Malta Family or Friend Visit Visa

Who Is the Malta Family or Friend Visit Visa For?

This short-stay Schengen category is intended for Turkish citizens applying from Türkiye to visit relatives or friends living in Malta. The main purpose should be a private visit rather than employment, relocation or long-term study. Those planning an extended stay should check which national visa or residence permission fits their circumstances.

Ordinary Turkish passport holders generally need a visa. Holders of special, service or diplomatic passports may benefit from short-stay exemptions, but current passport-specific conditions should be checked before travel. The Schengen limit is a total of 90 days in any 180-day period across the entire area, including time spent on earlier trips.

Application Requirements

Malta should be your only or main destination. For an itinerary involving several Schengen countries, the principal purpose and length of stay determine the appropriate country of application. If no main destination can be identified and stays are equal, the first country of entry generally determines responsibility. An available appointment elsewhere does not justify applying to the wrong country.

Your documents should explain whom you are visiting, where you will stay, how costs will be covered and why you intend to return to Türkiye. The host’s invitation should identify your relationship, proposed dates, accommodation arrangements and any financial support. Include evidence of the host’s identity and lawful residence in Malta. Check whether the current checklist requires a specific invitation or sponsorship form.

Your passport should have been issued within the previous ten years, remain valid for at least three months after your intended Schengen departure and contain sufficient blank pages. Travel medical insurance should cover the entire stay throughout Schengen, generally with at least EUR 30,000 for emergency treatment, hospital care and repatriation for medical reasons.

Application Steps

1. Confirm your itinerary: Agree visit dates and accommodation with your host, and account for previous Schengen stays.
2. Check the current checklist: Obtain the private-visit requirements through the authorised application channel in Türkiye, including documents specific to your employment status.
3. Prepare supporting evidence: Collect the invitation, host documents, financial records and evidence of your commitments in Türkiye.
4. Complete the form and book an appointment: Check that names, dates, addresses and funding details match throughout the file.
5. Submit and follow up: Complete any required biometrics, answer additional document requests and confirm passport collection arrangements.

Documents should be recent, legible and consistent. Translation requirements and requests for originals or additional verification can vary. Non-refundable travel purchases made before a decision carry financial risk; any reservations submitted should still reflect a genuine travel plan.

Appointments and Biometrics

Applications from Türkiye are handled through Malta’s currently authorised application channel. An application centre performs administrative tasks such as receiving documents and collecting biometrics; the competent Maltese authorities decide the application. Appointment availability varies by location and season. Waiting for an appointment is separate from visa processing time.

Fingerprints and a compliant photograph are generally required. Fingerprints recorded for a Schengen application within the previous 59 months may be reused where eligible, although fresh fingerprints or personal attendance can still be requested. Children under twelve are exempt from fingerprint collection. Applications for minors may require birth records, custody documents and parental consent appropriate to their travel arrangements.

Processing Time

An admissible application is generally assessed in approximately 15 calendar days. Additional checks or document requests may extend this to approximately 45 calendar days. These are not promised completion dates. Public holidays, seasonal demand and passport return arrangements should also be considered when planning.

Applications can generally be lodged up to six months before travel and should normally be submitted at least 15 calendar days before departure. Earlier preparation is sensible where appointments are limited. Confirm current visa fees, service charges and payment arrangements before submitting; fees are generally not refunded following refusal.

Reasons an Application May Be Refused

Possible grounds include an unclear visit purpose, inconsistencies between the invitation and itinerary, insufficient financial evidence or doubts about document reliability. Weak evidence of return plans, previous overstays or inadequate insurance may also affect the assessment. An invitation alone does not establish eligibility.

If refused, review the reasons and available appeal procedures in the decision notice, including applicable deadlines. A fresh application should address the underlying issues. A visa does not automatically secure entry: border officers may request evidence of accommodation, funding, the visit purpose and onward or return travel.

Applying with Hermes Vize

Hermes Vize can assist with organising supporting documents and planning the application stages for your visit. You may request a review tailored to your circumstances. All assessment and decision-making remain with the competent Maltese authorities.