International protection
refugee status, subsidiary protection · Official name: International Protection
Malta's International Protection Agency (IPA) handles asylum claims. After you say you want protection, IPA gives you an appointment to lodge the claim in person at Fafner House, Hamrun. IPA aims to decide within 6 months. Applicants may work after 9 months if still waiting. People granted protection get a 3-year IPA Protection Certificate and can then apply to Identità for a residence permit.
Life in Malta
Finance
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
69
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
15–35%
Income tax (national)
VAT 18%
Single computation: 0% to EUR 12,000, 15%, 25%, then 35% above EUR 60,000; separate married and parent computations.
Living
1
Happiness
#41 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Who it’s for
People in Malta who fear persecution or serious harm in their home country.
Eligibility
Lodge in person
- Express the wish to apply;
- IPA sets an appointment to lodge the application at Fafner House, National Road, Hamrun.
- Bring identity documents and anything that supports the claim, and arrive on time.
Forms of protection
Refugee status or subsidiary protection status.
Subsequent claims
A new claim is only admitted after a final decision or after the 15-day appeal period, and only with new elements.
- The new elements must significantly increase the chance of qualifying
Official wording
A new claim is only admitted after a final decision (or after the 15-day appeal period) and only with new elements that significantly increase the chance of qualifying.
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- 3 documents
- 1 fee
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Official sources
Other routes to Malta
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- StudyResidence permit for studies
- Work permitsSingle Permit (combined work and residence permit) – Identità Expatriates Unit
- 3 more routes with Premium
