Malta Permanent Residence Programme

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is a residence-by-investment programme that grants permanent residency to third-country nationals (non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss) through a combination of property investment, government contribution, administration fee, and charitable donation. Established under Subsidiary Legislation 217.26 and administered by the Residency Malta Agency, the programme provides the right to live indefinitely in Malta and visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days per 180-day period.

• Non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss national aged 18 or over
• Capital assets of at least €500,000 (of which €150,000 in financial assets), or €650,000 (of which €75,000 in financial assets)
• Qualifying property: purchase at minimum €375,000 or rental at minimum €14,000/year (anywhere in Malta or Gozo), maintained for at least 5 years
• Government contribution of €37,000 (regardless of purchase or rental)
• Non-refundable administration fee of €60,000 (€15,000 upon submission, €45,000 after Letter of Approval)
• Charitable donation of at least €2,000 to a registered Maltese NGO
• Clean criminal record with no international sanctions
• Comprehensive health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage per person
• Nationals of Afghanistan, Belarus, DR Congo, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen are excluded

• Valid passport for all applicants
• Civil status documents (birth and marriage certificates)
• Police clearance certificates from country of origin and any country of residence for 6+ months
• Proof of capital assets (bank statements, investment portfolio statements, property valuations)
• Health insurance policy
• Proof of qualifying property (purchase agreement or rental contract)
• Proof of source of funds
• Completed MPRP application forms
• Power of attorney to licensed agent
• Passport-size photographs

The permanent residence certificate is lifelong and does not require renewal. The biometric residence card is valid for 5 years and must be renewed. The Residency Malta Agency conducts annual compliance checks during the first 5 years to confirm continued property ownership and asset maintenance. There is no minimum physical presence requirement to maintain permanent residency.

Spouses or registered partners (including same-sex partners) and minor children are included at no additional contribution cost. Unmarried children aged 18-29 who are principally dependent on the applicant may be included for €7,500 each. Dependent parents and grandparents of either spouse may be included for €7,500 each. Dependants added after the certificate is issued pay €7,500 each. All dependants undergo the same four-tier due diligence process.

The MPRP does not automatically establish tax residency. Tax residency requires physical presence exceeding 183 days per year. Non-domiciled residents are taxed on a remittance basis, with only Malta-source income and foreign income remitted to Malta taxed. Foreign capital gains are exempt regardless of remittance. MPRP holders may additionally apply for the Global Residence Programme for a flat 15% tax rate on remitted foreign income.

Applications must be submitted through a Licensed Agent authorised by the Residency Malta Agency. The process begins with initial KYC checks and documentation, followed by a four-tier due diligence process typically taking 3-6 months. Upon passing due diligence, a Letter of Approval in Principle is issued. The remaining €45,000 fee must be paid within 2 months, and qualifying investments must be completed within 8 months. All applicants must travel to Malta for biometric data capture. Under 2025 reforms, a temporary one-year residence card may be issued early in the process, allowing families to relocate while the full application is processed. Total timeline is approximately 6-12 months.