Malta Visa Guide for Pakistanis
Schengen visa required for Pakistani passport holders.
Available Visa Types
Tourist Visa
multiple entryBusiness Visa
multiple entryVisa fees, processing times, and requirements are approximate estimates. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before applying.
About Malta
Malta is a small but historically rich island nation situated in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily and north of Libya. For Pakistani passport holders, Malta represents an intriguing destination that combines stunning ancient architecture, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant European lifestyle. As a Schengen Area member, a Maltese Schengen visa grants access to 26 European countries, making it an attractive entry point into Europe. Pakistanis visiting Malta often find it a convenient base for exploring southern Europe while enjoying a country where English is an official language, removing the usual language barrier many Pakistanis face in continental Europe.
The Pakistani community in Malta is relatively small compared to other European nations, but it has been steadily growing over the past decade. Many Pakistanis in Malta are employed in the hospitality, construction, and services sectors, drawn by Malta's booming economy and relatively accessible work permit system. The island's strategic location as a financial and iGaming hub has also attracted a number of Pakistani professionals working in tech and finance. Students from Pakistan have increasingly looked toward Malta's universities, particularly the University of Malta, which offers English-medium programs recognized internationally and by HEC Pakistan.
For Pakistani tourists, Malta offers a unique blend of history and leisure. The capital Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to some of Europe's finest Baroque architecture. The ancient walled city of Mdina, the prehistoric temples of Ggantija, and the iconic Blue Lagoon of Comino are all must-visit attractions. Pakistanis who enjoy history will find strong resonances in Malta's layered past, which includes significant Arab and Islamic heritage from the 9th to 11th centuries when Arab rulers governed the island. Arabic-influenced words still exist in the Maltese language, and there are historical sites that reflect this connection, giving Pakistani visitors a surprising sense of cultural familiarity.
The cost of living in Malta is moderate by Western European standards, though it has risen significantly in recent years due to high demand. For Pakistanis planning a visit, daily expenses including accommodation, meals, and transport are manageable when budgeted carefully. The Maltese are generally welcoming toward South Asian visitors, and the presence of a diverse expatriate community means Pakistanis rarely feel out of place. Whether you are visiting for tourism, considering higher education, or exploring job opportunities in Europe, Malta offers a compact but rewarding destination that punches well above its weight.
Key Facts about Malta
Pakistani Community in Malta
Job Market for Pakistanis
Malta's key industries hiring foreign workers include iGaming and online technology, hospitality and tourism, construction, and financial services, with English proficiency giving Pakistanis a notable advantage. Salaries for skilled workers range from approximately USD 18,000 to USD 45,000 per year depending on the sector and experience level. Work visas for non-EU nationals including Pakistanis are processed through Malta's Jobsplus agency, and employers typically sponsor the Single Permit which combines residence and work authorization.
Culture & Lifestyle
Malta has a strong Catholic cultural identity, but the island's Arab-influenced history means there is a degree of cultural familiarity for Muslim visitors. Halal food options are available in larger towns like St. Julian's, Sliema, and Valletta, with a small number of halal-certified restaurants and Middle Eastern eateries catering to the Muslim community. There is a mosque in Paola serving the Muslim community, and Islamic worship is respected on the island, making it a reasonably comfortable destination for Pakistani Muslim families.
Education in Malta
The University of Malta is the primary higher education institution and offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in English, with degrees that are generally recognized by HEC Pakistan. Tuition fees for international students typically range from USD 5,000 to USD 12,000 per year depending on the program. Scholarships such as the Malta Government Scholarship Scheme are occasionally available to students from developing countries including Pakistan, though competition is strong.
Healthcare in Malta
Malta has a public healthcare system that provides free or subsidized care to residents and EU citizens, but Pakistani visitors and non-resident workers must rely on private health insurance. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is strongly recommended for Pakistani tourists visiting Malta, as private hospital costs can be significant. Residents on work permits can access public healthcare after registering with local authorities.
Path to Citizenship in Malta
Pakistanis can apply for Maltese permanent residency after five years of legal continuous residence, with citizenship possible after further qualifying periods. Malta also offers the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) for high-net-worth individuals through a property and investment route. Pakistan does not permit dual nationality in most cases, so acquiring Maltese or EU citizenship typically requires renouncing Pakistani citizenship, which is an important consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions about Malta
Malta is considered one of the safest countries in Europe and is very suitable for Pakistani families. Crime rates are low, the population is generally friendly toward South Asian visitors, and the widespread use of English makes navigation and communication easy. The island is compact and family-friendly, with clean beaches, historical sites, and a relaxed pace of life. Pakistani families should feel comfortable traveling here, and the presence of a mosque in Paola ensures Muslim religious needs can be met.
Halal food is available in Malta, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like St. Julian's, Sliema, and Valletta. There are several halal-certified restaurants and Middle Eastern or South Asian eateries that cater to the Muslim community and tourists from Muslim-majority countries. Supermarkets in larger towns also stock some halal meat products. However, the availability is not as widespread as in larger European cities like London or Amsterdam, so Pakistani visitors may want to research specific restaurants in advance, especially if traveling to smaller towns or rural areas.
A typical 7 to 10-day trip to Malta from Pakistan would cost approximately PKR 350,000 to PKR 600,000 per person depending on your travel style. Return flights from Karachi or Lahore to Malta (usually with one or two stopovers via Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul) cost between PKR 80,000 and PKR 150,000. Budget accommodation ranges from PKR 8,000 to PKR 15,000 per night, while mid-range hotels cost PKR 20,000 to PKR 35,000 per night. Meals at local restaurants cost roughly PKR 2,500 to PKR 6,000 per person, and entry to major attractions ranges from PKR 1,500 to PKR 5,000. The Schengen visa fee is approximately EUR 80 (around PKR 24,000 to PKR 26,000 at current rates), and travel insurance is an additional requirement.
There are currently no direct flights between Pakistan and Malta. Pakistani travelers typically fly via connecting hubs such as Dubai (Emirates or flydubai), Doha (Qatar Airways), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), or Abu Dhabi (Etihad). The total travel time including a layover is generally between 9 and 14 hours depending on the connection. Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways tend to offer competitive fares and convenient schedules. It is advisable to book several weeks in advance to get the best prices, especially during summer when Malta is at peak tourist season.
The Pakistani community in Malta is relatively small, estimated at around 3,000 to 5,000 people, which is modest compared to Pakistani communities in the UK, UAE, or Germany. Most Pakistanis in Malta are working in hospitality, construction, retail, or technology sectors. The community is concentrated mainly in Birkirkara, St. Julian's, and the greater Valletta area. Despite its small size, the community is active and there are informal social networks and WhatsApp groups that help newly arrived Pakistanis settle in. The shared use of English makes integration into Maltese society relatively smoother for Pakistanis compared to non-English-speaking European countries.