Malta Business Visa (Schengen Business Visa)
A Malta Business Visa is a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C), issued by Identità’s Central Visa Unit for non-employment business activities such as meetings, negotiations, conferences, or trade fairs. It falls under the same visa category as tourism and family visits, distinguished by the business purpose stated on the application and supported by documentation from the applicant’s employer and the host company in Malta.
This visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period and permits travel throughout the wider Schengen area during its validity. It does not permit the holder to take up employment or be paid by a Maltese entity. Foreign nationals intending to actually work for a Maltese employer, or establish and invest in a business, require a different route entirely — a National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) combined with a work and residence authorisation such as the Single Permit, EU Blue Card, or Malta Start-up Residence Programme.
Applications are submitted at a Maltese diplomatic mission, an authorised VFS Global centre, or a representing Schengen mission. Approval remains solely at the discretion of Identità’s Central Visa Unit.
Eligibility
- Applicant must have a genuine, documented business purpose — meetings, negotiations, conferences, or trade fairs.
- Applicant must hold a valid travel document, issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area.
- Applicant must provide a letter from their employer confirming the business purpose and covering travel costs, where applicable.
- Applicant must provide an invitation letter from the host company or organisation in Malta.
- Applicant must hold travel medical insurance covering the Schengen area.
- Applicant must demonstrate sufficient funds and intent to leave before the visa expires.
- For those intending to work for or establish a business in Malta rather than visit short-term, a National Type D visa combined with the relevant work/residence authorisation is the correct route instead.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (EUR) |
| Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Business Purpose | EUR 90 (harmonised EU-wide fee) |
| VFS Global Service Fee (where applicable) | Confirmed at application |
| National Visa (Type D), for employment/business establishment | Confirmed with Identità’s Central Visa Unit |
The fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances. Exchange rates fluctuate daily, so confirm the current INR equivalent before payment.
Malta Tourist Visa Processing Time
For a short-term Business Visa (Type C), decisions are generally made within 15 calendar days of submission, in line with the standard Schengen visa processing timeframe. This period may be extended to 30 days in individual cases, and up to 60 days in exceptional circumstances requiring additional scrutiny.
For applicants pursuing employment or business establishment in Malta via the National Type D route, processing is considerably longer — Identità has indicated that the entire visa process can take up to approximately 8 weeks from the date of appointment at the visa application centre, in addition to the time needed to first secure Approval in Principle from the relevant Maltese authority (such as the Expatriates Unit or Residency Malta Agency, depending on the route). Applicants pursuing either route should apply as early as possible. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
Required Documents Checklist
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Whether you need a short-term Business Visa for meetings in Malta or the longer National Type D route to work for or establish a Maltese company, Shivansh Consultants offers Documentation Support and a clear Eligibility Assessment to identify the right path for your situation.
We provide thorough Application Review, Personalized Guidance on structuring your business documentation, and a Transparent Process throughout. With End-to-End Assistance, we help you present a complete, accurate application. We do not guarantee visa approval, as this decision rests entirely with the competent Maltese authorities.