Identity Malta has launched a gradual roll-out of a new residence permit for third-country nationals. Aside from cosmetic changes, the new permit will contain a number of embedded security features, increasing protection against forgery.
The cardholder’s personal information will be laser-engraved on a polycarbonate substrate card, making the cards difficult to reproduce or tamper with.
Identity Malta’s CEO, Anton Sevasta, announced that the residence permit in the new card format will be issued on new applications and renewals. Existing permits will remain valid until the expiration date indicated on the card.
All EU member states are required to comply with the new card format by July 2020.
The new card format will also be issued to U.K. beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement, including those who will be residing in Malta after the transition period.
Identity Malta will eventually issue a new residence document to EU nationals, as outlined in recently adopted EU legislation.