What is the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is a residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU nationals to obtain permanent residency in Malta, an EU member state and part of the Schengen Area. It requires a combination of a property investment (rental or purchase), a government contribution, an administration fee, and a donation to a Maltese NGO. Unlike many other European residency programs, the MPRP grants permanent residency directly from the outset rather than a temporary permit, and includes a potential pathway to Maltese citizenship subject to meeting strict long-term residency conditions.

What are the investment requirements for Malta permanent residency?

Applicants must satisfy all of the following investment requirements after receiving Approval in Principle: (1) Property: either rent a property in Malta at a minimum annual rental of EUR €14,000, or purchase a property with a minimum value of EUR €375,000, held for a minimum of 5 years. (2) Government contribution: EUR €37,000 regardless of whether the property is rented or purchased. (3) Government administration fee: EUR €60,000 for the main applicant including spouse and minor children, plus EUR €7,500 per additional adult dependent. Note that EUR €15,000 of the administration fee is payable upon submission. (4) Donation: EUR €2,000 to a registered Maltese non-governmental organisation.

What are the financial asset requirements for Malta permanent residency?

Applicants must demonstrate proof of assets throughout the first 5 years of residency. If the property is purchased, the applicant must show assets of at least EUR €500,000, of which at least EUR €150,000 must be in financial assets. If the property is rented, the applicant must show assets of at least EUR €650,000, of which at least EUR €75,000 must be in financial assets.

Who can be included as dependents in a Malta permanent residency application?

The main applicant can include a spouse or partner, dependent unmarried children under 29 years old, and dependent parents and grandparents of both the main applicant and spouse. Minor children are included within the main applicant's administration fee of €60,000. Each additional adult dependent incurs an additional fee of €7,500.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Malta MPRP?

Applicants must be non-EU nationals aged 18 or over, meet the qualifying investment requirements, hold the property investment for a minimum of 5 years, have a clean criminal record, hold valid health insurance coverage in Malta, be in good health and of good character, provide evidence of the lawful source of funds, and demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their dependents. There are no language, education, or management experience requirements.

Can I travel within Europe with Malta permanent residency?

Yes. As Malta is both an EU member state and part of the Schengen Area, Malta permanent residency holders can travel visa-free within the 26 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in every 180-day period.

Do I need to live in Malta to keep my permanent residency?

No. The Malta MPRP grants the right to reside indefinitely in Malta but has no minimum physical residency requirement to maintain the permanent residency status. However, physical residency in Malta is required if you later wish to pursue Maltese citizenship — see below.

Can I get Maltese citizenship through the MPRP?

There is a potential pathway to citizenship under the Maltese Citizenship Act (Chapter 188), but it is subject to strict conditions and is not guaranteed. To be eligible, applicants must have resided in Malta continuously for the 12 months immediately before submitting the citizenship application without leaving Malta during that period, and must also have resided in Malta for an aggregate of at least 4 years (48 months) during the 6 years preceding those 12 months. This is a significant long-term commitment and Harvey Law Group can advise on whether this pathway is realistic based on each client's circumstances.

How long does the Malta permanent residency process take?

The Malta MPRP process takes between 6 and 8 months. The process involves preparation and submission of application documents through a licensed agent, background checks and review by Maltese authorities, obtaining Approval in Principle, submitting proof of health insurance and fulfilling all investment requirements, completing biometrics in Malta, and receiving the permanent residency certificate and card.

Is there a temporary visa available at the start of the Malta residency process?

Yes. Applicants have the option to obtain a temporary 1-year visa at the start of the process following standard background checks. This allows the applicant to be present in Malta during the processing period while the full permanent residency application is being reviewed.

What are the tax benefits of Malta permanent residency?

Malta is considered a low-cost and tax-efficient jurisdiction within the EU. Malta permanent residents who are not domiciled in Malta are generally only taxed on income remitted to Malta and on income arising in Malta, rather than on worldwide income. Malta has an extensive network of double tax treaties and offers a favourable tax environment for internationally mobile investors and families.

Malta Permanent Residency

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) offers a unique opportunity for non-EU nationals to obtain permanent residency in one of Europe’s most attractive destinations. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, Malta has become a popular choice for individuals and families seeking a new home. In this guide, we will explore the requirements, application process, benefits, and frequently asked questions regarding Malta permanent residence.

What are the benefits of Malta permanent residency?

Residency and Family Inclusion

Dependents:

Spouse or partner
Dependent (unmarried) children under 29
Dependent parents and grandparents

Travel and Quality of Life

Visa Free travel in Schengen Area for 90 days in every 180-day period
High standard education and healthcare system
A low-cost and tax-efficient jurisdiction

Ease of Access

Member of the European Union and Schengen Area
Right to reside indefinitely in Malta
No language requirement
No education or management experience required
Potential path to citizenship under Maltese Citizenship Act Chapter 188 subject to conditions: i.e. reside in Malta continuously for the first 12 months immediately before the application (not exiting Malta) – and during the period of 6 years immediately preceding those 12 months he/she must have resided in Malta for periods in aggregate for not less than 4 years (or 48 months). (not guaranteed)
Option to obtain a temporary 1 year visa at the start of the process following standard background checks.

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What are the requirements for the residency permit in Malta?

Be over 18 years of age and non-EU citizen.
Meet the qualifying investment requirements.
Hold the property investment for a minimum of 5 years.
Have a clean criminal record.
Acquire health insurance coverage in Malta.
Be in good health and of good reputation.
Provide evidence of the source of funds used for the application.
Have sufficient financial resources to support themselves.
Provide proof of assets: (i) at least EUR 500k (comprising at least EUR 150k in financial assets) OR at least EUR 650k (comprising at least EUR 75k in financial assets) – to maintain throughout the first 5 years.

What are the investment options to obtain the residency permit in Malta?

Applicants must either rent or purchase property in Malta, hold it for a minimum of five years, and make the required contributions.

Property Investment & linked Gov Contribution

Rental Option:

Minimum annual rental of EUR 14,000 and
Government contribution of EUR 37,000

Property Purchase Option:

Value of at least EUR 375,000 and
Government contribution of EUR 37,000

Government Admin Fees

EUR 60,000 for main applicant (Include spouse and minor children)
EUR 7,500 per additional adult dependent

Donation to a Malta Non-Government Organization

EUR 2,000

*Note that the above fees and investments are due after Approval in Principle (save for a minimum part payment of the Gov Admin Fee amounting to EUR 15k which is payable upon submission)