UK nationals who have been legally living in Malta before December 31, 2020 when the UK withdraws from the EU may continue to live, study, and work in Malta through rights established through the Withdrawal Agreement. UK nationals who are residents of Malta by the end of the Brexit transition will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and their rights will be protected if they remain a resident. UK nationals should make sure they are registered as residents.
Entry and Residency Requirements
UK nationals will be able to stay in Malta if they were residents before December 31, 2020.
Individuals who have not yet registered as residents, and individuals who have been living in Malta for three months or more, should contact Identity Malta by email to request a residence document.
UK nationals who have previously registered for residency will receive a letter from Identity Malta by December 31, 2020 about receiving their new residence card. The letter will provide instructions on when and where to apply for the card. The letter will also list the documents that applicants need to take with them. The government notes that Identity Malta is experiencing processing delays due to impacts from COVID-19. Individuals who have registered for residency but have not yet received a letter will receive a notification from Identity Malta.
Starting on January 1, 2021, travel is permitted in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa to visit family or friends; attend business meetings, sports events, or cultural events; for tourism, and for short-term study or training. Travelers should note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days also count towards the 90-day maximum stay. Any days spent in Malta before January 1, 2021 will not count towards the 90-day limit.
Working in Malta
UK nationals who are registered residents in Malta can continue working there after the Brexit transition.
UK nationals may need to complete the following steps when applying for a job:
- Apply for a UK criminal records certificate
- Visit the Maltese government website to verify that their qualifications are recognized in Malta
- Provide a Maltese conduct certificate
UK nationals must be residents of Malta for five years to be eligible for financial support.
Individuals who live in Malta and commute to work in another EU/EFTA country may need a permit proving that they are a frontier worker starting in January 2021. The Home Office will provide further details when guidance is available.
Passports
Travel rules will remain the same between Malta and the UK after the end of the Brexit transition. Rules on travel within the EU will stay the same through December 31, 2020. During that time, UK nationals may travel to countries in the EU and Schengen area with their UK passport. UK nationals should ensure that their passport is valid for the duration of their trip. Individuals who have a British Citizen passport do not need a visa to enter Malta.
Starting on January 1, 2021, travel is permitted in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa to visit family or friends; attend business meetings, sports events, or cultural events; for tourism, and for short-term study or training. Travelers should note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days also count towards the 90-day maximum stay. Any days spent in Malta before January 1, 2021 will not count towards the 90-day limit.
Originally published 16 December 2020
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
