Malta Residency by Investment: Ultimate Guide 2024

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, foreign 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’s 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 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.
• Pathway to acquiring Maltese citizenship
• 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?

Often regarded as the Malta Golden Visa, 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, foreign nationals 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 Golden Visa, applicants must maintain their investment for at least five years.

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.

After five years provided the applicant physically resides in Malta, they can submit their Malta citizenship application and get a second passport.

We’ll talk about the Malta Permanent Residence Program in more detail in the sections below.

MPRP Eligibility Criteria

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

• Minimum 18 years of age and a non-EU citizen.
• Be able to invest in necessary amounts to meet qualifying requirements.
• Need to maintain and hold the property investment for at least five years.
• Maintain health and have a clean criminal record.

Applicants must also be in good health and are required to submit medical reports. They must also have a comprehensive insurance policy covering any health-related issues in Malta and other EU countries. It is a mandatory requirement for residency applications.

To be eligible for the residency by investment program, applicants must also 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 fulfill the lease agreement terms.

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

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.

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:

Family benefits

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.

Second citizenship benefits

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 citizenship applications to ensure compliance with new regulations, helping them obtain Maltese citizenship.

Please note that, under the Maltese Citizenship Act, Chapter 188, obtaining a Maltese passport is subject to conditions for foreign nationals. This means that certain criteria must be fulfilled for investors to be granted citizenship.

Malta's Residency by 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: buying real estate or leasing a property with a rental agreement.

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.

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.

Let’s take a look at each investment requirement in more detail.

Investment requirements

Option 1

Applicants must make a qualifying real estate investment and can choose between a) renting a property with a minimum annual rent of €10,000 in Gozo or in the south of Malta, or 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.

Option 2

Applicants must make a non-refundable contribution of €28,000 if purchasing a residential property or €58,000 if leasing or renting a property.

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

Option 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)

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 application submission. The fee is €40,000, €10,000 of which must be paid within one month of submission, with the remaining €30,000 payable two months after the issuance of the Letter of Approval in Principle.

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.

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 competent 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: 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.

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.

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

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 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:

• €12,000 in rent per year for at least five years, or €60,000 in total (€10,000 in rent if the property is located in Gozo or South Malta).
• €58,000 government contribution (with an additional €7,500 per adult dependent).
• €2000 charitable donation.

This brings the total expected investment fee to €120,000. Note that the government application fee of €40,000 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?

The Malta permanent residency requirements are:

• Minimum 18 years of age
• Be a non-EU citizen.
• Invest in necessary amounts to meet qualifying requirements.
• Need to maintain and hold the property investment for a minimum of five years.
• Maintain health and have a clean criminal record.

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 investment and the 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 program?

Yes, the 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?

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?

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.