Malta Family Reunification 2026: Complete Salary Requirements Guide
Planning to bring your family to Malta? This guide explains the two main schemes for family reunification, how long you have to wait before applying, the salary you need with the latest NSO wage data, and the fast-track for KEI, SEI and Blue Card holders.
What's New — October 2026 Update
- Higher S.L. 217.06 threshold. NSO's Labour Force Survey puts the 2025 average annual basic salary at €25,730 (up from €23,596 in 2024). S.L. 217.06 defines the "average wage" as exactly this figure, so sponsoring one family member now needs €30,876 gross.
- Family Member Policy figure may rise. Identità still quotes a median of €18,940, but NSO's 2025 median annual basic salary is €22,266. If Identità adopts it, the net requirement for one family member goes from €22,728 to about €26,719.
- KEI and SEI holders can bring spouse and children immediately with an Approval in Principle and €50,000 gross (+€6,000 per extra dependant). Identità confirmed this in its September 2025 SIGMA FAQs. Since August 2025 the KEI permit needs €45,000 and the SEI permit €30,000, so many SEI holders earn too little for the family fast-track.
- Two-year rule for S.L. 217.06. Identità applies the full 2 years of lawful residence allowed by Regulation 13 before a statutory family reunification application. The Family Member Policy needs 12 months.
- New health screening forms. Since 29 June 2026 the Health Screening Unit only accepts the new family reunification forms. Submissions on old forms are not processed.
No new legal notice amending S.L. 217.06 or the Family Members Policy (v5.3, last updated April 2025) has been published as of October 2026. The calculator now includes a waiting period and salary check for Single Permit, KEI, SEI and Blue Card holders.
1. Overview
Malta offers pathways for non-EU nationals (Third Country Nationals - TCN) to bring their family members to live with them. The key requirement is demonstrating sufficient income to support your family without relying on Malta's social assistance system.
The income requirements are based on the national average/median wage, with an additional percentage for each family member you wish to sponsor.
Who Can You Sponsor?
The two schemes recognise a different scope of family members. Choose the route that matches your situation.
Under S.L. 217.06 (Family Reunification)
- • Spouse aged 21 or over (monogamous marriage only)
- • Unmarried minor children of sponsor and spouse
- • Unmarried minor children adopted under Maltese law
- • Children under sole custody of sponsor or spouse
Per S.L. 217.06 Reg. 4. Adult children and parents are not eligible under this regulation (limited exception for unaccompanied minor refugees, Reg. 24).
Under Family Member Policy (Identità)
- • Spouse aged 21 or over (monogamous marriage only)
- • Unmarried children under 18 (including adopted under Maltese law)
- • Dependent unmarried adult family members, with documented evidence of financial or physical dependency on the sponsor
This wider scope is the main practical difference from S.L. 217.06 — adult dependants (e.g. an adult child or, in exceptional cases, an elderly parent) may be considered.
Who Is This Guide For?
- • Non-EU workers in Malta (Third Country Nationals)
- • Single Permit holders with 12+ months of residence
- • KEI, SEI and EU Blue Card holders (fast-track)
- • Long-term residents
- • Sponsors with reasonable prospects of permanence
Sponsor Pre-Conditions
- • Hold a Malta residence permit valid for at least 1 year (S.L. 217.06 Reg. 3)
- • Have reasonable prospects of obtaining permanent residence
- • Under S.L. 217.06: have lived lawfully in Malta for 2 years before applying (Reg. 13; Identità SIGMA FAQ 2025/26)
- • Under Family Members Policy: wait 12 calendar months from the date your initial permit was first issued before applying
- • KEI / Specialist Employee Initiative exception: sponsors holding an approval-in-principle letter may apply earlier if their gross annual income meets the enhanced threshold — €50,000 for the sponsor + one dependent plus an additional €6,000 for each further dependent
- • Sponsors with pending refugee, temporary protection or subsidiary protection status are not eligible under S.L. 217.06
2. Two Schemes Explained
Malta has two distinct schemes for family reunification, each with different salary calculation methods:
Family Reunification (S.L. 217.6)
The primary legal framework (S.L. 217.06) implementing EU Directive 2003/86/EC on family reunification.
💰 Salary Requirement:
Average Wage (Gross) + 20% per family member
Average wage = NSO Labour Force Survey average annual gross basic salary: €25,730 (2025). Only basic salary from your main job counts — no overtime, bonuses or allowances.
⏳ 2 years lawful residence · ⏱ Decision: up to 9 months · 📋 Forms G.01 (new) / G.02 (renewal) · 💶 Fee: €50
Family Member Policy
An ex-gratia policy managed by Identità for sponsors and family members who do not (yet) qualify under S.L. 217.06 — notably dependent adult relatives who fall outside the regulation's scope.
💰 Salary Requirement:
€18,940 net + 20% of the median wage per family member
Median wage reference: €18,940 (Identità, NSO release of June 2024). NSO's newer 2025 median is €22,266 — Identità has not adopted it yet. "Net" = gross income minus income tax and social security contributions, declared with the Commissioner of Revenue.
⏱ Decision: within 60 days · 🏥 Health insurance: min €100,000 European coverage · ⏳ 12-month waiting period from initial permit (KEI/Specialist exception applies)
Important Note
The average/median wage figures are updated periodically by the National Statistics Office (NSO). Always check with Identità Malta for the latest requirements.
3. Waiting Periods: When Can You Apply?
How soon you can bring your spouse and children depends on the permit you hold and the route you use. Months count from the date your first residence permit was issued, and applications filed too early are inadmissible.
| Sponsor | Waiting period | Income test |
|---|---|---|
| Single Permit — S.L. 217.06 | 2 years | €25,730 gross + 20% per member |
| Single Permit — Family Member Policy | 12 months | €18,940 net + 20% per member |
| KEI holder (Approval in Principle) | None — apply immediately | €50,000 gross + €6,000 per extra dependant |
| SEI holder (Approval in Principle) | None if €50,000+; otherwise 12 months | €50,000 gross + €6,000 per extra dependant |
| EU Blue Card / ICT holder | None — once Approval in Principle is issued | Assessed under the Blue Card / ICT rules |
KEI / SEI fast-track: extra conditions for children
• Health insurance of at least €100,000 per dependant, covering inpatient and outpatient care in Malta and Europe for the whole permit period
• For children of compulsory school age, proof of an application to a private school in Malta
• All other Family Member Policy conditions (documents, accommodation, vetting) still apply
Blue Card and ICT family members may also work straight away. Under S.L. 217.06, family members face a labour market test for their first 12 months. Family Member Policy dependants need their own Single Permit to work.
4. Salary Requirements
Figures below use the 2025 average gross basic wage from NSO's Labour Force Survey (€25,730) for S.L. 217.06, and Identità's median wage figure of €18,940 for the Family Member Policy. The last column shows the Family Member Policy requirement if Identità adopts NSO's 2025 median (€22,266).
| Family Members | Family Reunification (Gross) | Family Member Policy (Net) | If NSO 2025 Median Adopted (Net) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 member | €30,876/year (€2,573/month) | €22,728/year (€1,894/month) | €26,719/year (€2,227/month) |
| 2 members | €36,022/year (€3,002/month) | €26,516/year (€2,210/month) | €31,172/year (€2,598/month) |
| 3 members | €41,168/year (€3,431/month) | €30,304/year (€2,525/month) | €35,626/year (€2,969/month) |
| 4 members | €46,314/year (€3,860/month) | €34,092/year (€2,841/month) | €40,079/year (€3,340/month) |
* Family Member Policy amounts are net income. As a guide, €22,728 net needs roughly €27,970 gross on married tax rates or €29,650 on single rates (2026 tax and SSC, no bonuses). For a spouse + 2 children (€30,304 net) that is about €38,220 gross (married). Verify figures with Identità before applying.
Eligible Income Sources (Family Member Policy)
Identità counts the following toward the €18,940 + 20% threshold, provided the income is declared with the Commissioner of Revenue. Income tax and social security contributions are deducted from gross income to arrive at the "net" figure used in the calculation.
- • Employment income (gross salary minus tax and SSC)
- • Social benefits — old-age pension, sickness benefit, disability benefit, family allowances
- • Property rental income
- • Unemployment benefit
- • Housing benefit
- • Regular cash transfers
Source: Identità Malta — Family Members Policy.
5. Calculation Examples
Example 1: Sponsoring Spouse Only
Family Reunification:
€25,730 + (€25,730 × 20%) = €30,876 gross/year
Family Member Policy:
€18,940 + (€18,940 × 20%) = €22,728 net/year
Example 2: Sponsoring Spouse + 2 Children
Family Reunification:
€25,730 + (€25,730 × 20% × 3) = €41,168 gross/year
Family Member Policy:
€18,940 + (€18,940 × 20% × 3) = €30,304 net/year
Example 3: SEI Holder on €38,000 with Spouse + 1 Child
KEI/SEI fast-track:
€50,000 + €6,000 = €56,000 gross/year — not met, so no immediate application.
Family Member Policy (after 12 months):
€18,940 + (€18,940 × 20% × 2) = €26,516 net/year. €38,000 gross is about €30,000 net on married rates, so this sponsor qualifies once 12 months have passed.
6. Required Documents
When applying for family reunification, you typically need:
For the Sponsor
- • Valid residence permit (min. 1 year)
- • Employment contract
- • Last 6 months of payslips or other proof of qualifying income
- • Tax returns (FS3)
- • Written application detailing the relationship and residency arrangements (Family Member Policy)
- • Proof of accommodation meeting health/safety standards
- • Sickness insurance covering all risks — minimum €100,000 European-territory cover under the Family Member Policy
For Family Members
- • Valid passport (min. 6 months validity at submission)
- • Civil status certificates proving the relationship (marriage, birth, adoption)
- • Marriage certificate (spouse must be 21+)
- • Birth certificates (for minor children)
- • Evidence of financial or physical dependency (for adult dependants under the Family Member Policy)
- • Police clearance certificates
- • Health screening approval email (new HPDP forms since 29 June 2026)
- • Photos (passport size)
Where family members must be: Under both schemes, family members generally must reside outside Malta when the application is submitted. The Director may accept in-country applications in exceptional cases (e.g. minor children born in Malta).
7. Application Process
Gather Documents
Collect all required documents and have them translated/apostilled if needed. For S.L. 217.06 use Form G.01 (new application) or G.02 (renewal).
Submit Application Online
Apply through the Expatriates Unit Portal at expatriates.identita.gov.mt. Family members must usually be outside Malta at the time of submission.
Pay Fees
Application fee: €50 for both new and renewal applications under S.L. 217.06.
Wait for Decision
S.L. 217.06: decision within 9 months of application (longer in complex cases). Family Members Policy: decision within 60 days of complete submission. Once approved, family members can apply for an entry visa.
Complete Health Screening
Every family member must pass health screening once, and only the new HPDP forms have been accepted since 29 June 2026. Adults get a form completed by a private doctor plus diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccines (rubella for women). Children from high TB-risk countries take a Mantoux test and, from age 11, a chest X-ray at the Floriana Health Screening Unit. Keep the approval email for Identità and future renewals. See our health screening guide for the full process.
8. Who Is Excluded
The Family Member Policy does not apply to the following groups, who fall under separate legal frameworks:
Outside the Policy
- • EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and their family members
- • Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection (covered by separate refugee-family rules)
- • Holders of Specific Residence Authorisation (SRA) status
- • Holders of other specific residence documents issued under Maltese law (e.g. permanent residence schemes with their own family rules)
Student Dependants: Work Exception
Family Member Policy dependants cannot normally work, but those studying at the institutions below may take up an apprenticeship, placement or internship (Cap. 576) without changing permit:
- • Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS)
- • Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)
- • University of Malta
This does not shorten the sponsor's 12-month waiting period. Always confirm details directly with Identità.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Which scheme should I apply under?
Family Reunification (S.L. 217.06) is the main legal pathway and applies if you meet all conditions in the regulations. The Family Members Policy is a non-statutory policy used by Identità for sponsors who do not (yet) meet S.L. 217.06 requirements but qualify under separate criteria. Consult Identità Malta for guidance on which route fits your situation.
Can I combine income with my spouse?
Under S.L. 217.06 the sponsor must demonstrate sufficient individual stable resources. At renewal, contributions of family members already in Malta to the household income may be taken into account (Reg. 18).
How long does the process take?
Under S.L. 217.06, the Director must decide within 9 months of submission (extendable in complex cases). Under the Family Members Policy, the standard decision time is 60 days from a complete submission.
Can my family work in Malta?
Under S.L. 217.06 (Reg. 15), family members get the same access to employment as the sponsor — but for the first 12 months after arrival, their employment is subject to a labour market assessment and an employment licence requirement. Under the Family Members Policy, residence does not automatically grant employment rights — a separate Single Permit is required.
Do I have to wait before applying?
Under S.L. 217.06 you must hold a Malta residence permit valid for at least 1 year, have reasonable prospects of permanent residence and — in Identità's practice — have lived lawfully in Malta for 2 years. Under the Family Member Policy you must wait 12 calendar months from the date your initial permit was first issued — except for Key Employee / Specialist Employee Initiative holders with an approval-in-principle letter who meet the enhanced gross-income threshold of €50,000 (sponsor + 1 dependent) plus €6,000 per additional dependent, who may apply immediately. EU Blue Card holders have no waiting period.
Can I bring my children straight away on a KEI or SEI permit?
Yes, if you hold an Approval in Principle and earn at least €50,000 gross for yourself and one dependant, plus €6,000 for each additional dependant. Each child needs €100,000 health cover, and school-age children need a private school application. On an SEI salary below the fast-track threshold (the permit itself needs only €30,000), you must wait 12 months and apply under the Family Member Policy instead.
Can I sponsor my parents or adult children?
It depends on the scheme. Under S.L. 217.06 (Reg. 4), only spouses aged 21+ in a monogamous marriage and unmarried minor children qualify — adult children and parents are not eligible (limited exception for unaccompanied minor refugees, Reg. 24). Under the Family Member Policy, Identità explicitly recognises dependent unmarried adult family members (e.g. an adult child; parents only in exceptional cases), provided you can document financial or physical dependency on the sponsor.
What income counts toward the €18,940 + 20% threshold?
Identità accepts employment income, social benefits (old-age, sickness, disability, family allowances), property rental income, unemployment and housing benefits, and regular cash transfers — provided the income is declared with the Commissioner of Revenue. The figure used is net: gross income minus income tax and social security contributions.
Why is the median wage figure dated June 2024?
Identità's Family Member Policy (v5.3, updated April 2025) still quotes the €18,940 median from an NSO release of June 2024. NSO has since published a 2025 median annual basic salary of €22,266. Identità says the figure is reviewed when a new median is published, and the 20% uplift is a share of the median, so an update raises both. For one family member the net requirement would go from €22,728 to about €26,719. Always cross-check the latest number with Identità before submitting.
Does Family Member Policy approval grant the right to work?
No. A residence permit issued under the Family Member Policy is not, by itself, a work permit — the family member must apply for a Single Permit separately if they wish to take up employment in Malta.
Calculate Your Salary Requirement
Use our Family Reunification Calculator to find the minimum salary for both schemes and check when you can apply with your Single Permit, KEI, SEI or Blue Card.
Calculate NowMalta Calculator Editorial Team
Financial Content Specialists | Malta Tax & Employment Experts
Our team specializes in Maltese tax law, social security contributions, and employment regulations. All content is reviewed against official sources from the Malta Tax and Customs Administration and the Department of Social Security.
Official Sources
- Identità Malta - Family Reunification (Forms G.01 / G.02)
- Identità Malta - Family Member Permit
- Identità Malta - Family Members Policy
- Subsidiary Legislation 217.06 - Family Reunification Regulations
- Identità - FAQs SIGMA 2025/26: Residence Permits & Family Reunification
- Identità - FAQs SIGMA 2025/26: Highly Qualified Permits (KEI, SEI, Blue Card)
- NSO Malta - Labour Market (mean and median annual basic salary)
- Health Promotion & Disease Prevention - Family Reunification Health Screening
Data verified as of 27 October 2026. Rates and thresholds are subject to change based on Malta government budget announcements.
Share this article
this process is honestly so stressful. been waiting 4 months for my wife's visa. the salary threshold information here is accurate though - make sure you meet it before applying!
hang in there! ours took 5 months but finally got approved. the waiting is the hardest part. make sure all your documents are perfect the first time to avoid delays
Thank you for such a detailed guide! My husband works in Malta and we're applying for family reunification. The document checklist at the end saved us a lot of time and confusion 💕
Good guide but I want to add - make sure your accommodation meets the requirements too. Identity Malta checks that your apartment/house is adequate for the number of family members.
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