Malta Permanent Residence (How to Apply and Qualify in 2025)
Malta’s strategic location and investor-friendly policies make it a top choice for permanent residency. This article covers everything you need to know about how to get permanent residency in Malta, including benefits, requirements, and steps.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) provides non-EU/EEA nationals an opportunity to gain permanent residency in Malta through investment. Launched in 2021, this programme offers many benefits, including stability, high quality of life, and access to the EU.
Benefits of Obtaining Permanent Residency in Malta
Applying for permanent residency in Malta through the MPRP provides many advantages for individuals and families. Here are the benefits you can enjoy with this program:
- Residency Rights: Applicants who hold a Malta permanent residence permit can reside, settle, and stay permanently in Malta.
- Visa-Free Travel: Enjoy visa-free travel across the Schengen Area for 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Family Inclusion: Spouses, children, parents, and grandparents can be included under specific conditions.
- No Physical Presence Requirement: Applicants are not required to reside in Malta, offering flexibility.
- Investment Duration: Investments are required only for the first five years. However, maintaining eligibility may require retaining certain obligations.
Read our full guide for more information on the benefits of Malta permanent residence.
Eligibility Requirements for Malta Residency
To qualify for the MPRP, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.
- Be at least 18 years old with a clean criminal record.
- Hold capital assets of at least €500,000, with €150,000 in financial assets.
- Show stable financial resources to support themselves and their dependents.
- Pass strict due diligence checks conducted by the Residency Malta Agency.
Check out our detailed guide on Malta’s permanent residency requirements.
Total Investment Costs
The MPRP requires applicants to invest in Malta through property and contributions. Below are the specific investments needed to qualify for this program.
- Government Contribution:
- €30,000 for property purchases.
- €60,000 for property rentals.
- €30,000 for property purchases.
- Administrative Fee:
- €50,000, non-refundable, paid upon application submission.
- €50,000, non-refundable, paid upon application submission.
- Charitable Donation:
- €2,000 to a registered NGO focused on philanthropy, culture, or other social contributions.
- €2,000 to a registered NGO focused on philanthropy, culture, or other social contributions.
- Additional Dependents:
- €10,00 for each parent or grandparent added to the application.
These costs are in addition to property investment, which applicants can fulfill through one of two options:
- Property Purchase Requirements: Applicants choosing to purchase property must meet the minimum value requirement of €375,000 across Malta and Gozo.
This investment must be held for at least five years and will serve as the applicant’s qualifying property. - Property Rental Requirements: Applicants choosing to lease property meet the minimum annual lease requirement of €14,000 per year across Malta and Gozo.
Leased property must also be retained for a minimum of five years.
Overall Total General Costs: €182,000 (rental) to €457,000 (purchase), depending on the chosen property investment option.
If you have dependents, add €10,000 per dependent on top of the total general costs.
Learn more about the cost of obtaining Malta permanent residence in our detailed guide.
How to Apply for Permanent Residency in Malta
The process of getting permanent residence in Malta is straightforward. Below are the steps to complete your application successfully:
- Grant Power of Attorney (POA): The first step is signing a Power of Attorney document. This authorizes the licensed agent to act on behalf of the main applicant during the entire application process.
- Submit Application Pack: The licensed agent prepares and submits a complete application pack to the Residency Malta Agency. Upon submission, the agency issues a receipt as confirmation.
- Complete Due Diligence Checks: A four-tier due diligence process ensures that only reputable applicants are approved:
- Police authorities perform checks using Interpol, Europol, and other international databases.
- The agency investigates applicants and their families, reviewing corporate affiliations, financial history, and any risks. Further questions may be asked for clarity.
- The licensed agent conducts initial KYC (Know Your Customer) checks.
- Residency Malta Agency verifies the completeness and correctness of the application and supporting documents, such as notarized and apostilled documents.
- Receive Approval or Rejection: The application is reviewed by the Approvals Board. If approved, a Letter of Approval in Principle (LAP) is issued. If rejected, the applicant is notified with a rejection letter.
- Complete Investments: After receiving the LAP, the applicant must fulfill all investment requirements.
- Purchase or lease a qualifying property.
- Make a government contribution.
- Donate €2,000 to a registered NGO.
- Provide Biometric Data and Obtain Residency Card: Applicants and dependents must visit Malta to provide biometric data, including fingerprints, photographs, and signatures. Once all investments are completed and verified, residency cards valid for five years are issued.
- Ensure Annual Compliance: For the first five years, beneficiaries must provide annual proof of property lease and valid health insurance coverage. Afterward, compliance checks may occur at the agency’s discretion.
If you’re looking to apply for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, contact us today to get expert guidance.
Residency Obligations for Malta’s Permanent Residency
To maintain eligibility, applicants must meet certain residence-related obligations. These requirements ensure compliance with the program’s terms:
- Maintain a qualifying property investment for at least five years.
- Retain a residential address in Malta after the five-year investment period.
- Possess valid health insurance covering all risks in Malta and Europe.
Advantages of Malta for Permanent Residents
Here are the reasons why Malta is an ideal choice for permanent residency:
- Strategic Location: Malta’s central position in the Mediterranean provides easy access to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Political Stability and Safety: Malta is one of the safest countries in Europe, with a strong economy and a stable government.
- High-Quality Education and Healthcare: Residents benefit from a robust education system and reliable healthcare services.
Find out all about health care benefits as a Malta permanent resident in our full guide. - Lifestyle Appeal: With its rich history, sunny climate, and modern amenities, Malta offers a balance of Mediterranean charm and urban convenience.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Process Applications?
The process typically takes 4 to 6 months. However, high application volumes may cause slight delays.
Can Family Members Be Included in the Application?
Yes, spouses, children, parents, and grandparents can be included. Additional fees may apply to extended family members such as parents or grandparents.
Do Minor Children Under MRVP Lose Their Malta Residence Status When They Turn 18?
No, they retain their MRVP residence status provided they continue to meet the Regulations.
Does the Beneficiary Still Need to Meet the Qualifying Property and Investment Obligations After Five Years?
After five years, the beneficiary no longer needs to maintain the qualifying investment or property. However, they must still keep a residential address in Malta without following the initial five-year restrictions.
Want to live in Malta with lifetime residency? Our experienced team is here to assist you with every step of the application process, including paperwork, investment steps, and meeting all the requirements. Reach out to us today through our contact form to make it happen!
