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Updated on April 7, 2025

Permanent Residence in Malta

Lifetime Malta residence for living and travelling in the EU

Permanent Residence in Malta

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme, also known as MPRP or the Malta Golden Visa program, allows wealthy individuals to become permanent residents in Malta in exchange for investment. The status is granted for life and does not need to be extended.

Malta permanent residency can be obtained in at least 6 months by investing over €182,000 in the country’s economy. Applicants must also prove having available assets of at least €500,000.

With Malta residence, investors benefit from visa-free travel across the Schengen Area and the opportunity to run a business in a European country. Investors can also create a safe haven and live in Malta for as long as they wish.

€182,000

Minimum investment

6+ months

Processing time

Unlimited

Validity period

9 Key Benefits of Permanent Residence in Malta

  • 1

    Right to live in Malta

    MPRP applicants obtain long-term permanent status in Malta for them and their family. With it, foreigners can move to the country anytime and stay there for as long as they need. At the same time, there is no requirement to live in Malta permanently to maintain residency.

  • 2

    Visa-free travel

    Malta residency grants visa-free access to the Schengen Area, allowing one to move freely within most European countries. Maltese residents can travel, attend business meetings, or receive medical treatment in Schengen states. The allowed visa-free stay is 90 days within 180 days.

  • 3

    Tax optimisation

    The Malta Permanent Residence Programme does not offer a special tax regime. However, Malta’s tax system may be more favourable than the investor’s country of origin. There are no taxes on wealth, inheritance, or property. Personal income tax rates in Malta go up to 35%, compared to 55% in some other EU countries.

  • 4

    High quality of life

    Malta has low crime rates, a stable political environment, and a high standard of living. As an EU member, the country offers strong legal protection. It also boasts a Mediterranean climate, scenic landscapes, and historic architecture.

  • 5

    Working and doing business in Malta

    Permanent residents can work in Malta or open a company there. Establishing a business in Malta provides access to the EU market of around 450 million people.

  • 6

    Access to European healthcare

    Permanent residents contributing to Malta’s social security system seek treatment in public clinics, including doctor visits, hospital care, and specialist treatments. They can also access healthcare in other European countries under the same conditions as locals with a European Health Insurance Card.

  • 7

    Enrolment in schools and universities

    Malta has international schools and universities, making it an attractive option for families. Most courses are taught in English, eliminating language barriers. Malta PR holders pay the same tuition fees as locals.

  • 8

    English language

    English is one of Malta’s official languages, making it an accessible destination for English-speaking individuals and families. 96% of the Maltese population speaks English.

  • 9

    Diverse culture

    Malta has a rich and diverse cultural heritage due to its history and geographic location, offering a unique blend of Mediterranean and European influences.

Who Can Get Permanent Residence in Malta

Investor

Over 18 years old

No criminal record

Not under sanctions

No visa denials

Confirming the legality of the income

With assets of €500,000+

With health insurance

Spouse

In an officially registered marriage

Partners in an unregistered partnership also qualify


Children of any age

If under 18: no specific conditions

If over 18: must be unmarried and principally dependent on the investor or the spouse

Parents and grandparents

No age limit

Principally dependent on the investor or the spouse

Financial Requirements for Permanent Residence in Malta

An applicant must fulfil four mandatory investment requirements and prove having available assets under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme.

1. Real estate investment

Investors can choose to invest in real estate in one of two ways:

  • renting a property—the minimum annual rent is €14,000;

  • purchasing a property—the minimum property value is €375,000, an additional €26,250 or more is paid on fees.

The chosen property must be held for at least five years.

2. Contribution fee

If the applicant chooses to purchase real estate, the contribution fee is €30,000, otherwise, it is €60,000. An additional €5,000 is required for each dependent in the application.

3. Administrative fee

Applicants must also pay a non-refundable administrative fee of €50,000. Inclusion of family members requires additional €5,000 per dependent.

4. Donation

A mandatory donation of €2,000 must be made to a local philanthropic, cultural, scientific, artistic, sport, or animal welfare NGO registered with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations.

5. Available assets

Applicants must have available assets of at least €500,000, in which €150,000 must be in liquid assets. Alternatively, one can have assets of at least €650,000, in which at least €75,000 are liquid assets.

complete guideComparing Malta Golden Visa to 8 Others

Explore the benefits and drawbacks of the Malta investment program versus other Golden Visas

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Step-by-step Process: How to Obtain a Malta Golden Visa

The process of obtaining Malta PR by investment takes at least 6 months and requires at least one visit to Malta.

01.

Documents preparation

3—4 weeks
Documents preparation

All the documents must be translated and notarized.

Upon finalising the documents, the licensed agent of the MPRP applies to the Residency Malta Agency on behalf of the investor.

At this stage, the investor must initially pay €15,000 towards the administrative fee.

02.

Due Diligence

3—6 months
Due Diligence

The Residency Malta Agency processes the application and conducts a thorough Due Diligence check. If any queries arise regarding the applicants' personal or financial details, the agency communicates them to the agent.

Upon completing Due Diligence, a letter of approval is issued and delivered to the agent.

03.

Fulfilling investment requirements

Up to 8 months
Fulfilling investment requirements

The investor is expected to pay the remaining €35,000 of the administrative fee within two months. Other conditions must be satisfied within eight months, including a government contribution, charitable donation, and property rental or purchase.

04.

Trip to Malta for fingerprinting

1—2 days
Trip to Malta for fingerprinting

All applicants are required to visit Malta for fingerprinting by the Residency Malta Agency. This step usually follows approval in principle but can be completed before meeting the investment conditions.

05.

Receiving Malta PR cards

3+ weeks
Receiving Malta PR cards

The Residency Malta Agency scrutinises the additional documents submitted after meeting the investment conditions. Then, the Maltese authorities issue a Certificate of Residence, and the PR cards are sent to investors.

Malta permanent residence cards issued to adults are valid for five years. Cards issued to minor children expire a month after they turn 14 or 18 and must be renewed.

Why should you trust MyGoldenVisa?

Since its establishment in 2023, MyGoldenVisa has helped 200+ foreigners obtain residency by investment. We guide investors through the entire application process—from an initial consultation to the issuance of residence permits—and continue to support them afterward with additional services.

Investors choose us for the following reasons:

  1. Expertise. Our lawyers have deep expertise in immigration laws and all Golden Visa requirements. They have years of experience in investment immigration.

  2. Risk management. We conduct preliminary checks to identify potential issues and find solutions. This reduces the risk of application denial.

  3. Reliable information. We use trusted sources, track regulatory changes, and provide investors with up-to-date information.

By choosing MyGoldenVisa, investors gain a dedicated partner committed to a smooth residence-by-investment process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the benefits of permanent residency in Malta?

    Among the main advantages of Maltese permanent residency are:

    • visa-free access to the Schengen countries;

    • relocation to Europe with the entire family;

    • access to European healthcare and education;

    • high quality of life and infrastructure;

    • safety and security.

  • How many years is Malta PR valid?

    Malta permanent residence by investment is granted for life. However, PR cards are valid for 5 years and must be renewed upon expiration.

  • How much does it cost to get PR in Malta?

    The cost of Malta PR depends on the investment option you choose: renting or buying real estate. The minimum sum is €182,000.

  • How to get Malta residency by investment?

    To obtain permanent residency in Malta, you must rent or buy a property there. The minimum annual rent is €14,000, and the minimum purchase price is €375,000.

    You will also need to pay:

    administration fee of €50,000, plus €5,000 per family member in the application;

    contribution fee of €30,000 or €60,000, plus €5,000 per family member in the application;

    donation to charity of €2,000.

    You must also have €500,000 in assets, of which €150,000 must be in liquid assets. Alternatively, you can have assets of at least €650,000, in which at least €75,000 are liquid assets.

  • Is Malta PR easy to get?

    Malta permanent residence by investment is relatively easy to obtain if you meet the eligibility criteria, make the necessary investment, and prove sufficient funds. The process is straightforward but includes a Due Diligence check. The application typically takes at least 6 months. Applying is only possible through a licensed agent.

  • Can I get residency in Malta if I buy a house?

    Buying a house alone does not grant residency in Malta, but it supports an application under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, MPRP, or the Malta Global Residence Programme, MGRP. These programs require additional financial contributions and compliance with eligibility criteria.

    Under the MGRP, property buyers must also pay a contribution fee and a minimum annual tax.

    Under the Malta permanent residency program, investors pay contribution and administrative fees and make a charitable donation.

  • What are the differences between Permanent Residence and Global Residence Permit in Malta?

    Permanent residence is a status obtained by investment that allows foreigners to reside in Malta indefinitely without the need for renewals. A Global Residence Permit is a temporary residence permit obtained by investment. It is granted for 1 year, subject to renewal.

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