According to Eurostat, people in Malta live to 83 on average, while the EU average is 81.7. Add its warm weather, English as an official language, and low pension taxes, and retiring in Malta becomes a great choice for many to spend their golden years.
Although many people think Malta has a “retirement visa,” it actually has the Malta Retirement Program, also known as MRP. This program is a special tax regime for retirees, rather than a residency visa. Typically, it lets you pay a flat 15% tax on the foreign income you bring into Malta.
However, the rules are changing, as introduced in Legal Notice 195 of 2026 along with the Global Residence Program and the UN Pensioner. From 1 January 2027, a new “Retired Pensioner” status replaces the MRP. The minimum tax doubles, and the property threshold rises. If you apply by 31 December 2026, you keep the current rules until the end of 2031.
This guide explains both sets of rules. You will learn who can apply, how much money you need, what you must buy or rent, and how to apply.
Retiring in Malta: Malta Retirement Program at a Glance
The table compares the current MRP with the new Retired Pensioner status that starts in 2027.
Requirement
If applied for by 31 Dec 2026
from 1 Jan 2027
Who can apply
EU, EEA, Swiss and non-EU nationals, except Maltese citizens
Same
Income
A pension of at least 75% of your taxable income, paid into Malta
Same
Tax on foreign income brought into Malta
15% flat
15% flat
Minimum tax each year
€7,500, plus €500 per dependant
€15,000
Buy property
€275,000 (€220,000 in the south of Malta or Gozo)
€700,000
Rent property
€9,600 a year (€8,750 in the south of Malta or Gozo)
€14,000 a year
Validity
Ongoing if you keep meeting requirements
5 years renewable
Application fee
€2,500
€8,500
Time in other countries
No more than 183 days a year in any one country
Same
Renewal fee
Not applied
€2,500 every renewal
Health insurance
Required for you and your family
Required
If you apply before the deadline, you keep the MRP terms until 31 December 2031.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To qualify for the MRP, you must meet five main qualifying criteria.
You Must Be Retired and Receive a Pension
You Must Be Retired and Receive a PensionThe first requirement for the Malta Retirement Visa is that you cannot work in Malta. However, you can sit on the board of a Maltese company as a non-executive director. You can also take part in charity, education, or research work.
Also, your pension must make up at least 75% of your taxable income, and you must receive the full pension in Malta.
So, what counts as pension?
- Regular payments from a former employer for your past work
- Government pensions, for example, for working for a state, a region or a local authority
- Annuities, paid for life or for a fixed period
- Regular income from a company (occupational) pension scheme
- Regular income from a personal pension plan abroad
- Regular income from insurance policies
You Must Buy or Rent a Qualifying Home
You Must Buy or Rent a Qualifying HomeYou must provide proof of address in Malta and show that you live there yourself. You cannot rent it out to other people. There are two options:
- Buy at least €275,000, or €220,000 in the south of Malta or on Gozo.
- Rent at least €9,600 a year, or €8,750 a year in the south of Malta or on Gozo.
From 2027, the threshold is the same everywhere: €700,000 to buy or €14,000 a year to rent.
You Must Live in Malta
You Must Live in MaltaYou must live in Malta for at least 90 days a year, on average over 5 years. You also cannot spend more than 183 days a year in any other single country.
You Must Have Private Health Insurance
You Must Have Private Health InsuranceYour policy must cover you and every family member on your application. It must cover all risks across the EU.
You Cannot Hold Malta Citizenship or Permanent Residency
You Cannot Hold Malta Citizenship or Permanent ResidencyThe MRP is for foreign retirees. If you later become a long-term or permanent resident, keep in mind that your MRP status might end.
Who Can You Include Under MRP?
Family Members Who Also Get the 15% Tax Rate
Family Members Who Also Get the 15% Tax Rate- Your spouse
- Your children under 18, including adopted children
- Children in your care or custody
- Adult children who cannot support themselves because of a serious illness or disability
Dependents Who Can Live With You but Pay Normal Maltese Tax
Dependents Who Can Live With You but Pay Normal Maltese TaxThese people must register separately with the tax office.
- Your partner in a stable, long-term relationship (if you are not married)
- Your children aged 18 to 25 who do not work
- Your brothers and sisters
- Your parents and grandparents, or your spouse’s or partner’s
Household Staff
Household Staff- They must have worked for you for at least 2 years before you apply.
- They must have a work contract.
- They pay normal Maltese tax, not 15%.
How Tax Works Under the Malta Retirement Visa
The MRP is mainly a favorable tax regime. It works in three simple ways.
- You pay a minimum annual tax of 15% on foreign income that you bring into Malta, including your pension.
- You pay 35% on other chargeable income, such as income from Maltese sources.
- You pay at least €7,500 a year, plus €500 for each dependant. If 15% of your income comes to less, you still pay the minimum.
For example, when you bring a €60,000 pension into Malta. At 15%, your tax will be €9,000. However, from 2027, the minimum tax for new applicants will rise to a flat €15,000 a year.
Residence Permit for Non-EU Retirees
The MRP gives you a tax status, not a residence permit. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can live in Malta without any visa issuance.
However, if you come from outside the EU, you need a residence permit.
How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in Malta?
Under the MRP, a retiree who rents a home needs about €19,600 in the first year. This covers the application fee, the minimum rent and the minimum tax. Living costs come on top.
Cost item
Rent route (south of Malta or Gozo)
Rent route (rest of Malta)
Buy route (rest of Malta)
Application fee (one time)
€2,500
€2,500
€2,500
Home
€8,750 a year
€9,600 a year
€275,000 purchase
Minimum tax
€7,500 a year
€7,500 a year
€7,500 a year
Residence permit (non-EU only)
€100
€100
€100
First-year total
€18,850
€19,700
€285,100
You also need private healthcare insurance and money for daily life. You must also add a minimum of €500 a year in tax for each dependant, if any.
You must also budget for stamp duty, notary, and legal fees.
Cost of Living in Malta
As a retiree, you can expect to spend between €2,250 and €3,400 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, and basic lifestyle expenses. Basically, you can pay around €800 to €1,600 for a one- bedroom apartment, depending on the area you live in. The cheapest cities include southern islands like Gozo.
Typically, basic utilities cost around €88, including electricity, water, and gas. Groceries are moderate, costing around €500-€650 per month for two people.
Required Documents for Malta Retirement Programme
Documents must be apostilled and translated into English.
Document Checklist
Document Checklist- Proof of Pension. Documents that show your pension income.
- Passport. A certified true copy of a valid travel document.
- Health Insurance. A certified copy of a policy that covers you and your family across the whole EU.
- Police Conduct Certificate.
- It must have an Apostille.
- It must be no older than 6 months.
- Everyone over 18 in the application needs one, including adult dependents and household staff.
- Sworn Declaration. You make it in front of a Commissioner for Oaths in Malta. It says you have no ongoing civil or criminal court cases. If you do have one, you must explain it in a separate signed declaration.
- Property Contract. A certified copy of the final purchase deed or the lease agreement. It must show full details of the seller or landlord. If the home is rented furnished, say so. Attach any separate furniture agreement.
- Signed Application Form. You sign Part 1 in original. This gives your agent (ARM) permission to act for you.
Application Process for the Malta Retirement Program
The application process can take up to 2-4 months depending on the background checks and documentation.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Step 1: Check Your EligibilityYou cannot apply by yourself. An Authorized Registered Mandatary (ARM) must sign and submit the application. An ARM is a lawyer, notary, accountant, or similar professional who is registered with the tax office. You can find the list on the Commissioner for Revenue’s website.
Step 2: Buy or Rent a Property in Malta
You must find a property. At this stage, you have two options:
- Buy at least €275,000, or €220,000 in the south of Malta or on Gozo.
- Rent qualifying property at least €9,600 a year, or €8,750 a year in the south of Malta or on Gozo.
Please note that the qualifying property cannot be rented out.
This amount will increase to €700,000 to buy or €14,000 a year to rent starting from January 2027.
Step 3: Get Health Insurance
You must make sure your comprehensive health insurance covers you and your family across the EU. For that, you must obtain health insurance from either a company licensed in Malta or a reputable international health insurance provider.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
After you gather all the necessary documents, you can submit your application in person to the Maltese Embassy in your country. At this stage, you also need to pay the €2,500 application fee.
Step 5: Letter of Intent
If everything is in order, you get a Letter of Intent, together with a Notice of Primary Residence form.
You do not need to own or rent the home yet when you apply. You can find it at this stage.
Step 6: You Have 12 Months
Step 6: You Have 12 MonthsThe Letter of Intent is valid for 12 months. In this time, you must send:
- The Notice of Primary Residence, signed by you in original
- A certified copy of the purchase deed or lease
- A receipt showing you paid the minimum tax
Step 7: Get Your Tax Status
Step 7: Get Your Tax StatusThe office checks your file. Then it sends your ARM a letter that lists any missing or incorrect documents.
After this, your special tax status is confirmed.
After you are approved
- Foreign pension income you bring into Malta is taxed at 15%. Other income is taxed at 35%.
- You must pay a minimum tax of €7,500 per year, plus €500 for each dependent and each household staff member. The deadline is 30 April.
- You must submit an Annual Declaration with your tax return every year.
- You must tell the tax office within 4 weeks if the number of dependents or staff changes. Your ARM sends this notice.
- You can leave the program at any time by notifying the tax office.
Malta Retirement Program vs Other Malta Residency Options
The MRP is not the only way to retire in Malta. Two other programs suit different needs.
Programme
Best for
Main requirement
Status
Malta Retirement Programme (MRP)
Retirees who want a low tax on their pension
Pension of at least 75% of income; home from €220,000 or €8,750 a year in rent
Tax status, renewed through yearly compliance
Global Residence Program (GRP)*
Non-EU nationals with other income, or who may want to work
€15,000 minimum tax, same property rules as the MRP
Tax status, you can work with a permit
Non-EU families who want permanent residence
Buy for €375,000 or rent for €14,000 a year, plus government fees
Direct permanent residence status
*From 2027, the GRP also moves into the new Individual Tax Program, with a €35,000 minimum tax.
Pros and Cons of Retiring in Malta
Pros
- English is an official language, alongside Maltese.
- People in Malta live to 83 on average, one of the highest figures in the European Union.
- Malta offers a stable political environment for retirees.
- Natural disasters are rare in Malta compared to other destinations.
- Malta benefits from a Mediterranean climate with over 300 sunny days per year.
- Your foreign retirement income faces a flat 15% tax under the MRP.
- Malta is in the EU and the Schengen Area. So you can access the Schengen Area visa-free for 90 days.
- Malta’s public healthcare system provides high-quality care at affordable costs, compared to the US.
- Its relaxed lifestyle, low violent crime rates, and lower cost of living make it one of the most preferred destinations for retirees seeking a calm environment.
- There are also no wealth taxes or annual property taxes in Malta. You must, however, pay a capital gains tax or withholding tax while selling the property if you do not live in that property for three consecutive years.
Cons
- Rents and property prices have risen fast, especially around Valletta and Sliema.
- Traffic and building work are common complaints.
- Summers are hot and humid.
- The 2027 rules make the program much more expensive for new applicants.
If you are comparing destinations, see our guide to Golden Visa countries for retirees.
Get Golden Visa: Who We Are and How We Can Help You
Get Golden Visa is a residency and citizenship by investment consultancy. We help retirees and families choose the right program and prepare a complete application.
Contact us to check your eligibility for the Malta Golden Visa program (MRPP).
FAQs About the Malta Retirement Visa
Does Malta have a retirement visa?
Most people mean the Malta Retirement Program, a special tax status for retirees. This is not a retirement visa. You can opt for other residency visas, including the Malta Golden Visa, or any applicable visa type for you.
How much money do you need to retire in Malta?
Under the current rules, you need a retirement income that covers at least 75% of your income. You also need a home worth at least €220,000, or rent of at least €8,750 a year. The minimum tax is €7,500 a year.
Can a US citizen retire in Malta?
Yes, American retirees can also live in Malta as long as they have a valid residency permit for stays longer than 90 days in 180 days.
What tax do retirees pay in Malta?
If you qualify for the Malta Retirement Program, you can expect to pay a flat tax rate of 15% on foreign income you bring into Malta. The minimum is €7,500 a year, plus €500 per dependant. Other income is taxed at 35%.
What changes for the Malta Retirement Program in 2027?
The minimum tax rises to €15,000, and the property threshold rises to €700,000 to buy or €14,000 a year to rent, along with the €8,500 application fee and €2,500 renewal fee.
Can I work while on the Malta Retirement Visa?
No, you cannot hold a job. You can serve as a non-executive director of a Maltese company or take part in charity and education work.
Does the Malta Retirement Program lead to citizenship?
Not directly. The Malta Retirement Programme offers a tax status. Citizenship in Malta depends on long-term residence or on Malta’s citizenship by merit.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is not legal, tax, or investment advice. Rules and fees can change, so check the latest figures with Malta’s tax authority or a licensed adviser before you apply.
