Patricia Casaburi
A Malta Golden Visa lawyer is a legal expert who helps people apply for Malta’s permanent residency by investment program. They know the rules of immigration law and offer legal assistance to ensure your application is done correctly. A lawyer can guide you through choosing the right investment to preparing documents and meeting Malta’s strict background checks.
The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), also called the Malta Golden Visa, allows non-EU citizens to gain permanent residency by making a three-part investment, including buying or renting a home, contributing to the government, and donating to a charity. The program comes with the benefit of traveling in the Schengen Area, which allows applicants to include family members, such as their spouse, children, parents, and grandparents.
This guide will explain how a Malta immigration lawyer can assist you throughout your residency application. It will break down the step-by-step process of making a real estate investment under the program and the role of a lawyer at each step.
Here is what to expect:
- What is the Residency Malta Agency?
- Eight Ways a Malta Golden Visa Lawyer Can Help You
- Malta Permanent Residency by Investment Overview
- Malta Step by Step Real Estate Investment Process
- What is an AIP (Acquisition of Immovable Property) Permit?
- Role of a Malta Golden Visa Lawyer During the Application Process
What is the Residency Malta Agency?
The Residency Malta Agency is a government organization in Malta that manages official residency programs for foreign nationals. Its main job is to oversee and run programs that allow non-EU citizens to live in Malta legally and long-term, especially through investment or other special residency options.
Here is an overview of the duties of the Residency Malta Agency
- Managing residency programs: Oversees programs like the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), which offers residency to those who invest in Malta through property and government contributions.
- Processing applications: Reviews applications, checks documents, and ensures applicants meet all legal and financial requirements.
- Conducting background checks: Malta applies a strict four-step due diligence process to ensure applicants are trustworthy. This incorporates identity verification, checks with international databases, background reports from third-party specialists, and final government approval to confirm a clean criminal record and financial stability.
- Providing information and support: It also gives guidance to applicants, agents, and the public, helping them understand the process and keep up with the latest rules.
Eight Ways a Malta Golden Visa Lawyer Can Help You
1. Eligibility assessment
A Malta Golden Visa lawyer first evaluates your eligibility for the MPRP by reviewing your financial background, personal situation, and criminal record to ensure you meet the legal and regulatory requirements set by the Residency Malta Agency.
2. Investment guidance
They advise you on meeting the program’s investment criteria, such as whether to rent or purchase qualifying property in Malta. The lawyer helps you understand the legal implications of each option and ensures your investment aligns with the rules of the MPRP.
3. Document preparation and review
The lawyer assists in gathering and verifying all required documents, including proof of financial resources, identification documents, and health insurance. They also make sure all documents are correctly translated, notarized, and apostilled if necessary to prevent delays in the application process.
4. Application submission
Once everything is in place, the lawyer submits your application to the Residency Malta Agency on your behalf. They make sure your file is complete and accurate, and handle all correspondence with the agency throughout the process.
5. Support with due diligence checks
Malta enforces a strict four-tier due diligence process. Your lawyer guides you through each step, which includes an initial background screening, financial source of funds verification, global risk and intelligence checks, and a final government review. Their role is to make sure you are well-prepared for each stage and to respond to any queries from authorities.
6. Real estate and legal compliance
If you choose to purchase or rent property, the lawyer helps you select a qualifying unit and reviews contracts to guarantee they comply with MPRP regulations. They coordinate with agents, notaries, and public registries to protect your legal interests during the transaction.
7. Tax and residency advice
A good Malta Golden Visa lawyer will also provide basic guidance on taxes in Malta to help you understand how to maintain residency status without triggering tax residency unless desired. They can recommend local tax advisors if detailed planning is required.
8. Follow-up and long-term support
After your application is approved, the lawyer oversees the issuance of your residence certificate and ID cards. They also assist with renewals, adding dependents, or addressing changes in circumstances. Their support ensures you remain compliant with the program’s rules over time.
Malta Permanent Residency by Investment Overview
The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) allows people to get permanent residency in Malta by making a three-part investment. These include buying or renting a property, contributing to the government, and donating to a local charity. Once approved, you can live in Malta full time or keep your residency without needing to stay a minimum number of days each year.
This residency also covers up to four generations of your family, including your spouse, children, parents, and grandparents, as long as they depend on you financially.
Investment options include:
Full Contribution Option (Renting a Property): Applicants must rent a property for at least five years, with a minimum annual rent of €14,000 in Malta. They must also make a government contribution of €60,000 and donate €2,000 to a registered Maltese NGO.
Reduced Contribution Option (Buying a Property): Applicants can choose to buy a property worth at least €375,000 in Malta, which must be held for at least five years. This option requires a lower government contribution of €30,000 and the same €2,000 donation to a Maltese NGO.
The purchased property must not be rented out or sub-leased during the five-year holding period.
To learn more about the Malta Permanent Residency by Investment Program
Malta Step by Step Real Estate Investment Process
Here is the step-by-step real estate purchase process and how a Malta Golden Visa lawyer supports you through each step of the buying process:
Step | Action | What Happens | Role of Lawyer |
1 | Choose a Property | Buyer and seller agree on the price and terms. | Reviews property options to ensure they meet MPRP rules and checks for any legal concerns. |
2 | Sign Promise of Sale (PoS) | A formal agreement is signed. It’s valid for at least 3 months (4–6 months for MPRP or citizenship buyers). For off-plan homes, it lasts until the estimated delivery date. | Drafts or reviews the PoS contract and confirms all terms are in your favor and legally sound. |
3 | Pay Deposit | The buyer pays 10% of the purchase price, held by a notary. If the buyer backs out without a legal reason, they lose the deposit. | Ensures safe handling of funds and advises you of your rights and obligations. |
4 | Property Checks by Notary | The notary checks the property’s legal status and applies for an AIP permit if needed. | Works with the notary to confirm title, checks zoning and planning issues, and helps apply for the AIP permit if required. |
5 | Get AIP Permit & Prepare Final Contract | If required, the AIP permit is issued and the notary prepares the Final Deed of Sale. | Verifies AIP compliance and reviews the final contract to avoid hidden risks. |
6 | Make Final Payment & Sign Final Deed | The buyer pays the rest of the price, plus stamp duty and legal fees. The Final Deed is signed and published. | Assists with final payment coordination, ensures costs are accurate, and confirms correct deed execution. |
7 | Take Ownership | The buyer officially takes possession of the property. | Ensures title registration is completed and you receive full legal ownership. |
Property purchase costs in Malta
These are the expected upfront costs when buying property.
Expense | What It Covers | Estimated Amount |
Stamp Duty | 5% total: 1% paid when signing the Promise of Sale, 4% paid on the Final Deed | 5% of the property value |
Notary Fee | Legal checks, contracts, and registering the property | 1%–3% of the property price (plus 18% VAT) |
Search & Registration Fees | Cost for legal searches and registering the property | Around €600 |
AIP Permit Fee | If you need an Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit | €233 (only if required) |
Agency Fees | Paid to the real estate agent | Paid by the seller (not the buyer) |
All the above costs are paid by the buyer, except agency fees, which are covered by the seller. There’s no VAT on the property purchase itself.
Ongoing costs after purchase
Expense | What You Should Know |
Property Tax | There is no yearly property tax in Malta |
Ground Rent | Applies only if the property is leasehold. In many cases, it can be redeemed to make the property freehold |
What is an AIP ( Acquisition of Immovable Property ) Permit?
The AIP (Acquisition of Immovable Property) Permit is an official authorization required for non EU nationals and some EU nationals to buy property in Malta. It ensures that foreign buyers follow local rules when purchasing real estate outside of specially designated zones. The permit is needed unless the property is in a Special Designated Area (SDA), which allows easier access for international buyers. The AIP permit usually takes around three months to be issued.
Restrictions: Properties bought with an AIP permit cannot be rented out and must be used as the buyer’s residence. In Special Designated Areas, buyers may purchase multiple properties and are allowed to rent them out without needing an AIP permit.
Role of a Malta Golden Visa Lawyer During the Application Process
The Malta Permanent Residency by Investment program has a strict application process, and a Malta immigration lawyer can make it easy every step of the way, here is how:
Step | Action | What Happens | Role of Lawyer |
1 | Prepare Documents for Residency Application | You gather necessary documents like proof of income, property details, and health insurance. | The lawyer ensures all documents are complete and meet the legal requirements for the Malta Golden Visa program. |
2 | Review Eligibility for the Program | The lawyer helps determine if you meet the requirements for the Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP). | They assess your eligibility based on criteria like investment options, residency status, and family members applying with you. |
3 | Submit the Residency Application | Once all documents are prepared, you submit the application to the Malta Residency Agency. | The lawyer handles the submission to ensure everything is in order and complies with immigration laws. |
4 | Due Diligence and Background Check | The Malta Residency Agency conducts a background check to ensure your eligibility. | The lawyer assists with the due diligence process, helping you prepare and respond to any additional requests from the authorities. |
5 | Approval or Rejection of Application | The Malta Residency Agency reviews your application and either approves or rejects it. | If approved, the lawyer helps review the approval documents and ensures all legal steps are clear for you. If rejected, they advise on steps to take for re-application or appeal. |
6 | Sign the Residency Agreement | Once approved, the applicant signs an agreement with the Malta government to confirm their residency status. | The lawyer reviews the residency agreement to ensure all terms are fair and legally sound before you sign it. |
7 | Complete the Final Investment | The investor completes the real estate investment or other required contributions. | The lawyer oversees the investment process, ensuring everything is legally compliant and aligned with MPRP guidelines. |
8 | Issue of Residency Certificate | Once the final steps are completed, the applicant receives their residency certificate. | The lawyer confirms that the residency certificate is issued correctly and advises on maintaining compliance with residency requirements. |
As part of our commitment to providing transparent and reliable services, we are proud to be a licensed agent in Malta, holding the official license number AKM-AGEN. This certification demonstrates our dedication to the highest standards in the investment migration industry and further enhances our ability to offer expert guidance and support to our clients.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions about a Malta Golden Visa Lawyer
What does a Malta Golden Visa lawyer do?
A Malta Golden Visa lawyer helps with every part of the application process. They give legal advice, check your documents, guide your investment choices, and make sure you meet all government rules.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for the Malta Golden Visa?
While not required by law, having a lawyer is strongly recommended. Malta has strict rules and a 4-step due diligence check, so a lawyer helps avoid delays or mistakes.
Can a lawyer help with real estate for the visa?
Yes. A lawyer can review property contracts, explain ownership rules, and make sure your property meets the program’s requirements for either rental or purchase.
How much does a Malta Golden Visa lawyer cost?
Fees vary depending on the lawyer and the services provided. Many charge a flat rate or a percentage of the investment. It’s best to ask for a clear quote before starting.
Can a lawyer help my family members apply, too?
Yes. A Golden Visa lawyer helps include eligible family members like your spouse, children, parents, and grandparents in the same application process.
Is the lawyer responsible for submitting my application?
The lawyer can prepare and submit your application through an approved licensed agent. They ensure everything is correct and submitted on time.
