Skip to content

Definition

Long-Term Residence

A permanent-like status available after five years of legal continuous residence in Malta.

Long-Term Residence (LTR) provides an EU-wide stable residence status to third-country nationals who have lived legally and continuously in Malta for at least five years.

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient resources, adequate accommodation, health insurance, and — crucially — completion of I Belong Stage 2. Long-Term Residence status offers stronger rights than a regular permit: it is renewable in five-year cycles, allows more flexibility in employment, and grants mobility rights across EU member states.

Absences from Malta of more than six consecutive months (or ten months in total over five years) can break continuity and reset the clock.

Preparing for your move to Malta?

MaltaPathway has free practice materials for the pre-departure course, step-by-step pathway guides, and a document checklist.

Create free account →