The Italy vs Malta Golden Visa programs are among the most sought-after residency-by-investment options in Europe. These programs offer individuals a chance to gain residency and enjoy the benefits of living in the EU by making a qualifying investment in either country. The Malta Golden Visa, officially known as the Malta Permanent Residence Program, is known for its real estate investment options, while Italy’s program offers a mix of business and philanthropic investments.
Though both programs provide a route to EU residency, they cater to different needs, whether you’re focused on property investment, starting a business, or supporting a charitable cause.
This article will break down the key features of the Italy vs Malta Golden Visas, comparing investment options, benefits, and processes to help you choose the right fit for your goals.
Italy vs Malta Golden Visa Key Takeaways
The Italy Golden Visa allows investors to get a residency permit via several investment routes, starting with €250,000 for an innovative startup. The permit lasts two years and is renewable, with permanent residency possible after five years and citizenship after ten.
The Malta Golden Visa also referred to as the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) provides permanent residency to non-EU nationals by either buying property worth at least €375,000 or renting a property with a minimum of €14,000 per year, plus making a government contribution and a small NGO donation.
Both Italy’s and Malta’s programs allow applicants to work, start businesses, or freelance, and both permit family inclusion.
Italy’s investment options include startups, established companies, government bonds, and public-interest donations. Malta’s route is property-based rather than business investment.
The Italy Golden Visa offers a favourable tax option for some investors with a flat tax regime on worldwide income for those who become tax residents.
The Malta Golden Visa provides immediate permanent residency with no minimum stay requirement.
Italy Golden Visa Explained
The Italy Golden Visa, also known as the Italy Investor Visa, is a residency-by-investment program designed for entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals. Investment options start at €250,000 in an innovative startup. The visa grants a two-year residency permit, renewable for three more years, with no requirement to live full-time in Italy. Permanent residency is possible after five years, and citizenship after ten. Family members, including spouses and dependent children, are included. Italy offers a €300,000 flat tax on foreign income for new residents, which makes it attractive for global investors.
Malta Golden Visa Explained
The Malta Golden Visa, officially known as the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), grants permanent residency to non-EU nationals through investment. Applicants can either rent a property for at least €14,000 per year and contribute €60,000 to the government or buy real estate worth at least €375,000 with a reduced €37,000 government contribution. Both options require a €2,000 donation to a Maltese NGO. Residency is granted immediately and allows Schengen to travel and stay indefinitely. Family members, including grandparents, can be included. Only foreign income remitted to Malta is taxed.
Find out if you qualify for the Malta Residency Programme
One of the key differentiating factors when comparing Golden Visas is the benefits investors can gain from them. These are some of the unique benefits that the Malta and Italy Golden Visas offer.
Unique Benefits of the Italy Golden Visa
Lower investment options: The starting investment is €250,000 (for startups), which is more accessible than Malta’s €375,000 property route.
Tax perks for high-net-worth individuals: Italy’s €300,000 flat tax on worldwide income is appealing for those with large global earnings.
Path to citizenship: Italy offers citizenship after 10 years, but Malta offers permanent residency with stricter laws for citizenship.
Work rights included: Investors can work, freelance, or run a business without needing an extra permit.
Take the quick test to see if you are eligibile for Italy Golden Visa now!
Permanent residency from day one: Malta grants lifetime permanent residency immediately.
Schengen freedom: While both visas offer Schengen travel, Malta’s residency card is valid for five years at a time while Italy’s must be renewed more frequently.
Favorable tax system: Malta only taxes foreign income if it’s remitted to Malta which is a major advantage for international investors managing offshore income.
English-speaking environment: Malta’s official languages are Maltese and English, which makes settling in and doing business easier for many expats.
More flexible family inclusion: Malta’s program covers spouses, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. Italy only includes spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents.
Italy vs Malta Golden Visa Requirements
This is what you need to determine eligibility for both Golden Visa programs.
Malta Golden Visa Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), applicants must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a clean criminal record and no security or reputational risks.
Have a certificate of good health.
Show a stable source of income.
Own assets worth at least €500,000 (€150,000 must be financial assets) OR €650,000 (€75,000 must be financial assets).
Not be involved in any criminal proceedings.
Italy Golden Visa Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Italy Golden Visa, applicants must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Make a qualifying investment as required by the government.
Provide a clean criminal record and a certificate of no pending charges.
Show proof of funds and complete the investment or donation within 3 months of entering Italy.
Submit a bank letter confirming compliance with FATF anti-money laundering standards.
Provide a self-declaration of investment and a board resolution accepting the investment.
If required, submit a lawyer- or accountant-certified declaration confirming the legal source of funds.
Show proof of suitable accommodation in Italy (needed when applying for a residence permit).
Pay the required application fees.
Italy and Malta Golden Visa Program Investment Options
Comparing investment options is important to find the residency by investment program that will not only give you access to European markets but also align with your investment goals.
Italy Golden Visa investment options
To qualify, applicants must choose one of the following investments:
Startup Investment: Invest €250,000 in shares of an Italian innovative startup already operating in Italy. The official list of startups is available online.
Company Investment: Invest €500,000 in an Italian company (quoted or non-quoted) that has already filed at least one balance sheet.
Government Bonds: Invest €2 million in Italian Government Bonds.
Philanthropic Donation: Donate €1 million to a public interest project in areas like culture, education, scientific research, immigration management, or heritage preservation.
Malta Golden Visa investment options
Applicants must choose one of the following real estate investment routes:
Property rental option:
Rent a property for at least €14,000 per year (for a minimum of 5 years).
Pay a €37,000 government contribution
Donate €2,000 to a Maltese NGO.
Property purchase option:
Buy a property worth at least €375,000 in Malta (must be held for 5 years).
Pay a €37,000 government contribution.
Donate €2,000 to a Maltese NGO.
Investment option
Italy
Malta
Startup Investment
€250,000 in an innovative startup
Not available
Company Investment
€500,000 in an Italian limited company (S.p.A. or S.r.l.)
Not available
Government Bonds
€2,000,000 in Italian government bonds
Not available
Donation Option
€1,000,000 philanthropic donation to public-interest projects
€2,000 NGO donation (mandatory)
Government Fees
Not required as fixed fees
€60,000 administration fee + €37,000 government contribution
Housing Requirement
Not required as part of the program
Rent €14,000/year OR buy property for €375,000
Government Fees for Italy and Malta Residency by Investment Program
Each Golden Visa program comes with additional government fees; these are the fees for the Malta and Italy Golden Visa.
Italy Golden Visa fees:
Visa fee paid at the Consulate: €116
Postal Bulletin Fee (Visa): €30.46
Postal Bulletin Fee (Residence Permit): €50.00
Revenue Stamp: €16.00
Malta Golden Visa fees:
Government Contribution: €60,000 (mandatory)
Additional Fee for Dependents: €7,500,00 per dependent (if added after approval)
Residence Card (Initial 5 Years): €137.50 per person
Residence Card (After 5 Years): €27.50 per person
Italy vs Malta Golden Visa Tax Considerations
Taxes are a major factor when choosing a “Plan B” country to live in. Here is a side by side of the two programs.
Tax Feature
Italy (Investor Visa)
Malta (MPRP)
Worldwide Income
Taxed at progressive rates (up to 43%)
Not taxed (only taxed if remitted to Malta)
Flat Tax Option
€300,000 annual lump sum (optional regime)
15% under Global Residence Programme (if applicable)
Foreign Capital Gains
Taxed (unless under flat tax regime)
0% tax
Wealth Tax
Yes (IVAFE/IVIE on foreign assets)
None
Inheritance Tax
4%–8% (above €1M for direct heirs)
None
Stay Requirement
Must be tax resident (183+ days)
No minimum stay requirement for residency status
Six Alternative EU Golden Visa Programs
Portugal Golden Visa offers residency with a minimum investment of €200,000, including options like venture capital funds or business investments. After five years, investors can apply for citizenship with no minimum stay requirement, of just an average of seven days per year.
Greece Golden Visa grants permanent residency with investments starting at €250,000 in real estate. There is no minimum stay, but occasional visits are needed. Citizenship may be possible after seven years if specific requirements are met.
Cyprus Golden Visa provides permanent residency for €300,000 in real estate. It allows free EU travel, with applications processed in three months. Citizenship is available after seven years after certain criteria is met.
Latvia’s Golden Visa offers residency through investment options like €250,000 in real estate or €50,000 in a local business. Processing takes 2-3 months, and it provides Schengen Zone access.
Hungary Golden Visa program offers a 10-year renewable permit for €250,000 in government approved real estate. Citizenship is possible after eight years, with a processing time of around eight months.
Serbia’s Residency by Investment offers a fast residency program with no minimum investment and a process time of about one month. After three years, you can apply for permanent residency, and after six years, citizenship may be possible.
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.
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What is the main difference between the Italy and Malta Golden Visa programs?
The main difference between the Italy and Malta Golden Visa programs is that Malta grants permanent residency with no obligation to live in the country, while Italy offers temporary residency that can later lead to permanent status, but it requires larger investments and you must spend more time living there if you want citizenship.
Can I apply for citizenship through either Golden Visa program?
Italy offers citizenship after 10 years of legal residency, while Malta allows citizenship after a number of years, you must establish strong ties to the country.
How long does the application process take for both programs?
The Italy Golden Visa typically takes around 2-3 months, whereas the Malta Permanent Residence Program takes 12 months for approval.
What are the investment requirements for both programs?
For the Italy Investor Visa you must invest either €250,000 in an innovative startup, €500,000 in a limited company, €1,000,000 as a philanthropic donation, or €2,000,000 in government bonds. For the Malta MPRP you must pay a €60,000 administrative fee, a €37,000 government contribution, and a €2,000 NGO donation, while also renting a property for €14,000/year or purchasing one for €375,000.
Do both Golden Visa programs allow family inclusion?
Yes, both programs allow the inclusion of spouses, children under 18 (or dependent), and dependent parents in the application.
Are there minimum stay requirements for the Golden Visa programs?
Neither Italy nor Malta requires a minimum stay for residency. However, maintaining residency may require periodic visits to the respective countries to renew the residence permits.
Can I work in both Italy and Malta with the Golden Visa?
Yes, both Italy and Malta Golden Visa holders can work, start a business, or freelance within their respective countries.
