Updated on January 9, 2025

Malta Permanent Residence Programme

Living and travelling visa-free in Europe

€182,000+

Investment amount

6+ months

Application processing

28 countries

Can be visited visa-free

Investors can obtain permanent residency in Malta, granting lifetime rights to live in the country, access the Schengen Area for 90 days every 180, and expand businesses into the European market.

To qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements: purchase or rent real estate, pay government fees, make a donation, and confirm assets of at least €500,000. Immigrant Invest, a licensed agent of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), facilitates the process for investors.

The program operates under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations, L.N. 310 of 2024, and has been active since 2015.

Is Maltese residency the key to the quality of life you want?

Is Maltese residency the key to the quality of life you want?

Get our detailed guide to learn:

  • How to obtain residency smoothly

  • Rights and opportunities that come with your new status

  • Obligations to fulfil to maintain residency

  • Answers to frequently asked questions

Download the guide

Benefits of Malta permanent residence

  • 1

    Visa-free travel to the Schengen countries

    Maltese permanent residents can visit other Schengen countries without visas. The visa-free stay is up to 90 out of 180 days.

  • 2

    Living, working and doing business in Malta

    Investors receive a permanent residence permit that is valid for life. They can move to Malta, register a company, find a job and become a tax resident of the country.

  • 3

    Access to European healthcare and education

    Maltese permanent residents can receive medical treatment in Maltese clinics and study at local schools and universities. They can also access clinics and educational institutions in other Schengen countries.

  • 4

    “Safe haven” in Malta

    Investors are not required to live in Malta to obtain or maintain permanent residency. They can establish a safe haven in Malta by buying or renting housing and opening a bank account to transfer capital to the country.

  • 5

    Opportunity to become Malta’s tax resident

    If investors spend more than 183 days a year in Malta, they become tax residents.

    The country’s tax system is potentially more attractive than those of some other countries. However, obtaining a permanent residence permit does not provide any tax incentives; investors are subject to the general tax regulations.

  • 6

    Convenient path to residency

    Applicants are not required to pass any language tests or live in Malta for several years to apply for permanent residence.

  • 7

    Permanent residence for 4 generations of a family

    Investors’ spouses, children, parents and grandparents can be included in the applications.

Who is eligible for Malta permanent residence?

  • Investor

    • Over 18 years old

    • No criminal record or prosecution

    • Not under sanctions

    • No visa denials in countries that have a visa-free with Malta

    • Capable of confirming the legality of the income

    • Available assets of at least €500,000

    • Medical insurance

  • Spouse

    • In an officially registered marriage or civil partnership with the investor

  • Children under 18

    • Common children of the spouses

    • Children of one of the spouses from previous marriages — with the consent of the other parent

  • Children aged 18 to 29

    • Unmarried

    • Principally dependent on the investor or the spouse

  • Parents and grandparents

    Principally dependent on the investor or the spouse

Expenses for obtaining Malta permanent residence

Investors fulfil several investment conditions. They buy or rent a residential property, pay administrative and state fees, and donate to a Maltese organisation. All the requirements are mandatory; the only choice is renting or purchasing real estate.

The main applicant must also show a specific capital amount in their bank account, with two options available: either a minimum of €500,000 in total assets, including €150,000 in liquid financial assets, or a minimum of €650,000 in total assets, including €75,000 in liquid financial assets.

1 option

Renting real estate — €182,000+

The investor pays government fees, donates to a charitable organisation and rents a residential property in Malta for five years. The minimum rental price is €14,000 per annum.

After five years of residence, investors are still required to rent a property to keep a residential address, though specific price requirements no longer apply.

Rental costs for 5 years

€70,000+

Contribution fee

€60,000 for the investor
+ €5,000 per family member

Administration fee

€50,000 for the investor
+ €5,000 per family member

Charitable donation

€2,000

2 option

Purchasing real estate — €457,000+

The investor covers government fees, donates to a charitable organization, and purchases residential property in Malta. The minimum property price is €375,000, and the fees add up to about 7% of the property value.

The property must be owned for a minimum of 5 years. Investors are not allowed to rent out real estate purchased for residency purposes.

Purchase of real estate

€375,000+
+ at least €26,250 on fees

Contribution fee

€30,000 for the investor
+ €5,000 per family member

Administrative fee

€50,000 for the investor
+ €5,000 per family member

Charitable donation

€2,000

Minimum expenses for a family of 4

The spouses, their child and the investor’s father

Cost item

Renting real estate

Purchasing real estate

Real estate

€70,000

€401,250

Administration fee

€65,000

€65,000

Contribution fee

€75,000

€45,000

Charitable donation

€2,000

€2,000

Total

€212,000

€513,250

Does Malta permanent residency fit your budget?

Does Malta permanent residency fit your budget?

The total cost depends on family composition. We can provide a free, individualised calculation for your case, covering additional expenses like taxes, insurance, and more.

Request a personalised quote

Why is the agent's licence important?

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations, L.N. 310 of 2024, do not allow investors to apply for permanent residence directly. A licensed agent accredited by the Government of Malta is a guarantor that the investor meets the programme conditions. The licensed agent assists the investor at every programme stage, from preparing documents to receiving a permanent residence card.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme.

Real estate qualifying for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme

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Malta, Sliema

€920,000 — €1,300,000

Apartments in a new residential high-rise project near the sea

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176 m² — 211 m²
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2—3
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2
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Malta, Valletta

€1,510,000 — €3,370,000

Modern apartments not far from sea in Valetta

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123 m² — 281 m²
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1—3
bathroom icon
1—3
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Malta, Rabat

€575,000 — €5,750,000

Modern apartments in hotel complex

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122 m² — 672 m²
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2—4
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2—4

How to recoup the investment under the MPRP

The investment made under the MPRP can be partially recouped if the investor chooses to purchase real estate in Malta.

After 5 years of obtaining Malta permanent residence, the investor can resell the property. However, if they do, they must buy or rent another property at any price to maintain a residential address.

8—10% annually is the real estate price appreciation in Special Designated Areas of Malta, allowing the property to potentially be sold at a profit.

Discover the top real estate opportunities in Malta to maximise your investment returns.

Get the real estate guide

Step-by-step procedure for obtaining Malta permanent residence

1

1 day

Preliminary Due Diligence

Due diligence is a crucial step in the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, as it determines whether an investor qualifies for residency.

At Immigrant Invest, we have an in-house Compliance Department where certified AML Officers conduct a preliminary and confidential Due Diligence check on every investor, using the same databases employed by the Residency Malta Agency.

This process takes one business day and reduces the risk of rejection to 1%.

Take a short anonymous test and learn more about the nuances of Due Diligence checks.

Evaluate chances
2

1+ month

Collection of documents and application

Immigrant Invest lawyers compile a list of required documents and help the investor prepare them. The lawyers compile the investor’s welfare history, translate documents into English, certify copies with a notary, and accurately complete application forms.

Once the documents are prepared, the lawyers submit the application to the Residency Malta Agency. At this stage, the main applicant pays a non-refundable administration fee of €15,000.

3

3—6 months

Due Diligence

The Residency Malta Agency conducts Due Diligence. Sometimes, the agency requests additional information, such as details about the investor’s business and financial affairs. In such cases, Immigrant Invest lawyers prepare the required documents and responses, review them with the investor for approval, and submit them to the agency.

Due Diligence process takes at least four months. In our experience, it typically lasts six to eight months.

4

Within 8 months after approval

Fulfilment of investment conditions

The Residency Malta Agency sends a notice of approval to Immigrant Invest. Once the approval is received, the applicant must meet the investment requirements within the specified timeframe.

The remaining €35,000 of the administration fee is payable within two months from the approval date. Paying the contribution fee, making a donation, and renting or purchasing property must be completed within eight months.

The applicant must also obtain medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 per person.

Once all requirements are fulfilled, Immigrant Invest lawyers submit the supporting documents to the Residency Malta Agency.

5

At least 1 day

Fingerprinting in Malta

The investor and all family members listed in the application must travel to Malta to provide their fingerprints at the Residency Malta Agency. Fingerprinting takes place after the application has been approved. However, this can be completed before meeting all the investment requirements.

6

1 week

Final approval

The Residency Malta Agency reviews the additional documents provided by the lawyers after the investor has met all the programme requirements. Following this, Immigrant Invest receives the final approval, confirming that the applicants will receive their permanent residence cards.

7

2 weeks

Getting permanent residence cards

The Residency Malta Agency issues a Certificate of Residence and permanent residence cards, which are sent to Immigrant Invest lawyers in Malta. The investor receives the documents by courier and is not required to visit Malta to collect them.

Permanent residence cards for adult applicants are valid for five years. Minor applicants must renew their cards one month after turning 14 or 18 years old.

8

Annually for the first 5 years

Annual review of compliance with the programme terms

The Residency Malta Agency verifies whether the investor meets the programme conditions: rents or owns a residential property in Malta and has the required assets at their disposal. This check is conducted annually during the first five years after obtaining permanent residence.

Our clients’ reviews

All reviews

Clients’ names and photos have been changed to comply with a non-disclosure agreement.

All reviews

Hesitating to take the first step toward Maltese residency?

Investment migration is evolving fast—programs are closing, raising investments, or removing popular options. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme remains stable, but future changes are always possible due to Malta’s politics or EU mandates.

If you’re considering obtaining residency, now may be the best time to act.

Book a consultation

Case studies

Additional services after obtaining permanent residence

The Maltese permanent residence card must be renewed every five years. Over time, additional needs may arise, such as becoming a tax resident or opening a bank account. Here’s how we continue to assist our clients.

  • Renewing and replacing permanent residence cards

    We assist clients in renewing their permanent residence cards every five years. If the card is lost or stolen, we help with the restoration process.

  • Opening a bank account

    We prepare the required documents and complete the necessary forms.

  • Obtaining a tax number

    We submit an electronic application to secure a tax number for our clients.

  • Registering tax residency

    For clients who spend at least 183 days a year in Malta, we assist in obtaining a Tax Certificate.

  • Selecting real estate

    We help clients choose an apartment or a villa and inspect the property. We further assist in finalising the sale and purchase or lease agreements.

  • Adding family members to the programme

    We assist spouses, parents, children, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, and sons-in-law in obtaining permanent residence after the investor has received theirs.

Schedule a meeting

Let's discuss the details

Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.

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Frequently asked questions

  • Can foreigners get PR in Malta?

    Yes, foreign nationals can obtain a permanent residence permit in Malta. This can be achieved by living in Malta for more than five years or by participating in the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP).

    Non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals may apply for a PR permit under the MPRP. Applicants must be over 18, have no criminal record, prosecution, or visa denial, and not be subject to sanctions. Applicants must also demonstrate ownership of assets worth at least €500,000, including €150,000 in liquid financial assets, or at least €650,000, including €75,000 in liquid financial assets.

    The investor’s spouse, unmarried children under 29, parents, and grandparents are also eligible to apply.

  • How long does it take to get Malta PR?

    The timeframe varies depending on several factors, such as the time required to prepare documents, secure a property to rent or purchase, and meet other investment requirements.

    Once the documents are submitted, the application process takes at least 6 months. Additional time may be required for final approval and the issuance of residence cards.

  • Who can participate in the Malta Permanent Residence Programme?

    Adult investors aged 18 or older can participate if they meet the following criteria:

    • proven legal income;

    • no criminal record;

    • no prior visa refusals from countries with a visa-waiver agreement with Malta;

    • assets of at least €500,000, including liquid financial assets of €150,000, or at least €650,000, including liquid financial assets of €75,000.

    Family members of investors can also obtain permanent residence under the programme. Eligible family members include a spouse or partner, unmarried children under 29, and parents or grandparents. Unmarried children over the age of 18, as well as parents and grandparents, must be principally dependent on the investor.

  • How much and what to invest to obtain Malta permanent residence?

    The investor must fulfil several investment requirements:

    • €50,000+ for the administrative fee;

    • €14,000+ per year for renting real estate for five years, or €375,000+ for purchasing property in Malta;

    • €60,000+ for renting or €30,000+ for buying real estate as the contribution fee;

    • €2,000 for a donation to a charitable organisation.

    If the investor rents a property for five years, the total minimum expenses will amount to at least €182,000. If purchasing a property, the minimum total investment will be at least €457,000.

    The terms and requirements for applicants are stipulated in Regulations S.L. 217.26 of 2021 and Legal Notice No. 310 of 2024.

  • Is it possible to return the investments?

    If the investor purchases real estate to participate in the programme, they can sell it after five years and recover the investment.

    Rental payments, administrative fees, contribution fees, and charitable donations are non-refundable expenses.

  • Is it possible to get Malta permanent residence for a new spouse, children or grandchildren?

    Yes, it is. The following family members can be added to the programme at a later stage:

    • spouse,

    • children,

    • grandchildren,

    • daughters-in-law and sons-in-law,

    • parents,

    • grandparents.

    The applicable fees are:

    • €7,500 per spouse, parent, grandparent, daughter-in-law, or son-in-law;

    • €5,000 per child aged 18 to 29 or minor grandchild.

    Minor children and children with disabilities can be included at no additional cost.

  • Do you guarantee that I will get permanent residence?

    No one can guarantee that you will obtain permanent residence in Malta. If a company guarantees success, it is likely a scam.

    Immigrant Invest conducts a preliminary Due Diligence check to increase your chances of getting permanent residence. A certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer reviews the investor’s documents and searches international databases. This process helps identify any issues in the investor’s background that could result in rejection.

    If any issues are discovered, we provide a solution, such as submitting additional documents or selecting an alternative programme. In our experience, this preliminary check reduces the risk of rejection to 1%.

  • How do I maintain permanent residence in Malta?

    The Residency Malta Agency checks whether the investor meets the programme conditions annually during the first five years. To pass the check, investors must retain the required amount of assets and maintain the purchased property or continue renting a property for at least €14,000 per year.

    Investors can sell the property and dispose of the assets five years after obtaining permanent residence. However, they must still have a registered address in Malta to maintain their permanent resident status. To fulfill this requirement, another property can be rented or purchased without specific price requirements.

Two-minute summary of the Malta program

Watch the video for a brief overview of the essentials of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, including its conditions and the benefits of residency status.

Overview of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme

Below, you will find a series of detailed infographics that provide a comprehensive breakdown of the terms, conditions, and multiple advantages of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. The visuals also include a clear, step-by-step procedure for applying to the program.

These infographics can be used as a guide to compare the Malta Permanent Residence Programme with other residency-by-investment programs and make a wise and informed decision.

Schedule a meeting

Let’s discuss the details

We will develop an individual solution, select a country and status that will solve your problems, and accompany the entire process.

Zlata Erlach
Zlata Erlach

Head of the Austrian office

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