Malta Key Employee Initiative (KEI): sourced answers
1 answer to specific questions — each with a verbatim quote from an official source and a link to it.
Every answer is checked against a verbatim quote from a stored copy of its source and has passed an independent review. This is reference information, not legal advice: rules change, and the outcome depends on your circumstances.
Citizenship, visa or residence programme
After how many years in the status can the holder apply for permanent residence
EU long-term residence after 5 years
«11. How can I apply for Long Term Residency? Third-country nationals who: have been legally and continuously residing in Malta for a period of five (5) years or more; have stable and regular resources; have their own accommodation; and iv. fulfil integration measures (outlined in Subsidiary Legislation 217.05 https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/217.5/eng ), may apply for the long-term residence status (refer to Form L ( https://identita.gov.mt/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FORM-L.pdf ) for checklist). Applications may be submitted only after the I Belong certificate and Maltese MQF Level 2 certificates are obtained. The Cultural Course has to specifically be issued by I Belong (Level 2). Information regarding this course may be found through the following link: https://humanrights.gov.mt/i-belong-programme/ . Requests for Long Term Residence need to be submitted on the online portal: https://expatriates.identita.gov.mt/ . Information on how to use this online application portal can be found here: https://expatriates.identita.gov.mt/Res/OnlineApplication_Expatriates_Manual.pdf»
Source: identita.gov.mt · source copy as of 2026-10-03
«17. If I hold a Single Permit, does this count towards the five-year requirement for long-term residence or EU long-term resident status? Yes - time legally spent working and residing in Malta under a valid Single Permit counts towards the 5-year legal residence requirement under S. L. 217. 05 for long-term residents.»
Source: identita.gov.mt · source copy as of 2026-10-03
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