In 2021, Malta replaced its Malta Residence and Visa Programme (MRVP) with the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP). This update introduced revised investment amounts, including higher government contributions, as well as increased property investment requirements and a mandatory charitable donation. These changes made the process clearer and more attractive for non-EU nationals obtaining a Maltese residence permit through investment.
This article will explain the changes to the Malta MRVP and how the new program, the Malta Permanent Residence, works, the eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, and more.
The Malta MRVP was replaced by the Malta Permanent Residence Program MPRP, and you can get the full Malta Residency by Investment Ultimate Guide.
Malta MRVP Program Key Takeaways
What was the Malta Residence and Visa Programme MRVP?
The Malta Residence and Visa Programme (MRVP) was a residency-by-investment scheme designed for non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals. It gave investors a pathway to permanent residency in Malta and allowed beneficiaries and their families to live, work, and settle in the country indefinitely.
However, the MRVP was replaced in March 2021 by the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP). The main goal of the program, which is to obtain a European residence permit and have indefinite legal residence in Malta, remained the same. But the investment requirements and administrative fees were updated under the new MPRP structure.
MRVP Malta vs. Malta MPRP 2026
The financial requirements under the MRVP were completely changed. The Malta Residence and Visa Programme was also split into a three-part investment, but the rules and financial requirements have been updated under the current Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP). In 2025, the MPRP introduced more changes to the government contribution structure, administrative fees, and dependent fees.
| Feature | MRVP (Legacy Program) | MPRP (Current 2026 Update) |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Fee | €30,000 | €60,000 |
| Government Contribution | N/A (Included in Admin Fee) | €37,000 (Unified rate) |
| Government Bonds/Stocks | €250,000 (Hold for 5 years) | Removed (None required) |
| NGO Donation | Voluntary | €2,000 (Mandatory) |
| Property Purchase | €270,000 (South/Gozo) / €320,000 | €375,000 (Nationwide) |
| Property Rental | €10,000 (South/Gozo) / €12,000 | €14,000 (Nationwide) |
| Spouse Fee | Included | €0 (Included in base) |
| Adult Dependent | €5,000 | €7,500 per person |
| Asset Requirement | €500,000 total or €100,000 income | €500,000 total (€150,000 must be liquid) |
MRVP Malta Previous Requirements
- You must be 18 years or older and a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
- You need to have either an annual income of at least €100,000 from outside Malta or assets worth at least €500,000.
- You should have a stable income to support yourself and your family.
- You must have health insurance covering Malta and the EU, with at least €30,000 coverage.
- You must provide a medical report confirming you are free from contagious diseases.
- You must have a clean criminal record, as shown by official certificates.
- You must be able to communicate in English or Maltese.
Eligible dependents include:
- Your spouse or long-term partner
- Children under 18
- Unmarried children aged 18–26 who depend on you
- Dependent parents and grandparents
Malta Residence and Visa Program Benefits
- No minimum stay requirement: Residents can maintain permanent residency without living in Malta year-round, which is great for investors looking for flexibility.
- Visa-free Schengen travel: Enjoy easy access to 29 Schengen countries for business or leisure without additional visas.
- Attractive investment opportunities: Invest in Malta’s growing real estate market with commitments required only for the first five years. This is also one of the best programs, ranking 2nd on the Global Residency and Citizenship by Investment Index by Global Citizen Solutions.
- Tax-friendly environment: Malta offers a tax-friendly environment through the Global Residence Programme, where foreign income is only taxed at 15% if you bring it into Malta, income kept abroad is not taxed, and foreign capital gains are not taxed at all.
- No language requirement: There is no language requirement to obtain the residence permit. Additionally, English is one of Malta’s two official languages, making it easy for international residents to adapt.
- ETIAS and EES exemption: MPRP holders are exempt from the upcoming ETIAS and EES travel requirements, ensuring smoother travel within the Schengen Zone.
- Permanent residency: Successful applicants receive a five-year residence permit, renewable indefinitely, providing long-term security and the right to live in Malta permanently.
- Family inclusion: Investors can include spouses, children, and dependent parents under one application for a unified residency solution.
- High quality of life: Experience a Mediterranean lifestyle with access to a reputable health system, education, and vibrant culture.
Costs of Malta Residence and Visa Program MRVP
- You have to meet one financial requirement by either earning at least €100,000 per year from outside Malta or owning assets worth at least €500,000, including property.
- You need to invest at least €250,000 in Malta Government bonds or approved stocks, and keep this investment for at least 5 years.
- You must pay a non-refundable government contribution of €30,000, including €5,500 at the start and €24,500 after approval.
- You must have a qualifying property in Malta by either buying a property worth at least €320,000 (
- or €270,000 in South Malta or Gozo),
- or renting a property for at least €12,000 per year (or €10,000 per year in South Malta or Gozo).
- After the first 5 years, you still need to have a home address in Malta to keep your permit, but you no longer have to meet the minimum property price rules.
How to get the Malta MRVP: Step by Step Application Process
- Step 1: Checked your eligibility: You had to confirm that you met the financial requirements, including either earning at least €100,000 per year from outside Malta or holding assets of at least €500,000. You also needed a clean criminal record and valid health insurance.
- Step 2: Worked with a licensed agent: You applied through an approved agent, such as Global Citizen Solutions, who assessed your eligibility and guided you through the process.
- Step 3: Prepared and submitted your application: You gathered all required documents, including passports, financial proof, police certificates, and medical forms. Your agent submitted your application to the Maltese authorities along with the €5,500 administrative fee.
- Step 4: Passed due diligence checks: The Maltese government conducted background checks to verify your financial standing, source of funds, and criminal record.
- Step 5: Received approval in principle: If your application was successful, you received approval and were asked to complete the remaining requirements, including paying the €24,500 balance of the government contribution.
- Step 6: Completed your investments: You then completed your chosen investment and fulfilled all financial and property requirements.
- Step 7: Received final approval and residency cards: Once all requirements were met, you and your family received your Malta residence permits, allowing you to live in Malta and travel within the Schengen Area.
MRVP Malta Taxes
As a non-domiciled resident, you are not taxed on all your worldwide income. You only pay tax on income earned in Malta and on foreign income if you bring it into Malta. Foreign capital gains are not taxed, even if you transfer the money to Malta. To be treated as a tax resident, you must spend at least 183 days a year in Malta.
The €5,000 minimum annual tax
If you live in Malta under this system, you can still need to pay a minimum tax each year.
- Who it applies to: People who earn more than €35,000 a year outside Malta.
- The rule: You must pay at least €5,000 in tax to Malta, even if you don’t bring any foreign income into the country.
- How it works: Any tax you already pay in Malta on local income or money you bring in counts toward this €5,000. If you already paid more than €5,000, you don’t pay anything extra.
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 an advisory 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.
