How Long Does It Take to Get a Malta Visa Approved for TCNs?

Malta has become a popular destination for Third Country Nationals (TCNs), including Nepali, Indian, and other Asian workers. Many people planning to work in Malta often ask:

“How long does it take to get a Malta work visa approved?”

In this blog, we’ll explain the full timeline for the Malta Single Permit, fast-track options, visa stamping, and factors that can speed up or delay your application.

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1. What is a Single Permit?

A Single Permit combines both your work permit and residence permit in one application. This is mandatory for TCNs who want to live and work legally in Malta.

✅ Typical processing time: 6–8 weeks from the date your employer submits a complete application.

📌 Legally, the process can take up to 4 months in some cases, depending on document completeness, security checks, and administrative workload. (identita.gov.mt)

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2. Fast-Track Options for Skilled Workers

Malta has two fast-track options for higher-paid skilled jobs:

Key Employee Initiative (KEI)

• For managerial and highly skilled roles.

• Processing time: around 5 working days after submission.

Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI)

• For skilled professionals like IT experts, engineers, or accountants.

• Processing time: around 15 working days after submission.

These options help skilled TCNs get approval much faster than standard processing. (identita.gov.mt)

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3. Factors That Affect Processing Time

Factors That Speed Up Approval

• All documents are complete and accurate

• Employer submits application properly

• No security or background issues

• Eligible for KEI or SEI fast-track

Factors That Cause Delays

• Missing or incorrect documents

• Consulate appointment delays

• Background checks or security reviews

• High workload at Identity Malta

• Busy seasons for embassies or VFS Global centers

Real-world cases show that some applications can take up to 3–4 months if additional verification is required. (reddit.com)

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4. National (D) Visa After Permit Approval

After your Single Permit is approved, you may need a national visa (Type D) stamped on your passport to enter Malta.

• Visa stamping is usually done at your nearest Maltese embassy or VFS Global center.

• Typical time for visa stamping: 4–8 weeks, depending on appointment availability and embassy workload. (identita.gov.mt)

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5. Step-by-Step Timeline for TCN Visa Approval

Step	Estimated Time
Preparing & submitting work permit	1–4 weeks
Processing Single Permit	6–8 weeks (normal)
KEI/SEI fast-track	5–15 working days
National visa stamping	4–8 weeks
Total (normal)	~2–4 months
Total (fast/KEI)	~5–8 weeks

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6. Tips to Shorten Waiting Time

• Submit all documents correctly the first time

• Follow the official checklist strictly

• Book your consulate appointment early

• Track your application online

• Opt for KEI/SEI fast-track if you are eligible

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7. Final Advice

✔ Standard Malta work visa processing usually takes 6–8 weeks once submitted.

✔ Legally, it may take up to 4 months in some cases.

✔ Fast-track options (KEI / SEI) can reduce approval time to 5–15 working days.

Proper preparation, accurate documents, and choosing the right permit category are key to getting your Malta visa approved smoothly and on time.

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📌 This guide is for Nepali and other TCN workers planning to work and live in Malta. Always check with your employer and the official Identity Malta website for the most up-to-date information.