New E-Residence Document for foreigners residing in Malta

New e-residence card for foreign nationals residing in Malta

The Department for Citizenship & Expatriate Affairs has announced that as from January 2013, all non-Maltese nationals who legally reside in Malta and who hold identity cards and/or residence permit stickers in their passport are required to replace such documentation with the new e-residence document. Such document will consist of a plastic card format which will contain the information of the current Identity Cards and Residence Permits.  

Applicants are required to personally visit the offices of the Department when applying for such e-residence document in order to be photographed by officials of the Department. In the case of Third Country Nationals, biometric data (two index fingers) of the applicant will also be captured.

Persons who are EU, EEA, Swiss nationals, their family members and children under the age of 12 are exempt from the biometric capture (finger prints).

Requirements

• These depend on the individual’s nationality and residence status

Benefits

• Access a number of electronic services provided by the Government and other parties
• May opt to vote at the Local Council Elections and/or EU Parliament Elections
• Obtain an e-lD subscription
• Discounted public transport fares

Duration of process

Applications for e-residence cards are only accepted by prior appointment with the department and take between 4-8 weeks to be processed. 

Chetcuti Cauchi may assist you with the e-residence card process

Current Residence Documents

• Residence permit in the sticker format will remain valid until their expiry or until the 30^the June 2013 whichever is the earlier
• lD Cards will remain valid until their expiry date or until 31st March 2013 whichever is the earlier