Malta has updated the conditions for obtaining permanent residency. What has changed?

From January 1st, 2025, Malta is raising the threshold for property investment for those seeking permanent residency in the country.

We explain what other changes investors can expect—and whether it’s still possible to obtain permanent residency in Malta under the old conditions.

Author •Julia Loko

Investment programs expert

Malta has updated the conditions for obtaining permanent residency. What has changed?

Malta has been issuing permanent residency by investment since 2015. Investors from outside the European Economic Area can apply for it. Along with the investor, the following individuals are eligible for permanent residency:

spouse,
children,
parents,
grandparents.

The status is valid indefinitely, but the resident card needs to be renewed every 5 years.

The investor must meet several investment conditions:

Purchase or rent property in Malta.
Pay government fees.
Make a charitable contribution.
Prove the presence of capital.

The minimum investment starts at €150,000. From January 1st, 2025, the conditions will change. The property investment threshold will increase, and the government fee amount will also be adjusted.

5 key changes in Malta Permanent Residency Programme

1. New capital confirmation option. One of the conditions for applicants is to demonstrate a capital amount of at least €500,000, with at least €150,000 being liquid financial assets.

From January 1st, 2025, investors can confirm having €650,000 in capital, of which at least €75,000 must be liquid assets. This is an additional option, allowing the investor to choose which condition to meet when demonstrating the funds.

2. Age limit for children. From January 1st, 2025, adult children of the investor may be included in the application if they are:

under 29 years of age,
not married,
principally dependent on the main applicant.

Previously, investors could include principally dependent children of any age.

3. Increase in property investment threshold in Malta. From January 1st, 2025, the minimum property price for participating in the programme will rise from €300,000 to €375,000. This threshold will apply to both properties in Malta and on the island of Gozo.

The minimum rental cost will also increase to €14,000 per year, up from €10,000, regardless of the region.

4. New fees. The administrative fee for the main applicant will increase by €10,000 to €50,000. This fee can be paid in stages: €15,000 within a month of the permanent residency application, and the remaining €30,000 within two months after approval.

Malta is also introducing a non-refundable administrative fee of €5,000 for each dependent, including children and spouses, to be paid within two months of the application’s approval.

Previously, applicants only paid fees for adult dependents, amounting to €7,500 per person.

5. New contribution fees. The government fee for purchasing property will rise to €30,000 from €28,000 from January 1st, 2025. If the investor rents property, the fee will increase to €60,000 from €58,000.

The government fee for each dependent will be €5,000. This is a new condition, as previously no fee was charged for dependents.

How to obtain permanent residency in Malta under the previous conditions

Malta is introducing a transition period. Until December 31st, 2024, foreigners can participate in the programme under the old conditions.

It is not necessary to submit all documents immediately. The following are required initially:

Copies of passports of the main applicant and each family member.
A signed application from the main applicant, including bank account details for the transfer of funds.

All remaining documents must be submitted to Malta by March 28th, 2025. After this date, applications with incomplete documentation will be considered rejected.

Practical Guide