In this post, we will explain to you how to apply for a Maltese Residence ID card and e-ID, we are about to point out which are the steps to prepare your application, so the process runs smoothly and timesaving. At the end of this article, we will also answer the most frequently asked questions.
EU nationals who are self-employed persons, and employees, that are being relocated to Malta or those who are already living in Malta can apply for a Maltese Residence ID card. After three months of living in Malta, EU nationals are required to register their residence and prove they have found employment, are in education or training, have their own resources to live on, etc. Not all EU countries impose this requirement. The Maltese residency card also called ID card officially registers your residence in Malta.
Please note: The Maltese Residence Card is often colloquially referred to as the Maltese ID card. However, the Maltese ID Card is applicable to Maltese citizens only. Nevertheless, we will refer to the Maltese ID card in the following, as this term is used more often in this context.
The residence document has several advantages and its often used and needed in Malta for: bank accounts opening, acquire internet services, might be also needed to buy a health or car private insurance, when is required in case of national emergencies will be needed for repatriation flights, and to get a vaccine as the current situation we are living.
The question you are probably asking yourself is: How can I apply for a Maltese ID card?
Before you apply for a Maltese ID card, you will need to complete several steps, such as settling a residential address, applying for Social Security Number, and registering for Jobsplus.
Therefore, below you will find a 4-Step-Guide, which explains step by step, what you need to consider when applying for an ID card in Malta.
4 Steps to Get Your Residence ID Card in Malta
Pre–requisite for obtaining a Maltese Residence ID card
To apply for a Maltese ID, you must be an EU Citizen with a free movement permit. You’ll need your passport or EU national ID card as proof of your free movement permit and prove that you are an EU citizen.
1. Residential address
The first step before applying for a Maltese ID card, also known as an e-Residence card, should be to establish your accommodation in Malta to get proof of your residential address. If you are renting a property, the lease agreement (also known as a rental contract) will be your proof, and if you own the property, the contract of sale. The contract of sale is the legal agreement confirming that you own the property.
2. Social Security Number
Another important step is to register for a Social Security Number.
The Social Security Number “is a number registered under the Social Security Act (Cap. 318.) through which you pay social security contributions. The social security contributions paid will entitle you for the social security benefits provided under the Social Security Act (Cap. 318.), subject to the entitlement conditions which exist for each type of benefit.” original source
With Social Security Number you will receive a variety of benefits such as sickness benefit, disability benefit, unemployment benefit, and child benefit. It is also required for the payment of social security contributions.
To get your Social Security Number you will need:
- Passport or EU ID Card - proof of your identity.
- Signed contract of employment or a similar document which shows that applicant
will be carrying out an employed/self-occupied activity in Malta.
You can apply for your number here once you have everything ready.
When you are registered with the Social Security Department and received Social Security Number you will be automatically registered for a Tax Identification Number (TIN). Tax Identification Numbers are used as a form of identification for income tax, wage, salary tax, and withholding tax.
3. Working contract / Registration at Jobsplus Malta
In addition to proof of your identity, your address, you’ll also need to prove your employment relationship in Malta, either with a signed contract or employment or a Jobsplus confirmation letter of engagement.
Jobsplus is a government-funded public employment agency with branches around Malta.
There are two types of engagement forms: one for working individuals and you’ll have to ask your employer to fill this form for you and another for self-employed individuals which you can fill yourself if you have a VAT Number Both of these forms you can download from Jobsplus.
If you are thinking to become a self-employed and set up a company in Malta, you can read more about the benefits here.
4. Applying for a Maltese Residence ID card
Once you have followed steps 1-3, you can apply for your Maltese ID card via email EU Section at IMA eu.ima@gov.mt.
To finish the process of applying for your ID card, you’ll need to fill out Form A – Application for Residence Documentation and Form ID1A – Identity Registration Form, which you can find on the Identity Malta Agency website at the links below.
In summary, the following are the documents to send to Identity Malta Agency if you want to apply for an ID card.
- Passport or Eu ID Card
- Contract of employment or Jobsplus confirmation letter of engagement
- Lease agreement or contract of sale
- Form A – Application for Residence Documentation
- Form ID1A – Identity Registration Form
- GDPR form – General Data Protection Regulation
Due to Covid-19 most of the communication with the Maltese authorities is digital. At the moment, to book an appointment at the Identity Malta office, you must send all required documents via email to eu.ima@gov.mt for review and wait for a response. If all your documents are in order, you will receive a confirmation, and at a later stage, you should get the email with an appointment date to have your biometrics data taken. After a few weeks, you should receive a collection letter to your home address inviting you to pick up your new ID card.
For the most up-to-date information on requirements and forms, please visit Identity Malta’s website.
Things You Need to Know When Applying for Residence Maltese ID card
Remember
All documents sent online must be re-submitted as copies on the day of appointment, and the originals have to be brought to verify the copies. The original Passport and a copy of it must be sent as well.
Did you change your address?
You will need to apply for a new card every time when you change your personal details or residential address. To do this you have to present your existing ID card and fill the form ID 1A – Identity Registration Form, download from here.
How to renew your card?
Your ID card is valid for five years, and you must renew it at least three months before the expiry date to prevent having to send all your documents again. To renew your ID card, you need to present your old ID card and fill the form ID 1A – Identity Registration Form, download from here.
Did you lose your card or your card was stolen?
If your ID card is lost or stolen, you must file a police report and re-apply for a new card. To apply for a new card, you’ll have to pay €22 and complete form ID 10 – Application for a Maltese Identity Card, which you can download from here. If the lost or stolen identification card was an e-ID card, there is no need to fill section D in the form.
Are you interested in company formation abroad? We run a free webinar called Company Formation Abroad. Join us this Saturday at 11:00 am, wherein our expert will be informing you about the biggest advantages of establishing a company in Malta – and how to avoid common mistakes. Register today to book your place!
What is the e-ID Card in Malta?
With an e-ID card, you can access your income tax certificates, check your health record, or even apply for free transportation of your kids to public school. When applying for an ID card you will be automatically registered for an e-ID card if you include your email address.
But what is an e-ID card? An e-ID card or electronic identity is a secure identification system that allows individuals and businesses to access government services electronically. Here you can find the list with all the available services subscribedservices.gov.mt .
If you already have a Maltese ID card but didn’t register for an e-ID card you can do this by sending an email to infoeid@gov.mt or calling +356 25904300.
Conclusion
Applying for an ID card in Malta can be very time-consuming and complex for employees and self-employed persons.
At DW&P, we assist our clients in applying for an ID card: we fill out the paperwork and handle all communications with the authorities. We know from experience that applying for the ID card is a lengthy process and that documents are sometimes not filled out correctly, causing problems for entrepreneurs and employees.
Our service allows you to focus on arriving in Malta and in your business. The only thing you have to do when using our service is to smile when going to take a photo and to collect the ID card, as we are not allowed to do that.
FAQ
Where is my ID number on my Maltese ID card?
Usually, an ID card for foreigners ends with the letter A, there are two numbers on the back and people tend to confuse it, your ID number is the one on the right side ending with a letter.
How to renew an ID card?
To renew your ID card, you need to present your old ID card and fill the form ID 10 – Application for a Maltese Identity Card, which is available on the Identity Malta Agency website. You need to renew it at least three months before the expiry date to prevent having to send all your documents again.
How to change the address on the ID card?
To change your personal details, you will have to present your old ID card and fill the form ID 10 – Application for a Maltese Identity Card, which is available on the Identity Malta Agency website.
Can I get car insurance in Malta without an ID card?
No, you need to have a Maltese ID card and EU driving license.
Can someone else collect my ID card?
Only you can collect your ID card.
What do I need for the ID card?
- Passport or Eu ID card
- Confirmation of Jobsplus engagement form and contract of employment
- Lease agreement or contract of sale
- Form A – Application for Residence Documentation
- Form ID1A – Identity Registration Form
- GDPR form – General Data Protection Regulation
Disclaimer: The above-mentioned article is simply based on independent research carried out by Dr. Werner and Partner and cannot constitute any form of legal advice. If you would like to meet up with any of our representatives to seek further information, please contact us for an appointment.
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