Residence permit delay — Expatriates Unit · Malta

Direct answer

Yes. Immigration authorities have legal decision deadlines (typically 3–6 months, sometimes longer for specific permits). After the deadline you can send a formal notice of default and, in many countries, claim a penalty or go to court to force a decision. Write to Expatriates Unit / Aġenzija għaċ-Ċittadinanza (Identità) (2590 4800) with the file number and the date of application, ask for the reason and the expected date; if there is no answer, Uffiċċju tal-Ombudsman (2248 3200) takes complaints about administrative delay; Aġenzija għal Għajnuna Legali (2567 4200) files the court action, free below an income threshold. Meanwhile, ask for the certificate that proves your application is pending — it keeps you lawful.

Call firstExpatriates Unit / Aġenzija għaċ-Ċittadinanza (Identità)

Report toUffiċċju tal-Ombudsman

If that failsAġenzija għal Għajnuna Legali

🗣️ What to say

"Application [file number] for [permit] submitted on [date]. The legal deadline of [months] expired on [date]. I give you formal notice to decide within [14 days / the legal period]. Please confirm my lawful stay meanwhile and issue a certificate of pending application."

🪜 Step by step

Know the deadlineIt is in the law for each permit type; Aġenzija għal Għajnuna Legali or a migrant-support organisation tells you the exact one.
Certificate of pending applicationAsk for it in writing — it lets you stay, and often work, while you wait.
Notice of defaultAfter the deadline: a formal letter with the file number. Registered mail or the online portal.
Complain: Uffiċċju tal-OmbudsmanOmbudsmen handle systemic delays and can push a file.
Court: Aġenzija għal Għajnuna LegaliAn action to compel a decision is usually fast and often ends with the permit being issued before the hearing.

📇 All contacts

Expatriates Unit / Aġenzija għaċ-Ċittadinanza (Identità)Residence permits and citizenshipApplication, renewal, refusal📞 2590 4800 🔗 identita.gov.mt

Uffiċċju tal-OmbudsmanComplaints about public administration, freeWhen the authority does not answer or acts unfairly📞 2248 3200 🔗 www.ombudsman.org.mt

Aġenzija għal Għajnuna LegaliFree lawyer below the income thresholdWhen you cannot afford a lawyer📞 2567 4200 🔗 legalaidmalta.gov.mt

Tribunal ta' Reviżjoni AmministrattivaAppeals against administrative decisionsWithin 30 days of the decision🔗 justice.gov.mt

❓ Frequently asked

Can I travel while it is pending?

Risky. Leaving may count as withdrawal in some countries, and re-entry needs a visa or a return document. Ask Expatriates Unit / Aġenzija għaċ-Ċittadinanza (Identità) in writing before booking.

Can I work while waiting?

Depends on the permit type and the country; a renewal usually keeps the existing right, a first application often does not. The certificate states it.

They asked for documents I already sent

Send them again with a covering note listing the dates you sent them before. It is faster than arguing and it documents the delay.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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“residence permit delay Malta”
“immigration decision deadline”
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