THE SCHENGEN AGREEMENT

This agreement was first signed in 1985 between just Germany, France and the Benelux countries in the small Luxembourg border town of Schengen. Since 1999, it has been integrated into EU law and therefore applies to all EU countries (although the UK and Ireland opted to stay out).

The Schengen Agreement removes all controls on persons at internal borders between Member States and harmonises controls at the EU’s external borders.

Full membership of Malta in the EU means that visas for entry into Malta are also a valid permit for entry into the EU (normally, for up to three months). Once a person enters Malta, he or she enjoys freedom of movement within the EU countries that are part of Schengen.

Malta became a full member of the European Union on the 1st May 2004 and has opted to form part of the Schengen Area Agreement.  Malta has been part of the Schengen Area since 2007.

Malta Permanent Residence Permits