Property Investment in Malta as a Foreigner

Malta restricts the sale of real estate to foreigners: a buyer needs a special permit.

Statistics confirm the liquidity of investments: residential property prices grow by 1.2% each quarter. Seven years ago, an apartment of 100 m2 cost €241,000. Today it’s sold for €370,000.

€3,300

Average price per 1 m²

€220,000+

Real estate investment for residency

8—15%

Associated costs, of the property value

How the residential property price index is growing in Malta

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Cost of a 3-bedroom apartment in Malta

€3.5 million

Penthouse in Sliema, 100 metres to beach

€1.2 million

Apartment with a sea view, 500 metres from the beach

€240,000

Apartment in 2 km from the sea

Real estate in Malta

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Malta, Sliema

€920,000 — €1,300,000

Apartments in a new residential high-rise project near the sea
square icon176 m² — 211 m²
bed icon2—3
bathroom icon2
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Malta, Valletta

€1,510,000 — €3,370,000

Modern apartments not far from sea in Valetta
square icon123 m² — 281 m²
bed icon1—3
bathroom icon1—3
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Malta, Rabat

€575,000 — €5,750,000

Modern apartments in hotel complex
square icon122 m² — 672 m²
bed icon2—4
bathroom icon2—4
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Malta residency or citizenship by real estate investment

Malta offers investors two state residency options: the Malta Global Residence Programme and the Malta Permanent Residence Programme.

The Global Residency Programme leads to a temporary residence permit and a beneficial tax status. Becoming a resident involves:

  • renting or purchasing accommodation in Malta;

  • paying an administrative fee;

  • paying an income tax of 15% but not less than €15,000 per year in Malta;

  • not spending more than 183 days a year in another country.

The Permanent Residence Programme grants a lifelong status to those who:

  • rents or buys accommodation in Malta;

  • contributes €60,000+ if renting or €30,000+ if buying a property;

  • pays an administrative fee of €50,000+;

  • donates at least €2,000 to charity;

  • confirms assets worth at least €500,000 with €150,000 of them being financial assets. Another option is to demonstrate at least €650,000 with €75,000 of financial assets.

Maltese property owners can also obtain citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment if they pass a rigorous Due Diligence check and prove their ties to the country.

Minimum real estate investment in Malta

€220,000

Purchasing a property for a residence permit

€375,000

Purchasing a property for permanent residency

€700,000

Purchasing a property for citizenship

Under the Malta Global Residence Programme, the investor can purchase or buy a residential property in the country. The investment amount depends on the region:

  • in the south of Malta or Gozo — €220,000+ for purchase and €8,750+ per year for rent;

  • in the north and centre of Malta — €275,000+ for purchase and €9,600+ per year for rent.

If purchasing a property in the south of Malta or Gozo, the administrative fee is €5,500. In all other cases, it is €6,000.

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme also sets two property options—purchase and rent. The breakdown is the following:

  • €375,000+ for purchase;

  • €14,000+ per year for rent.

To qualify for citizenship, an investment property must cost at least €700,000, regardless of the region. The rental option is also available and requires at least €16,000 per year. The minimum ownership or rental period is 5 years after obtaining citizenship.

Simplified purchase terms. Special Designated Areas have been created for foreigners willing to invest in residential development projects. To purchase a property in an SDA, there is no need to acquire an AOP Permit, and it is possible to buy multiple properties and rent them out.

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Taxes and associated costs

Countries to buy a property and get residency or citizenship

We offer proven properties that comply with the conditions of government programs for investors. You can buy real estate and obtain a residence permit or citizenship.

Country
Property investments
Status
Obtaining time
mt-flagmt-flag
Malta11 properties

€375,000+

Permanent residency

6+ months

Show 11 properties

€375,000+Permanent residency6+ months
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gd-flaggd-flag
Grenada22 properties

$270,000+

Citizenship

8+ months

Show 22 properties

$270,000+Citizenship8+ months
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ae-flagae-flag
UAE146 properties

AED 750,000+

Residence permit

2+ months

Show 146 properties

AED 750,000+Residence permit2+ months
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es-flages-flag
Spain36 properties

Not limited

Residence permit

4+ months

Show 36 properties

Not limitedResidence permit4+ months
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pt-flagpt-flag
Portugal73 properties

Not limited

Residency after D Visas

6+ months

Show 73 properties

Not limitedResidency after D Visas6+ months
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Show all countries

40+ guides with European countries

Find out how much it costs to buy and rent real estate in each country, what the market dynamics are and what taxes you need to pay when buying and selling.

sm-flagProperty Investment in San Marino as a Foreigner

The sale of real estate to foreigners is not limited in San Marino: one can buy, lease and sell housing and commercial properties.

€2,669

Average price per 1 m²

Learn more
pl-flagProperty Investment in Poland as a Foreigner

Foreigners can freely buy, sell and rent out apartments in Poland. You need permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Poland...

€2,697

Average price per 1 m²

2,1%

Average price growth per quarter

Learn more
nl-flagProperty Investment in Netherlands as a Foreigner

Foreigners can freely buy, sell, and rent out real estate in the Netherlands. There are no restrictions on property ownership for...

€5,600

Average price per 1 m²

2.6%

Average price growth per quarter

Learn more
li-flagProperty Investment in Liechtenstein as a Foreigner

The sale of real estate to foreigners is restricted in Liechtenstein: to purchase, you need to obtain a residence permit, live in the...

€4,175

Average price per 1 m²

Learn more
ie-flagProperty Investment in Ireland as a Foreigner

In Ireland, foreigners can buy, sell and rent out properties without restrictions.

€4,400

Average price per 1 m²

1,7%

Average price growth per quarter

Learn more
gr-flagProperty Investment in Greece as a Foreigner

Greece does not restrict property deals. Therefore, foreigners can freely buy, lease, and sell residential and commercial real estate.

€2,600

Average price per 1 m²

€250,000+

Real estate investment for residency

Learn more
Alevtina Kalmuk

Material prepared by Alevtina Kalmuk, Author and editor of articles about investment citizenship and residency

Updated:

Frequently asked questions

  • Can foreigners buy property in Malta?

    Yes, with limitations. Foreigners who want to buy real estate in Malta need a permit issued under the Acquisition of Immovable Property Act and only buy one property. However, these limitations don’t apply to property in the Special Designated Areas in Malta.

  • How much is real estate in Malta?

    Malta real estate prices are growing by 5—10% every year, and in some cases by 15—20%. For example, in the popular tourist region of the country, the Northern Harbor. The most inexpensive objects are located on the island of Gozo. The average price of 1 m² of housing is €3,300.

  • Is it worth buying property in Malta?

    Malta real estate is an investment that allows one to obtain a residence permit or permanent residence, as well as one of the conditions to obtain citizenship by naturalisation on the basis of direct investment by exceptional merits.

    Investors are also attracted by the possibility of profitable investments in real estate. The price of Maltese properties is growing by 1.2% on a quarterly basis. If in 2017 an investor had bought an apartment for €241,000, today they could have sold it for €370,000.

  • Can non-EU citizens buy property in Malta?

    Yes, but there are limitations. Non-EU citizens who want to buy real estate in Malta require a permit issued under the Acquisition of Immovable Property Act and only buy one property. However, these limitations don’t apply to property in the Special Designated Areas in Malta.

  • How much are property taxes in Malta?

    Property buyers pay a one-time 5% tax. Aside from that, there are no property taxes in Malta.

  • Is Malta a good place to invest in real estate?

    Malta can offer promising opportunities for real estate investment, but thorough research, due diligence, and local market knowledge are essential to make informed decisions. Consulting with real estate experts familiar with the Maltese market can help mitigate risks and maximise the potential returns on your investment.

  • How much does a 1 bedroom apartment cost in Malta?

    The cost of a 1-bedroom apartment in Malta can vary widely depending on factors such as location, size, condition, and amenities. Generally, prices start at €300,000.

    In popular areas such as Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s, and the surrounding coastal regions, prices tend to be higher due to high demand and limited availability of properties, especially those with desirable features such as sea views or proximity to amenities.