Residency by Investment in Malta
- Grants a European residence permit
- Access to healthcare and education
- Live, work and study in Malta
Minimum Investment Amount
€130,000
Processing Time
4-6 months
Key Residency Benefit
European residence permit
Why is Malta a popular investment location?
Malta is the smallest EU state. And while it may be small, the island nation is bursting with things to do and see.
From megaliths and medieval dungeons to beautiful beaches, Malta is a country steeped in history and bursting with natural beauty.
Malta is also a hub for various successful industries, including financial services, gaming and film production. The island is also known for its fantastic food, captivating dive sites, buzzing nightlife and year-round events.
About the Malta Residency by Investment programme
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is a highly reputable scheme launched in 2021. The programme is open to third-country nationals (non-EEA, non-Swiss and non-EU nationals).
It allows foreign nationals and their immediate family to become permanent residents of Malta in exchange for several qualifying investments. These include buying or renting real estate, paying government fees and making a charitable donation.
Successful applicants can reside in the country and benefit from visa-free travel to European countries in the Schengen Area. The Malta Permanent Residency Programme can also be obtained in only four to six months.
What are the Benefits of Residency in Malta?
Visa-free travel to nearly 100 countries
Favourable tax system
Fast and straightforward process
Residency for the entire family
No minimum stay requirements
No test or interview process
How to obtain Residency in Malta
Rent or purchase a residential property
A €300,000 property purchase if the property is located in Gozo or the south of Malta. The minimum property investment for the rest of Malta is €350,000.
Alternatively, there is a property rental option. With this option, lease a property with a minimum annual rental cost of €10,000 in Gozo or the south of Malta. The minimum for the rest of Malta is €12,000 per year.
In both cases, these have to be held for a minimum period of five years and only need to be rented/purchased after the initial approval of the applicant.
Government contribution
This amount varies depending on whether the applicant will rent or purchase a property.
The government contribution is €68,000 for those who purchase a property and €98,000 for those who rent.
In both cases, this amount is paid in two stages. The first is €10,000 on submission of the non-refundable application stage. The second is the remainder of the contribution on approval of the application.
Donate to a charity
A donation of at least €2,000 to a non-government charitable organisation (NGO) approved by the Residency Malta Agency (RMA). NGOs include areas such as science, animal welfare, culture, sport, the arts and more.
Key Benefit of Residency in Malta
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) allows successful applicants to increase their global mobility.
Malta is a European Union (EU) member, meaning residents of the country can travel freely across the EU. Investors who obtain a residency permit in Malta can travel to EU countries visa-free for 90 days within a 180-day period.
Maltese residents can also access healthcare and educational institutions in EU countries.
Frequently asked questions
The length of the process depends on several factors, such as how long it takes to find the right property investment and the time needed to prepare all of the relevant documents.
On average, applications are processed within 4-6 months of submission. Final approval and receiving residency cards happen after the application is processed.
The eligibility requirements for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme are:
- Non-EU nationals, non-EEA, non-Swiss and from a non-sanctioned country
- Be over 18 years old
- To pass the ‘Fit & Proper’ test with a clean criminal record, which is checked by Europol, Interpol and other authorities
- Be in good health and hold valid health insurance which covers their presence in Malta
- Provide evidence that they hold at least €500,000 in capital, out of which €150,000 should be in the form of financial assets
Family members can be included in the application. Those eligible include:
- Spouse or life partner
- Children under the age of 18
- Children over the age of 18, provided they are dependent, not married and not economically active
- Children over the age of 18, provided that they have been certified by a medical professional as having a disability as per the Equal Opportunities Act
- Dependent parents of the applicant or the spouse
- Dependent grandparents of the applicant or the spouse
Health insurance coverage is required to apply for the MPRP. The insurance should cover all beneficiaries for a minimum of €30,000 annually.
Which programme is right for you?
| Citizenship or Residency Programme? | Citizenship or Residency Programme?Residency | ||
| Minimum Investment Amount | Minimum Investment Amount€130,000 | ||
| Minimum Stay Requirement | Minimum Stay RequirementN/A | ||
| Initial Permit Duration | Initial Permit Duration5 years | ||
| Time to Residence | Time to Residence4-6 months | ||
| Time to Citizenship | Time to Citizenship | ||
| Family Inclusion? | Family Inclusion?Spouse, children, parents & grandparents | ||
| Right to Work? | Right to Work?No | ||
| Type of Document Received | Type of Document Received?Residency permit | ||
| No. of Visa-Free Countries with Passport? | No. of Visa-Free Countries with Passport?0 | ||