The latest information on the I Belong courses can be found here:
https://sciberras.legal/2026/07/08/notification-update-on-i-belong-courses/
A Guide for Non-EU Nationals
Non-EU national seeking long-term residency in Malta maybe granted one if they meet specific criteria issued by Identità. Malta has become home to many Third-Country Nationals (TCNs), and many have been residing here for many years. This fact has led to various family reunification applications, as well as long term residency applications.
Long-Term Residence (LTR) may be granted to TCNs residing in Malta who meet certain criteria such as attendance to the I-Belong courses, and this LTR permit entitles the holder and family members to remain in Malta permanently. Malta offers a lot of work opportunities, good quality of life and healthcare.
If you’re a non-EU national considering long-term residency, here are the key criteria that must be met:
Residency Duration: You must have legally and continuously resided in Malta for at least five (5) years.
Covering Letter: You must provide a covering letter explaining the intentions to apply for the long-term resident status, your story in Malta.
Stable Financial Resources: Proof of a stable income, demonstrating your ability to support yourself (and your family, if applicable), without reliance on social assistance.
Accommodation: You must own or rent a suitable home in Malta, including a certificate by a warranted architect.
Integration Measures: You need to fulfil the integration requirements outlined in Subsidiary Legislation 217.05, which include language proficiency and an understanding of Maltese culture.
The ‘I Belong’ Programme aims to provide a holistic approach to integration through the knowledge of the country’s official languages and cultural awareness. The language courses focus on daily use to facilitate a person’s integration into society. The cultural orientation covers the social, cultural, economic, and historical aspects of Malta and the constitution, law and democratic values. The courses are split into two stages:
Stage 1 Pre-Integration Certificate – 60 hours
- Maltese language for integration (MQF Level 1) – 20 hours
- English language for integration (MQF Level 1) – 20 hours
- Cultural orientation* (MQF Level 1) – 20 hours
After receiving the Stage 1 certificate, applicants may progress to Stage 2.
Stage 2 Pre-Integration Certificate – 170 hours
- Maltese language for integration (MQF Level 2) – 50 hours
- Cultural orientation (MQF Level 2) – 120 hours
Application Process
1. Submit an Application Form
The courses are provided free of charge to students unless they may be subject to payment to repeat the course.
STAGE 1 PRE-INTEGRATION CERTIFICATE
STAGE 2 INTEGRATION CERTIFICATE
2. Registration of Integration Application Form
The Integration Officers will confirm the receipt of your Application Form and will inform you of your File Number.
3. Integration Request Meeting
You will be contacted for a one-to-one meeting, which can be conducted at the office or online, to draw up your Personal Integration Plan.
4. Implementation of Personal Integration Plan
The Personal Integration Plan can include:
- Attendance of Stage 1 Courses
- Continuation to Stage 2 Courses
- Attendance of Literacy courses in English and/or Maltese
- Specialised assistance
After receiving the Stage 1 Pre-Integration Certificate you can register for the Stage 2 Integration Certificate. Successful completion of the Stage 2 Integration Certificate counts as one of the requirements for Long-Term Status (LTR) in Malta.
Fast Tack Options
There is also a fast-track option available against payment at MCAST.
Stage 1 Pre-Integration Certificate
- Maltese language for integration (MQF Level 1) – 20 hours
- English language for integration (MQF Level 1) – 20 hours
- Cultural orientation* (MQF Level 1) – 20 hours
After receiving the Stage 1 certificate, applicants may progress to Stage 2.
Stage 2 Pre-Integration Certificate – 170 hours
- Maltese language for integration (MQF Level 2) – 50 hours
- Cultural orientation (MQF Level 2) – 120 hours
Important Note
If you have been living in Malta for over a few years and wish to continue your stay on a more permanent basis, it is strongly recommended to start preparing for the Long-Term Residence (LTR) process well in advance. One of the key requirements for LTR is the completion of the I Belong integration programme, which often has long waiting lists. Do not wait until you are close to the five-year mark to begin — early planning is essential.
We recommend applying for the I Belong courses as soon as possible to ensure you meet the necessary criteria in time. For those who prefer a faster route, a fast-track option is available through MCAST against payment. This allows you to complete the required courses more efficiently.
Once you meet these conditions, you are eligible to apply for long-term residency status through Identità. At Sciberras Advocates, we provide comprehensive legal support to guide you through every step of the application process for Long-Term Residence. Our services include eligibility assessment, document preparation, application submission, follow-up and appeals.
With years of experience in immigration law, Sciberras Advocates has helped numerous Third Country National clients navigate Malta’s residency laws. If you require our assistance with the LTR application, or any other immigration procedures, overstays, or appeals in Malta, please get in touch on [email protected].
यो लेख केवल जानकारीको लागि मात्र हो र यसलाई कानुनी सल्लाहको रूपमा लिनु हुँदैन।.
यस लेखको लेखिका सुश्री चार्लीन सिबेर्रास, बी.ए. (हॉन्स) हुनुहुन्छ, जो एक अतिथि लेखक हुनुहुन्छ। उहाँ कर्पोरेट, लेखा, र कानुनी मामिलाहरूमा विशेष ध्यान केन्द्रित गर्ने मार्केटिङ र व्यवसाय प्रशासन विशेषज्ञ हुनुहुन्छ।.
Sciberras Advocates, डा. एड्रियन सिबेरासद्वारा स्थापित, माल्टामा आधारित एक ल फर्म हो। यो फर्म बहु-अनुशासनिक, नवीन र परिवर्तनशील समय र स्थानीय तथा अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय कानुनी परिदृश्यमा आउने कुनै पनि चुनौतीहरूको सामना गर्न लचिलो हुनमा गर्व गर्दछ। संस्थागत वा निजी जुनसुकै जटिल मागहरू भए तापनि, Sciberras Advocates ले तपाईंको मनोनित परिणामहरू प्राप्त गर्न व्यावहारिक र लागत-प्रभावी कानुनी समाधानहरू प्रदान गर्दछ। तपाईंले फोन मार्फत Sciberras Advocates मा सम्पर्क गर्न सक्नुहुन्छ +35627795222वा इमेलद्वारा [email protected].
