solvency.

The work permit is issued by the employer on behalf of the foreign employee. To do this, the following must be submitted:

– CV and documents confirming education/qualifications;

– copy of visa;

– medical certificate;

– references;

– confirmation that the company has tried to find local employees.

Application process:

1. The Ukrainian citizen applies to the Maltese consulate for a D visa.

2. At the same time, the employer submits documents for a licence to Jobsplus (Employment and Training Corporation).

3. Once both applications have been approved, the employee can officially start work.

Malta's immigration laws are complex and constantly changing, which can make it difficult to apply for a visa on your own and increase the risk of rejection.

The qualified lawyers at Visit Ukraine specialise in visa and immigration issues and will help you choose the best way to move, avoid mistakes in your documents and save time. Our experts will provide professional support at all stages — from choosing a visa category to successfully obtaining a residence permit.

Get advice right now and take the first step towards moving to Malta!

Reminder! Are you planning a trip to Malta but don't know if you need insurance, which one to choose, and where to get it? For some categories of travellers, having a policy is mandatory, while for others it is highly desirable due to high medical costs. Read here about the insurance requirements for entry into Malta, the differences between local and Ukrainian insurance policies, and how to make the right choice.

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