Overview
Malta doesn't maintain diplomatic representation in every country, which makes its process worth explaining separately from the bigger Schengen states. If Malta has an embassy or consulate where you live, you submit your Schengen visa application there directly. If not, under EU Visa Code rules, another Schengen country's mission (or Malta's official partner, VFS Global) handles the collection and biometrics step — this is standard outsourcing, not a paid-agent requirement, though VFS does charge its own separate handling fee on top of the government visa fee.
Visa categories
| Schengen Type C | Tourism, business or family visits up to 90 days within any 180-day period. |
|---|---|
| National (D) visa | Long-stay visas including work and study — applied for via Identità's Extended Service where available. |
Documents checklist
- Passport with sufficient validity and blank pages
- Signed printout of the Schengen visa application form
- Two recent photos, 35×45mm, meeting ICAO photo standards
- Travel/health insurance valid across Schengen, minimum €30,000
- Proof of accommodation and travel itinerary
- Bank statements or other evidence of sufficient funds
Step-by-step application process
1. Find out how Malta is represented where you live
Check identita.gov.mt or your nearest Maltese mission — some countries have a direct embassy, others use another Schengen state's mission, and others use VFS Global's Extended Service.
2. Complete the Schengen application form
Print and sign it as instructed by whichever channel applies to you.
3. Gather your documents
Assemble everything from the checklist above.
4. Book your appointment
If using VFS Global's Extended Service, create an account and book directly — don't pay a third party claiming to secure appointments faster.
5. Attend in person
Submit documents and biometrics; pay the visa fee (and VFS admin fee, if applicable — around €150 for Extended Service in some locations).
6. Track your decision
Check status directly with the Maltese mission or representation you applied through.
Fees & processing time
| Application window | Submit 6–8 weeks before your planned travel |
|---|---|
| VFS Extended Service admin fee | Around €150, on top of the standard Schengen visa fee |
Sources reviewed: identita.gov.mt (Identità, Malta's Central Visa Unit), vfsglobal.com one-pager guidance. Which channel applies to you depends heavily on your country of residence — always confirm with identita.gov.mt or your nearest Maltese mission before applying.