About
Capital: Valletta
Population: 563,000
Language: Maltese, English
GDP per capita: ,882 USD
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Membership: Member of the European Union
Visa-Free Countries: 172 countries including UK, USA, Canada, European Union, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Brazil, South Africa
Permanent Residence Program Overview
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (S.L.217.26), published by Legal Notice 146 of 2025, offers foreign individuals and their families a unique opportunity to apply for and acquire permanent residency in Europe.
Malta is a Mediterranean island with a significant historical and cultural heritage spanning over 7,000 years. The neutral country holds a respected position and is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. As one of the most exceptional places to do business, Malta currently has one of the fastest-growing economies and the highest GDP growth rates in the EU, offering favorable legislation to match.
Advantages
• It offers the possibility of a one-year temporary residence permit upon application. Following the issuance of in-principle approval and once all program obligations are fulfilled, the temporary residence permit is converted into a permanent residence certificate.
• Member state of the European Union (since 2004), part of the Schengen area (since 2007), and member of the Commonwealth of Nations (since 1964)
• Free movement within the entire Schengen area;
• One of the safest countries in the world according to the World Risk Report
• Excellent education and healthcare services
• Malta is a stable country showing one of the highest economic growth rates among all EU countries, with an A+ credit rating.
• There is no language requirement, and English is an official language.
• You can stay in Malta without any restrictions; there is no minimum stay requirement.
• Unmarried, financially dependent children under 29 years of age can also be included in the application.
• You can also add family members after your residence certificate is printed.
• The main applicant and their spouse can include financially dependent parents in the application.
• There is no age limit for parents who are financially dependent on the main applicant and spouse.
• The residence card is issued for 5 years and can then be renewed for another 5 years.
Non-Refundable Administrative Fees
Payable to Residency Malta Agency
A non-refundable administrative fee of €60,000 applies to the main applicant:
• €15,000 at the time of application (payment period: 1 month after application).
• €45,000 when the Letter of Approval in Principle is issued (payment period: 2 months after approval).
An additional non-refundable fee of €10,000 for each dependent of the Main Applicant (payment period: €5,000 within 2 months after approval in principle and €5,000 within 8 months after approval in principle).
Real Estate Conditions
Purchase Option
Can purchase a qualifying real estate in Malta or Gozo for a minimum of €375,000
Lease Option
Alternatively, you can lease a qualifying real estate in Malta or Gozo for at least €14,000 per year.
The qualifying property must be leased for a minimum of 5 years, after which a residential address must be maintained.
Contribution
If the main applicant chooses to lease a property, a direct contribution of €60,000 must be paid. If purchasing a property, a direct contribution of €30,000 is required.
The direct contribution(s) must be paid within 8 months following the issuance of the Letter of Approval in Principle.
Other Conditions
• Provide proof of owning assets of not less than €500,000, out of which at least €150,000 must be financial assets; OR provide proof of owning assets of not less than €650,000, out of which €75,000 must be financial assets;
• Making a €2,000 donation to a local registered NGO or society;
• Having a clean criminal record;
• Holding a valid travel document/passport
• Having a comprehensive health insurance policy covering risks in Malta and other European countries for each applicant
• An annual fee of €27.50 per person applies for the issuance of the residence card
• Annual compliance covers the first 5-year period.
One of the following options might suit you
| MALTA | Single Applicant 1-Year Residency |
Single Applicant 3-Year Residency |
|---|---|---|
| Residence Permit | €5,000 | €5,000 |
| Contribution to National Development and Social Fund |
€750,000 | €600,000 |
| Leased Property | €96,000 | €128,000 |
| Donation | €10,000 | €10,000 |
| Government Due Diligence Fees | €15,000 | €15,000 |
| Government Administrative Fees | €1,500 | €1,500 |
| Total | €877,500 | €759,500 |
• Main Applicant: €15,000
• Dependents aged 13 and over: €10,000
• Benefactor: €15,000
For a family application, government due diligence, administrative fees, and investment may increase depending on the number of dependents.
Taxation
Individuals considered resident but not domiciled in Malta pay tax only on income earned in or remitted to Malta. If individuals spend more than 183 days a year in Malta or make the country their primary residence, they are taxed on their worldwide income at a personal tax rate of up to 35%. The country does not levy real estate or gift taxes but charges a capital gains tax on various assets, and the standard VAT in Malta is set at 18%. While the corporate tax rate is 35%, specific exemptions exist for non-resident companies.
Process Overview
Initial Due Diligence and Pre-Approval
The primary applicant should complete our due diligence form and return it to us along with scanned copies of passports for all family members to be included in the application.
Client Agreement and Residency Application
We will send the Client Agreement and request the initial retainer fee to complete client onboarding. Your dedicated Relationship Manager will work with you on the residency application. If you do not have suitable comprehensive health insurance, we will obtain local quotes for you. The price quoted may vary depending on age and general health status.
As the residency process nears completion, we will submit a request to the Community Malta Agency (CMA), the Government entity overseeing the MEIN. It will typically take up to 30 working days for the Agency to schedule an appointment for your visit to Malta. The collection of biometric data for all adult applicants is a requirement for Malta Residence Cards.
Residency in Malta
The applicant is required to lease a property for at least 36 months or purchase a property to fulfill the residency stage of the application, thereby establishing genuine links with the country. Most of our clients prefer to lease a property at this stage, and if you wish, we can fully manage your property to ensure a seamless experience. Whether the property is sourced through our Real Estate network or independently, property conveyancing and management fees will apply, but our property management service is optional.
We will request the initial residency government fees and a €10,000 government contribution, which form part of your residency application. If we secure your residential lease, or alternatively if paid directly to the landlord, a further advance payment of €10,000 may be required.
Residency Appointment
We will assist you in planning your first visit to Malta and accompany you to your Community Malta Agency (CMA) appointment. Residence cards are usually issued 15 to 22 working days after your CMA visit. We can offer recommendations on the number of days to spend in Malta during the residency stage. Our clients can also take this opportunity to get to know the Maltese islands.
Visit
Shortly after your appointment with the Community Malta Agency (CMA), if you are not working with your local agent or representative on this process, we recommend visiting our office to work on your citizenship application directly with your dedicated Relationship Manager (RM). The citizenship application consists of two stages. For your convenience, your RM can arrange an appointment with a local notary to have necessary supporting documents certified in Malta rather than in your home country. Additionally, the RM will coordinate necessary appointments related to your application, such as with a local medical doctor, to facilitate the required medical forms.
Payment
Upon receiving the Approval in Principle from the Community Malta Agency, you will first need to pay the balance of your contribution to the National Development and Social Fund within 45 days. Following this, you must fulfill the remaining obligations, namely proof of property and the charitable donation.
Certificate of Naturalisation
Oath of Allegiance and Passport Application
Once all prerequisites have been met, the government will issue an invitation letter for you to visit Malta and take the Oath of Allegiance. Please note that every family member aged 18 and over must take the oath. We will gladly assist in organizing your visit to ensure a smooth process. Shortly after, the Certificate of Naturalisation will be issued, and the passport application will proceed. Following the passport application, we expect you to receive your Maltese passports within 2 weeks. We kindly remind you that every family member aged 6 and over must be present for passport biometrics.
Dual citizenship is permitted in Malta.