Malta Tightens Residence Permit Rules for Foreign Nationals

The Notarial Council in Malta has instructed notaries to stop signing or filling out the new forms that Identità issued for foreigners applying for residence permits. The directive, issued on Wednesday, advises notaries to refrain from issuing notarised lease agreements until further notice.

Legal Certainty and Ongoing Changes

According to the Notarial Council, there must always be legal certainty in such processes, though it did not elaborate further on the reasons for the directive. This decision comes in response to Identità’s new measure that mandates third-country nationals applying for residence permits to provide a notarised lease agreement as proof of accommodation.

Previously, residence permit applicants in Malta only needed to present a lease agreement registered with the Housing Authority.

Also Read: Malta Announces New Work Permit Option for Skilled Non-EU Nationals

New Requirement to Combat Fraudulent Applications

The requirement for notarized lease agreements took effect in early September as part of Identità’s efforts to combat fraudulent documentation related to ID cards and residence permits.

Identità stated that this additional verification step, which involves notarised agreements, aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of information submitted by applicants.

Key Points:

• The requirement for notarized lease agreements aims to combat fraud in residence permit applications.
• Effective from early September, all lease agreements must be attested by a notary, lawyer, or legal procurator.
• This step is intended to enhance the verification and reliability of information provided to Identità.

Identità clarified that applicants must officially attest to any property lease agreement included in a residence permit application through a notary, lawyer, or legal procurator. They introduced this additional layer of verification to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided to the agency.

Background: Scandal Over Fake ID Cards

The new requirement comes in response to a scandal where authorities allegedly issued thousands of fake ID cards to foreigners in exchange for bribes.

The new requirement comes in response to a scandal where authorities allegedly issued thousands of fake ID cards to foreigners in exchange for bribes. A magisterial inquiry into these claims is currently underway, with several cases of suspected identity theft reported by local citizens.

What This Means for Residence Permit Applicants

Foreign nationals applying for residence permits should prepare for stricter scrutiny of their lodging documentation, as Identità continues to tighten its verification processes. Applicants should properly notarize all lease agreements to meet the new requirements.

The Notarial Council and Identità will provide further updates to clarify the evolving procedures and guide the next steps for notaries and applicants.