Malta is set to implement substantial increases in government fees for students originating from outside the European Union, including those from Nigeria. These changes, forming part of the nation's latest budget legislation, are scheduled to come into effect in 2027.
New Fee Structure for Non-EU Students
Bill 15, formally introduced in the Maltese parliament to legally enact the provisions of Budget 2027, outlines a series of fee increments that will directly impact third-country nationals (TCNs) seeking to pursue studies in Malta. Under the proposed revisions, the minimum total government fees payable by a non-EU student will rise sharply from approximately €200 (equivalent to about ₦340,000) to at least €1,200 (approximately ₦2,040,000).
Specific Fee Adjustments:
- Long-Stay Study Visa: Non-EU students requiring this visa will now be charged €300 (approximately ₦510,000) for a standard service, and €400 (approximately ₦680,000) for an extended service. These figures represent a significant jump from the previous rates of €100 and €150, respectively.
- Residence Permits: The cost for residence permits, which previously stood at €50 (around ₦85,000), will increase ten-fold to €500 (approximately ₦850,000). Renewals of these permits will also see an increase to €150 (about ₦255,000).
- Annual Infrastructure Contribution: A new annual fee of €400 (approximately ₦680,000) for infrastructure contribution will also be introduced.
Broader Impact on Third-Country Nationals
The new measures extend beyond students to affect other non-EU nationals. Individuals holding a valid Maltese driving licence will now incur a monthly charge of €83 (approximately ₦141,000). Furthermore, administrative fees for employers sponsoring TCNs to work in Malta will also increase by €200, bringing the total cost to €800 (approximately ₦1,360,000) per application.
Additionally, non-EU citizens will no longer be eligible for free childcare services and free bus fares, unless they have qualified for long-term resident status.
Government's Rationale: Reducing Reliance on Foreign Workers
Finance Minister Clyde Caruana explained to MaltaToday that these measures targeting third-country nationals are part of a wider governmental strategy to diminish Malta's dependence on foreign workers and address what the administration perceives as overpopulation. "Increasing the price of something — in this case, work permits — will lead to lower demand for foreign workers. I expect that, over time, there will be a change in behaviour in the way employers recruit workers from abroad," Caruana stated.
He added that employers now face a choice: either absorb the new costs on behalf of their non-EU staff or risk losing those workers to competing employers. While Minister Caruana acknowledged a general increase in Identità's fees, he did not specifically address the student fee hikes during his budget presentation. The government has positioned this comprehensive package of measures as a market signal rather than a punitive action. Nevertheless, the magnitude of some of these increases, particularly the ten-fold rise in residence permit fees for students, is anticipated to attract considerable scrutiny from international student communities and educational institutions operating within Malta.
Further Immigration Information for Malta
Legit.ng previously reported that Malta had disclosed the cost of its 10-year passport for applicants. In a related news story, Legit.ng also reported on Malta's published minimum age requirement for foreigners seeking to obtain citizenship.
Conditions for Maltese Permanent Residence in Five Years
Additionally, Legit.ng previously detailed four specific conditions that foreigners must satisfy to acquire permanent residence in Malta within a five-year period. These requirements are officially published on the Identità portal, which is the official platform responsible for handling residence and permit applications for third-country nationals residing in Malta. Applicants who successfully meet all four stipulated conditions are eligible to apply for long-term residence status, which is permanent in nature.