Residency
March 21, 2024
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Relocation to Malta: benefits of Malta permanent residence and citizenship

Malta is a developed country with a high quality of life. Expats choose this country for immigration for a relatively low cost of living and more than 300 sunny days a year.

A Malta passport gives its holders many benefits, such as travelling to 169 countries without a visa, doing business in Europe, and providing excellent education to children. Also, one can get a PR permit in Malta to live there and travel the Schengen Area visa-free.

Read on to find out the reasons to move to Malta and the benefits of permanent residency and citizenship in this country.

Moving to Malta: benefits of Malta permanent residence and citizenship

Who is eligible to move to Malta?

In principle, everyone who wishes to emigrate to Malta and has the necessary means for it can move to the country. However, the procedure can differ depending on the origin of the immigrant.

EU, EEA and Switzerland citizens can obtain permission to live in Malta by applying for a registration certificate. For citizens of other nations, however, a long-term visa, also known as a D visa, is required to stay for over 3 months. This visa grants the right to apply for a residence permit upon entering Malta and to settle in the country.

Moving to Malta from an EU country

The citizens of 27 EU member states, as well as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, can travel to Malta visa-free. If they want to stay in the country for longer than 90 days, however, they need to request a registration certificate from the Maltese authorities. 

After five years of uninterrupted legal residence in Malta, EU citizens get a right to permanent residency.

6 ways to relocate to Malta from a non-EU country

Currently, the nationals of around 150 states need to obtain a Schengen visa to enter Malta. Both Schengen visa holders and citizens of countries that have a visa-waiver agreement with Malta can stay there for no more than 90 consecutive days.

For a stay that outlasts 90 days, however, all foreigners need to acquire a longer-term visa and then a residence permit. There are several ways to do it.

1. Malta Work Visa. Non-EU citizens can obtain a work visa and a residence permit for an initial one-year term on several grounds, including a job offer from a Maltese employer or proof that they are highly skilled workers with an annual salary of at least €30,000.

2. Malta Study Visa. Non-EU citizens who want to study in Malta can apply for an initial one-year visa at the Maltese embassy or consulate in their home country. The residence permit is issued once they arrive in Malta. The visa also allows them to work for up to 20 hours a week.

3. Digital Nomad Visa. Individuals who want to reside in Malta but work for a company based elsewhere are eligible for the Nomad Residence Permit if they earn at least €32,400 per year. The permit will be issued for one year.

4. Malta Retirement Programme. A five-year visa can be issued to retirees who own or rent property in Malta. The key requirement is that 75% of their income comes from pensions.

5. Family reunification. Spouses and underage children of a Malta resident, as well as children over 18 who are principally dependent on their parent residing in the country, are eligible for a one-year visa. As in all the previous cases, the visa can be renewed an indefinite number of times as long as the requirements are still met.

6. Malta Permanent Residence Programme is an option that allows investors to become lifelong residents of the country. The minimum investment amount is €150,000.

It is also possible to become a Malta citizen by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment. The minimum investment in this case is €690,000.

9 benefits of moving to Malta

1. Relatively low cost of living. Consumer prices in the country are generally lower than in some other EU countries, especially those in Western and Northern Europe. Also, the consumer prices in Malta, in general, are about 20% lower than in the United States. 

2. More than 300 sunny days a year. Malta has a mild and pleasant climate in any season; there are almost no rainy days in the summertime. The average air temperature throughout the year usually ranges between +9…32°C. The most comfortable weather in Malta is from May to October.

3. English-speaking country. Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. You can speak English to travel and live in Malta without difficulty because 88% of locals speak English and use it in daily conversations.

4. Strong healthcare system. According to Statista, Malta scored 81.7 points on the Health index in 2021. This puts the country in 11th place among other states by their healthcare systems. 

Malta’s public health system provides free services to all Maltese citizens. And it’s easy for residents and citizens to access a clinic or hospital when needed.

5. High-quality education. For Malta citizens, education at state universities is free of charge. Also, children of Maltese citizens may study in schools and universities in other EU countries: they don’t need to get visas, and the tuition fees are usually lower for them than for citizens of non-EU countries.

6. Lots of attractions to visit. Malta attracts many tourists from all over the world with its sights. For example, in Valletta, the capital of Malta, you will find the Grandmaster’s Palace, once the residence of the Knights of Malta.

7. Best routes for hiking. Hiking enthusiasts will surely be satisfied with the numerous attractive ways. For example, you can visit Dingli cliffs and Fawwara trail: this route usually takes about 2 hours to complete. The route to Ghar Lapsi is more challenging but takes less than 1,5 hours.

8. Developed water sports activities. Malta is an island state, which means various outdoor water activities open to everyone. Malta is known worldwide for its scuba diving. Kayaking, diving, snorkelling, and jet skiing are also popular.

9. Delicious food. Maltese cuisine was influenced by Italian cuisine. Malta is situated in the Mediterranean Sea, so fish dishes are widely popular; also, the country is renowned for its bread and pastizzi. 

There are five Michelin-starred restaurants in Malta. For example, you can visit the ION restaurant in Valletta and try seasonal dishes from a top-level chef.

Traditional Maltese dish on offering at a restaurant
Timpana is a traditional Maltese dish reserved for special occasions. It is made by baking pasta in a meat sauce inside a pastry

How to bring personal belongings to Malta

EU citizens can move to Malta freely with their household effects, such as clothing, furniture and tools.

As for non-EU citizens, they can bring in personal belongings without the requirement to pay import duties if the following conditions are met:

  • the belongings must be used for 6 months before relocation to Malta;
  • they will be used for the same purpose as at the previous place of residence;
  • they cannot be lent, hired out, or sold before being in the EU for a year;
  • they must be imported within six months before the start of residence in Malta or a year after.

The immigrants also need to provide a list of documents:

  • original passport issued at least one year before the import date;
  • the Notice of Arrival;
  • an SAD form;
  • a detailed packing list;
  • a customs declaration’;
  • proof of residence abroad for at least 12 months before arriving in Malta.
  • Certificate of Registration from the Office of the Commissioner for Revenue.

Average monthly fees and other expenses for expats in Malta

ItemCost per month
Rent (one-bedroom apartment)€833.91
Utilities€84
Internet & Mobile Plan€34
Transportation (single trip)€2
Groceries€400
Restaurant (single visit, person)€15—30
Takeaway€6—20
Gym Membership€50

Requirements for moving to Malta with pets

The maximum number of pets you can bring to Malta is five. Bringing pets younger than 15 weeks old is prohibited.

Each pet must meet the following set of health requirements:

  • an ISO identification;
  • rabies vaccination at the age of 12 weeks;
  • a valid EU passport (or an Official Health Certificate issued by the country of residence for non-EU pet owners);
  • entering Malta 21 days from the date of the rabies vaccination;
  • a deworming treatment between 24 and 120 hours before entering Malta (for dogs only);
  • an online pre-notification submitted by the owner.

5 best areas for relocation in Malta

Even though Malta is one of the smallest European countries, there is no shortage of attractive places for expats to live.

1. Sliema and St Julian’s. The two towns are situated on opposite sides of St Julian’s Bay in the eastern part of the main island and host more expats than any other area of the country.

Sliema is arguably the most attractive town for expats who can enjoy its vibrant atmosphere in restaurants, bars, and high-end shopping malls, as well as have perfect views of the Mediterranean Sea. The town also has infrastructure to match expats’ lofty expectations, as well as plenty of job opportunities in banking, telecommunications, travel, and education.

2. Valletta. Despite being the capital, Valletta is a pretty serene city and not the leading destination for immigrants. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts plenty of cultural sites, such as the Manoel Theatre, Royal Opera House, and National Fine Arts Museum.

The expat community is relatively small, but it also means that the housing is more affordable than in other areas of the country. Digital nomads will particularly appreciate high-speed internet and plenty of co-working spaces suitable for their work.

3. Mellieha. A town in the northern part of the island, Mellieha is a popular summer resort famed for its long sandy beaches and picturesque scenery. As a result, there is plenty of accommodation for travellers as well as for those who want to stay in the country for a more extended period.

The nearby St Paul’s Bay and Bugibba are also attractive destinations, and the cost of living is cheaper there.

4. Marsaxlokk. The small fishing village on the southern side of the island is not the most popular tourist destination, but that could make it even more welcoming for long-term residents.

The Sunday fish market sets the scene, with Marsaxlokk famous among locals for its seafood restaurants. At the same time, the village is close to one of the busiest container ports in the Mediterranean, so business opportunities can be another reason to set up the base here.

5. Gozo. Just north of Malta, a smaller island of Gozo can be found. Visitors can reach it on a ferry that takes about 25 minutes. It is one of the quietest and greenest areas of the country, most suitable for families seeking to relocate to Malta.

How to obtain Malta permanent residence

There are seven steps that investors should take to apply for a Malta permanent residence programme. The application processing usually takes 4—6 months. 

Step 1. Pass a preliminary Due Diligence check. This step is mandatory for all applicants. Immigrant Invest has its own Compliance Department: its initial Due Diligence reduces the application rejection risk to 1%. The preliminary Due Diligence takes one day.

Step 2. Collect the necessary documents. Lawyers provide the investor with the list of required documents; then, they translate papers into English and fill out government forms. This process takes about 4—5 weeks. 

At this stage, the applicant pays a non-refundable administration fee of €10,000. 

Step 3. Pass a Due Diligence check. It takes at least four months. If an applicant has passed the check, they get a letter of approval.

Step 4. Fulfil all the conditions. After getting the approval, investors can fulfil investment conditions: pay a contribution and the remaining administration fee, donate to a non-government organisation, and rent or buy a property. 

The administration fee must be paid in two months, and to fulfil other conditions, the investor has eight months after the approval.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme costs

If renting propertyIf buying property
Real estate cost€50,000+ in the South of Malta or Gozo;

60,000+ in other regions
€300,000+ in the South of Malta or Gozo;

350,000+ in other regions
Contribution fee€58,000+

€7,500 for each parent and grandparent
€28,000+

€7,500 for each parent and grandparent
Administration fee€40,000€40,000
Charitable donation€2,000€2,000

Step 5. Provide fingerprints. The principal applicant and all the family members should provide their fingerprints at the Residency Malta Agency. This step requires a trip to Malta, and fingerprinting takes about a day.

Step 6. Wait for the final approval. The Residency Malta Agency reviews the documents submitted after the investment is made and then issues the final approval. This step usually takes about a month.

Step 7. Obtain your permanent residence permit. The Residency Malta Agency issues a Certificate of Residence and permanent residence cards. It usually takes about two weeks.

Adult applicants obtain PR permits for life, and the cards must be renewed every five years. Minor children must renew their cards within a month after they turn 14 or 18. 

How to obtain Malta citizenship

Foreigners can obtain Malta citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment. They first need to get a residence permit and then apply for a passport after a year or three.

To get Malta citizenship, foreigners must fulfil the following conditions: 

  • donate to a non-governmental organisation;
  • contribute to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF);
  • buy or rent a residential property. 

Costs of obtaining Malta citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment

Single investorFamily of four
Real estate€16,000+ per year — for real estate rent;

€700,000 — for real estate purchase
€16,000+ per year — for real estate rent;

€700,000 — for real estate purchase
Contribution to NDFS€600,000 — for citizenship application after three years;

€750,000 — for citizenship application after one year;
€750,000 — for citizenship application after three years;

€900,000 — for citizenship application after one year;
Charitable donation€10,000€10,000
Eligibility test€15,000€45,000
Issuance of residence cards€5,000€8,000
Administrative fees€3,000€12,000

The amount of contribution to NDFS depends on when you can apply for citizenship:

  1. €600,000+ if you apply for citizenship after three years of residency.
  2. €750,000+ if you apply for citizenship after a year of residency.

All the investment requirements are mandatory. Applicants can only choose whether to rent a property or buy real estate. 

Becoming a Malta citizen for exceptional services by direct investment: a step-by-step procedure

Malta offers a chance for investors to obtain the country’s citizenship by naturalisation. They get a residence permit and apply for citizenship after one or three years, depending on the amount of investment.

PT36M
1 day
Preliminary Due Diligence
Preliminary Due Diligence

As with the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, the Preliminary Due Diligence is a mandatory step to establish if the potential applicant has a chance to succeed. If any issues appear, Immigrant Invest consults its clients over potential alternative routes, depending on their objectives.

Up to 2 weeks
Police Clearance Certificate
Police Clearance Certificate

The Maltese police checks every applicant against Europol and Interpol databases.

About 3 weeks
Malta residence permit
Malta residence permit

Each applicant over 18 years old must obtain a residence permit. At this stage, Immigrant Invest will help the clients find real estate to rent, get health insurance, and prepare all the necessary documents and forms.

After the investor visits Malta to submit fingerprints, the residency cards are issued in two weeks. They are valid for three years.

Up to 12 months since getting residency
Applying for the Eligibility test
Applying for the Eligibility test

The Eligibility test should be passed by every applicant over 12 years old. Immigrant Invest provides the investor with a list of required documents. They are normally collected in 2+ weeks.

4+ months
Application processing
Application processing

After the Eligibility test, the Minister responsible for matters related to Malta citizenship approves or rejects the application.

1 or 3 years after getting a residency
Applying for citizenship
Applying for citizenship

If the investor applies for citizenship after one year of residency, they only must submit an affidavit that their circumstances have not changed. If they did, an affidavit and specific forms are required.

If the investor applies for citizenship after three years, they also have to submit some additional forms, an updated police clearance certificate and a confirmation of a registration address.

2—4 weeks
Final approval
Final approval

The Minister issues the letter of approval for the investor to obtain Malta citizenship.

Up to 4 months
Fulfilment of the investment conditions
Fulfilment of the investment conditions

In addition to completing the investment, the applicant also submits documents confirming their residence in Malta.

Up to 2 months
Getting a Malta passport
Getting a Malta passport

The investor and all their family members aged six and older undergo fingerprinting in Malta. Family members over 18 years old also take an oath of allegiance. Four working days later, the passports can be received at the Malta Passport Office.

Moving to Malta from the USA

Americans can travel to Malta with a United States passport for up to 90 days. If one wishes to move to Malta from the USA, they should get a Malta residence permit or become a country’s citizen.

Malta is quite a popular place among American retirees due to its pleasant climate, widespread English language use, and low cost of living alongside good healthcare and food. Americans usually choose Valletta, Victoria, Birgu, St. Paul, and Mdina to live in Malta.

Key things to remember about relocating to Malta

  1. Malta has become an increasingly popular relocation option thanks to its Mediterranean climate, the ubiquity of the English language and a relatively low cost of living in comparison to other European countries.
  2. To spend more than 90 consecutive days in Malta, foreigners need to get a long-term national visa. There are multiple grounds for obtaining it, including work, study, retirement or family reunification. Digital nomads can also apply for a long-term visa in Malta.
  3. Investors can skip the stage of D visa obtainment and participate in the Malta Permanent Residence Programme or apply for citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment.

Frequently asked questions

Is moving to Malta a good idea?

Malta is a developed country with a pleasant climate and low living costs. There are beautiful hiking routes, good spots for diving, lots of sights and delicious food. Prices in Malta are generally lower than in Western Europe and the United States.

Malta citizenship also has numerous benefits. For example, you can travel to 169 states without a visa with a Maltese passport and work or open a company in the country or abroad.

Can a foreigner live in Malta?

Yes, foreigners can live in Malta. EU citizens can move to Malta without a visa, and non-EU foreigners must receive a residence permit.

How long should I stay in Malta to get citizenship?

The process of obtaining a Malta passport takes a long time. Maltese legislation allows investors to apply for citizenship only 1 or 3 years after receiving a residence permit, and ordinary naturalisation takes 5+ years.

How much money do I need to move to Malta?

You’ll need a residence permit or citizenship to move to Malta. There are some opportunities for investors: for example, one can get a Malta PR permit by investing €150,000+ in the country’s economy.

Prices in the country are generally lower than in Western or Northern Europe. The cost of living in Malta, in general, is about 20% lower than in the United States.

Can I live in Malta permanently?

Yes, you can get Malta permanent residency and immigrate to the country. A foreigner must meet the following conditions: 

  • pay state and administration fees;
  • donate to a Maltese non-government organisation;
  • buy or rent a residential property.
Can I move to Malta without a job?

Immigration to Malta is possible on various grounds, including a work visa or a Nomad Residence Permit for digital nomads. However, most routes to obtaining residency in Malta do not require getting a job.

Is it hard to get residency in Malta?

The process is very straightforward for the EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, who only need to request a registration certificate from the Maltese authorities to stay in the country for over 90 days.

For non-EU citizens, there are plenty of options to obtain residency in Malta, including work, study, family reunifications, and programs for digital nomads and pensioners.

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

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