Non-EU Family Reunification in Malta: Routes and Documents

A non-EU worker's spouse and children may be able to join them in Malta, but there are two different routes. The sponsor should identify the route before the family travels: most applications require the family member to be abroad, and a visitor in Malta cannot simply convert every case.

Which route applies?

Route	Typical sponsor condition	Current income test	Family member's work position
Family Reunification under S.L. 217.06	Sponsor has normally resided lawfully for two years, holds a permit valid for at least one year and has reasonable prospects of permanent residence	At least Malta's average gross wage, plus 20% for each included family member; overtime/allowances are excluded	Employment may become possible subject to a Jobsplus employment licence; check the timing, including the first renewal/one-year rule, before accepting work
Family Members Policy	Ex-gratia route for qualifying families outside the statutory route; sponsor normally has one year of residence and a permit valid for at least one year	Currently €18,940 net, plus 20% of the median wage for each family member; overtime/allowances may be considered	The permit itself does not give a right to work

These tests are not interchangeable. Identità can revise the wage figures and assess whether income is stable and regular. Ask it to confirm the route and threshold for your family size before committing to a lease or school.

An exception may allow earlier Family Members Policy applications for some KEI/SEI sponsors. Current guidance uses a gross threshold of €50,000 for sponsor plus one dependant and €6,000 for each additional dependant, alongside other conditions.

Who can normally be included?

The core categories are a spouse and unmarried minor children, including qualifying adopted children. The legal relationship, custody, dependency and age rules matter. A partner, adult child, parent or other relative is not automatically eligible under the same route.

The sponsor's application file

Prepare route-specific forms plus:

• Full passport copies for sponsor and each applicant; the sponsor's Malta residence permit
• Apostilled or legalised marriage, birth or adoption certificates and certified translations where required
• Proof of custody and the absent parent's notarised consent where a child travels with one parent
• Stable income evidence: contract, Jobsplus history, payslips, FS3/tax records and bank evidence requested by the route
• Registered lease, landlord declaration, architect's accommodation-suitability report and any requested Housing Authority evidence
• Health-insurance policy covering at least €100,000 per person where the policy requires it
• Health-screening evidence and vaccination records as requested
• Evidence that the relationship is genuine and continuing
• School application evidence for children where the applicable early-family condition requires it

Foreign public documents normally need the correct apostille/legalisation chain and translation before filing. Bring originals to the appointment.

Application sequence

1. The sponsor confirms eligibility and route with Identità while the family remains abroad.
2. Calculate the current income requirement for the exact family size and check which earnings count.
3. Secure suitable registered accommodation and insurance; collect civil-status documents early.
4. Submit the correct form and complete file to Identità. The current Family Reunification application/renewal fee is €50; verify the fee for the policy route.
5. Wait for approval and follow the visa instructions if the family member requires a national D visa.
6. After arrival, complete biometrics and residence-card formalities as instructed.
7. Do not assume the family member can work. Obtain written confirmation and any Jobsplus licence first.

The Family Members Policy states a 60-day decision target after a complete submission. Statutory reunification and visa stages may take longer, so keep travel and school plans flexible.

Questions to resolve before applying

• Which route applies to us, and has the sponsor completed the necessary residence period?
• What is the exact current income threshold for this many family members?
• Do bonuses, overtime, a second household sponsor or overseas income count?
• Is our home considered suitable for this household size?
• Which civil documents need apostille, legalisation or translation?
• Can this particular family member work, from which date and with which licence?
• Must the applicant remain abroad until approval?

Related guides

• Moving to Malta as a third-country national
• Healthcare when moving to Malta
• Moving to Malta with children

Last reviewed: 9 August 2026. Family-route income thresholds and policy conditions change; confirm the live figure and form with Identità before applying.