Foreign nationals may obtain a Maltese residence permit to relocate for employment, business, study, or family reunification. Investors can choose between two options: temporary or permanent residence.
A Malta residence permit allows its holder to live in the country, travel within the Schengen Area for short stays, and access Malta’s healthcare and education systems.
Let’s explore the main paths to Malta residence for third-country nationals — citizens of states outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.
Malta offers both temporary and permanent residence permits, depending on the applicant’s purpose, intended length of stay, and long-term plans.
Temporary residence permits allow foreign nationals to live in Malta for a limited period. They are usually issued for a specific purpose, such as work, study, business, or family reunification, and remain valid only as long as the holder continues to meet the relevant conditions.
Temporary residence is often seen as a stepping stone for individuals who plan short-term stays or aim to transition to permanent residence.
The status of a Malta temporary residence permit can also be obtained by investment under the Malta Global Residence Programme.
A permanent residence permit allows a foreigner to live in Malta indefinitely without having to renew their status regularly. In most cases, non-EU nationals can apply after living in Malta legally and continuously for 5 years with temporary residence permits.
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme, MPRP, offers an alternative route by granting permanent residence from the outset. Instead of spending 5 years in Malta, eligible applicants obtain the status by making an investment and fulfilling the programme's requirements.
| Aspect | Temporary residence | Permanent residence |
| Validity period and renewal | 1—5 years, renewable | Lifelong, with renewals of ID |
| Acquisition period | 3+ months — by investment Several months — under other grounds | 6+ months — by investment 5+ years — by continuous residence |
| Eligibility | StudiesEmploymentFamily reunificationRemote workInvestment | Residence in Malta for at least 5 yearsInvestment |
| Path to citizenship | After 5 years | After 5 years, or immediately once the eligibility criteria are met if the 5-year requirement has already been fulfilled |
| Employment rights | Often tied to specific permits, such as a work permit | Full employment rights without restrictions |
| Residence obligations | Maintaining conditions tied to a permit | Maintaining investment — for MPRP |
| Overall stability | Temporary | Long-term |
The benefits of Maltese residence apply to both temporary and permanent permit holders, although the scope of these benefits differs slightly between the two statuses.
Maltese temporary and permanent residents can travel visa-free to Schengen states and stay there for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This makes it easier to attend business meetings, study programmes, or leisure trips across Europe without applying for short-term visas.
Residents in Malta can work or start a business if their residence permit type allows it. Generally, a work permit is required to secure employment in the country.
Permanent residents who obtained their status through 5 years of long-term residence can work without restrictions. Holders of residence obtained under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme may own a business or invest in one, but they must obtain a separate employment licence or work permit if they wish to work in Malta.
Residents in Malta benefit from high-quality healthcare that meets EU standards. Treatment is available in public and private clinics, with modern facilities and English-speaking doctors.
Residents covered by social security legislation are eligible for treatment in public clinics in Malta and across the European Union. To access medical services in the EU, they need a European Health Insurance Card.
Residence permit holders can enrol in Maltese universities. Study programmes are primarily offered in English.
Residents are eligible to apply for citizenship by naturalisation after living in the country for at least 5 years: 12 months immediately before the date of application and for an additional 4 years out of the last 6 years.
There is an exception: the Digital Nomad Visa does not lead to citizenship. Foreigners can hold it for up to 4 years and then must leave Malta.
Malta is a safe country with a warm climate, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea.
Residents can enter the country under any conditions as long as their permit is valid. To maintain their status, foreigners with a temporary permit cannot leave Malta for long and must reside in the country. In contrast, permanent residents do not face this restriction and can live elsewhere.
The Malta Global Residence Programme allows non-EU nationals to obtain a residence permit by meeting property, tax, and eligibility requirements[1]. Applicants can include close family members and benefit from a special tax regime for foreign income.
The Malta Global Residence Programme is intended for individuals from non-EU countries. Investors must:
An investor may include a spouse, children under 25, siblings, parents, and grandparents in their application. Household helpers who have worked for the investor’s family for at least 2 years may also apply for a residence permit.
Investors pay an annual tax of €15,000 for the entire family and rent or buy residential real estate. Property costs depend on its location. Additionally, applicants must pay an administrative fee, purchase health insurance, and cover legal service fees.
Investors benefit from a special tax regime. They pay:
Income arising in Malta is taxed at 35%.
| Costs | Purchase of real estate | Rent of real estate |
| Residential real estate | €220,000+, if a property is in the south of Malta and the island of Gozo €275,000+, if the property is situated in other areas | €8,750+ a year, if real estate is in the south of Malta and the island of Gozo €9,600+ a year, if real estate is situated in other areas |
| Administrative fee | €5,500 to €6,000, depending on the property’s area | €6,000 |
| Annual tax | €15,000+ | €15,000+ |
| Taxes when purchasing real estate | €25,300+ | Not applicable |
| Translation and apostille of documents, notary fees | €4,000+ | €4,000+ |
| Medical insurance | €400+ per person | €400+ per person |
| Total | €270,200+ | €34,150+ |
The validity period of the initial Malta residence permit is 1 year. After that, it is extended for 2 years and may be renewed an unlimited number of times.
To renew the residence permit, an applicant must submit a tax return before June 30th. After that, the applicant will receive confirmation of their special tax status extension and can apply for the renewal of their residence permit card.
Investors and their family members are not obliged to live in Malta to maintain their residence status. However, they should not spend more than 183 days a year in any other country.
Investors must maintain residential property in Malta, either rented or owned, for as long as they hold the status.
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme, MPRP, allows non-EU investors to obtain lifelong permanent residence in Malta. The process takes at least 6 months, and applicants are not required to live in the country or complete integration courses before applying.
To qualify for Malta permanent residence, investors must:
An MPRP application may include the investor’s spouse, unmarried children under 29, parents, and grandparents. Adult children, parents, and grandparents must be principally dependent on the investor or the investor’s spouse.
To obtain permanent residence under the MPRP, investors must secure property in Malta, pay the required government fees and contribution, make a charitable donation, and prove sufficient assets.
Applicants must either:
After the initial 5-year period, investors must continue to maintain a residential address in Malta, but the minimum property value and rental thresholds no longer apply.
Other requirements include:
Applicants may choose between renting and purchasing property, while all other programme requirements apply in either case. The minimum total cost is therefore €169,000 with the rental option and €474,000 with the property purchase.
Based on Immigrant Invest lawyers’ experience, obtaining Malta permanent residence by investment takes at least 6 months. Our experts assist investors at every stage of the application process.
Immigrant Invest conducts a preliminary eligibility check before the Malta permanent residence application process begins.
Applicants’ documents are reviewed by certified Anti-Money Laundering Officers. The results help our lawyers prepare a complete document package tailored to each case and reduce the risk of refusal. The check usually takes 1 working day.
Before submitting the full MPRP application, the main applicant and their dependants may get a 1-year temporary residence permit. This gives them access to residence benefits while the permanent application is being processed.
Applicants must travel to Malta to submit biometrics. The first part of the administrative fee of €15,000 and a government fee of €500 per residence card are paid.
Once submitted, the temporary residence application is processed within 4 weeks. The cards must be collected in person from the Residency Malta office, either in person or by our dedicated lawyer.
The full permanent residence application must be submitted within 6 months of receiving the temporary permit. If the MPRP application is refused, the temporary residence permit will be revoked within 15 days.
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.
Maltese authorities conduct a comprehensive Due Diligence check on the applicant’s financial and personal background. Upon successful completion, the applicant is eligible for permanent residence, subject to investment requirements.
The remaining €45,000 of the administrative fee must be paid within 2 months of approval. Renting or buying property and paying the government contribution may take up to 8 months.
Once all conditions are met, Immigrant Invest lawyers submit the documents to the Residency Malta Agency. If the application is approved, the Agency issues permanent residence certificates.
Investors and their family members travel to Malta to provide biometrics and photos. Infants up to 2 years old are exempt from submitting fingerprints.
Investors receive their permanent residence permit cards by courier.
For the first 5 years, residents must annually confirm they continue meeting all the requirements by submitting documents for verification to the Residency Malta Agency.
The Malta Nomad Residence Permit is available to freelancers and remote employees from non-EU countries. They must work for a foreign company, run a business abroad, or offer freelance services to clients outside Malta[2].
Applicants for a Nomad Residence Permit in Malta should:
Along with the main applicant, a Malta temporary residence permit is available for their close relatives:
Nomads must spend at least 5 months per year in Malta. They do not pay taxes on foreign income if their employment is already taxed at the origin.
The application fee is €300 for each family member. A residence card costs €100 per person.
The validity period of a Malta residence permit for nomads is 1 year, and then it may be renewed. The maximum period of residence with this type of permit is 4 years. Nomads are not eligible for permanent residence or citizenship in Malta and must leave the country once their permit expires.
The application processing time is up to 30 days, so nomads should apply for renewal no later than a month before the permit expires.
Foreign employees and self-employed individuals may obtain a visa or a residence permit in Malta. The most common types of documents are the Single Work Permit and the Blue Card.
The Single Permit allows you to reside and work in the country legally[3]. To apply, you need a job offer from an employer in Malta.
The validity period of a Single Permit is 1 year, and it can be renewed. Applications may take up to 4 months to process, although complete applications are often processed in around 2 months. Renewal should normally begin before the existing residence permit expires.
Highly skilled professionals may qualify for the fast-track Key Employee Initiative, KEI[4]. Complete applications are processed within 5 working days. To qualify, applicants must:
The EU Blue Card is a temporary residence permit for highly qualified professionals[5]. An applicant must:
The Blue Card is valid for a year and may be renewed. If the remaining work period under your contract is less than a year, the permit will be prolonged for that time plus 3 months.
Malta issues dedicated residence permits to international students and researchers. These permits allow non-EU nationals to live in the country while pursuing higher education or conducting research at a recognised Maltese institution.
Students may obtain a Malta residence permit if they are enrolled in a full-time course leading to higher education qualifications[6]. One can apply if they have the endorsement of a university.
A student residence permit in Malta is valid for a year or the duration of the studies. The application should be submitted in advance, as it may take up to 90 days to process.
Researchers may apply for a Malta residence permit if a Maltese research institution selects them to conduct research[7]. A doctoral degree or an appropriate higher education qualification is required.
The resident permit for a researcher is valid for a year or the duration of the hosting agreement. To renew the permit, one should apply no later than 30 days before the authorisation expires.
Malta offers different residence routes for family members depending on whether the sponsor is a foreign national residing in Malta or a Maltese citizen[8].
If you have lived in Malta legally for 2 or more years and hold a residence permit valid for at least 1 year, you may apply for residence for your family members:
A sponsor should provide proof of having a stable income and health insurance for each family member.
A third-country citizen in a genuine, long-term relationship with a Maltese national may obtain a residence permit if the couple demonstrate that their relationship has lasted for at least 2 years[9]. Evidence may include dated photographs, travel tickets, joint financial records, shared utility bills and affidavits from relatives or friends.
The first residence permit is generally issued for one year. The holder may work in Malta after obtaining an employment licence from Jobsplus.
A foreign spouse of a Maltese citizen and their children under 21 may apply for Exempt Person Status[10]. Successful applicants receive an eResidence document confirming their status as family members of a Maltese citizen.
Exempt Person Status allows holders to reside in Malta and, in most cases, work without obtaining a separate work permit[11].
A temporary residence permit in Malta may be obtained for some reasons other than employment, investment, or marriage. One may apply for a residence card if they:
A Malta residence permit may be issued for some other purposes. If a foreigner has a significant reason to move to Malta that is not listed in legislation or official sites, then they may apply for residence. Such requests are assessed individually on a case-by-case basis.
All foreigners applying for a Malta temporary residence permit must provide the following:
Documents for temporary residence depend on the reason for obtaining the residence permit.
The documents required for a Malta residence permit depend on the applicant’s grounds for residence. Applicants generally need to provide the following:
| Permit | First application | Renewal |
| Single Work Permit | €600 | €150 per year |
| Key Employee Initiative | €280.5 | Not specified |
| EU Blue Card | €600 | €150 per year |
| Nomad Residence Permit | €400 | Not specified |
| Family Reunification | €50 | €50 |
| Student Residence Permit | €50 | €50 |
| Researcher Residence Permit | €300 | €200 per year |
Applicants for permanent residence under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme generally provide:
The main applicant must also prove ownership of either:
Evidence may include recent bank and brokerage statements, investment portfolio statements, property ownership documents and valuations, company shareholding records, audited financial statements, and other documents demonstrating ownership and value. The authorities may decide which assets and financial instruments are acceptable.
Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant’s personal, financial, or family circumstances.
Documents must be submitted in English. Documents issued in another language must be accompanied by an authenticated English translation. Originals or certified copies may be required.
Non-EU nationals may apply for long-term resident status after living legally and continuously in Malta for at least 5 years[12]. The status is permanent, although the residence card is issued for 5 years and must be renewed.
Applicants must:
The application fee is €500. A decision is usually issued within 6 months after receiving a complete application[13].
Not every temporary status counts towards the 5-year period. Residence for purposes such as remote work, study, or vocational training is excluded from the long-term residence route.
Malta grants citizenship through several legal routes, including birth, descent, registration, naturalisation, marriage to a Maltese citizen, and merit.
Marriage, naturalisation, and citizenship for exceptional merit are the routes potentially available to the widest range of foreign nationals, although both are subject to strict eligibility requirements and the authorities' discretion.
A foreign spouse of a Maltese citizen may apply for Maltese citizenship by registration after 5 years of marriage, provided the couple have lived together throughout that period[14].
Widows and widowers may qualify where:
Naturalisation is the standard route to Maltese citizenship for foreign nationals who have established a genuine link with the country through long-term residence. Applicants may apply if they meet the statutory residence requirements.
Applicants must:
Foreigners must also provide two Maltese sponsors. One sponsor should be a professional, such as a lawyer, doctor, notary public, magistrate, judge, police officer, or public official, while the second may be any Maltese citizen who is not a family member. The sponsors submit references confirming the applicant's identity, character, and integration into Maltese society[14].
Maltese citizenship by naturalisation is granted at the Minister's discretion, meaning that satisfying the eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval.
Malta citizenship by merit is a discretionary naturalisation route for entrepreneurs, innovators, philanthropists, and other individuals whose exceptional contributions serve Malta’s national interests.
Applicants must demonstrate genuine links to the country, including compliance with the applicable residence, integration, and naturalisation requirements. They must also submit a detailed proposal describing the exceptional service already provided or planned, together with evidence of their qualifications and experience in the relevant field.
Exceptional services may include significant contributions in areas such as:
Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Community Malta Agency under Subsidiary Legislation 188.06. Meeting the formal criteria does not guarantee approval, as the final decision depends on the significance of the applicant’s contribution and its value to Malta.
The Malta Global Residence Programme and Malta Permanent Residence Programme offer different forms of investment residence and come with different obligations. Most risks arise when applicants confuse the two routes, underestimate the full costs, or fail to prepare sufficiently for Due Diligence and ongoing compliance.
The GRP grants renewable temporary residence and a special tax status, while the MPRP provides permanent residence from the outset. The GRP requires applicants to spend at least half the year in Malta and has a lower financial threshold, whereas the MPRP has no minimum stay requirement but involves higher costs.
Applicants should compare their tax position, available assets, family composition, intended length of stay, and long-term goals before choosing a route. Neither programme automatically leads to Maltese citizenship.
| Criteria | MPRP | GRP |
| Minimum investment | €169,000+ with property rental €474,000+ with property purchase | €34,150+ with property rental €270,200+ if purchasing purchase |
| Asset requirements | €500,000+, including €150,000+ in financial assets, or €650,000+, including €75,000+ in financial assets | None |
| Status | Lifelong | Temporary |
| Obtainment time | 6+ months | 3+ months |
| Ongoing requirement | Maintain the property for 5 years and submit documents for verification by the Residency Malta Agency | Maintain the property while the permit remains valid and pay at least €15,000 in tax annually |
| Stay requirement | None | 6 months |
| Family inclusion | Spouse, children under 29, siblings, parents, grandparents | Spouse, children under 25, siblings, parents, grandparents |
Neither GRP nor MPRP status automatically grants unrestricted employment rights in Malta. Holders of either status need separate work authorisation before taking up employment.
Applicants planning to work, manage a business, or provide services in Malta should check whether their intended activity is permitted and what additional approvals are required.
Both programmes require applicants to maintain residential property in Malta:
Applicants should treat the property as an ongoing compliance requirement rather than only as a lifestyle or investment decision.
GRP beneficiaries must pay the minimum annual tax even if their foreign income remitted to Malta produces a lower tax bill. Applicants who transfer little or no foreign income to Malta may therefore still face the full annual minimum.
A tax projection should compare the mandatory annual charge with the expected benefit of the 15% remittance-basis rate before the programme is selected.
An MPRP Letter of Approval in Principle is not the final residence certificate. The applicant must pay the remaining administrative fees within 2 months and complete the contribution, property, donation, insurance, and other requirements within 8 months. Missing these deadlines may lead to rejection or withdrawal of the approval.
Applicants should ensure that property arrangements and liquid funds are ready before approval is issued rather than beginning preparations afterwards.
Both programmes require applicants to prove the legality of their income, wealth, and funds. Previous visa refusals, adverse media, politically exposed person status, complex corporate structures, or unclear financial transactions may result in additional scrutiny.
A preliminary compliance review helps identify weak points and prepare explanations and supporting documents before submission.
The GRP provides a special tax regime, but its benefits apply only while the conditions are maintained. Foreign income remitted to Malta is taxed at 15%, subject to the annual minimum tax, while Malta-source income is taxed separately.
The MPRP is an immigration programme and does not provide preferential tax treatment. Holders may become Maltese tax residents by spending at least 183 days a year in the country or by establishing their centre of vital interests there. Tax residence should therefore be assessed separately, taking into account where the investor actually lives and their wider personal circumstances.
Immigrant Invest has over 20 years of experience in investment migration and supports clients throughout the Malta residence process. For MPRP applications, we act as a licensed agent authorised to submit cases to the Residency Malta Agency.
We assist with:
Investors receive one point of contact and coordinated legal support at every stage, reducing the risk of delays, documentation errors, and unexpected costs.
You need to obtain a residence permit to move to Malta. Temporary residence permits are mostly granted to employees, students, family members of Maltese nationals, digital nomads, and investors. The latter can obtain a permanent residence permit right away.
Foreign employees, freelancers, students, spouses of Maltese residents, and investors may apply for a Malta residence permit. To do so, they need to choose the right type of permit, collect all the necessary documents and submit an application to the Identity Malta Agency or the Residency Malta Agency[15].
Malta Global Residence Programme is one of the most convenient paths to residence. It doesn’t require living in Malta for most of the year or looking for a job to move to the country. The minimum investment requirement to qualify is €34,150.
A Digital Nomad Visa is an ideal path for remote workers, self-employed individuals, and freelancers. To qualify, applicants must earn €3,500+ per month outside Malta.
To immigrate to Malta, foreigners must have a significant reason for moving to Malta, such as a job offer or an endorsement from a university.
The procedure is not very complicated: applicants have to collect and submit all the required documents and get their residence permits after they are approved. The application processing time is usually up to 90 days.
For a Malta permanent residence or residence permit by investment, foreigners need to undergo Due Diligence, fulfil investment requirements, and submit biometrics. This process typically takes at least 6 months.
Once the residence permit is approved, applicants may move to Malta.
The cost of obtaining a Maltese residence permit depends on the chosen route. For example, the total expenses under the Global Residence Programme start at €34,150 and include property costs, taxes, and the administrative fee.
Yes, you may apply for Malta permanent residence after 5 years of legally living in the country. You’ll need to prove a stable income, knowledge of Maltese or English, and take an integration course.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme is another path to a permanent residence permit. An investor rents or buys real estate and pays an administrative fee, a government contribution, and a charitable donation. Their spouse, children, parents, and grandparents may also apply. Minimum commitment starts at €169,000.
Malta permanent residence is a lifelong status. However, the ID cards should be renewed every 5 years.
Wealthy foreigners may apply for Malta permanent residence by investment if they meet the requirements:
Spouses, children under 29, parents, and grandparents may also be included in the application.
To get a permanent residence permit, an investor rents or buys real estate and pays an administrative fee, a government contribution, and a charitable donation. Applicants undergo a strict Due Diligence check. Minimum investment starts at €169,000.
To be eligible for the Malta residence permit by investment, investors must meet the following requirements:
All these requirements are mandatory, but the investor can choose whether to lease or purchase a property. The cost of real estate varies based on location:
