Inclusion, Equality and Social Welfare

Malta has established several bilateral agreements with other countries to coordinate social security systems and ensure that individuals moving between these countries can access the benefits they are entitled to. These agreements play a crucial role in providing social security coverage and avoiding double payment of contributions.

• Coordination of Social Security Systems: These agreements help individuals meet the minimum conditions required for a pension scheme in an agreement country. For example, if a Maltese person has not contributed enough to the Maltese social security system to qualify for a pension, the agreement allows periods of residence or contributions in the other country to be counted towards the Maltese scheme.

   

• Portability of Benefits: Bilateral agreements ensure that social security pensions from one country can be paid to beneficiaries residing in another country. For instance, Maltese citizens can receive their Australian, Canadian or New Zealand pensions even if they return to Malta.

   

• Avoidance of Double Contributions: These agreements regulate the payment of social security contributions to avoid double payment in signatory countries. This is particularly important for individuals who work in multiple countries during their careers.

   

• Equal Treatment: Individuals covered by these agreements are treated equally in all agreed aspects of social security, as though they were citizens of the respective countries.

Applications Under Bilateral Agreements in Malta

Malta – Australia

• Invalidity Pension

• Retirement Pension

• Widow/er's Pension

Malta – Canada

• Invalidity Pension

• Retirement Pension

• Widow/er's Pension

Malta – New Zealand

• Retirement Pension

• Widow/er's Pension

• Must be a resident or citizen of Malta or the agreement country.

• Must have contributed to the social security system of Malta or the agreement country.

• Specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on the agreement country and the type of benefit.

Documentation required

• Birth and marriage certificates, only if not registered at the Public Registry of Malta.

• If the claimant is in receipt of a Service Pension from any former employer, a document indicating the original amount (amount as on first payment) of this pension.

• Ensure you have all necessary documents, such as proof of residence, contribution records, and identification.

Click here to download the respective application and for more detailed information on the bilateral agreements and how to apply for them.