The Maltese government has made a big change to make the country more competitive in sports: they have created a new National Long-Stay Visa (D-Visa) for foreign athletes who are trying out for Maltese sports teams. This targeted visa strategy gives talented athletes from outside the EU a new chance to show off their skills in Malta, but only for a short time.
Byron Camilleri, Minister for Home Affairs, Security, and Employment, said that this new D-Visa would start to be used on July 7, 2025. Third-country national (TCN) athletes who have been officially asked by Maltese sports clubs to take part in performance-based trials are the only ones who can get the visa.
What this New Maltese Visa Offers?
So, what does this brand-new Maltese sports visa add to the table? First and foremost, it allows foreign players to stay for 100 days, which can’t be extended. This gives them a short but exciting chance to show off their skills. The visa is only for trial participation, which means the athlete can only do sports-related activities that the Maltese club asking them says are okay. You won’t be able to get any side jobs or extra work while you’re in Malta with this visa. You also can’t apply for any other types of stay permits.
There is a way out, though, if the athlete impresses the coaches and gets a full-time job. To keep the athlete, the club can apply for a Single Permit, but they have to do so at least 20 days before the athlete’s 100-day visa runs out. It also needs to be approved by Sports Malta or another well-known sports organization. This visa doesn’t give you long-term stay by itself, but it does give people who really shine in the field a small chance.
Eligibility Criteria:
Who can take advantage of this one-of-a-kind chance? To begin, you must be a citizen of a third country (one that is not in the EU) and have been publicly invited by a Maltese-registered club to take part in a sports trial. But getting that call isn’t the end of it. The club also needs to be ready. They need to show proof that they are a real organization that is registered, as well as an official invitation letter, a clear schedule and reason for the trial, and a written statement saying that a good performance could lead to a full-time sports contract.
As a player, you’ll need to show that you’ve thought of everything. That means you need to have valid health insurance for the whole trial time, solid proof that you can pay for your own expenses while in Malta, and a firm promise to leave the Schengen Area when your 100 days are up—unless you get that amazing job offer.
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Benefits of Malta 100-Day National Sports Visa:
- Short-Term Training Access: This lets players train, play, or try out for Maltese sports clubs for up to 100 days.
- Fast Visa Processing: The application process for fast visas has been streamlined to make it easier for sports pros and teams.
- Global Opportunities: Allows athletes from other countries to show off their skills in European events.
- Way to Long-Term Contracts: Passing trials can lead to long-term living permits or professional sports contracts.
- Networking with Top Clubs: This feature lets players get in touch with professional sports groups and Malta’s growing sports community.
- World-Class Sports Facilities: All over Malta, you can use modern gyms, training centers, and stadiums for sports.
- Cultural and Lifestyle Experience: Enjoy the Mediterranean way of life in Malta while building your job as an international athlete.
- Government-Backed Initiative: This project is officially backed by the Maltese government to encourage the growth of sports and the sharing of talented individuals between countries.
- Open to People of All Nationalities: Athletes, teachers, and support staff from all over the world are welcome.
- Gateway to European Exposure: This is a place where athletes can start their search for professional possibilities in European sports.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
With this visa, you have to do a lot of things. If people with visas:
- Overstay for more than 100 days
- If they do illegal work or don’t leave Malta or the Schengen Area on time, they could be punished by the law, which could include being banned from entering the whole Schengen Area.
Exit Requirement:
If the athlete doesn’t successfully change their status to permanent residence through the Single Permit, they have to leave Malta and the Schengen Area as soon as their visa runs out. From within Malta, there will be no extensions or changes to other types of visas.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Malta 100-Day National Sports Visa?
The Malta National Sports Visa is a special 100-day visa program that was made so that foreign athletes can train, participate, or try out for sports clubs and organizations in Malta.
Who is eligible to apply for the Sports Visa?
Professional and semi-professional athletes, coaches, and sports staff invited by a registered Maltese sports group to train or try out can get this visa.
Can I extend the 100-day sports visa?
Extensions may be possible in certain situations, like for official sports events or longer trials, but they need to be cleared by Malta’s Identity Malta Agency before the visa runs out.
