Located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is characterized by its beguiling blend of cultures, quiet villages, outdoor activities, and mesmerizing beaches tucked between secret coves. Some say the sun never stops shining in Malta, which is understandable given that the island gets about 3,000 hours of sunshine yearly.

In recent years, Malta has attracted the likes of families, investors, and business-oriented individuals looking to enhance their quality of life and safeguard their freedoms. Thanks to the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), third-country nationals (non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss) can obtain Malta residency by investment. Successful investors acquire a Malta residence permit, enabling them and their families to settle in Malta and permanently live on the Mediterranean island.

In this guide to residency in Malta, you’ll learn more about:

  • What the Malta residency by investment program is
  • Key program benefits
  • How to get Maltese residency
  • Step-by-step process to a successful application
  • Timeline to acquiring Maltese residency
  • Document requirements
  • Program costs breakdown
  • And so much more!

Malta residency program highlights

  • Successful applicants who meet the due diligence and investment requirements obtain the right to settle, stay, and gain permanent residence in Malta.
  • Visa-free travel access across the Schengen Area (90 out of 180 days on a rolling basis for countries in the Schengen Area)
  • Up to four generations can be included in a single application
  • Property investment options from €300,000 if buying a property or €10,000 if renting
  • Access to Malta’s thriving real estate market
  • Access to healthcare and education opportunities
  • Must only hold onto the investment for five years

What is the Malta Residency by Investment Program?

The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) is a residency by investment program that enables successful applicants to obtain a Certificate of Maltese Residence, entitling them to reside in Malta with their family members indefinitely.

A third country national (non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss national) can apply for residency in Malta, provided they meet specific investment requirements of MPRP and have a clean criminal record. For example, applicants must meet several criteria, including a lease agreement, property in Malta investment, and government contributions.

The processing time varies, but typically it takes between four to six months to be concluded. This includes time for background checks, review of supporting documentation, and verification of personal details and all legal requirements. Under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, applicants must maintain their investment for at least five years.

Applicants of residency-investment scheme in Malta

This investment route for residency is ideal for individuals with enough capital assets to enhance their mobility and quality of life.

It requires a significant investment in property in Malta, with a minimum amount specified in the program guidelines. This could be purchasing or leasing property in Malta, making a contribution to the national development and social fund, and other government contributions.

To qualify for the Malta residency by investment program, applicants must maintain a lease agreement for at least five years. This requirement ensures a long-term commitment to residing in Malta and contributes to the stability of the investment. Additionally, applicants must hold a valid insurance policy and fulfill the lease agreement terms.

Applicants must be in good health and are required to submit medical reports. They must also have a comprehensive insurance policy covering them in Malta and other EU countries.

Applicants should also know that the Malta Permanent Residence Programme requires a commitment to the country’s social improvement, with investments contributing to the local economy and community. It’s crucial to provide accurate and complete personal details and avoid false information in the application.

An insurance policy is vital for covering any health-related issues during the applicant’s stay in Malta. It is a mandatory requirement for residency applications.

While there is no strict language requirement, basic proficiency and understanding of the local language can benefit integration into the community.

Persons that can be included

The program allows families to include younger children and older dependents who meet the financial dependency criteria.

Hence, children over 18 years old and parents or grandparents can be included in the Malta residence by investment program. The main applicant must prove their financial dependency and additional requirements.

Applicants for Malta residency may be eligible for special tax concessions, depending on their investment and the program they apply under. It’s advisable to consult a legal advisor for detailed information on potential tax consequences.

Malta residency also permits travel within the Schengen Zone, offering extensive travel freedom. This is a significant benefit for residents who wish to explore other EU countries.

Getting second citizenship through Malta’s investment route

Second citizenship can be obtained through Malta’s investment programs, subject to meeting all the requirements, including due diligence fees and a commitment to national development.

Obtaining Malta dual citizenship offers benefits such as the ability to get a Maltese passport, travel within the Schengen Zone, access to a growing economy, and the privilege to reside indefinitely in an EU country.

The Community Malta Agency plays a crucial role in administering residency programs. They oversee applications to ensure compliance with new regulations, helping them obtain Maltese citizenship.

Malta residency

Why Consider Maltese Residency?

Maltese residency provides many benefits to expats and retirees, from attractive scenery to a high quality of life. The small but vibrant nation has become an investment hub, leading in innovation, cryptocurrency, and tech start-ups.

The Malta Permanent Residence Program allows qualifying individuals to tap into this market of opportunities, enabling them to acquire a European residence permit.

For more information on the benefits of what it’s like to live there, check out our Living in Malta Guide for Expats.

Malta Residency by Investment Benefits

Malta boasts an excellent reputation for its splendid climate, welcoming population, low crime rates, and fantastic quality of life. These are just some of the qualities that make Malta a great location to acquire an alternative residence or own a second home.

Maltese residents enjoy the following benefits:

Excellent air and sea connections with the rest of Europe, Africa, and Asia

Excellent air and sea connections with the rest of Europe, Africa, and Asia

English-speaking country with a reputable network of international schools and universities

English-speaking country with a reputable network of international schools and universities

High-performing economy

High-performing economy

Rich culture and history

Rich culture and history

Quality healthcare

Quality healthcare

Values of personal freedom and sustainable development are highly regarded in society

Values of personal freedom and sustainable development are highly regarded in society

Dynamic real estate market with opportunities to capitalize on investment

Dynamic real estate market with opportunities to capitalize on investment

Visa-free access to the Schengen Area (90 out of 180 days on a rolling basis)

Visa-free access to the Schengen Area (90 out of 180 days on a rolling basis)

Family benefits of Malta residency by investment

One of the key reasons the MPRP program is so appealing is that the applicant can include their family members in a single application (for an extra fee which we cover in our costs section below). 

The following dependents can be included in the residency by investment application:

  • Spouse of the main applicant in a monogamous marriage or in another relationship having the same or a similar status to marriage, including a civil union, domestic partnership or common law marriage,
  • Children under 18 (includes adopted children)
  • Children over 18 who are entirely or largely dependent on the main applicant or spouse who is not married
  • Children over 18 who are considered a person with a disability 
  • A parent or grandparent of the main applicant or spouse and who is entirely or largely dependent on the main applicant or spouse

Malta has a very good healthcare system, and Maltese universities are well-developed and highly rated, providing your dependents with good services.

Malta Residency by Investment Requirements

Investment Requirements

To apply for the program and obtain a Malta permanent resident card, the individual can choose between two options for real estate investment: Investors can choose between buying real estate or leasing a property with a rental agreement. Let’s take a look at each investment requirement in more detail.

1. Applicants must make a qualifying real estate investment and can choose between:

Option A: Renting a property with a minimum annual rent of €10,000 in Gozo or in the south of Malta. 

Or

Option B: Purchasing a property that’s at least valued at €300,000 in the South of Malta/Gozo or €350,000 in the rest of Malta

Requirement: The title of the real estate purchase or lease must be held for at least five years and cannot be rented out or sublet during this time.

2. Applicants must make a non-refundable contribution of:

€28,000 if purchasing a property

Or

€58,000 if leasing or renting a property

Requirement: An extra contribution of €7,500 is required for each additional adult dependent.

3. Applicants must donate €2,000 to a local registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare or artistic non-governmental organization or society registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organizations, or as otherwise approved by the Agency.

Total investment costs

Property rental option: €120,000 over five years (€110,000 if investing in South Malta/Gozo)

Property purchase option: €380,000 (€330,000 if investing in South Malta/Gozo)

Important notice: The proof of your respective investment and contributions must be submitted within eight months of your pre-approval letter.

There is also a non-refundable administrative fee to be paid to the government upon submission of the application. Non-refundable administration fee of €40,000, €10,000 of which need to be paid within one month from the submission of the application, with the remaining €30,000 payable 2 months from the issuance of the Letter of Approval in Principle.

Required Documents

Below, we’ll cover the general documentation you’ll need in support of your residency application. Note that this is not an exhaustive list and that for the full documentation requirements, you can access our document checklist here: The MPRP – Documents List.

A final thing to flag here is that the Maltese government can change the documentation requirements at any point and have full discretion to do so.

Supporting documents:

  • Valid passport for all applicants and birth certificates (when applicable)
  • Criminal record for all applicants over 14 years old, issued by the compentent authorities in the country of origin or country of residence where the applicant resided for over 6 months during the last 10 years.
  • Cover letter
  • Health insurance to confirm that the main applicant and his dependants are not suffering from any serious illness or contagious disease and that they are otherwise in good health and will not be, in terms of the medical review carried out by the Agency, of an unreasonable burden on the national health system.
  • An undertaking to purchase or lease an immovable property in Malta under the legal requirements
  • Personal information for the due diligence processes, carried out by the agent that there is no evidence that the main applicant and his dependents are not fit and proper persons
  • Power of attorney with a verified agent
  • Medical report and questionnaire
  • Proof of source of funds and wealth (for the main applicant only)
  • Bank statements (for the main applicant only)
  • Evidence of business ownership or employment (for the main applicant only or benefactor)
  • An undertaking to remit the total of the contribution payable and donation required to apply for the program.

Important notice: A four-tier due diligence procedure is in place as part of the application process. Furthermore, to submit your application, you must do so via a Licensed Authorized Agent who will essentially act as your power of attorney. Note that to increase your chances of a successful outcome, ensure you have all the documentation in place and filed correctly (certified versus original).

Application forms and other accompanying documents shall be completed in English. If the original language of the accompanying documents is not English, the documents shall be accompanied by an authenticated translation into English.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Malta Residency

There’s a multi-step process to applying for the MPRP program:

1. Power of attorney and application submission

2. Letter of Approval in Principle or Rejection

3. Make qualifying investments

4. Letter of Final Approval

5. Biometric data collection and residency card issuance

1. Power of attorney: You must sign a power of attorney document empowering your chosen licensed agent to act on your behalf in all matters concerning the MPRP.

2. Letter of Approval in Principle or Rejection: The final file is presented to the Approvals Board, which will determine whether you’ve been approved or rejected. Once a decision has been made, you’ll receive either a Letter of Approval in Principle or a Letter of Rejection.

3. Make qualifying investments: You must make your qualifying investments, including either purchasing real estate or leasing it, making a donation to a registered NGO/organization of choice, and settling the contribution to the Maltese government.

4. Application pack submission and issuance of receipt: Your licensed agent will submit an application pack on your behalf. The pack must be properly completed and sent to Residency Malta Agency. A receipt will be issued as confirmation of submission.

5. Due diligence: A four-tier due diligence process is conducted by the Residency Malta Agency to ensure your application’s validity.

6. Letter of Final Approval: The applicant receives the letter of final approval, which means they have the green light to obtain a residence permit.

7. Biometric data collection and residency card issuance: If approved, you must travel to Malta (along with any dependents included in the application) to submit your biometric data to the RMA. While the biometric data is tied to the issuance of a Malta residency card, it’s actually not a mandatory step in the process.

In fact, these cards are only issued once the investment is made and all criteria has been fulfilled. Each Malta residency card is valid for five years and is renewable afterward – with the exception of minors turning 14 or 18 years old. Minors approaching their 14th or 18th birthday will have a residency card valid until a month before their birthday.

8. Annual compliance: On a yearly basis, the RMA will be in communication with your agent, who’ll need to submit proof of your property lease, as well as proof of sickness insurance cover via the presentation of the annual policy. This occurs each year for the first five years and then whenever the RMA deems it necessary at its discretion.

Maltese Residency Timeline

Month 1-4

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Onboarding and documentation submission

Month 5-9

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Application processing time

Month 9

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Letter of Approval in Principle is issued

Month 10

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Applicant makes respective investments and pays all fees

Month 11-12

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Agency issues the Permanent Residence Certificate and residence cards are given in two to four weeks

Fees and Investment Costs

1. Property lease option

Rented property

  • Property located in the South of Malta or Gozo – €10,000 per annum
  • Property situated in the rest of Malta – €12,000 per annum

Administration fees:

Initial fee: €10,000 (must be paid within one month from submission of the application)

Final fee: €30,000 (must be paid within two months from the issuance of the Letter of Approval in Principle)

Additional fees may apply for extra dependents

Government contribution

The contribution of €58,000 only covers:

  • spouse
  • main applicant
  • children under 18
  • children over 18 with special needs

The fee of €7,500 is applicable for:

  • parent or grandparent of the main applicant or spouse
  • spouse of a dependent

The fee of €5,000 is applicable for any other person who may be included in the application.

The contribution must be paid within eight months of receiving the Letter of Approval in Principle

Donation

Donation of €2,000 to a local NGO/organization of choice

*Donations must be conducted after the Letter of Approval has been issued, proof of which must be submitted together with the final proof pack. The licensed agent must ask for clearance from the Residency Malta Agency with respect to the chosen NGO/organization of choice.

2. Property purchase option

Purchased property

  • Property located in the South of Malta or Gozo – €300,000
  • Property situated in the rest of Malta – €350,000

Administration fees

Initial fee*: €10,000 (must be paid within one month from submission of the application)

Final fee**: €30,000 (must be paid within two months from the issuance of the Letter of Approval in Principle)

Additional fees may apply for extra dependents

Government contribution

The contribution of €28,000 only covers:

  • main applicant
  • spouse
  • children under 18
  • children over 18 with special needs

The fee of €7,500 is applicable for:

  • parent or grandparent of the main applicant or spouse
  • spouse of a dependent

The fee of €5,000 is applicable for any other person who may be included in the application.

The contribution must be paid within eight months of receiving the Letter of Approval in Principle

Donation

Donation of €2,000 to a local NGO/organization of choice

*Donations must be conducted after the Letter of Approval has been issued, proof of which must be submitted together with the final proof pack. The licensed agent must ask for clearance from the Residency Malta Agency with respect to the chosen NGO/organization of choice. Note that these fees don’t include agent processing fees. 

Additional dependents fees – post-approval stage

The fee schedule below refers to additional dependents added after the Certificate of Residence for the main applicant has been issued.

Parent or grandparent of the main applicant or spouse who is entirely dependent on the main applicant €7,500
Spouse of an already approved main applicant  €7,500
Minor child of the main applicant or their approved spouse  Free
Child of the main applicant and/or his spouse, born or adopted after the certificate is issued Free
Adult child of the main applicant or his approved spouse, who is over 18 years old, not married, and principally dependent on the main applicant €5,000
Adult child of the main applicant or their approved spouse who is over 18 years old and who has been certified by a recognized medical professional or authority as having a disability in terms of the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act Free
Spouse of an already approved dependent child €7,500
Minor child of an already approved dependent child and/or their already approved spouse €5,000

All fees are per applicant and must be paid within one month of the submission of the application.

Take a look at our Malta Citizenship Ultimate Guide by local experts

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Global Passport Index: Malta

Global Citizen Solutions has created its very own Global Passport Index to measure the true strength of a passport. To create this, quantitative data like composite indicators were used to analyze specific criteria that determine the attractiveness of a passport. The ranking is based on data from various institutions and multilateral organizations, such as the World Bank, the World Economic Forum, and the Sustainable Development Report, and was put together in collaboration with senior analysts.

In our 2024 Global Passport Index, Malta ranks in 34th position. 

 

How Global Citizen Solutions Can Help

Expats and foreign investors can encounter many difficulties when applying for the Malta residency by investment program. That’s why it is worthwhile to have an expert on hand to provide personalized assistance throughout the entire application process.

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens.

With offices in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, our multilingual team guides individuals and families from start to finish, providing expert advice concerning freedom, mobility, taxation, and security.

From helping individuals find their dream homes or investments to providing successful immigration and relocation services, our international team is with you every step of the way.

Fill in the contact form below, and schedule a 30-minute complimentary call with one of our specialists to start your pathway to Maltese residency today.

Frequently Asked Questions about Malta Permanent Residency by Investment

What is the Malta Permanent Residency program?

The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), is a residency by investment program offering a Certificate of Maltese Residence. This entitles successful applicants and their family members to reside indefinitely in Malta. It is part of broader immigrant investor programs, providing a pathway to becoming a Maltese citizen and enjoying the associated benefits like extremely advantageous tax exposure.

Who is eligible to apply for the Malta residency visa program?

Eligibility for the Malta residency visa program includes third-country nationals (non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss nationals). Applicants must have a clean criminal record, sufficient financial means, and a valid travel document. They also must not have strong connections to sanctioned countries.

How do I become a resident of Malta?

To become a resident of Malta, and thereby gain access to the European Union, one must participate in a direct investment residency program. Applicants must appoint a Licensed Authorized Agent, complete all documentation, and make the respective investment. This investment is part of a minimum investment strategy and must be maintained for five years.

How much does it cost to get residency in Malta?

The cost of obtaining residency in Malta varies. One option is renting property, costing €120,000 over five years, or €110,000 in South Malta/Gozo. Alternatively, purchasing property costs €380,000, or €330,000 in South Malta/Gozo. These are integral parts of the property investment options in the Malta Permanent Residency Program.

Is it easy to get residency in Malta?

Gaining residence in Malta is not considered easy due to the rigorous process of analysis of the applicant’s background to apply for the program.  The Malta MPRP involves a four-tier due diligence process to ensure that only legitimate investors are granted residency, ensuring public health and safety.

What qualifies as a dependent on the application?

Dependents in the Malta residency application typically include immediate family members such as a spouse and children under 18 or over 18 if not married and financially dependent on the main applicant. In some cases, dependent parents may also qualify, depending on their financial dependency.

What is the usual residency by investment processing time frame?

The processing time for the Malta Residence Program by investment usually takes between four to six months. This includes time for biometrics in Malta and the validation of submitted documents, as per the requirements of the competent Maltese authorities.

Do I need to show the source of funds for the investment?

Applicants for the for the Malta Permanent Residence Program need to demonstrate the source of their funds to obtain the residence permit. This is to ensure the legitimacy of the funds used for the investment program.

It is also required for the main applicant to provide proof of possession of assets, having a value of not less than €500,000, out of which a minimum of €150,000 shall be in the form of financial assets.

What is the validity period of the residence card?

The Maltese residence permit under the MPRP is valid for 5 years, after which it can be renewed indefinitely for the same period, as long as the applicants continue to comply with the program requirements. 

What does the MPRP grant?

The MPRP grants permanent residency rights in Malta in exchange for a qualifying financial contribution. 

What are the key differences between the Maltese Citizenship by investment program and the Malta Permanent Residence Program?

These programs differ primarily in their end goals. The Malta Permanent Residence by Investment Program focuses on residency, while the Malta Citizenship by investment program is a direct route to Maltese citizenship by naturalization, offering European citizenship through significant investment.

Can I obtain permanent residency in Malta through the Malta Residency by Investment program?

Yes, the Malta Residency by Investment program, or MPRP, offers a pathway to Malta permanent residence. This program requires specific investment criteria including real estate investment and financial contributions to the government.

It also includes the donation to a local registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare or artistic non governmental organization or society registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organizations.

Nationals from the currently sanctioned countries of (or have close ties with) Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Venezuela are ineligible.

Additionally, applications from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus are currently not eligible. The list of ineligible countries may be revised from time to time by the Agency at its discretion.

Who can apply as the main applicant under the MPRP?

Eligible applicants for MPRP Malta include non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss nationals over 18 with a clean criminal record and sufficient financial means. They must also not be associated with sanctioned countries, as per the government agency responsible.

What obligations must be satisfied by the main applicant to obtain Maltese Residence?

To satisfy the Maltese requirements for residence, the main applicant must make a qualifying investment, have a clean criminal record, and pass due diligence. This includes ensuring no risk to Malta’s stable political climate and meeting health insurance requirements.

When is the contribution payable by the main applicant?

The contribution for the Malta Permanent Residency Program must be paid within eight months after receiving the Letter of Approval in Principle. This is part of the administrative fees and minimum investment strategy for the program.

What type of property can the main applicant buy or rent?

For the Malta MPRP, qualifying properties must be residential, not commercial. This is a crucial aspect of the property investment strategy under the program.

How much time is allowed to satisfy the obligations?

Applicants have a maximum of eight months from receiving their Letter of Approval in Principle to fulfill all obligations under the Malta Permanent Residence program.

Can I get residency in Malta if I buy a house?

Yes, purchasing a house of a certain value can lead to residency in Malta. A minimum property value is set at €300,000 in South Malta/Gozo or €350,000 in other areas. This is part of the Malta Permanent Residency Program, requiring a direct investment in property.

How do you qualify for Malta citizenship by investment?

To qualify for Malta citizenship by investment, applicants must meet certain criteria including a substantial financial investment, which may involve purchasing property, renting property, investing in government-approved financial instruments, and making a donation to the country’s development fund. The Maltese Citizenship Program outlines specific investment thresholds and conditions, including a residency period, to qualify for Maltese citizenship.

Is it easy to get residency in Malta?

The ease of obtaining residency in Malta varies based on individual circumstances and the type of residency program. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme streamlined processes but require substantial investment and adherence to various regulations. For individuals seeking Malta citizenship by investment, the process involves a more rigorous application, including thorough background checks and significant investment in the country.

Holding a Maltese passport allows for visa-free travel to many countries, which is a significant benefit for Maltese citizens. Additionally, Malta allows for dual citizenship, which means individuals can retain their original citizenship while enjoying the benefits of being a part of the European Union.

 

Please note that the exact investment amounts and detailed requirements are subject to change and should be verified with the relevant federal government agency or the Community Malta Agency. The process also involves an eligibility payment request voucher, which is part of the formal application process for those seeking to obtain Maltese citizenship or participate in the Maltese citizenship program

What are the minimum property values required to qualify for Malta’s Global Residence Programme?

In order to qualify for residency, under the new Global Residence Programme, one needs to buy a property of €220,000 or over (if the property is in the South of Malta or in Gozo) or of a minimum value of €275,000 for properties in Central and Northern Malta.