Statutory Third-Country Family Reunification

Under Family Reunification S.L.217.06  only the core family can join.

Spouse: a legally married husband or wife. The spouse must be at least 21 and the marriage monogamous (no polygamy). If the sponsor is already here with one spouse, they cannot add another.

Minor children: unmarried children under 18, including adopted children, of the sponsor and/or the spouse. If the child is from a previous relationship, the applying parent needs full custody or consent from the other parent. The child must depend on the parent. All adoptions must be recognised by Maltese law.

Other relatives (like parents or adult children) are not covered by this formal route. Those cases might be considered only under the separate Family Members.

The Family Reunification route, regulated under Subsidiary Legislation 217.06 , allows a third-country national (TCN) legally residing in Malta to be joined by his/her family members from abroad.

To qualify under this route, the sponsor (the person residing in Malta) must: Hold a valid residence permit issued by Identità. Have resided legally and continuously in Malta for at least two years at the time of application.

A copy of the sponsor’s valid residence permit (valid for at least one year).

3. Proof of Family Relationship Apostilled or legalised certificates confirming the relationship with the sponsor: o Marriage certificate (for spouse applications). o Birth certificate(s) (for minor children). Documents must be issued in English or Maltese. If in another language, a certified translation must be provided.

8. Custody Documents (if applicable) If the family member is a minor: o Sole custody: Legal proof of custody and care. o Shared custody: A signed agreement of consent from the other parent allowing the child to relocate to Malta.

All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalised and, if not in English/Maltese, translated by a registered translator in Malta.

Demonstrate stable and regular income , adequate accommodation , and comprehensive health insurance to support the incoming family members.

Family Reunification permits are renewable and may allow family members to reside in Malta long-term , provided that all original conditions remain satisfied. By law, the first permit is valid for one (1) year . The duration may also depend on the sponsor’s residence permit — if the sponsor’s permit is valid for less than one year, the dependant’s permit will match that same validity. From the first renewal onward , the validity period may be extended. For example, if the sponsor holds a multi-year residence permit (such as a 3-year or 5-year permit), the dependant’s permit may be issued for the same duration. In the case of children, their permit can only be renewed until they reach the age of 18 . As long as the sponsor continues to meet all legal and financial requirements and maintains lawful residence in Malta, the family may continue renewing their permits indefinitely , allowing them to reside in Malta for the long term. However, if the sponsor leaves Malta , loses their residence status , or fails to meet renewal conditions , the family members’ permits will also cease to be valid, and they will normally be required to leave Malta.

A family reunification permit on its own does not grant the right to work in Malta. In such cases applicants must apply for an employment licence through Jobsplus once their permit under S.L. 217.06 has been renewed after the first year of residency.

Renewal applications must be submitted online via the Maltese Expatriates Portal.