What's the point of residency card?

You will need the residence card to get your access to health care - as the ehic card is invalid once your a resident

You will find you will use it a lot and will get asked for the number a lot
And it will save you money when applying for services etc as they wont see you as a tourist

BrightBug wrote:

Hello! We have recently moved to Malta with our three month old from the UK and I'm wondering what is the point in the residency card? For healthcare we'd be entitled to it anyway as are EU residents? Probably it's a stupid question but am just wondering do we really need it if we plan to stay here? My husband owns his own Maltese company and as a resident it actually worse for him as he has to pay a lot more tax (and I don't work here as am stay at home mum). So wondering really if we don't have a residency card does it really make any difference?

You are not covered for healthcare just because you are an EU resident, If you are a UK national now resident in Malta then your UK health cover ceased when you became resident here (Including your EHIC). If your husband has a business here and pays the equivalent of National Insurance into the Maltese system then you are covered by Malta.
If he does not pay in to the system then you could get basic health cover through the Reciprocal Health Agreement but that is not extensive cover, otherwise you would need private health insurance.
You will find utility bills and public transport are both cheaper with an eResidence card and the ID number on that card is usually required by tax office, banks, doctors, clinics and Malta Transport for a driving licence.
I would suggest you get one! (particularly in view of the referendum on UK membership of the EU)

Ray

funny really i have only ever been asked for my res number on things like utilities....never in shops or stores....buses.....not needed a doctor yet ( touch wood) so yes seems a lot of fuss really

I you live on Gozo and you are a pensioner you show your residence card at the toll booth to get the reduced fare on the ferry.

mdillyd wrote:

funny really i have only ever been asked for my res number on things like utilities....never in shops or stores....buses.....not needed a doctor yet ( touch wood) so yes seems a lot of fuss really

If you are over 60 then the eResidence card which has your ID on the back can be used to get the reduced rate seniors Tallinja card making buses much cheaper and for Gozo senior residents the card/ID makes the ferry free for foot passengers with reduced rate for car.

As I have said elsewhere on the forum, you are obliged to register for tax purposes if you are resident here and the ID number is usually used as your tax number.
It is also used by my bank for transactions at the branch, they use it as opposed to the account number!
You will at some point have to change your driving licence to a Maltese one and your ID number is used as the driving licence number.
If you do need to visit a Polyclinic or the hospital you may well be asked for your ID and health entitlement certificate

Whilst under EU law you are entitled to freedom of movement within the community, in Malta it is a requirement that you register your intention to be resident here and this is done via the eResidence card system.

Thank you!

I'd like to pick up this topic as I'm not quite sure what to do in my situation regarding the e-residency card.

I will be working in Malta at an EFL school from July to September, so for 3 months.
After these 3 months, I'm going back to Austria.

We already have an apartment, i.e. a Maltese address and a rental agreement - we're renting the apartment until the 25th of October, as also stated in the rental agreement.

As I will be working in Malta, I would think I have to apply for residency. But when?
I will be over on two short trips in May - should I apply then? Can I apply when in fact I will only arrive for the longer stay at the end of June?

When I leave Malta again in September, do I have to inform the authorities that I am no longer a resident? (I suppose so...)

Depending on our experience this summer, we're thinking of permanently moving to Malta probably in summer 2017 or later, but for now, it's only going to be temporary.

Any advise will be much appreciated

Bernie

no you apply when you want to be a resident here ..

holidays and trips of less than 90 days are not considered to be residence

Bernie... I wouldn't stress about it too much and apply next year when you decide to move to Malta permanently.

As he is working in Malta then he cannot be classed as a tourist, can he?

Terry

tearnet wrote:

As he is working in Malta then he cannot be classed as a tourist, can he?

Terry

That was my thought, too. I do have the intention to work, albeit only for 3 months.

Bernie

I would be tempted to inform ETC of your intentions purely because you are going to be working, ( I assume on a self employed basis) and with luck they will clarify the situation.
Then, if and when you come back on a long term basis, apply for you eResidence cards !

Ray

I applied for mine over a year ago and I have the receipt. Last time I checked on it they couldn't find my file. Oh well, not my prob. My British passport has always been good enough instead when anyone asks for it.

F0xgl0ve wrote:

I would be tempted to inform ETC of your intentions purely because you are going to be working, ( I assume on a self employed basis) and with luck they will clarify the situation.


Ray

That's a good idea, actually. I think I'll do that. Thanks, Ray.

Bernie

It's the law - anyone who is staying in Malta longer than three months must apply for the e-ID.

You can apply for residence card and get the benefits of locals, however as you correctly pointed out it would create a problem with your husbands tax situation, however there are solutions, such as an offshore company as a holding company. ***