In a landmark move to bolster the country’s sporting competitiveness, the Maltese government has introduced a new National Long-Stay Visa (D-Visa) for foreign athletes undergoing trials with Maltese-registered sports clubs. This targeted visa policy opens fresh doors for talented sportspersons from outside the EU to showcase their skills on Maltese soil — but only for a very limited time.
Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, Byron Camilleri, announced the rollout of this new D-Visa on July 7, 2025. The visa is exclusively available to third-country national (TCN) sportspersons who have been officially invited by Maltese sports clubs to participate in performance-based trials.
What this New Maltese Visa Offers?
So, what exactly does this new Maltese sports visa bring to the table? First and foremost, it grants a non-renewable 100-day stay—giving foreign athletes a limited but exciting window to prove their skills. The visa is strictly for trial participation, meaning the athlete can only engage in sports-related activities as defined by the inviting Maltese club. Don’t expect any side gigs or extra work—no other form of employment is allowed, nor is applying for other residence permits while in Malta under this visa.
However, if the athlete dazzles the coaches and secures a full-time offer, there’s a lifeline. The club can apply for a Single Permit to retain the athlete—but here’s the catch: the application must be submitted at least 20 days before the 100-day visa expires. Plus, it needs to be endorsed by Sports Malta or another recognized sports authority. So, while this visa doesn’t offer long-term residency on its own, it does open the door—just a crack—for those who truly impress on the field.
Eligibility Criteria
Who’s eligible to grab this unique opportunity? To start with, you must be a third-country national—that is, someone from outside the EU—officially invited for a sports trial by a Maltese-registered club. But it doesn’t stop at just getting that invite. The club needs to come prepared too. They must submit proof that they’re a legit registered organization, along with a formal invitation letter, a clear schedule and purpose for the trial, and a written declaration confirming that a successful performance could lead to a full-time sports contract.
On your end, as the athlete, you’ll need to show you’ve got your bases covered. That means having valid health insurance for the entire trial period, solid proof of financial means to support yourself while in Malta, and a firm commitment to leave the Schengen Area once your 100 days are up—unless, of course, you get that game-changing contract offer.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
This visa comes with serious obligations. If visa holders:
- Overstay beyond 100 days
- Engage in unauthorized work, or
- Fail to exit Malta or the Schengen Area on time, they may face legal sanctions including entry bans into the entire Schengen Zone.
Exit Requirement
Unless the athlete successfully transitions to a legal residence status via the Single Permit, they must exit Malta and the Schengen Area immediately upon the visa’s expiry. There will be no extensions or transfers to other visa categories from within Malta.
