Malta is an island nation located in the central Mediterranean. Malta offers political stability, a strong economy, English-speaking communities and access to advanced European lifestyle benefits. Malta has become an attractive option for many investors, business owners, retirees and families looking for a second home in Europe.
Malta offers one of the most established residency-by-investment programs in the EU. Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) was officially launched in 2021 and offers direct access to the Schengen Area for 90 to 180 days, a stable Mediterranean economy and a straightforward investment structure. It continues to attract non-EU investors looking for a European base without giving up their existing nationality.
Overview of Malta Residency by Investment Framework
Malta residency by investment route is officially called the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), sometimes referred to as the Malta Golden Visa. Malta’s separate citizenship by investment program was terminated by the government in 2025. The MPRP remains active and grants permanent residency rather than citizenship. It is one of the most popular European residency options.
The program allows non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals to secure permanent residency in Malta by meeting the official requirements. It allows eligible applicants and their family members to live in Malta and provides visa-free travel access to the Schengen Area.
Eligibility and Investment Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants generally need to be
- At least 18 years old
- Have a clean criminal record
- Must not be a national of restricted countries
- Have good health
- Show a legitimate source of funds
- Meet the investment criteria
Investment Requirements
The MPRP combines a property commitment and government contributions rather than a single payment. The total cost starts at approximately €163,755 made up of the following components:
Property Requirement
- Property rental in Malta or Gozo for at least 5 years with a minimum investment of €14,000 per year
- Purchase a property in Malta for a minimum of €375,000
Government Contribution:
- A non-refundable contribution of €60,000 to the Maltese government
Donation:
- A €2,000 donation to a registered Malta based, non-governmental organization (NGO)
Applicants should budget for additional fees that may be charged on per application and per dependent included in the application.
Family Inclusion
The MPRP allows a wide range of dependents in a single application, including a spouse, dependent children up to the age of 29 and dependent parents and grandparents. This makes it a reasonable option for families looking to relocate.
Application Process and Timeline
The MPRP is processed through the official agents of the Residency Agency of Malta. All applications must be submitted through a professional agent.
Initial Assessment
In the initial process, the immigration consultant reviews the profile and confirms the eligibility of the applicants before proceeding further. The expert also guides the applicants to the main investment route, either government contributions, property requirements or investments
Document Preparation
Applicants gather documents including passport copies, birth and marriage certificates, police character certificates, proof of assets and bank statements.
Application Submission
The application with documents and the government fees is submitted to the Maltese residency authority.
Due Diligence and Processing
The government processes the application by conducting due diligence and other background checks of all the adult applicants.
Approval and Residency Card Issuance
Applicants receive a residency permit for Malta after completing the investment requirements. The official agency of Malta issues a Letter of Final Approval to the main applicant. However, biometric screening is mandatory for all eligible applicants at the Residency Agency of Malta, except for infants up to 2 years old.
Benefits of Malta Residency
The Malta Golden Visa, officially referred to as the Malta residency by investment program provides a range of advantages and opportunities for investors. After the discontinuation of the citizenship of investment program, the residency by investment program in Malta has become more appealing to investors for better business opportunities and access to international markets. Below are the main advantages of the Malta residency by investment program
Access to EU and Schengen
MPRP benefits investors who frequently travel across Europe, as they gain visa-free travel access throughout the Schengen area.
Tax treatment
Malta offers a remittance based tax system for residents who are not domiciled in the country. This means foreign income is typically taxed only when it is transferred to Malta. This makes it attractive to investors and business owners with international income sources.
Minimum stay requirement
The MPRP does not impose any strict minimum stay requirements on the permit holders.
Lifetime validity
Maltese permanent residency under the MPRP does not expire if the holder continues to meet the program’s ongoing conditions such as maintaining the qualifying property arrangement.
Path to Citizenship and Long Term Considerations
The MPRP is a residency program in Malta. There is a separate naturalization route to secure citizenship in Malta.
According to the current Citizenship Act of Malta
- The applicants must have 5 years of legal residency including 12 months of continuous residence immediately before applying
- They have to confirm their integration into Maltese society
- A clean criminal record and good character of the applicant
Anyone planning a path from residency to citizenship in Malta should confirm the legal requirements with a qualified immigration consultant.
FAQs
Is Malta permanent residency the same as citizenship?
Malta permanent residency program provides residence rights but does not automatically grant citizenship.
What is the minimum investment requirement for Malta permanent residency?
The MPRP starts from approximately €163,755 combining a property rental or purchase, a €60,000 government contribution and a €2,000 NGO donation and administrative fees.
Can I still get Maltese citizenship by investment?
Malta terminated its citizenship by investment program in 2025. The MPRP now grants only permanent residency and citizenship requires a separate naturalization process.
Do I need to live in Malta full time to keep my residency?
There is no minimum stay requirement for eligible applicants to maintain residency in Malta.
Can I include my parents in my Malta residency application?
Yes. The program allows inclusion of a spouse, dependent children up to age 29 and dependent parents and grandparents.
Conclusion
Malta permanent residence program is one of the more established European residency programs. It offers Schengen access, promising tax treatment and no minimum stay requirement. As Malta terminated its CBI program by 2025, MPRP is now more appealing to investors and HNW individuals. Applicants can secure citizenship later through a separate naturalization process. If you are considering Malta MPRP, consult with an expert immigration consultant to confirm the current requirements of the country.
