Real estate in Malta

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Buyer's guide

  • Who can buy real estate in Malta

    Real estate trade with foreigners is limited in Malta: they obtain a permit — AIP. Without a permit investors can buy real estate in SDAs (Special Designated Areas). These are Class A coastal residential complexes, both front-row and second-row. The property can be rented out.

    Malta and European Union citizens can buy real estate without a permit if:

    • this will be their only residence which they buy for themselves;

    • they have been living in the country for more than 5 years.

  • Real estate prices by region of Malta

    Prices for Maltese real estate grow by 3—6% annually. The country consists of three islands: Malta, Malta, Gozo, and Comino. The priciest properties are in Malta, in close proximity to Valletta, the capital.

    The average cost of buying a house in Malta is € 3,005 per 1 m². The cities with the highest cost per 1 m² of residential property are Valletta (€5,900), Floriana (€5,300), Siggiewi (€3,850), Attard (€3,800), Gzira (€3,200), Marsascala (€2,800) and Sliema (€2,600). The cheapest property on the island of Gozo, its average cost is €1,050 per 1 m².

  • Real estate buying process in Malta

    Purchasing real estate takes up to 3 months. First, the investor chooses a property. Immigrant Invest has its own database of verified real estate objects.

    Then the buyer and the seller sign the promise of sale and purchase agreement, and the buyer makes a down payment of 10—15% of the object value.

    The next step — obtaining an AIP permit when buying property outside the SDA complex. Then the parties sign the main sale and purchase contract: the investor pays the remaining
    85—90% of the object’s price. The buyer and the seller are handed the notarized copies of the agreement, and the original document is kept in the central state archive of Malta.

  • Taxes on property purchase in Malta

    Real estate buyers in Malta pay a one-time property transfer tax, a stamp duty, and service fees. In total, the associated costs will amount from 8 to 15% of the value of the contract of sale:

    • property transfer tax — 5%;

    • stamp duty — 2—7%;

    • notary fee — 1,18—2,95%;

    • agency fee — 1,18%;

    • purchase permit (AIP) — €350;

    • architect’s report — €300.

  • Residence permit, permanent residence, or citizenship in Malta by investment in real estate

    Permanent residence — Malta Permanent Residence Programme. The investor pays state fees and contributions, makes a donation to a charitable organization, and buys real estate for at least €300,000.

    Malta citizenship can be obtained only by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment. The investor obtains a residence permit first and passes a Due Diligence check. If their candidacy gets approved, in 1 or 3 years they buy real estate for at least €700,000 and apply for citizenship.

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Individual calculation of the Maltese citizenship cost

Individual calculation of the Maltese citizenship cost

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Property types in Malta

Studios, apartments, villas, and townhouses are listed for purchase. Investors can also buy shares in hotel complexes, premises for offices and shops, land plots, and marinas. Available properties and real estate projects depend on the selected country and the terms of the investment citizenship or residency program.

Real estate investment in Malta

By making an investment in real estate in Malta, you can obtain permanent residency, and then become a citizen of the country.

Investment options include renting or purchasing residential real estate in Malta. Besides purchasing property, the investor fulfills two mandatory conditions. They include: donating to a non-governmental organization and contributing to the National Development and Social Fund, or NDSF. The investor is eligible for a 3-year residence permit for a €600,000 NDSF contribution, and a 1-year permit for a €750,000 contribution.

For permanent residency in Malta, investors can rent or buy residential property. The total minimum investment, along with the NDSF and social fund contributions, is €690,000. The minimum required annual rent depends on the region: at least €10,000 in Gozo island, or the south of Malta, and at least €12,000 in the north or center of the country. Investors, who fulfill those obligations, receive permanent residence

After their permanent residency period ends, investors may apply for Maltese citizenship. In that case, they should rent a residential property for another 5 years. The minimal rental payment is increased to €18,000 per year.

If investors purchase residential real estate in Malta for a permanent residence, they can return the investment in 5 years. The permanent residence may be granted for investing €300,000+ into residential property, either on Gozo or in the center of Malta. Applicants can also buy residential real estate in the north or center of Malta for €350,000. Investment property can be rented out.

Citizenship in Malta may also be granted for investing at least €700,000 into residential real estate — in any part of the country. The property can be rented for profit, and resold in 5 years.

The investment rules in Malta may sound tricky — that’s why the real estate team at Immigrant Invest is here to assist. We will help you find the best prime property object for receiving permanent residency or citizenship in Malta. We will also accompany you on every application stage, including reserving the object and fulfilling your investment.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for government programs in the Europe Union and the Caribbean.