Malta Permanent Residence Benefits (Why It’s Worth It in 2025)

Malta’s permanent residency provides a stable and high-quality European lifestyle. This article covers its benefits and some things to consider before applying.

What is the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) grants lifetime residency to individuals from outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland. It allows applicants and their families to reside, settle, or stay indefinitely in Malta without requiring renewals.

If you want to gain permanent residency in Malta for you and your family, contact us now to make it happen!

Benefits of Malta Permanent Residency

Here are the main benefits of obtaining permanent residency in Malta:

1. Visa-Free Travel Across the Schengen Area

Holders of the Malta Permanent Residency card enjoy visa-free travel to 26 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This simplifies mobility across Europe and eliminates the need for frequent visa applications​.

2. Lifelong Residency Status

Maltese permanent residency is granted for life, with renewal of the residency card required only every five years. Unlike temporary residency programs, this eliminates the hassle of frequent renewals​.

3. Inclusion of Family Members

The program allows applicants to include spouses, children, parents, and grandparents. There are no age limits for dependents, provided they are financially reliant on the applicant. This makes it ideal for multi-generational families​.

4. High-Quality Healthcare Access

Malta offers a healthcare system that is renowned for its high standards and efficiency. Residents benefit from advanced medical facilities and services that adhere to European Union (EU) standards. 

Additionally, eligible residents can apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This allows access to essential medical care during temporary stays in other EU countries.

To learn more about healthcare access as a Malta permanent resident, read our detailed blog now.

5. World-Class Education Opportunities

Maltese residency provides access to the University of Malta, ranked among the top 900 universities globally. The university offers courses taught in English, making it accessible to international students.

Residents can also study in other EU countries with local tuition rates. This makes higher education more affordable​.

6. Business and Investment Opportunities

Malta’s stable economy and EU membership offer significant opportunities for investors. Real estate investments have been attractive, with property prices increasing by an average of 5% per year since 2012. Rental yields typically range from 4% to 5% annually, making this a potentially lucrative long-term strategy.

7. Tax Benefits

Malta’s tax system is competitive. While the corporate tax rate is 35%, shareholders may receive refunds that can reduce the effective tax rate to as low as 5%. Residents also benefit from income tax rates that are generally lower than those in countries like the UK.

8. Safe and Stable Environment

Malta is among the world’s safest countries, with low crime rates and a high standard of living. Its economic and political stability further enhances its appeal to families.

9. No Residency Requirement

Residents are not required to live in Malta to maintain their status. This provides flexibility for those who prefer to retain residency while living elsewhere​.

10. Simple and Fast Process

The MPRP is one of the fastest residency programs in Europe, with applications typically processed within 4–6 months.

11. English as an Official Language

English is one of Malta’s official languages. This makes it easy for residents to interact with government offices, open bank accounts, and access services​.

12. Favorable Climate and Environment

Malta’s Mediterranean climate features warm summers and mild winters, providing a pleasant and comfortable environment year-round.

13. Confidentiality in the Application Process

The application process ensures strict confidentiality, with personal data securely handled under Maltese and EU data protection laws​.

Learn how to secure Malta permanent residency in our full guide.

14. Cultural and Historical Richness

Residents enjoy Malta’s rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, making it a desirable destination for families and retirees​.

Things to Consider Before Applying for Malta’s Permanent Residency Program

Here are the main requirements and commitments to consider before applying for Malta’s Permanent Residency Program.

1. Non-Refundable Fees

The program involves high non-refundable costs, including a €40,000 administrative fee, a €2,000 donation, and additional government contributions. Total costs can exceed €150,000 over five years for renters and €370,000 for buyers.

Read our full guide to understand the costs of getting Malta permanent residency.

2. Requirement for a Registered Address

Residents must maintain a registered address in Malta for at least five years, either rented or owned. After this period, they are no longer obligated to keep the property but must maintain a suitable residential address to retain their residency permit.

3. Strict Due Diligence Process

Applicants and dependents over 12 years old must undergo thorough checks against international databases. 

The Residency Malta Agency conducts a comprehensive four-tier due diligence process to ensure thorough screening. This process can lead to rejections if concerns arise, making it one of the strictest in Europe​.

4. Financial Dependence of Relatives

Dependents, including children, parents, and grandparents, must prove financial reliance on the applicant. They cannot have independent sources of income, which may add complexity to applications.

5. Limited Visa-Free Travel

While Schengen access is granted, residents can only stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This is more restrictive compared to citizenship programs, which may allow longer or indefinite stays.

6. Significant Investment Requirement

Applicants must prove capital assets of at least €500,000, including €150,000 in liquid assets. This financial threshold may deter some potential applicants​.

7. Ongoing Compliance Reviews

Residents are subject to annual reviews for the first five years to ensure compliance with program requirements, such as maintaining investments and registered addresses​.

8. High Housing Costs

Renting a property for five years costs at least €60,000, while purchasing requires a minimum investment of €300,000 to €350,000, depending on the location​.

9. Limited Citizenship Pathway

While permanent residency can lead to citizenship after five years of physical residence, this pathway is not guaranteed and involves additional compliance.

10. Dependency on Market Conditions

Real estate investors may face risks due to market fluctuations. Although property values in Malta have historically risen, future returns are not guaranteed​.

Want to enjoy the benefits of Malta Permanent Residency? We provide expert assistance to help you access lifetime residency and its advantages for you and your family. Contact us today through our contact form to start your application!