Question 1

What is the minimum salary for family reunification in Malta?

Accepted Answer

Under S.L. 217.06 (Family Reunification) you need the NSO average gross wage (€24,976 in 2025) plus 20% for each family member sponsored. Under the Family Member Policy you need €18,940 net (Identità reference, June 2024) plus 20% of the median wage for each family member. Net here means gross income minus income tax and social security contributions.

Question 2

What is the difference between Family Reunification (S.L. 217.06) and the Family Member Policy?

Accepted Answer

S.L. 217.06 is the statutory pathway implementing EU Directive 2003/86/EC and only covers your spouse (21+) and unmarried minor children. The Family Member Policy is an ex-gratia route managed by Identità that additionally covers dependent unmarried adult relatives (e.g. an elderly parent) where dependency is documented. The income basis also differs — gross average wage versus net median wage.

Question 3

How much salary do I need to sponsor 2 family members in Malta?

Accepted Answer

Under S.L. 217.06 you need approximately €34,966 gross/year (€2,914/month). Under the Family Member Policy you need approximately €26,516 net/year (€2,210/month).

Question 4

Who can I sponsor for family reunification in Malta?

Accepted Answer

Under S.L. 217.06 (Reg. 4) only your spouse (21+, monogamous marriage) and unmarried minor children — adult children and parents are not eligible. Under the Family Member Policy, Identità additionally recognises dependent unmarried adult family members where you can document financial or physical dependency.

Question 5

What is the KEI threshold for sponsoring family members in Malta?

Accepted Answer

Key Employee Initiative and Specialist Employee Initiative holders with an approval-in-principle letter may apply under the Family Member Policy without serving the 12-month sponsor tenure if their gross annual income meets the enhanced threshold: €50,000 for the sponsor plus one dependent, and €6,000 for each additional dependent.

Question 6

What income counts toward the Family Member Policy threshold?

Accepted Answer

Identità accepts employment income, social benefits (old-age pension, 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.

Question 7

Does a Family Member Policy permit grant the right to work in Malta?

Accepted Answer

No. A Family Member Policy residence permit does not by itself confer employment rights — the family member must apply separately for a Single Permit if they wish to work in Malta.

Question 8

Who is excluded from the Family Member Policy?

Accepted Answer

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, holders of Specific Residence Authorisation (SRA) status, and holders of certain other residence documents issued under Maltese law fall outside the Family Member Policy and are covered by separate legal frameworks.

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Malta Family Reunification Guide 2026