Introduction
Following Brexit, the UK’s formal withdrawal from the European Union, many British investors have reassessed their residency status after losing the benefits previously available through EU membership. For many, Malta offers the best solution, as the only English-speaking EU country offering investment residency, Malta offers a secure program with access to Europe.
According to the latest government statistics, applications from UK citizens now represent one of the largest groups of applicants for the Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP). This growing interest highlights Malta’s appeal as a safe, welcoming, and business-friendly destination for high-net-worth individuals looking for stability, quality of life, and easier access across the EU
TL;DR
To move to Malta from the UK, you need to apply for the Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP). The minimum total investment starts from around €170,000 under the rental option, with a typical 6–8 month processing time. The key benefit is securing permanent residency in Malta (which is an EU member state part of the Schengen area).
Investment Requirements:
- Additional Adult Dependents: €7,500 each
- Property: €14,000 annual rent OR €375,000 purchase (5-year minimum)
- Government Contribution: €37,000
- Government Admin Fees: €60,000 (includes spouse & minor children)
- NGO Donation: €2,000
What is the Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP)?
The Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) is a residency-by-investment scheme launched in 2021. Sometimes referred to as the Malta Golden Visa, Malta PR, or Malta PR visa, the MPRP allows foreign nationals, including UK citizens to secure permanent residency rights in Malta.
The MPRP can provide British investors and their families with a secure pathway back into the EU post-Brexit, without requiring them to give up their UK citizenship or ties at home. By combining permanent residency in an English-speaking EU country such as Malta, with visa-free mobility across the Schengen Zone for 90 days in every 180 days rolling period, the MPRP offers a practical and flexible option to British nationals.
Why UK Investors Choose Malta PR Visa
For British nationals considering their options after Brexit, Malta MPRP is considered one of the most practical and efficient residency programs in Europe. As a former British colony, Malta offers familiar cultural advantages alongside financial benefits and lifestyle perks, making it especially attractive to investors and families seeking stability without severing ties to the UK.
English as an Official Language
For many British nationals, Malta MPRP is attractive because English is one of Malta’s official languages. Everyday life, legal processes, and business dealings can be carried out without a language barrier, making relocation or investment much more straightforward compared to other EU countries.
EU Access Post-Brexit
Another key consideration is mobility. Since Brexit, UK citizens no longer enjoy automatic rights within the European Union. Obtaining Malta Permanent Residency helps address this by granting visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone for 9- days in every 180 days rolling periods.
Tax and Financial Advantages
Malta also offers attractive financial benefits. Malta’s favourable tax regime for non-domiciled residents allows many investors to optimise and protect their wealth. Malta also offers a highly developed and well-regulated banking sector, this gives UK investors a secure environment to manage assets and plan for the future.
Lifestyle and Family Benefits
Malta is highly regarded for its quality of life and offers reliable healthcare, respected international schools, and a safe, welcoming environment. Malta’s Mediterranean location also provides excellent connectivity to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, offering both business and leisure opportunities.
Flexibility of Residency Requirements
Unlike many other EU programs, Malta MPRP does not impose any physical residency requirements, offering flexibility for those who prefer to maintain their base home outside of Malta.
Malta PR Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
For British nationals seeking to move to Malta through the Malta MPRP, it is important to understand the specific investment thresholds required by the program.
Provide Proof of Financial Assets
Applicants are required to show that, as of the application date, they hold capital valued at a minimum of €500,000, of which at least €150,000 must be in financial assets. Alternatively, they may demonstrate assets with a total value of not less than €650,000, including at least €75,000 in financial instruments.
Investment Options
Applicants are required to establish a physical link with Malta through property. There are two qualifying options available to applicants:
Purchase
Acquire real estate worth at least €375,000, to be held for a minimum of five years. During periods when the applicant is not residing in Malta, the property may be leased to third parties on a temporary basis, subject to approval.
Rental
Lease a property with a minimum annual rent of €14,000, also maintained for five years. After the initial five-year lease period has elapsed, applicants may, with the landlord’s consent, sublet the property.
NGO Donation
Applicants are also required to make a €2,000 donation to a registered non-governmental organisation (NGO).
Government Contribution
Applicants must make a government contribution of €37,000. This payment is non-refundable and ensures that participants in the Malta PR visa program contribute meaningfully to the country’s national development.
Government Administration Fees
A fixed administration fee of €60,000 applies to each application. This fee covers the principal applicant, a spouse, and minor children. For additional dependents, an additional €7,500 is charged per dependent adult, such as parents or children over 18 years of age.
Eligibility Criteria
As well as satisfying the investment requirements, applicants must meet strict eligibility standards as well.
Non-EU Citizen Status
The Malta PR visa is available to applicants who are non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals. Since Brexit, British citizens now fall within this category, making them fully eligible to apply for the program.
Clean Criminal Record
Applicants and their dependents must present a clean criminal record. The application will be verified through comprehensive due diligence checks by the Maltese authorities. Malta maintains one of the strictest screening processes in Europe.
Health Insurance
All applicants under the Malta PR visa must hold a health insurance policy that provides coverage within Malta.
Proof of Financial Stability
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their families. This typically involves providing proof of assets, income, and savings.
Age Requirements and Family Inclusion
The principal applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of application. One of the advantages of the Malta PR visa is the ability to include qualifying family members, such as a spouse, children under the ages of 18, financially dependent children who are unmarried and under the age of 29, and even dependent parents or grandparents, provided the additional fees are paid.
Due Diligence Process
Applying for the Malta PR visa involves a clear and structured process, designed to ensure only qualified applicants are approved. For UK citizens, the procedure typically takes 6–8 months from the time of submission to the issuance of the residency certificate and card.
Due Diligence and Application
The first stage is the preparation and submission of all required documentation.
The Maltese authorities will conduct a thorough review of the application and complete due diligence checks, including criminal record verification and background screening for the principal applicant and all dependents.
Approval and Investment
Once the application has successfully passed due diligence, the applicant will receive an approval-in-principle letter. Following this, the investor must provide proof of health insurance in Malta and fulfill the program’s investment requirements. These include the government contribution, administration fees, a qualifying real estate investment (purchase or rental), and the mandatory donation to a Maltese NGO.
Applicants are also required to travel to Malta to complete biometric registration, which is an essential step before the final residency documents can be issued.
In some cases, applicants may choose to apply for a temporary residence permit once background checks have been cleared. If this option is chosen, all supporting documentation for the Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) must be submitted within six months. Obtaining the temporary permit also requires biometric registration in Malta. Once the application is granted Approval in Principle and all MPRP obligations are satisfied, the temporary permit will be converted into a Permanent Residency Certificate.
Residency
Following successful completion of all requirements, the Maltese authorities will issue the Permanent Residency Certificate along with individual residency cards for the applicant and all included family members.
With these documents, UK citizens gain the full benefits of Malta PR, including the right to reside indefinitely in Malta. Malta Permanent Resident are also enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in any 180 days rolling period. The entire application process, from initial submission to residency card issuance, is generally completed within six to eight months.
Benefits of Malta PR for UK Investors
For British nationals plan to Emigrate to Malta, the Malta PR offers an attractive combination of mobility, financial advantages, business opportunities, and lifestyle advantages. Post-Brexit, it has become one of the most sought-after residency options in Europe, providing long-term stability and flexibility without requiring a change of citizenship.
EU Access and Mobility
One of the most important benefits of Malta PR is the ability to travel visa-free across the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180 days rolling period.
In addition, Malta PR provides a true permanent residency in Malta, without any requirement for any minimum physical residence locally.
Holders of Malta permanent residence who choose to relocate to Malta may in time be eligible to apply for long term resident status or even citizenship, subject to meeting conditions. This is not part of the MPRP but might be a future opportunity.
For instance, naturalisation might be possible under the Maltese Citizenship Act (Chapter 188), subject to certain conditions, including (i) residing in Malta continuously for the 12 months immediately before submitting the citizenship application (without leaving the country); and (ii) having spent, during the six years preceding those 12 months, an aggregate period of at least four years (48 months) in Malta. Applicants must be aware that the application is not guaranteed, but subject to the discretion of the local authorities.
Tax Advantages
The Malta PR program is particularly attractive for high-net-worth individuals due to its non-domiciled tax regime. Malta’s tax system only applies taxation on income remitted to Malta, providing an effective way to manage and protect global wealth. Malta also imposes no inheritance or estate tax on worldwide assets, making it a great option for succession and legacy planning.
For business owners and investors, Malta’s competitive corporate tax rates and an extensive network of double taxation treaties, including with the UK, ensure efficient tax structuring and compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
Business and Investment Opportunities
Malta has emerged as a hub for fintech, online gaming, and blockchain innovation, offering investors opportunities in high-growth sectors backed by strong regulatory frameworks. Relocating to Malta offers access to the wider economic European single market, which is a key advantage for British entrepreneurs seeking to retain EU connections.
In addition, Malta’s well-regulated investment fund industry and dynamic real estate market provide further channels for diversifying portfolios. From commercial ventures to property investments, Malta supports a stable environment for long-term growth.
Lifestyle Benefits
Beyond financial and business incentives, Malta offers an attractive lifestyle. The island nation enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters, making it ideal for year-round living.
As an English-speaking environment, Malta removes many of the barriers British families might face when relocating to other EU countries.
Read Also: Millionaire Migration: Who’s Leaving, Why and Where?
Common Concerns and FAQs for UK Applicants
Do I Need to Live in Malta Full-Time?
One of the most attractive aspects of the Malta PR is its flexibility. Applicants are required to make an initial visit to Malta to complete their biometrics and obtain their residency card. However, after this, there are no strict ongoing residence obligations.
What About My UK Tax Obligations with the Malta Visa?
Securing a Malta visa does not automatically change your tax residency status in the UK. Under UK rules, your tax obligations are determined by the Statutory Residence Test (SRT), which considers the number of days you spend in the UK, ties to family and property, and other factors.
By contrast, Malta offers significant tax advantages, including the non-domiciled tax regime, which means residents are only taxed on income remitted to Malta, not on worldwide earnings.
Can My Family be Included in the Malta PR Visa?
Yes, the Malta PR visa offers the ability for applicants to include their dependents. The program allows inclusion of a spouse and minor children under the main application. It also extends to adult dependent children (unmarried and no older than 29), as well as parents and grandparents of the principal applicant, provided they are financially dependent.
What If My Malta Visa Application Is Rejected?
Working with an experienced law firm such as Harvey Law Group minimize the risks. Rejection can result from issues uncovered during the due diligence process, such as undisclosed criminal records, insufficient proof of funds, or incomplete documentation.
Apart from a portion of the administration fees, contributions and investments are only required to be made after Approval in Principle, thereby giving security to the investors.
How Harvey Law Group Assists UK Investors
Applying for the Malta PR visa requires careful understanding and attention to regulatory obligations and compliance standards. Partnering with an experienced advisor ensures the application is managed with precision and confidence. Harvey Law Group (HLG) is positioned to provide British investors with the expertise and guidance needed to ensure a smooth and successful application process.
Expertise in Malta PR Visa Applications
Harvey Law Group has over 32 years of experience advising high-net-worth individuals on residency and citizenship solutions worldwide. With dedicated experts specialising in the Malta PR visa, HLG provides tailored strategies that reflect each client’s financial and personal goals.
Harvey Law Group can help ensure that your move to Malta is not only compliant but also fully aligned with your long-term personal and financial goals.
UK-Malta Legal System Knowledge
For British nationals, navigating the post-Brexit shift to non-EU status can be complicated. Harvey Law Group brings unmatched expertise in both UK and Maltese legal systems, giving clients a clear advantage. With our guidance, cross-border issues such as taxation, wealth structuring, and succession planning are handled with precision, ensuring that your move to Malta is not only compliant but also fully aligned with your long-term personal and financial goals.
End-to-End Service Offering
From the very first consultation through to final approval, Harvey Law Group offers a complete, end-to-end service. This includes eligibility assessments, preparation and submission of applications, coordination with Maltese authorities, and representation throughout the due diligence process.
Success Rates and Client Testimonials
Harvey Law Group has a strong track record of successful Malta PR visa approvals. Many clients highlight HLG’s professionalism, responsiveness, and ability to simplify complex residency requirements.
Getting Started: Your Path to Malta PR Visa
For UK investors, the Malta PR visa offers one of the most reliable and flexible residency options post-Brexit. With the right guidance, your application can be prepared, submitted, and approved in as little as six to eight months.
At Harvey Law Group (HLG), our team is here to guide you every step of the way. From eligibility assessment and document preparation to liaising with Maltese authorities and ensuring full compliance, HLG can assist you.
Contact our team for a personalised consultation. Our experts will explain the available options, answer your questions, and help you determine whether the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) matches your needs.
