Malta Golden Visa by real estate investment has become an increasingly popular option for wealthy individuals seeking a second citizenship or permanent residency in the European Union. This programme offers various advantages, including visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone and access to EU markets.
To become a Maltese resident, one must rent a residential property for €10,000+ per annum. Another option is to buy real estate for €300,000+ per annum. In both cases, the investor must maintain the property for 5 years.
Malta Golden Visa Program Overview
The Maltese government is committed to attracting foreign investments that contribute positively towards its national development goals. It has established the Community Malta Agency responsible for administering various investment programs to achieve this objective.
Wealthy individuals can become Maltese residents by real estate investment. The most popular way is to participate in the Golden Visa program, also known as Malta Permanent Residence Programme.
This program has worked since 2015, and in 2021 its rules were updated.
Acquiring Maltese permanent residency involves meeting the program’s guidelines and undergoing a thorough Due Diligence process. However, the benefits of becoming a Maltese citizen eligibility make it a worthwhile investment for many.
Benefits of Investing in Real Estate in Malta
Investment in Maltese real estate can be very beneficial.
No need to obtain permission. Suppose you buy real estate in Special Designated Areas complexes. In that case, you don’t need to get an Acquisition of Immovable Property permit, which makes the process of purchasing faster and less expensive.
A wide choice of properties. Real estate is constructed all over Malta, in the center and east of the country and on the Gozo Island. Many of the properties are located in SDAs. So you can always choose real estate and a place that suits you and your needs best.
Rising prices. The value of properties in SDAs is increasing faster than in non-SDAs, as they are in high demand. On average, prices on these types of real estate rise by 8—10% per annum.
Investment return. If the investor decides to leave Malta, they can always sell real estate and get an investment return. As prices on real estate are continually rising, the investment return might be even higher than the initial investment.
An opportunity to obtain permanent residence. To get permanent resident status, the individual must invest €300,000+ in real estate. The permanent residence permit is given for life and allows you to live in Malta for as long as you wish.
Malta has a pleasant climate with over 300 sunny days per year. It is also known as economically stable and safe country
How Much to Invest to Get Maltese PR
Under the Malta Permanent Residency Programme, one needs to make several contributions to the Maltese economy.
Real estate investment. Applicants can choose to rent or buy a property. The required cost depends on the location of real estate.
Expenses on buying or renting real estate in Malta
Whether the property is rented or purchased, it must be held for at least 5 years. After this period, the applicant must maintain a residential address in Malta.
Contribution requirements. If the applicant purchases a property, they must pay a government contribution of €28,000. However, if they choose to rent a property, this sum increases to €58,000.
The contribution supports Malta’s economic growth and development while providing new residents access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
Charitable donation component. Beyond the initial investment requirements, Maltese Permanent Residency Programme participants must also contribute €2,000 towards a mandatory charitable donation. This philanthropic gesture demonstrates their commitment to supporting local communities and fostering social cohesion within Malta.
Administrative fee. The applicant must also pay a non-refundable administrative fee of €40,000 and an additional €7,500 for each adult dependent, excluding the spouse.
Proof of finances. One more requirement is to have €500,000+ in the bank account. €150,000 must be liquid assets.
Best Areas to Invest in Real Estate in Malta
There are Special Designated Areas in Malta that are explicitly created for investors. EU and non-EU citizens can buy properties under the same conditions; for example, foreigners are not required to obtain an AIP permit (Acquisition of Immovable Property).
Special Designated Areas are located all over Malta and on the Gozo Island. Some of them are:
Portomaso Development plus Extension I, St. Julians;
Manoel Island / Tigne Point, Gzira;
Smart City;
Madliena Village Complex;
Fort Cambridge Zone, Sliema;
Quad Business Towers, Mriehel;
Mista Heights, Mellieha;
Vista Point, Marsalforn, Gozo.
Properties located in these regions are usually luxurious and expensive.
Among the best cities for real estate purchase are Sliema, St. Julians and Gzira, as these cities are well-developed and popular with expats and locals.
Real estate in Valletta and Mdina can also be a good investment, especially for people who enjoy the rich culture and fast rhythm of life.
For a laid-back lifestyle investors usually choose real estate on the Gozo Island.
Apartments in a residential complex located 100 meters away from the sea. A property is located in SDA in Sliema. Apartments have 2—3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
Apartments panoramic views of the coast of Malta 1—3 bedrooms and 2—3 bathrooms. The residential complex is located in SDA in Mellieha
Application Process and Documentation
The Malta Golden Visa application process is straightforward yet thorough. First, potential applicants must visit Malta and secure health insurance coverage for themselves and their family members.
Health insurance coverage. Applicants should obtain comprehensive health insurance policies that cover all risks across the entire Schengen Area. Choosing a reputable provider with extensive experience in offering international coverage plans tailored to meet specific needs is essential.
Due Diligence evidence. In addition to securing proper health coverage, applicants must provide evidence demonstrating Due Diligence has been conducted on themselves and any family members involved in the application process.
It may include background checks, financial audits, or other documentation verifying an applicant’s good standing within their current country of residence.
Proof-of-funds requirement. A crucial component of the application process involves providing proof of funds showing sufficient financial means to make the required investments under the program. It typically includes bank statements or certified letters from financial institutions confirming available funds for investment purposes.
The Community Malta Agency oversees these programs and will carefully review this documentation before approving participation.
The application process may take several months to a year; however, applicants can navigate this process successfully with proper planning and attention to detail.
Requirements for Malta Golden Visa
To obtain a Malta Golden Visa, the investor must meet several criteria, such as being over 18, having good character and having a criminal-free background. The applicant must come from non-EU or non-EEA countries and not from Switzerland. The investor’s country of origin must not be sanctioned, according to the Residency Malta Agency.
The list of sanctioned countries can be amended, but for now, it includes:
Afghanistan,
The Democratic Republic of Congo,
Iran,
North Korea,
Somalia,
South Sudan,
Sudan,
Syria,
Venezuela,
Yemen.
The investor must have a valid travel document and global health insurance covering all risks across Malta.
It is also essential for the investor to prove their financial stability. For example:
have a legal income and be able to prove its legality;
have resources to support themselves and their family members without Malta social assistance;
have a capital of €500,000, out of which €150,000 must be liquid financial assets;
be able to pay all the administrative fees under the program.
Family Member’s Eligibility for Malta Golden Visas
Investors can add their close family members to the application.
Criteria for family members' eligibility:
a spouse or a partner in a monogamous relationship with the main applicant;
children under 18;
children over 18 who are financially dependent on the main applicant and not married;
parents & grandparents of both the main applicant and their spouse or partner.
All family members must have a clean criminal record, undergo Due Diligence checks, and provide proof of their relationship with the primary investor.
Step-by-step Process of Obtaining Malta PR by Real Estate Investment
First Due Diligence
It is a preliminary check that allows a licensed agent to evaluate the investor’s chances of passing the main Due Diligence. The experts check the applicants against international databases and on the Internet.
It is a preliminary check that allows a licensed agent to evaluate the investor’s chances of passing the main Due Diligence. The experts check the applicants against international databases and on the Internet.
Collection of the documents
The investor must provide a full package of documents. They depend on the situation of every applicant but generally include the following:
a valid passport;
birth certificates;
a power of attorney with a verified agent;
a medical report;
proof of source of income or funds;
bank statements;
evidence of business ownership or employment.
The documents must be translated into English and notarized. Then the agent submits an application to the Residency Malta Agency.
The investor must provide a full package of documents. They depend on the situation of every applicant but generally include the following:
a valid passport;
birth certificates;
a power of attorney with a verified agent;
a medical report;
proof of source of income or funds;
bank statements;
evidence of business ownership or employment.
The documents must be translated into English and notarized. Then the agent submits an application to the Residency Malta Agency.
Main Due Diligence
The Main Due Diligence is conducted by the Residency Malta Agency. They review all the documents and, if needed, request additional papers.
The application processing time is 4—8 months. If it is approved, then a Letter of Approval in Principle is issued.
The Main Due Diligence is conducted by the Residency Malta Agency. They review all the documents and, if needed, request additional papers.
The application processing time is 4—8 months. If it is approved, then a Letter of Approval in Principle is issued.
Investment
The investor buys or rents a property and pays all the required fees. They also get health insurance for each family member. The minimum coverage is €30,000.
The documents proving the fulfillment of investment conditions are again sent to the Residency Malta Agency.
The investor buys or rents a property and pays all the required fees. They also get health insurance for each family member. The minimum coverage is €30,000.
The documents proving the fulfillment of investment conditions are again sent to the Residency Malta Agency.
Biometrics
The investor and their family members come to Malta and submit their fingerprints to the Residency Malta Agency.
The investor and their family members come to Malta and submit their fingerprints to the Residency Malta Agency.
Final approval and issuance of permanent residency cards
The agency reviews the documents provided after the fulfillment of investment conditions. If everything is good, the investor receives their permanent residence cards. It is not required for applicants to come to Malta again — they can be sent by courier.
The agency reviews the documents provided after the fulfillment of investment conditions. If everything is good, the investor receives their permanent residence cards. It is not required for applicants to come to Malta again — they can be sent by courier.
The Malta permanent residence cards are valid for five years if they are issued for adults. Individuals from 14 to 18 get their cards until they turn 18. Their card expires a month later.
During the following 5 years, the Residency Malta Agency checks whether the investor follows all the program’s guidelines annually.
Conclusion
One must buy or rent real estate in the country to obtain a Malta Golden Visa. The sum of investment depends on the chosen options. The minimum investment is €150,000+.
The individual needs to pay a contribution fee, an administrative fee and make a donation.
Family members must meet eligibility criteria such as monogamous relationships and age restrictions.
The best places to buy real estate in Malta are in Special Designated Areas.
Malta offers a lavish lifestyle, up-to-date infrastructure, topnotch healthcare facilities and a high standard of living.
Frequently Asked Questions
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