Malta attracts foreign investors through the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MRPR), launched in 2021. Accordingly, the Malta Golden Visa program offers direct access to permanent residency. There are two investment options available:
- Property rental with a minimum annual rent of €14,000 in Malta or Gozo (totaling a minimum investment of €169,000 for 5 years with the additional fees)
- Property purchase with a minimum of €375,000 in Malta or Gozo (totaling a minimum investment of €474,000 with additional fees)
The aforementioned investment options must be held for 5 years to maintain residency status. Investors are also required to make a minimum donation of €2,000 to a local non-governmental organization operating in the charitable sector and registered in Malta. Alternatively, the donation may be made to another NGO approved by the Residency Malta Agency.
In this article, you will find:
- Key Benefits of the Malta Permanent Residency by Investment Programme
- Who Can Apply for Malta Residency by Investment Program?
- Qualifying Investment Options for Malta Permanent Residence Programme
- Requirements for the Malta Permanent Residency
- Malta Permanent Residence Programme Application Process
- Maltase Residency Cost Table Investment
- Malta Permanent Residency Timeline
Key Takeaways for Malta Residency by Investment
- Investors can obtain permanent residency by purchasing a property valued at at least €375,000 or by renting a property with an annual rent of at least €14,000, totaling €70,000 for 5 years.
- You can include your spouse (same-sex partners are also eligible), children under 18, children with disabilities, children ages 18-28, and dependent parents and grandparents if they meet the criteria.
- Each investment option requires a minimum donation of €2,000 to a local non-governmental organization, a non-refundable administration fee of €60,000 to the government, and a government contribution of €37,000 (dependent fees may also apply).
- The processing times for Malta Golden Visa applications are 12-18 months.
What is the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) enables individuals to obtain permanent residence in Malta. The Maltese government established this program to draw more foreign capital to the country. Through the MPRP, investors can apply for Maltese residency and access its benefits. The program has been designed with an eye toward what makes Malta attractive: safety and security, high-quality health care, and a high quality of life.
The latest changes in the program have made it a lot easier to get a Malta residence permit. The new rules exclude the purchase of government bonds. You can now apply either through property acquisition or through a property lease, along with contributions and donations.
Key Benefits of the Malta Permanent Residency by Investment Programme
Malta is a member of the European Union. Its citizens are permitted to travel across the EU without requiring an additional visa. With your Malta permanent residency, you can benefit from the following rights:
- You can enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen area,
- You can keep your residence permit without moving to Malta,
- You can add your family members of up to four generations,
- You can get full rights to live, work, study, and settle in Malta, and enjoy a Mediterranean lifestyle.
- Malta is the most LGBTQ friendly country in the world. So, you and your same-sex partner can also apply for this program.
- You can take advantage of tax benefits, as the country does not tax foreign income earned outside Malta.
Maltese residence cards are valid for five years and are renewable.
Who Can Apply for Malta Residency by Investment Program?
As per the amendments made in the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, you’ll be required to meet the eligibility criteria and requirements to obtain the residency.
The Main Applicant
You’re eligible for the program if you,
- Are a third-country national and not coming from an EU or EEA state.
- Aren’t a citizen of a country that the agencies sanction
- Have sufficient financial funds to maintain yourself and your dependents.
- Have a clean criminal record.
- Must provide proof of capital amounting to €500,000, of which at least €150,000 must be held in the form of financial assets.
- Alternatively, applicants may demonstrate capital of €650,000, in which case a minimum of €75,000 must be in the form of financial assets.
- Must make a minimum donation of €2,000 to a local non-governmental organization operating in the charitable sector and registered in Malta, or to another NGO approved by the Residency Malta Agency.
- Either purchase a property in Malta or Gozo with a minimum value of €375,000, or alternatively to enter into a rental agreement in Malta or Gozo with a minimum annual rent of €14,000.
- The investment must be maintained for at least five years. After this period, a residential address must be maintained to retain the Malta residence card.
The Family Members
You can add the following family members in your application.
- The spouse
- Minor children under 18 years old
- Young adult children aged 18-28, unmarried, childless, and financially dependent on the main applicant.
- Parents or grandparents at any age who are financially dependent
- Adult children with disabilities
A same-sex partner can qualify if they are:
- legally married, or
- in a civil union/domestic partnership/common-law equivalent, or
- another comparable committed relationship approved by the Agency.
After the certificate is issued, you can include:
- Spouse of that dependent child
- Minor children of that dependent child
- Spouse/minor child of a disabled dependent
You do not need to pay a €7,500 dependent fee for your spouse, children below 18, or children with disabilities. You must pay the dependent fee for any other applicants that is not mentioned in the previous sentence.
Qualifying Investment Options for Malta Permanent Residence Programme
There are two investment routes to Malta residency through investment under the MPRP: a property lease and a property acquisition.
With the Malta Residency by Investment program, you can make your investment upon receiving your pre-approval.
1. Lease Property
You can choose to rent the property instead of buying it. This option entails leasing a property in Malta or Gozo for €14,000 per annum, with the lease term of at least 5 years. The minimum contribution for this option is €169,000 with the additional fees highlighted below:
- A non-refundable administration fee of €60,000 to the government (€15,000 upon submission and €45,000 after Approval in Principle)
- Agovernment contribution of €37,000
- Make a €2,000 donation to an approved Maltese NGO.
- €7,500 for each additional dependent
2. Real Estate Purchase
For real estate acquisition, you’re required to purchase a property in Malta or Gozo for €375,000, reaching minimum investment amount of €474,000 with the additional fees highlighted below. You must also hold that property for a minimum period of five years and maintain it as your qualifying residence.
With the property acquisition option, you’re required to pay:
- Non-refundable administration fee of €60,000 (of which €15,000 is paid upon submission and €45,000 after the Letter of Approval in Principle),
- A government contribution of €37,000.
- Donate €2,000 to an NGO in Malta.
You can add your parents or grandparents who are dependent on you. In this case, you’ll be required to pay an additional fee of €7,500.
Requirements for the Malta Permanent Residency
- Apply through a licensed agent.
- Pay a €60,000 non-refundable administration fee (€15,000 on submission + €45,000 after approval).
- Pay a €37,000 government contribution.
- Either rent a property for at least €14,000 per year or purchase a property in Malta or Gozo for at least €375,000.
- Donate €2,000 to an approved Maltese NGO.
- Pay €7,500 for each additional adult dependant (where applicable).
- Provide a valid travel document and health insurance.
- Maintain the property for at least 5 years.
Required Documents for Malta Permanent Residence Programme
The documents below are required for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme:
- Valid passports
- Clean criminal records for each applicant over 14 years old from the country of origin and any country lived in for more than 6 months during the last 10 years
- Health insurance policy covering risks normally covered for Maltese nationals
- Medical declaration confirming no serious or contagious diseases
- Authenticated English translations (if documents are not in English)
- Proof of assets/wealth meeting one of the thresholds:
-
- €500,000 total assets (min. €150,000 financial assets), OR
- €650,000 total assets (min. €75,000 financial assets)
- Agent due diligence / KYC verification documentation
- Undertaking to:
-
- purchase or lease qualifying property
- pay the government contribution
- make the €2,000 NGO donation
- Marriage or civil union certificate (spouse/partner)
- Birth certificates (children)
- Affidavit of dependency for adult dependants over 18, except spouse
- Custody/guardianship documents where one parent signs for a minor
- Disability medical certification (for disabled adult children)
- Licensed agent authorization/representation form
- Any additional documents requested by the Agency
Supporting Documents for MPRP
Supporting documents must be provided upon request by the legal agent.
Additionally, ensure the original official documents are apostilled or legalized by the issuing country’s government authority.
A valid, certified copy of an apostilled or legalized document is acceptable. However, if the certification was issued outside your country, please provide a notarized copy from the issuing organization to verify authenticity.
Also, these original or certified true copies must be translated and apostilled/legalized if prepared abroad.
Due Diligence
Malta reviews each applicant to its permanent residency by investment program and their dependents aged 14 and over. Your licensed agent must:
- conduct “know your customer” (KYC) and due diligence processes
- confirm there is no a priori evidence that applicants are not fit and proper persons
The government agency responsible for investigations into each applicant and their dependents ensures there are no criminal, reputational, or security risks.
Get Golden Visa: Who We Are and How We Can Help You
Get Golden Visa is a full-service investment immigration agency. We provide end-to-end solutions for residence and citizenship-by-investment programs worldwide.
At Get Golden Visa, we specialize in helping clients worldwide apply for residency programs worldwide, including the Malta Permanent Residence Programme.
Contact us for more information about MPRP and to speak with one of our experts.
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Malta Permanent Residence Programme Application Process
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme application process requires a high level of due diligence. There are specific requirements to meet to be eligible for a Maltese residence permit. This includes all relevant fees and documents, as well as the submission of original copies of various certificates.
The application takes 12-18 months to process.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documentation
The first step in the process is to prepare your documents and submit them through a licensed agent. At this step, you must pay the €15,000 non-refundable administration fee.
You must also provide evidence that you meet the required asset threshold (€500,000 or €650,000, depending on the option).
Step 2: Undergo Due Diligence Checks
After submitting the application, you must wait while the government agency conducts your due diligence and background checks, then creates your risk profile. During this period, the Residency Malta Agency may request additional reports, documents, or clarifications.
Step 3: Get Your Temporary Residence Permit
At this step, you must visit Malta for biometrics, and a temporary residence card will be issued within 6 weeks.
Your final application will then be evaluated by the Approvals Board. If successful, you will receive a Letter of Approval in Principle.
Step 4: Pay the Remaining Fees and Make Your Investment
Within two months of approval in Principle, you must pay the remaining €45,000 administration fee (and any applicable dependent fees).
Within eight months of approval, you must:
- Purchase a qualifying property (€375,000) or rent one (€14,000/year),
- Pay the €37,000 government contribution,
- Make the €2,000 charitable donation
- Obtain health insurance
- Submit proof of all requirements to the Agency.
Step 5: Get Your Certificate of Permanent Residence
Once successful applicants have made their investment and the Malta Agency has confirmed their investment application, it will issue final approval. Then, you must visit Malta for biometrics.
Finally, your Certificate of Permanent Residence and residency card will be issued.
The processing fee for the residency card: €137.50 per person
The renewal fee: €27.50 per year
Maltase Residency Cost Table & Investment
Although the cost of Malta residency by investment varies based on your situation, additional dependents, and investment path, the minimum investment for the Malta Golden Visa is approximately €169,000 for a single applicant or a family of four (spouse and two minor children) under the rental option.
The minimum purchase amount for the property is approximately €474,000.
Note that advisory fees and legal fees may also apply.
Option 1: Property Acquisition
| Scenario | Admin Fee |
Contr. | Donat. | Dep. Fees |
Prop. Cost |
TOTAL (inc. Inv.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Applicant |
60k | 37k | 2k | 0 | 375k | 474,000 |
| Family (4) Minors |
60k | 37k | 2k | 0 | 375k | 474,000 |
| Family (4) Adult Dep. |
60k | 37k | 2k | 15k | 375k | 489,000 |
Option 2: Property Rental
| Scenario | Admin Fee |
Contr. | Donat. | Dep. Fees |
Prop. Total (5yr) |
TOTAL (inc. Inv.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Applicant |
60k | 37k | 2k | 0 | 70k | 169,000 |
| Family (4) Minors |
60k | 37k | 2k | 0 | 70k | 169,000 |
| Family (4) Adult Dep. |
60k | 37k | 2k | 15k | 70k | 184,000 |
Malta Permanent Residency Timeline
| Timeframe | Action |
|---|---|
| Month 0 | Apply through a licensed agent, submit documents, prove the asset threshold, and pay a €15,000 administration fee. |
| After submission | The agency conducts due diligence and background checks. |
| Upon approval | Receive Letter of Approval in Principle. |
| Within 2 months of approval |
Pay the remaining €45,000 administration fee and dependent fees if applicable. |
| Within 8 months of approval |
Complete the investment requirements:
|
| After completion | Residence-by-Investment Certificate issued and residence cards granted. |
| First 5 years | Maintain the qualifying property continuously to renew your permit. |
Renewal of Maltese Residence Card
The Maltese residence card is a five-year visa that can be renewed for €27.50 per year. Minors under 14 with this type of card have expiration dates that fall one month after their birthday. The same applies to dependents aged 18 or older; ensure you renew your cards before they expire. Renewals are done in the ID Malta office.
Malta Permanent Residency to Citizenship
Malta Golden Visa is not a citizenship-by-investment program; it is a residency-by-investment program that grants permanent residence. To obtain a Maltese passport, you can consider Malta Citizenship by Merit program, as its citizenship by investment program has been closed as of 2025.
Furthermore, you may qualify for Maltese citizenship through naturalization, but this requires:
- Residency in Malta continuously for the 12 months immediately preceding the date of application;
- Resided in Malta for a minimum period of 4 years during the 6 years prior to those 12 months;
- Has an adequate knowledge of the Maltese or English language
Malta Tax Residency
To be called as “Malta resident”, you must spend at least 183 days in Malta. If you do not live in Malta for that period of time but are a resident, you are only subject to the taxation for the income generated in Malta, not your worldwide income.
However, Malta offers a favorable tax regime for investors. Accordingly, you can pay € 5,000 for income up to €35,000 in foreign income.
For any income generated in Malta, you have to pay personal income tax ranging from 15%-35%.
Frequently Asked Questions on Malta Permanent Residence Programme
Who is eligible to apply for permanent residence in Malta?
If you’re a third-country national outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, you may be eligible for Malta’s permanent residence. Applicants from certain countries are ineligible to apply for permanent residence in Malta. As this list may change over time, it’s useful to check it regularly.
Is There an Age Limit To Add My Parents or Grandparents for Permanent Residence in Malta?
No, there isn’t any limitation, but they must be financially dependent on you.
How Can I Prove That an Adult Is Dependent on Me as the Main Applicant for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme?
You’ll be required to declare their status in an affidavit.
Do I Have To Submit Evidence of Employment If I’m Not Self-Employed as the Main Applicant?
Yes, you’ll be required to submit evidence of employment if you’re not self-employed.
Can I Add Dependents After I Obtain the Maltese Residence?
Yes, you can. You’ll need to submit a separate application package containing all required documents.
What Is The Requirement For Health Insurance?
The health insurance required for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme is to cover all beneficiaries. Also, note that you’ll need separate travel insurance for your travel across Schengen countries.
Is There a Language Test To Get a Maltese Residence Permit?
No, the Malta Permanent Residence Programme doesn’t require you to take a language test.
Can I Obtain Maltese Citizenship by Investment?
As of 2025, Malta removed its citizenship-by-investment program. Currently, it only offers Maltese citizenship by merit route.
Will My Malta Residence Certificate And The Residence Card Expire?
The residence certificate doesn’t expire. However, the Malta residence card is initially valid for five years. After this period, you can renew them.
Can I Work in an EU Country With My Malta Residence Permit?
Your Malta residence permit doesn’t grant you any employment rights in the Schengen Area.
Can I Travel To Schengen Countries With My Malta Residence Permit?
Yes, you can. You can travel to Schengen countries with your Malta residence permit card, without any additional visa. Please note that this applies for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Will My Dependents Lose Their Residence Rights in Malta Upon Turning 2?
No, the 27-year threshold is no longer applicable. The new threshold is up to 28 years.
Will My Children Lose Their Malta Residence Status When They Turn 18?
No, they won’t as long as they still meet the eligibility criteria, which requires them to be financially dependent on you, unmarried, and childless.
Am I Required To Show €500,000 Capital Only for the First Five Years?
Yes, you’re required to hold €500,000 in capital and €150,000 in financial assets for the first five years only.
Are De Facto Partnerships Accepted Under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme?
Yes, de facto partnerships are accepted as long as you submit the required documentation.
What are the Criteria for €2,000 Donation?
You’ll be required to make a contribution of €2,000 to a local registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare, or artistic NGO.
Do I Need To Buy or Lease a Property in Malta During the Application Stage?
No. You can make your real estate investment within eight months from the date of issue of the Letter of Approval in Principle.
Is €500,000 Capital Requirement Separate from the Value Of Property Acquired/Leased In Malta?
Yes, it’s separate. You’re required to show that you’re in possession of €500,000 capital, out of which a minimum of €150,000 is financial assets. This will be monitored for the first five years.
Can I List My Crypto Assets As Financial Assets When Applying For The Malta Permanent Residence Programme?
No, the assets must be liquid, such as stocks, bonds, funds, and bank deposits.
Do I Have To Visit Malta For Biometrics After the First Five Years?
Yes, you and your dependents aged 14 or older are required to return to Malta for biometrics.
