Must I present a criminal record for the Malta Working Holiday Visa?

Written by Volare | May 26, 2026

When preparing your consular file to travel to the Mediterranean, verifying an impeccable conduct is an unavoidable step. Below, we detail the requirements regarding the police record to apply for the Malta Working Holiday Visa (WHV).

Mandatory requirement by nationality

This regulation applies equally to all eligible nationalities within the bilateral agreements: Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.

Yes, it is a mandatory requirement to attach an official criminal record certificate (Police Clearance or Criminal Record) issued by your country or state of residence.

Technical specifications and document validity

On a technical level, this probationary document is required by the Identità agency to certify your civic suitability and confirm that you do not possess a criminal history that represents a risk to local security or the Schengen area. The certificate must have a strict validity, generally with an issuance date not older than 6 months prior to the date of your official application. In the case of not being originally issued in the English language, it must be presented accompanied by its respective certified translation.

Structuring your file considering this unavoidable legal management and the expiration terms of the documents is a crucial step for the Maltese authorities to validate your profile smoothly. Strictly complying with this criterion ensures that your procedure is processed successfully. Overcoming this validation stage will bring you closer to your goal of legally inserting yourself into the local labor market, enjoying the rich Mediterranean history, and exploring the outstanding academic offer of the island without any bureaucratic worry.

To ensure you have the appropriate support and the most detailed information at every step of your application, we recommend consulting the complete guide on Volare's Malta Working Holiday Visa (WHV).