Malta 2025 student visa requirements

Dreaming of studying in a Mediterranean country with a pleasant climate, rich cultural heritage and excellent educational opportunities? Malta could be your ideal destination! This small European archipelago has attracted more and more international students, especially Brazilians. With the recent changes to the student visa process, it is now possible to work legally from the first day of your exchange! In this guide, we will detail all the requirements to obtain your student visa for Malta in 2025, ensuring that your academic journey starts worry-free.

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Why did the Maltese government change the visa process?

The government of Malta made significant changes to the student visa process with the objective of making the country more competitive in the European educational scene and facilitating the entry of exchange students. The changes include allowing foreign students to work part-time while studying courses lasting 16 weeks or more, which represents a great advantage for Brazilians seeking the program Study and Work in Malta.

In addition, the new rules were created to be more accessible, especially for those who are not native English speakers, allowing them to obtain even a residence visa for longer stays. With this change, the government will have greater migratory control over foreigners who will stay in the country for an extended period of time.

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Who needs to apply for a visa and main benefits

For 2025, the rules are clear: exchange students who wish to study for 15 weeks or more in Malta must apply for a student visa before traveling, while still in their country of origin. As for courses lasting up to 12 weeks, Brazilians can travel as tourists and there is no need to apply for a visa.

Key benefits of changes to the visa process include:

• I've been working since day one - Unlike the previous process, when it was only possible to work after 3 months, it is now possible to work part-time from the start of the program
• Multiple-entry view - Allowing travel around Europe during the study period
• Flexibility for long courses - Students with 24 weeks or more of their course do not need to show a return flight
• Extension as a tourist - Visa-exempt citizens can use the 90 days of tourists after completing the course to travel through the Schengen area
• Simplified process - Compared to other countries that allow you to study and work

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Documentation required for a student visa

Preparing your documentation properly is crucial for a successful visa application. For 2025, requirements include:

• Visa application form duly completed (in English) and signed
• Full copy of passport with all pages stamped
• 3×4 digital photo, passport size and pattern, white background
• Acceptance letter from the school Where will you study
• Proof of payment for the course In totality
• Proof of payment for the first 2 weeks of accommodation
• Proof of payment of the visa fee (€150)
• Financial proof - Bank statement with a balance equivalent to €27 per day if you have booked private accommodation OR €18 per day if you have accommodation with the school
• Bank statement showing movement for the last 3 months
• International health insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 and repatriation in the event of death
• Airline ticket (round trip for students up to 23 weeks; for students aged 24 weeks or more, only the arrival plane is sufficient)

If you have a sponsor, additional documents will be required:

• Sponsor's bank statement for the last 3 months
• Sponsorship letter in English signed and notarized
• Copy of the sponsor's passport or ID

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How does the student visa process work

The process for obtaining a student visa for Malta in 2025 has been simplified and follows the following steps:

1. Gather all documents required as listed above
2. Submit for review - Be Easy will review to ensure everything is correct
3. Schedule an interview at VFS Global - Official Maltese government center for visa processing
4. Attend the VFS center in person in São Paulo, with a valid passport and original documentation
5. Wait for processing - The average time is 45 days before the departure date
6. Withdraw the passport with the visa after receiving confirmation

What is VFS Global? It is a company that provides assistance services in the visa application process and passport issuance to governments around the world. In the Maltese context, VFS Global helps candidates navigate the process, ensuring that all documents are correct and complete.

For those who do not live in São Paulo, there is the possibility of doing the process remotely, a novelty from the Maltese government. You can check out more details on the official VFS Global websites.

Important: If you do not attend the VFS on the scheduled day and time, a new fee of €150 must be paid to release the rescheduling.

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Work permit for students in Malta

One of the great advantages of the new rules for students in Malta is the possibility to work legally from day one in the country. With the program Study and Work in Malta, you can combine studies with paid professional activities, providing valuable international experience and helping to cover your expenses.

Key points about working with a student visa in Malta in 2025:

• Course duration: To be able to work, the course must last more than 15 weeks
• Work permit: It can be applied for from day one in Malta, provided that you have a Job Offer from a registered company
• Allowed hours: Up to 20 hours a week of cool work
• Minimum wage: Approximately €7.00 per hour for part-time workers
• Request process: The permit is already requested in Malta and is a separate process from the student visa

To apply for the work permit, you will need, together with your employer, to make an application to JobsPlus (Malta's national employment service) through the website https://jobsplus.gov.mt/. The cost of this process is €230.

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Important deadlines and considerations

Advance planning is essential to ensure that your visa process is successful. Here are some important considerations:

• Recommended advance notice: Start the process up to 100 days before the start date of your course (we recommend more than 100 days)
• Processing time: Approximately 45 days at the embassy before the departure date
• Visa fee: €150
• Holidays during the course:
  • Courses of 15 to 23 weeks: allow 2 weeks of vacation
  • Courses starting at 24 weeks: allow 4 weeks of vacation
• Travel insurance: Mandatory for the entire period, including holidays

For Brazilians, there is an additional advantage: after completing the course, you can use the 90 tourist days to travel through the Schengen area. This means that, after finishing your studies, you have three extra months to discover other European countries.

During the first months of implementing the new system, the authorities will be somewhat flexible if the student and school demonstrate that it was not possible to complete the application process. However, it is highly recommended to be prepared from the moment of enrollment with all the necessary documentation.

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Advantages of Malta as an exchange destination

Malta stands out as an exchange destination for several reasons that go beyond the easy visa. The country offers:

• Affordable cost of living: Approximately 20% cheaper than other popular European destinations
• Mediterranean climate: Over 300 days of sunshine a year
• Strategic location: Easy to travel to other European countries
• Safe environment: One of the safest countries in Europe
• Language: English as an official language, facilitating communication
• Vibrant culture: Rich history and diverse cultural influences
• Cozy environment: Population usually receptive to international students

The main city for students, St. Julian's, is an entertainment and nightlife hub with excellent infrastructure for exchange students.

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Be Easy

A Be Easy simplifies the entire visa process for Malta, offering expert guidance from choosing the ideal course to supporting document preparation and obtaining a work permit. Our team knows all the details of the new visa process and provides full support at every stage, maximizing your chances of approval. We also assist in the preparation of the international curriculum and in the search for job opportunities in Malta. Get in touch today and discover how we can make your dream of studying and working in Malta a reality!

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