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Malta visa options for Ireland passport holders

Tourist / short stay

Visa-free

Enter without a visa, usually for a set number of days.

Visa types & longer-stay routes for Malta

Freedom of movement

No visa or residence permit needed

As a Ireland (EU/EEA/Swiss) citizen you have full free-movement rights in Malta: you can live, work, study and retire there indefinitely — no visa, no residence permit. You only register with the local authorities after about three months. The visa routes below are for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals; you don’t need them.

For reference, the routes Malta offers non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals:

  • Tourist

    Schengen Short Stay (Type C) / Visa-Free + ETIAS

    90 in 180

    Insurance
    Requiredfor C visa applicants (min 30,000 EUR / ~33,000 USD Schengen-wide with evacuation and repatriation)
    Good for
    Tourists and short-term business visitors
    Requirement
    Passport 3+ months beyond stay, proof of funds, return ticket, accommodation; ETIAS from 2026 for visa-exempt non-EU
  • Work

    Key Employee Initiative (KEI)

    1 year, renewable up to 3 years

    Insurance
    Required(as part of single permit, covering applicant and dependents)
    Good for
    Non-EU highly qualified managerial/technical hires by Maltese employers
    Requirement
    Gross salary min 45,000 EUR (effective Aug 2025), qualifications, employer declaration, 2-week job advert, fast-track single-permit
  • Work

    EU Blue Card

    Up to 2 years, renewable; long-term EU residence path

    Insurance
    Required(comprehensive sickness for applicant and family)
    Good for
    Highly qualified non-EU professionals with degree or 5+ years experience
    Requirement
    Binding 6+ month job offer, salary 1.5x Maltese average gross, recognised higher ed
  • Digital nomad

    Nomad Residence Permit

    1 year, renewable up to 4 years total

    Insurance
    Required(private health insurance covering Malta and Europe, annual paid in advance; each family member needs own policy)
    Good for
    Non-EU remote workers, freelancers, contractors for foreign employers/clients
    Requirement
    Gross annual income min 42,000 EUR (~46,000 USD), remote-work proof, clean record, rental or property in Malta, via Residency Malta Agency
  • Residence

    Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

    Permanent residency, no minimum stay

    Insurance
    Required(comprehensive cover for Malta for main applicant and dependents)
    Good for
    Non-EU/EEA/Swiss seeking EU PR by investment
    Requirement
    Assets 500,000 EUR (incl 150,000 liquid) or 650,000 EUR (incl 75,000 liquid); property purchase from 375,000 EUR or rent from 14,000 EUR/yr; government contribution; 2,000 EUR philanthropic donation
  • Residence

    Long Stay National Visa (Type D)

    91 to 365 days

    Insurance
    Required(travel/health insurance for full stay min 30,000 EUR)
    Good for
    Non-EU for study, family reunification, work pending RP
    Requirement
    Purpose-specific docs, proof of funds, accommodation, via Central Visa Unit (Identita)

Visa rules change often and depend on your nationality. Last checked: 2026-06. Always confirm with the official immigration service or your nearest consulate before you apply.

Last verified June 2026

Visa-free isn’t insurance-free

Whatever route you take into Malta, your entry stamp never includes health cover. Many longer-stay visas also require proof of insurance before they’re granted. That part is on you — and it’s what we actually do.

Get a quoteVisa insurance requirements

Ireland → Malta: frequently asked

Do Ireland passport holders need a visa to visit Malta?
No. As a Ireland (EU/EEA/Swiss) citizen you have freedom of movement in Malta and need no visa for any length of stay.
Can a Ireland passport holder live or work long-term in Malta?
Yes — under EU/EEA/Swiss free movement you can live, work and study in Malta indefinitely with no visa or residence permit.
Do I need travel insurance for Malta?
Entry to Malta never includes health cover, so travel medical insurance is strongly recommended. Several Malta visas also require proof of insurance before they're granted.
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Last updated

Visa rules can change at short notice and depend on your purpose of travel, length of stay and onward tickets. Always confirm with the destination’s embassy or the IATA Travel Centre before you book. Visa-free entry never includes travel health insurance. That’s still on you.