For courses up to 90 days, visa requirements depend on nationality. Identità’s course-specific page says third-country nationals taking courses over 90 days need a D visa—even if visa-exempt. Its FAQ still uses inconsistent 105-day wording, so check the current checklist and booking instructions before applying.
| Situation | What to know |
|---|---|
| English course up to 90 days | If your nationality requires a Schengen visa, apply for a short-stay C visa. If you are visa-exempt, you can use the exemption period, subject to the Schengen 90-days-in-any-180-day-period limit. |
| English course lasting 91–104 days | Identità’s course-specific guidance says third-country nationals taking a course exceeding 90 calendar days need a national long-stay D visa before travel, including visa-exempt nationals. |
| English course lasting 105 days or more | The same course-specific guidance sets the threshold at more than 90 days, so it includes a 105-day course. Identità’s FAQ also contains older or inconsistent 105-day wording; check the live checklist and confirm with Identità or your school. |
| EU student staying more than three months | EU nationals do not need a study visa, but students staying over three months must register their residence and meet the student conditions. EEA and Swiss students should confirm the route and documents for their nationality with Identità. |
Start with your nationality and course dates
For a course of up to 90 days, your nationality determines whether you need an entry visa. Third-country nationals who need a Schengen visa apply for a C visa; visa-exempt nationals can use the exemption period, subject to the 90-days-in-any-180-day-period limit. Identità says C-visa applications are submitted through a Maltese mission or consular post, a representation acting for Malta, or an authorised external service provider.
For a course exceeding 90 calendar days, Identità’s course-specific page says third-country nationals—including those visa-exempt for short visits—are to be issued a national long-stay D visa. This covers courses lasting 91–104 days as well as courses of 105 days or more. A visa exemption for short visits does not remove the D-visa requirement for a longer course.
There is a mismatch within Identità’s published guidance: the course-specific page sets the threshold at more than 90 days, while its study FAQ says “minimum 105 days or more” and separately says “more than 105 days.” Use the course-specific rule for the course length, but check the current D-visa checklist and confirm your case with Identità or the school before booking. Identità’s short-course page also says applications may be lodged at authorised external service providers, while its FAQ directs D-visa applicants to the Extended service and VFS appointment route; follow the current booking instructions for your application.
A study visa and a residence permit are different
For English-language courses below MQF Level 5, do not assume that the standard higher-education student residence-permit route applies. Identità says students on courses below MQF Level 5 may pursue studies after obtaining a one-year national Type D visa. Its visa FAQ says that a student on an MQF Level 4 or lower course who extends the course must apply for a visa extension through the Central Visa Unit. Ask your school to confirm the course’s MQF level and the process that applies to your status.
Identità describes a separate study residence-permit route for eligible full-time study at MQF Level 5 or above. Its visa FAQ says students on MQF Level 5 or higher courses must apply for a Maltese residence card after arriving. A D visa is permission to travel to Malta and stay under its conditions; it is not itself a residence permit.
EU nationals do not need a study visa. If they stay in Malta for more than three months to study, Identità says they must register their residence and provide evidence including enrolment at a licensed, accredited education establishment, comprehensive health cover and sufficient resources. EEA and Swiss nationals have some similar favourable conditions, but should confirm their specific registration route and documents with Identità.
Check school documents, the checklist and timing before booking
Before paying for travel, ask the school to confirm the course’s exact number of calendar days, MQF level, enrolment documents and licensing or accreditation status. Use Identità’s current study D-visa checklist for the required application documents rather than relying on a general list from a school or agent.
Identità says to submit a study D-visa application at least eight weeks before the course starts and no more than six months before it starts. Its FAQ says the visa process may take up to eight weeks. Check the live appointment availability and application route before setting travel dates.
Course extensions and working while studying
Do not assume you can extend a short course simply by staying longer. Identità says that, to qualify for a visa extension after arriving on a visa-exempt short stay, your initial intention must have been to study a short course of at least eight weeks, and the course must be extended by at least another eight weeks. For an MQF Level 4 or lower course, Identità directs students extending their studies to apply through the Central Visa Unit. Contact your school and Identità about your case before your current permission expires.
A student visa does not by itself authorize employment. Identità says students may work part-time for up to 20 hours per week once the required employment licence is issued by Jobsplus. Eligibility and when you may start depend on the applicable student category and conditions, so confirm your own case and do not begin work before the licence is issued.
Questions people ask
If I am visa-exempt, do I still need a visa for a long English course?
Yes. Identità’s course-specific guidance says third-country nationals taking courses exceeding 90 calendar days need a national long-stay D visa, including visa-exempt nationals. Identità’s FAQ has inconsistent 105-day wording, so check the current checklist and confirm your course dates with Identità or your school.
What visa applies to a 91–104-day English course?
Identità’s course-specific page says third-country nationals taking courses exceeding 90 calendar days need a D visa. That includes courses of 91–104 days.
Is a study visa the same as a residence permit?
No. A D visa is an entry and stay visa. Identità describes a separate residence-permit route for eligible full-time study at MQF Level 5 or above; below MQF Level 5, its guidance says students may study after obtaining a one-year national D visa. Check the route for your course and status.
Can I extend my English course after arriving?
An extension is not automatic. Identità describes conditions for extending certain short-course stays and says students extending an MQF Level 4 or lower course must apply through the Central Visa Unit. Contact the school and Identità before your current permission expires.
Can I work while studying English in Malta?
Identità says students may work up to 20 hours per week once the required Jobsplus employment licence is issued. Eligibility and timing depend on the applicable student category; confirm your case and wait for the licence before starting work.
Sources
- Identità — Student Visa: Courses Not Exceeding 90 Days
- Identità — Student Visa: Courses Exceeding 90 Days
- Identità — Visa FAQ
- Identità — Study FAQ for Non-EU, Non-Employment
- Identità — Study: EU Nationals
- Identità — Working and Residing in Malta
- Identità — Student Visa Employment
Rules, fees and eligibility can change. Confirm current requirements with the named authority or institution before applying or paying.