Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the I Belong Programme?
The I Belong Programme is designed to prepare Third-Country Nationals and other eligible persons not of Maltese nationality for informed, responsible and meaningful long-term participation in Malta. The programme provides learners with foundational knowledge of Malta’s social, cultural, historical, economic, democratic, legal and civic environment, while strengthening their practical ability to navigate everyday life, access services, understand rights and responsibilities, and participate respectfully within Maltese society.
The programme is also a requirement to apply for Long-Term Residency applications.
2) Who can apply for the I Belong Cultural Orientation Course?
Applicants must be 18 years or older and must have:
- a valid Residence Permit, Asylum Seeker Document or CIO Document issued by the Maltese authorities; AND
- an I Belong Stage 1 Cultural Orientation certificate; OR
- a New Course on Maltese Language and Culture certificate.
Additional information may be requested during the processing of an application, where necessary.
3) How can I obtain the New Course on Maltese Language and Culture certificate?
Enrol in and complete the course through one of the institutions on the Jobsplus list of delivering institutions. You must also sit the centralised examination administered by the Department of Examinations.
Examination registration is available through Identità’s Integration Course Portal. Applicants without an eID may call 2590 4300 during office hours or email [email protected] for assistance.
Further information about the assessment and sample examination papers is available on the My Exams website.
4) Which I Belong courses are currently available?
As from 15 June 2026, the I Belong Programme focuses only on the I Belong Cultural Orientation Course (Stage 2).
5) Can new applications still be submitted for Stage 1 Cultural Orientation?
No. Stage 1 Cultural Orientation has been discontinued.
Prospective participants may instead enrol in the New Course on Maltese Language and Culture developed under the Malta Labour Migration Policy framework.
6) Are the I Belong language courses still available?
No, Individuals may apply for language courses directly through the Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Employability or other licensed educational institutions. A list of accredited institutions can be found on MFHEA’s database here.
7) How can I check the status of my application?
You can check your personalised profile on the Integration Services Platform for updates about your application.
Further communication will also be sent using the email address provided in your application.
8) What is the Integration Services Platform?
The Integration Services Platform is the online system used to manage I Belong applications and participant information.
Through your personalised profile, you can view information such as:
- your application progress;
- course allocation, where applicable; and
- Course Selection
9) What should I do if I cannot access my profile?
If you have difficulty logging in or accessing your personalised profile on the Integration Services Platform, contact [email protected].
Please briefly describe the problem and include your application reference number, if available.
10) What are the Integration requirements for Long-Term Residency applications?
For information on the integration requirements for Long-Term Residence, please refer to Identità’s Frequently Asked Questions.
