Malta Permanent Residence Programme

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is a residency-by-investment scheme tailored for non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals seeking to establish a permanent base in Malta. The program allows successful applicants and their families to reside in Malta indefinitely, benefiting from the country's high quality of life, healthcare, and educational systems, as well as access to travel across the Schengen Area without a visa.

The Permanent Residence Programme, 2021

Governed by Legal Notice 121 of 2021, the MPRP is managed by the Residency Malta Agency. This government entity receives applications, conducts due diligence on applicants, and ensures that all applicants meet the high standards set out by Maltese law. The scope of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations is to prescribe in accordance with Article 7A of the Immigration Act, the main requirements and administration of granting permanent residency in Malta.

PRP: Investment Requirements

To qualify for the MPRP, applicants must meet several key investment and compliance requirements:

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1. Direct Contribution to the Maltese Government: Applicants are required to make a government contribution of €98,000 when purchasing property, while those renting must contribute €68,000. The contribution covers the applicant, the spouse/partner and all children. In case of addition of parents and grandparents of the applicant and the spouse, an additional government fee of €7,500 is to be paid.
2. Real Estate: Applicants must either purchase or rent property in Malta, maintaining ownership or rental for a minimum of five years. Purchases must be valued at a minimum of €300,000 if located in the south of Malta or Gozo, or €350,000 elsewhere. Rental properties must meet a minimum annual rental amount of €10,000 in the south of Malta or Gozo, or €12,000 elsewhere.
3. Donation to a Voluntary Organisation: Applicants must also make a €2,000 donation to a Maltese-registered cultural, philanthropic, sport, scientific, animal welfare or artistic NGO or society registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organization or as otherwise approved by the residency agency.
4. Proof of Stable Income: Each applicant must provide evidence of financial stability, demonstrating a minimum of €500,000 in capital, of which €150,000 should be liquid. Monitoring of beneficiary’s €500,000 in assets, out of which a minimum of €150,000 need to be financial assets will be made yearly for the first 5 years.
5. Insurance and Background Check: Health insurance and a clean background check are required, ensuring applicants meet Malta’s security and public health standards.

PRP Benefits

When families explore options for a second residency, several priorities come to the forefront. They seek a safe, stable environment, high quality of life, excellent education for their children, healthcare access, and robust business opportunities. Malta stands out as an appealing destination for those considering a move to the Islands. With its unique benefits and advantages, Malta offers a compelling choice, helping families make a confident and timely decision.

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Malta is a democratic nation renowned for its enduring government stability, which underscores its robust economic, political, and social foundation. This longstanding stability reflects the country’s high quality of life, promising economic opportunities, and attractiveness for investment. Additionally, Malta’s strength as a jurisdiction is bolstered by its membership in the EU, its integral role within the Schengen area and the eurozone, and its affiliation with the Commonwealth.

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme offers a number of benefits including:

• Giving the status of permanent residency immediately
• Visa free travel across the Schengen Area for 90 out of 180 days
• The country ranks as the safest place in Europe
• Living in a country full of rich history and cultural heritage
• English is one of Malta’s official languages
• Investment is only required for the first five years
• Malta’s educational system is based on the British model and very highly regarded with a choice of state, church and private schools
• Ability to include up to four generations in one application
• Ability to include family members at a later stage. This includes the spouse of an already approved main applicant, the spouse of an already approved dependent child, and children of the main applicant or dependent children.

Malta offers a relaxed pace of life, blessed with around 300 days of sunshine each year and surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Island living brings countless opportunities for exploration and leisure. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of activities, from hiking and diving to water sports, while those with a passion for culture can delve into Malta’s theatres, museums, historical sites, and music festivals. For younger crowds, the island provides vibrant nightlife and year-round social scenes for after-work gatherings.

Eligibility for Permanent Residence

The MPRP is open to non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals who meet specific criteria:

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• Eligible applicants must not hold EU, EEA, or Swiss citizenship.
• The program allows for the inclusion of family members, including spouses or partners, unmarried and financially dependent children, and dependent parents or grandparents.
• Minimum Income/Assets: Applicants must show financial stability with documented proof of capital and liquid assets as outlined in the requirements.
• Applicants must not hail from sanctioned countries
• Applicants must show that they have capital assets of not less than €500,000 out of which €150,000 must be financial assets

Ineligibility

Certain criteria may disqualify individuals from applying to the MPRP, including:

• Criminal Record: Any applicant with a criminal history or those posing potential security threats may be deemed ineligible. Searches are also conducted with Europol and Interpol.
• Medical Conditions: Applicants with serious health conditions that could place a burden on Malta’s healthcare system may be restricted from applying.
• Specific Nationalities: While the MPRP is available to many nationalities, certain countries may face restrictions due to political or security concerns. Currently this includes: Russia, Belarus, Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Syria, Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen and Venezuela.

Permanent Residence FAQs

Is the residency truly permanent?

Yes, MPRP status grants permanent residency in Malta, with no requirement for renewal as long as the conditions of the program are maintained. Only the residence card must be renewed every 5 years. In order to renew a residence card, the applicant must be in possession of a valid residence address in Malta.

Can I travel within the Schengen Area?

Residency under the MPRP allows for travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, though it does not confer full EU mobility rights.‍

How long does the application process take?

The process typically takes six to twelve months from submission to approval, though this may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Should applying parents or grandparents be of a certain age?

There is no threshold but the parents and/or grandparents must be financially dependent on the main applicant.

How can an adult dependant prove that he is financially dependent on the main applicant?

This is to be confirmed through an affidavit, and one should prove to the Agency that the adult dependant cannot live a self-sufficient basic life without the Main Applicant’s support.  Adult dependants having an accumulated wealth and/or sufficient income arising from, but not limited to, corporate affiliations through significant shareholding and/or holding legal positions, top roles or any other role in the corporation financial assets, properties and reasonable economic activity or employment, would not be eligible to apply for the MPRP Programme, even if the main applicant would be contributing further to enable the dependant to lead a better lifestyle.

What is the validity of the residence card and residence certificate?

The residence certificate does not expire provided all the MPRP obligations are adhered to. The residence card is valid for 5 years following which the beneficiary should reapply for the card renewal with our Agency.

Is it possible for the main applicant to first rent and buy a property?

Yes this is possible. It is not possible to switch from owning a property to renting a property during the first five years.