In the execution of the powers conferred by article 2 of the Fees Ordinance, the Minister for Home Affairs, Law Enforcement and National Security with the concurrence of the Minister of Finance and Financial Services, has introduced certain specific new regulations – Legal Notice 287 of 2020.

It is to be highlighted that for the purposes of these regulations, a long-stay visa issued to a third-country national shall be deemed valid for a period not exceeding 365 days. Moreover, said period cannot be less than 90 days.

Any relevant payable fees i.e. €70 for study purposes and €100 for any other purpose, are to be paid at the offices of a Consulate of Malta in any country where such a representation is present or at an external service provider where such provider is contracted or at the Central Visa Authority or at the border crossing points, as the case may be.

In addition, any relevant fees paid upon the application for a long-stay visa are not refundable.

It may be added that not all applicants shall pay fees for the issuing of a long-stay visa. Long-stay visas may be issued for free;

  • For any family member as defined according to the Free Movement of European Union Nationals and their Family Members Order and,
  • Minors under the age of 6.

Nonetheless, the Central Visa Authority has complete discretion and absolute power to waive any long-stay visas fees upon justified reasons.

This Legal Notice hereby repeals Fees (Schengen Visas) Regulations – Subsidiary Legislation 35.31.

Originally published July 14, 2020

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