The Malta immigration lawyers at Sciberras Advocates are ready to assist you in the full application process to reunite with your family members in Malta.
Family migration for third country nationals living in Malta can happen in different ways. For third country nationals living in Malta, being able to reunite and live together with their family is important for integrating into the country and create stability in one’s life.
Family members of non-EU nationals can join their relative who has moved to Malta, but this is only allowed under specific laws. Two main conditions must be met: the person who moved to Malta must have a good chance of living there permanently and must have enough stable income to support themselves and their family.
Family reunification for third country nationals in Malta can happen in two ways: Family reunification and family member policy. As key differences between the two in terms of application and conditions, the process and requirements for family reunification are more stringent and detailed compared to the general policies affecting family members already in the country.
Family Reunification
Family reunification refers to the process and legal framework that allows family members of non-EU nationals (third-country nationals) who are already residing in Malta to join them. This process is regulated by specific laws that outline who is eligible to apply and under what conditions.
The sponsor would need to:
- have resided in Malta for a minimum of 2 years
- hold a residence permit valid for a minimum of 1 year
- hold an annual income of €23,136 + 20% for each family member (average income, June 2024)
- have adequate housing
Family Member Policy
Family member policy generally refers to the broader regulations and rights related to the family members of all categories of migrants, including those from the EU and other third-country nationals.
The sponsor would need to:
- have resided in Malta for a minimum of 1 year
- hold a residence permit valid for a minimum of 1 year
- hold an annual income of €18,940 + 20% for each family member (median income, June 2024)
- have adequate housing
Below are scenarios and salary requirements for the Family Member Policy.
| Scenario | Relocate to Malta | Total | Required Salary | Add | Total Salary | Six Months Salary | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One spouse working | Spouse | 1 | € 18,940.00 | 20% | € 22,728.00 | € 1,894.00 | Salary of spouse should be at least € 1,894 NET per month |
| One spouse working | Spouse + 1 child | 2 | € 18,940.00 | 40% | € 26,516.00 | € 2,209.67 | Salary of spouse should be at least € 2,210 NET per month |
| One spouse working | Spouse + 2 children | 3 | € 18,940.00 | 60% | € 30,304.00 | € 2,525.33 | Salary of spouse should be at least € 2,525 NET per month |
| Two spouses working* | One child | 1 | € 18,940.00 | 40% | € 26,516.00 | € 1,894.00 | Salary of both spouses JOINTLY should be at least € 1,894 NET per month |
| Two spouses working* | Two children | 2 | € 18,940.00 | 60% | € 30,304.00 | € 2,209.67 | Salary of both spouses JOINTLY should be at least € 2,210 NET per month |
| Two spouses working | One parent | 0 | € 18,940.00 | 0% | – | – | It is not possible to bring ascendants |
*An extra 20% is added to the means test in case one of the spouses becomes unemployed.
The Malta immigration lawyers at Sciberras Advocates are ready to assist you in the full application process to reunite with your family members in Malta. If you require our assistance on family reunification or any other immigration procedures or appeals in Malta, please get in touch on [email protected].