Malta Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit) Overview
A Malta Visitor Visa for visiting family or friends is a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) issued for social purposes, allowing a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It falls under the same Schengen Type C category used for tourism and business, differentiated by the social purpose of the trip and supported by an invitation letter from the host in Malta.
This category should not be confused with Malta’s “Family Member of EU” visa or its Family Reunification permit, which are separate, longer-term routes for relatives of a Maltese/EU citizen or of a third-country national sponsor already resident in Malta. This page covers the short-stay social visit only — for a spouse or direct family member wishing to join a Maltese or EU-national sponsor for the longer term, see Malta’s Spouse Visa or Family Reunification Visa instead.
Approval is determined solely by Identità’s Central Visa Unit, based on the documentation provided, including the sponsor’s invitation and, where relevant, proof of the sponsor’s status in Malta.
Eligibility
- Applicant must have a genuine social purpose — visiting a family member or friend residing in or visiting Malta.
- 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 an invitation letter from the host in Malta, often accompanied by the host’s ID or residency documentation.
- Applicant must hold travel medical insurance covering the Schengen area.
- Applicant must provide proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay, or evidence that the host will cover costs.
- Applicant must demonstrate intent to leave before the visa expires.
- Applicant must not fall under any category posing a security, public health, or public policy risk.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (EUR) |
| Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Social/Family Visit | EUR 90 (harmonised EU-wide fee) |
| Children aged 6–11 | EUR 45 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances. The application fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Exchange rates fluctuate daily, so confirm the current INR equivalent before payment.
Malta Tourist Visa Processing Time
As a Schengen short-stay visa, applications for a Malta Visitor Visa to see family or friends are generally decided within 15 calendar days of submission. This period may be extended to 30 days in individual cases, and up to 60 days in exceptional circumstances requiring further checks.
Because this category relies heavily on the host’s invitation letter and supporting documentation, coordinating with your host in Malta before submission can help avoid delays caused by missing paperwork. Applicants should apply well within the standard six-month application window before travel. 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
Visiting family or friends in Malta depends on solid coordination between you and your host, since the invitation letter and supporting documents are central to the application. Shivansh Consultants offers Documentation Support and a clear Eligibility Assessment to help both applicant and host prepare exactly what’s needed — and to confirm this short-stay route is the right one for your situation.
We provide thorough Application Review, Personalized Guidance, and a Transparent Process throughout, with End-to-End Assistance from document preparation to submission. We do not guarantee visa approval, as this decision rests entirely with Identità’s Central Visa Unit.