Malta business visa
Malta is a small island, but the passport it stamps opens the whole Schengen area. A Malta business visa is a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C, the uniform visa) for Indian passport holders coming for meetings, conferences, negotiations, training or trade fairs, provided the trip stops short of taking up employment. It allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and the same sticker lets you move freely across the rest of Schengen. The fee is EUR 80.
You file through Malta only when Malta is your main destination, meaning the Schengen country where you will spend the most nights, or, when the nights are split equally, your first point of entry. Indian applicants apply in person at a VFS Global Malta Visa Application Centre in New Delhi, Mumbai and several other cities, where biometrics are taken for the High Commission of Malta. The decision itself is Malta's: Identita's Central Visa Unit rules on the file, usually within about 15 days, though in some cases it can stretch to a maximum of 45.
Who this visa is for
- ✓Indian passport valid at least three months beyond the intended stay, issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages.
- ✓A genuine short-term business purpose in Malta (meeting, conference, negotiation, training or trade fair) that does not amount to taking up employment.
- ✓A Malta-based company or entity that invites you and can evidence the trade or business relationship.
- ✓Proof of sufficient funds for the trip and strong ties to India showing you will return.
- ✓Travel medical insurance valid across the Schengen area with a minimum of EUR 30,000 cover for the whole stay.
- ✓Malta is your main destination for the trip, or, if nights are split equally, your first Schengen point of entry.
Visa options for Malta
Short-stay business visa (Type C)
The standard Schengen business visa for meetings, conferences, negotiations, training and trade fairs in Malta; up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area.
Single-entry Type C
Valid for one entry for a specific business trip; the visa is used up once you leave the Schengen area, even if days remain.
Multiple-entry Type C
For frequent, compliant business travellers; permits several entries within the validity (1, 2 or 5-year MEVs may be granted), still capped at 90 days per 180.
Documents typically required
- ✓Completed and signed Schengen visa application form.
- ✓Passport valid at least three months beyond departure from the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages, plus a copy of the bio page.
- ✓One recent passport photo (35 x 45 mm), colour, white background, taken within the last six months.
- ✓Travel medical insurance covering the Schengen area with a minimum of EUR 30,000 cover for the entire stay, including the dates of arrival and departure.
- ✓Signed invitation letter from the Malta-based company/entity stating the purpose and duration of the visit and any financial responsibility for the stay.
- ✓Documents evidencing the trade or business relationship between the Malta host and the applicant (e.g. correspondence, contracts, prior dealings).
- ✓Cover letter setting out your business itinerary and trip dates.
- ✓Flight tickets showing flight numbers and dates; proof of onward travel if visiting other Schengen states.
- ✓Confirmed hotel booking for the full stay, or proof of sponsorship/accommodation if hosted (declaration of proof, host ID and proof of residence).
- ✓For employees: employer NOC/leave letter and employment certificate, the last three months' payslips, and personal bank statements for the last six months.
- ✓For self-employed/business owners: company registration/incorporation documents, trade licence and latest income-tax returns, plus company bank statements for the last six months.
- ✓Copies of any previous Schengen visas with entry and exit stamps.
Your exact checklist depends on your profile — we confirm it during your case analysis. Every visa decision rests with the embassy or consulate.
Applicants who are not Indian nationals but reside in India must also show a valid Indian residence permit. Apply no earlier than six months before travel and at least 15 days before departure; VFS Global will not accept applications for travel dates less than 15 days away.
Frequently asked questions
Do you guarantee the visa?
No. The decision rests entirely with Malta's consulate and Identita's Central Visa Unit, and no agent can guarantee a visa. What we do is assess your profile honestly, point out the weak spots before you file, and hand in an application that is complete and internally consistent. Over the last 2-3 years our applications have a 97% success rate.
Where do I apply for a Malta business visa in India?
In person at a VFS Global Malta Visa Application Centre, including New Delhi and Mumbai, which collects your documents and biometrics for the High Commission of Malta. Route the application through Malta only when it is your main destination (the most nights) or, if nights are equal, your first Schengen point of entry.
How long does it take, and how long can I stay?
The consulate usually decides within about 15 days of a complete application, and in some cases up to a maximum of 45 days. A Type C visa lets you stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area. Note that applications will not be accepted for travel less than 15 days away.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes. You need travel medical insurance valid across the Schengen area, with a minimum of EUR 30,000 cover for the entire stay, including your arrival and departure dates. The visa fee is EUR 80.