Malta Residency by Investment: Ultimate Guide 2025

The Malta Residency by Investment also referred to as the Malta Golden Visa, officially known as the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), allows non-EU nationals to obtain permanent residency in Malta through a qualifying investment. This program provides access to Malta’s stable economy, high quality of life, and visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone. It also offers the right to live indefinitely in Malta, a safe and strategically located EU country with excellent healthcare, education, and a favorable tax system.

In this guide, you’ll find a complete breakdown of everything you need to know about the Malta Permanent Residency by Investment Program. We’ll cover the key benefits, detailed application process, investment options, eligibility criteria, and other important details to help you navigate your path to residency in Malta.

This is more of what we will cover:

• • What is the Malta Permanent Residence Program?
  • Benefits of the Malta Permanent Residence Program
  • Malta Permanent Residence Program Eligibility Criteria
  • Investment Options for the Malta Golden Visa
  • MPRP Document Requirements
  • Malta Permanent Residency Program Application Process
  • Maltese Residency Timeline
  • Malta Permanent Residence and Taxation

What is the Malta Permanent Residence Program?

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is a permanent residency by investment program that allows non-EU nationals and their families to obtain permanent residency in Malta through a qualifying investment. Introduced in 2021 as a replacement for the Malta Residence and Visa Programme (MRVP), the MPRP offers a straightforward route to live, settle, and stay indefinitely in Malta.

Key benefits include visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone, access to Malta’s high-quality healthcare and education, and a favorable tax environment. The program has no strict minimum stay requirements, but 14 to 21 days of residence is recommended before taking the Oath of Allegiance.

Applicants may also qualify for special tax concessions, depending on their investment and whether they reside in the country. For details on potential tax implications, it is recommended that they consult a legal advisor. Eligibility requires property investment or rental, government contributions to the National Development, Consolidated Fund, and Social Fund, and donations to local charities.

Benefits of the Malta Residency by Investment Program

• EU Residence in a Schengen country: Grants the right to reside indefinitely in Malta, a safe and stable EU country and enables visa-free travel across the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• ETIAS and EES exemption: Holders are exempt from ETIAS requirements and EES biometric checks, ensuring hassle-free travel and smoother border crossings across Schengen countries.
• LGBT+ Friendly Same-sex couples can apply for the program. Malta is considered one of the most progressive countries in the world in terms of LGBT+ rights, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• No physical stay requirement:You are not obligated to live in Malta permanently, making it ideal for those looking for flexibility.
• Family inclusion: The program allows you to include spouses, children, parents, and grandparents under one application.
• Favorable tax system Malta has a remittance-based taxation system, meaning foreign-sourced income not remitted to Malta is not taxed. There is also no inheritance, wealth, or property taxes.
• Investment-friendly environment: Malta offers a gateway to investment opportunities in the broader EU. Malta’s booming sectors, such as fintech, gaming, and blockchain, attract global investors.
•  High Quality of Life: The country provides a Mediterranean lifestyle with excellent healthcare, education, and a pleasant climate. English is also an official language, making integration easier.
• Permanent residency with long-term stability: Unlike temporary residence permits, the MPRP gives lifetime residency rights with a renewable residence card every five years.

Malta Permanent Residence Program Eligibility Criteria

In all application cases, the following criteria must be met:

• The main applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• The applicant must be able to invest the necessary amounts to meet the qualifying criteria.
• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources, ensuring they can support themselves and their dependents without relying on Malta’s social assistance system.
• The applicant must hold assets worth at least €500,000 of which €150,000 must be financial assets or assets worth €650,000 of which €75,000 are financial assets. 
• The main applicant and all dependents must maintain valid health insurance that covers the entire European Union and should provide comprehensive coverage for all risks in Malta.
• All applicants, including dependents, must present a clean criminal record.
• While there is no minimum stay requirement, the applicant must commit to holding their qualifying investments for at least five years.

Qualifying dependents

• Spouse or civil partner, including same sex.
• Children under the age of 18.
• Children aged 18-29 are principally dependent on the main applicant after approval and unmarried.
• Dependent parents and grandparents (financially dependent with no age limit).
• Spouse of an already approved dependent.
• Minor child of an already approved dependent child and/or of their already approved spouse.

To qualify, adult children up to 29 must be financially dependent on the main applicant, unmarried, and childless. However, siblings are not eligible for the program.

The residence status can be inherited by future generations, as per the above list; however, additional contributions are required, as outlined in the fees section.

Investment Options for the Malta Golden Visa

To apply for the program and obtain a Malta permanent resident card, the individual can choose between two real estate investment options: Buying real estate or leasing a property with a rental agreement. Government contributions to the National Development, Consolidated Fund, and Social Fund and philanthropic donations are also required. Applicants must support Malta’s community and economy through these investments and provide accurate information during the application process.

Real estate investment

Applicants must make a qualifying real estate investment and choose from the following options:

• Rent a property in Malta or Gozo for at least €14,000 per year.
• Buy a property in Malta or Gozo for at least €375,000.

Important to note: 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.

Government contribution

Applicants must make a government contribution, and these are the amounts based on investment choices:

• If you are purchasing a property, the contribution is €30,000.
• If you are renting a property, the contribution is €60,000.

Donation

• €2,000 to a Maltese NGO

*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 regarding the chosen NGO/organization.

MPRP Document Requirements

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.

Please note that the Maltese government can change the documentation requirements at any point and has 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 competent authorities in the country of origin or country of residence where the applicant resided for over 6 months during the last 10 years.
• Health insurance is required to confirm that the main applicant and their dependents are free from serious illnesses or contagious diseases. Additionally, the medical review by the Residency Malta Agency ensures that they are in good health and will not place 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 is collected for the due diligence process conducted by the agent to ensure there is no evidence that the main applicant or their dependents are unfit or unsuitable for the program.
• Power of attorney with a verified agent.
• Medical report and questionnaire.
• Proof of source of funds and financial assets (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.
• Evidence of sufficient assets, including financial assets, ie. Operating agreements, deed titles, certificates of ownership, bank statements, portfolio statements, etc. 

Important notice: A four-tier due diligence procedure is in place as part of the Malta Permanent Residency Program 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.

Malta Permanent Residency Program Application Process

Here is the multi-step process for applying for the Malta Permanent Residency program:

1. Prepare documentation

Before starting the application, gather all the necessary documents previously outlined.

2. Sign a power of attorney

To start the process, you must sign a Power of Attorney document, which grants your licensed agent the authority to act on your behalf for all matters related to the MPRP.

3. Submit the application and pay the fees

After preparing your documentation, your licensed agent will submit the application pack on your behalf, and a receipt will be issued to confirm submission. Thereafter, a non-refundable application fee of €15,000 must be paid. The process usually takes 24-48 hours for the agency to acknowledge your submission.

4. Letter of approval in principle or rejection

The final application is presented to the Approvals Board, which evaluates your application. After the review, you will receive either a Letter of Approval in Principle, meaning you qualify, or a Letter of Rejection.

5. Make qualifying investments

After receiving approval in principle, you must make the required investments within 8 months, including a government contribution, real estate investment, and charitable donation. Not to forget the €35,000 administrative fee paid before receiving the residency certificate.

6. Due diligence

The Residency Malta Agency conducts a four-tier due diligence process to verify the validity of your application. The stages include financial background checks, criminal record checks, verification of personal information, and health assessments. This process takes about 10-12 months.

7. Letter of final approval

Once due diligence is completed successfully, you will receive the Letter of Final Approval, which grants you the green light to obtain a residency permit.

8. Biometric data collection and residency card issuance

After final approval, you and your dependents must travel to Malta to submit your biometric data (e.g., fingerprints, photos). Residency cards are issued once all criteria are fulfilled and the investment is made. Each card is valid for five years and renewable thereafter. Minors turning 14 or 18 will have their residency cards valid until a month before their birthday.

9. Annual Compliance

For the first five years, Residency Malta Agency will contact your agent to submit:

• Proof of your property lease, and
• Proof of sickness insurance coverage (via the presentation of the annual policy). After the first five years, the RMA may request these documents as needed.

How much does the Malta Permanent Residence Program cost?

The government will receive a non-refundable administrative fee of €50,000 upon application submission. The payment is split into manageable amounts: €15,000 at the initial stage and €35,000 upon approval.

In total, here is a breakdown of what the total investment cost is for the Malta Permanent Residence Program:

• Property rental option: €14,000 per year (€70,000 total over five years)
• Property purchase option: €375,000
• Non-refundable administrative fee: €50,000
• Government contribution: €30,000 if purchasing a property or €60,000 if you opt for a rental option
• Donation: €2,000
• Each additional  dependent on the application: €10,000

Malta Permanent Residence and Taxation

Obtaining Malta Permanent Residence through the MPRP program does not automatically make you a tax resident. To be considered a tax resident, you must spend at least 183 days in Malta during the fiscal year.

Malta’s Tax System

Malta has a worldwide tax system, meaning residents are taxed on their global income, but the country offers attractive tax options for individuals and businesses.

1. Non-Dom Tax Status: If you are a resident of Malta but not domiciled there, you are only taxed on income brought into Malta from other countries. Any income or capital gains from outside Malta you don’t bring into the country are not taxed. However, there is a minimum tax of €5,000 per year for non-domiciled individuals.
2. Taxation for married individuals: If your spouse is domiciled in Malta, you will be taxed on your worldwide income, not just on income brought into Malta.
3. Personal Income Tax: Malta uses a progressive tax system for personal income, ranging from 0% to 35%.

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 Malta Permanent Residency by Investment

What fees are included for the leasing or renting of a property in Malta?

The expected fees for this investment route of leasing or renting a property in Malta are as follows:

• €14,000 in rent per year for at least five years, or €70,000 in total.
•  €60,000 government contribution (with an additional €10,000 per dependent).
• €2000 charitable donation.

This brings the total expected investment fee to €132,000. Note that the administrative fee of €50,000 is separate.

What is the Malta Permanent Residency program?

Malta’s 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.

What are the Malta permanent residency requirements?

To be eligible for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), applicants must be over 18 years of age and non-EU citizens. They must meet the qualifying investment requirements, which include holding a property investment in Malta for a minimum of five years. Additionally, applicants must have a clean criminal record, acquire health insurance coverage in Malta, and be in good health and of good reputation.

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 €14,000 per annum over five years. Alternatively, purchasing property costs €375,000. These are integral parts of the property investment options in the Malta Permanent Residence Programme.

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 MPRP involves a four-tier due diligence process to ensure that only legitimate investors are granted residency, ensuring public health and safety.

How long does it take to get approved for the Malta Permanent Residency Program?

The processing time for the Malta Residency by investment program usually takes up to 12 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?

Yes, applicants for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme are required to show the source of their funds for the investment. This is to ensure the funds are legally obtained. You will need to provide documentation proving the legitimacy of your financial resources as part of the application process.

What is the validity period of the residence card?

The Maltese residence permit under the MPRP is valid for five 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. This grants applicants the right to visa free travel within Europe’s Schengen Area.

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

These programs differ primarily in their end goals. The Malta Permanent Residence by Investment Program focuses on permanent 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 program?

Yes, the MPRP is a fast-track program to permanent residence. This program requires specific investment criteria including real estate investment and financial contributions to the government.

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

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

Yes, purchasing a house of a certain value can lead to permanent residency in Malta. A minimum property value is set at €375,000. This is part of the Malta Permanent Residency Program, requiring a direct investment in property. However, it is important to note that purchasing a property alone does not qualify, as the investment is a 3 part investment, and all parts must be made in order to qualify.