Malta offers investors several residency and citizenship options.
A residence permit requires a minimum investment of €30,000, while Malta permanent residency demands at least €169,000. However, neither a residence permit nor permanent residence obtained through investment leads to fast-track or simplified access to citizenship.
A Maltese passport is typically acquired through naturalisation after at least five years of residence in the country. Wealthy individuals can reduce this timeframe to one or three years by investing €690,000 or more in Malta’s economy under the citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services route.
We have analysed and compared temporary and permanent residency and citizenship to help determine which status best aligns with different personal and financial goals.
Malta offers four distinct legal pathways for high-net-worth individuals seeking long‑term status in the country. While these options may appear similar at first glance, they differ significantly in purpose, cost, duration, and rights.
Digital Nomad Visa is a short-term residence permit tailored to remote workers and freelancers earning at least €3,500 per month from abroad. It is valid for 1 year and can be renewed up to a maximum of 4 years1.
Global Residence Programme, or GRP, is a temporary residence permit for non-EU nationals who invest a minimum of €30,000. It is valid for 1 year and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the investor continues to meet the requirements2.
Malta Permanent Residency Programme, or MPRP, offers lifetime residency through a qualifying investment of at least €169,000. Although the residency status is permanent, the residence card must be renewed every 5 years3.
Maltese citizenship is available through naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment. It requires a minimum contribution of €690,000 to the national development fund. Applicants become eligible for citizenship after 1 or 3 years of residence, depending on the level of investment4.
This route grants full EU citizenship, including the right to vote, settle anywhere in the EU, and obtain consular protection abroad. It also entails strict Due Diligence and longer, multi-stage processing.
There is no investment-based path to Malta citizenship. Maltese nationality legislation provides for the possibility of naturalisation in cases of exceptional merit.
The statutory framework recognises exceptional contributions across various areas, such as entrepreneurship, job creation, innovation, science, education, culture, or philanthropy.
All four statuses permit legal relocation to Malta5, but the degree of flexibility varies:
Visa-free travel to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period is available to digital nomads and residents, both temporary and permanent. However, they need visas for destinations beyond Europe.
Visa-free access to 169 countries — including the Schengen Area, the UK, the US, and Canada — is granted to Maltese citizens, offering the broadest global mobility.
Initial financial commitments differ significantly:
All four routes require applicants to rent or purchase property in Malta, with minimum value thresholds depending on the location and status being pursued.
Renting reduces the required investment under the GRP, MPRP and citizenship routes compared to purchasing. In this case, it also means the investment is fully non-refundable.
The duration and renewal conditions vary depending on the type of status granted:
However, Maltese passports must be renewed regularly:
Application duration depends on the option:
All legal residents can access Malta’s public education and healthcare systems. Residents and digital nomads must apply for a visa to access long-term education or healthcare in another EU member state. Citizens benefit from broader access across the EU, including visa-free university enrolment and the right to public healthcare in other EU countries, often at subsidised rates.
Malta offers different tax regimes depending on the type of residence status:
| Criteria | Digital Nomad Visa | Global residence permit | Permanent residence permit | Citizenship |
| Minimum financial requirement | Income of €3,500 a month from abroad | Investment of €30,000 | Investment of €169,000 | Investment of €690,000 |
| Obtainment period | 2+ months | 3+ months | 6+ months | 1 or 3 years |
| Minimum stay requirement | 5+ months per year in Malta | Cannot spend more than 183 days per year in another country | None | None |
| Status validity | 1 year, renewable up to 3 times | 1 year, then renewable for 2 years and further | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Malta offers an attractive living environment: a warm climate, relative affordability, modern infrastructure, and English as an official language. Foreign residents benefit from high-quality healthcare, European-standard education, personal safety, and a welcoming international community.
The Digital Nomad Visa allows residence in Malta for up to 4 years, offers visa-free Schengen travel, and requires no investment. Beneficiaries enjoy a favourable tax regime — 0% in the first year, then 10% — and access to private healthcare and international schools. This visa suits mobile professionals seeking EU access without long-term commitment.
Temporary residence permits grant the right to live, work and study in Malta. They also enable visa-free travel across the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Another key advantage is the relative affordability of this investment-based residence option: while most EU programs require a minimum investment of €250,000 or more, Malta’s Global Residence Programme starts at just €30,000.
Applicants under GRP also obtain tax residency in Malta and benefit from a favourable regime:
Permanent residence confers many of the same benefits as temporary residency — including the right to live in Malta, access to public services, and visa-free travel within the Schengen Area — but with greater flexibility and long-term security.
Unlike temporary residents, permanent residents are not required to maintain tax residency in Malta or meet physical stay requirements. Their legal status is indefinite and not tied to ongoing investment or annual renewals, making it a more stable solution for those seeking long-term relocation or a second base in the EU.
However, unlike GRP participants, permanent residents are taxed under Malta’s standard tax system and do not benefit from preferential rates on foreign income.
Malta citizenship offers the broadest set of benefits:
Citizenship also removes the need to renew residence cards or reapply for permits. For many, it serves as a long-term strategy for family mobility, security and succession planning.
Malta’s residence and citizenship options are designed for different life scenarios. While each status offers a distinct legal standing, the real difference lies in how closely you want to be connected to Malta — legally, financially or personally.
The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote professionals seeking a short-term EU base. It allows up to 4 years of residence but does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship, making it unsuitable for those seeking long-term settlement.
Temporary residence suits those who spend part of the year in Malta or want access to Europe without relocating. It’s popular with retirees, remote professionals and dual residents who value flexibility and tax efficiency.
Under the Global Residence Programme, you gain legal residence, Schengen access and a remittance-based tax regime: only income brought into Malta is taxed at 15%, with a minimum of €15,000 per household.
In practice, Malta’s remittance-based tax regime starts to make financial sense when you remit around €100,000 or more per year. Below this level, the minimum tax acts as a floor and can outweigh the benefit.
If you plan to live in Malta full-time and earn income locally, the Global Residence Programme may not be the right fit, as local income under GRP is taxed at a flat 35%, whereas other tax residents of Malta are subject to progressive rates ranging from 15 to 35%.
Permanent residence offers long-term security without requiring relocation. There’s no need to become a tax resident or maintain physical presence.
This status appeals to families seeking a future EU option, frequent travellers, and those preparing for relocation without committing. It’s valid for life, Schengen-compatible, and maintenance is minimal — but tax benefits don’t apply.
Maltese citizenship is best suited to those who want full EU rights and long-term continuity. It’s often chosen by investors seeking mobility for their children, business access across the EU or freedom from permit renewals. Citizenship grants all EU rights and can be passed to future generations.
However, if your home country prohibits dual citizenship, naturalisation in Malta could mean giving up your original passport or facing legal consequences. In such cases, permanent residence may offer more flexibility.
| Option | Best for | Key benefits | Income tax treatment | Limitations |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote professionals seeking short-term EU base | Stay in Malta for 1–4 years; Schengen access; no investment required | 0% income tax in year 1; 10% thereafter | No path to permanent residence or citizenship; local employment not permitted |
| Temporary Residence (GRP) | Retirees, remote professionals, dual residents | Schengen access; favourable remittance-based tax regime | 15% tax on foreign income remitted to Malta; €15,000 minimum | Holders cannot spend 183+ days in another single country per year |
| Permanent Residence | Families and frequent travellers; future EU relocation | Lifetime residency; Schengen access; no stay requirements | Standard income tax rates: 15% to 35% | No automatic path to citizenship |
| Citizenship | Investors and families seeking full EU rights | Full EU citizenship; visa‑free travel to 169+ countries; transferable to heirs | Standard income tax rates: 15% to 35% | May require renouncing original citizenship depending on home country laws |
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme offers high-net-worth individuals the opportunity to obtain permanent residency by investment. Applicants achieve this status by either purchasing or leasing real estate and fulfilling specific fee requirements.
To qualify for permanent residence in Malta, adult investors must have a clean criminal record and no visa refusals from countries with which Malta has visa-free travel agreements.
Participants must also demonstrate financial stability with a minimum capital of €500,000, including €150,000 in liquid assets, or a minimum of €650,000 in total assets, including €75,000 in liquid financial assets.
Investors and their spouses can add principally dependent children under 29, parents, and grandparents to the permanent residence application.
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme requires a minimum investment of €169,000. The main applicant must also meet several conditions, including the purchase or rental of real estate.
Real estate. For property purchases, the minimum investment is €375,000. Investors who choose to lease rather than buy must enter into a 5-year rental agreement, with a minimum annual rent of €14,000.
Non-refundable contributions. Regardless of whether the applicant buys or rents, the following costs also apply:
Additional expenses include notary and translation fees starting from €4,000, medical insurance from €400 per person, and legal support costs.
The process of applying for permanent residency in Malta typically takes at least 6 months. Once granted, the status is permanent, although the residence card must be renewed every 5 years.
The process includes:
For the initial 5 years, investors are subject to annual reviews by the Residency Malta Agency to ensure ongoing compliance with the programme’s requirements.
Explore the benefits and requirements of the Maltese investment programme in a couple of minutes
Foreign nationals can qualify for permanent residency after legally residing in Malta for a minimum of 5 years on a temporary residence permit6.
To be eligible, applicants must meet additional criteria beyond residency:
The Malta Global Residence Programme offers high-net-worth foreigners the opportunity to obtain a temporary residence permit. This permit is available to investors aiming to become tax residents of Malta. While they are not required to reside in Malta year-round, they must ensure they do not spend more than 183 days annually in any other single country.
The main applicant must be over 18, from a country outside the EU and the EEA, and have no criminal record. Additionally, investors must confirm a stable income and demonstrate adequate proficiency in either Maltese or English.
Spouses, children under 25, siblings, parents, and grandparents of the main applicant can also obtain residence permits. These family members must be principally dependent on the investor or their spouse.
Participation in the Malta Global Residence Programme requires investments starting at €30,000.
To obtain a residence permit, investors must either purchase or rent real estate in Malta. Additionally, they are responsible for paying an administrative fee and meeting a minimum annual tax requirement of €15,000. This tax is part of the programme's financial obligations to ensure compliance with Malta's tax regulations.
In the south of Malta and on the island of Gozo, program participants have the following options:
In other regions of Malta, financial requirements for investors slightly increase and require one of the below:
If an investor opts to purchase a property, they are also obliged to cover a one-time property purchase tax, stamp duty, and various special fees associated with the transaction. These total expenses are about 7% of the property's transaction value.
In addition to the property-related costs, participants of the Malta residence permit program must account for other necessary expenses. These include translation and notary services, with fees starting at €4,000, and medical insurance, which begins at €400 per person.
The process to obtain a residence permit in Malta takes a minimum of 3 months.
To obtain a temporary residence permit, the following steps must be completed:
Initially, the permit is issued for a duration of 1 year. Upon renewal, subsequent permits are valid for 2 years each.
A foreigner may be eligible for a residence permit if they are:
Additionally, specific categories also qualify for residence permits, such as volunteers, trainees, or international service providers7.
Ordinary residence permits are valid for the period of activities a person came for. For instance, for the duration of a work contract for a work permit or for a period of studies for studying8.
The Malta Nomad Residence Permit is granted to freelancers or remote workers who do not work locally and earn income from outside Malta. The permit allows for a stay of up to 4 years.
The applicant must have a monthly income of at least €3,500 from outside Malta. Eligible applicants include employees of foreign companies, directors of companies registered outside Malta, freelancers, or self-employed individuals.
In addition to having sufficient income, the applicant is also required to rent or buy residential property, with no minimum cost stipulation.
Applicants must be over 18, have no criminal record, and hail from non-EU and non-EEA countries. They may include their spouse or partner, minor children, and principally dependent children over 18 in their application. The applicant and all family members must possess health insurance.
The application process typically takes at least 5 months and includes the following steps:
The residence permit for digital nomads is valid for 1 year and may be renewed 3 times for an equivalent duration. To retain this status, the applicant must spend a minimum of 5 months per year in Malta.
Since 2013, Malta has been issuing passports to investors, but the conditions underwent significant changes in 2020. Now, Malta citizenship can be acquired only through naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment.
Initially, the investor is granted a residence permit for 3 years, during which they must pass a rigorous Eligibility Assessment. The eligibility to apply for citizenship after either 1 or 3 years is directly contingent upon the scale of their investment. Higher investments may qualify for the shorter waiting period.
Malta has officially discontinued granting citizenship for exceptional services
A new path has been launched, Citizenship by Merit, granted for exceptional contributions to Malta or humanity, replacing investment-based routes and aligning with EU principles and Vision 2050.
Permanent residency in Malta is still available, with approval taking 4 weeks or more.
Investors over the age of 18, with no criminal records or visa refusals from countries that have a visa-free agreement with Malta, are eligible to apply for citizenship. Additionally, applicants must not be subject to international sanctions and must prove the legality of their income.
Investors can include their spouses, unmarried children under the age of 29, and parents and grandparents aged 55 and above in their citizenship application. To be eligible, children, parents, and grandparents must principally depend on the main applicant.
Costs of obtaining Malta citizenship vary based on the chosen investment route and the timeline for acquiring the passport. Investment options include purchasing or leasing real estate.
For investors opting to purchase, the property must be valued at a minimum of €700,000, and they are required to maintain ownership for at least 5 years post‑citizenship acquisition. After this period, they are permitted to sell their properties.
When buying a property, investors must pay a 5% stamp duty, with a minimum of €35,000, and a notary fee of up to 2% of the property’s value.
Investors opting to rent real estate as part of their residence permit requirements must secure a lease for an apartment or house with a minimum annual cost of €12,000. Upon obtaining citizenship, they are then required to enter into a new rental agreement for a duration of at least 5 years, at a minimum annual rent of €16,000.
Investors are also required to make a contribution to the National Development and Social Fund, regardless of the investment route they choose:
Obtaining Maltese citizenship incurs other mandatory expenses, including:
The path to Maltese citizenship takes either 1 or 3 years, depending on the amount of the financial contribution. Only licensed agents are authorised to apply on behalf of clients, which means that lawyers support investors at every stage of the process and continue to assist them even after citizenship is granted.
Due Diligence is essential when applying for citizenship in Malta. It is pivotal in determining if the Maltese authorities will approve an investor’s application.
Immigrant Invest’s certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer scrutinises the investor’s documents to pinpoint potential issues that might lead to the application’s denial. The Compliance Department confidentially checks the applicant against global databases.
Should any potential obstacles threaten the success of the application, alternative pathways to secure second citizenship are explored and suggested.
The Сommunity Malta Agency conducts an initial screening of all applicants. Maltese authorities perform background checks, including those against the Interpol and Europol databases.
After obtaining Clearance, investors and their family members are eligible for a residence permit in Malta.
To pursue residency through the 12-month route, it is advisable for the main applicant to secure residence permits for all dependents aged 16 or older included in the naturalisation application. Alternatively, for those taking the 36-month path, it is recommended that family members aged 15 and up obtain residence permits together with the main applicant.
The investor arranges accommodation in Malta, either by renting or purchasing a property, and gathers the required documents as outlined by Immigrant Invest. Legal experts handle the completion of government forms and prepare all necessary paperwork for the residency application.
All residency applicants must travel to Malta to complete biometric data collection. Residency cards are issued within two weeks of fingerprint submission.
Residence permits are initially valid for 36 months, with an option for an extension if needed to finalise the citizenship application.
The application for the Eligibility Assessment must be filed within 12 months after obtaining residence permits. All applicants must undergo the assessment.
Immigrant Invest may assist with the translation, legalisation, and notarisation of documents.
The Community Malta Agency’s Due Diligence process typically spans 120 to 150 days, depending on the agency’s workload and the accuracy of documents submitted by the licensed agent.
The Minister in charge of Malta citizenship affairs decides on the approval or rejection of applications.
After successfully passing the Eligibility Assessment, applicants are entitled to apply for citizenship in one or three years after obtaining a residence permit, depending on the amount of their investment.
Applicants must notify about any major changes in their situation if applying after 1 year. For example, they must update the MRQ form in case of severe health conditions.
Those applying after 3 years must confirm their permanent address in Malta and provide a current police clearance certificate. Any changes to documents must also be reported.
The final decision, delivered in writing, authorises the applicant to acquire citizenship.
Following the Minister’s approval, investors are required to meet all investment criteria within four months.
Lawyers collect documents proving the investment was made and provide them to the Agency, which conducts updated checks.
If no issues are found and all documentation is confirmed as accurate and complete, an invitation to take the oath of allegiance is issued.
After obtaining the Minister’s final approval, all applicants over 18 must visit the Community Malta Agency’s office to take the Oath.
Biometrics are submitted after the oath at the passport office by every applicant over 6. Children under 6 are exempt from this trip to Malta.
Applicants must personally collect their passports from the Malta Passport Department 4 days after submitting biometrics.
Each year, starting one year after citizenship is granted and continuing for five years, Immigrant Invest, as a licensed Program Agent, is required to report to the Agency on the client’s compliance with the investment requirements.
In addition to citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment, Malta offers several other legal pathways to citizenship. These include citizenship by birth or descent, registration, and standard naturalisation.
Citizenship by birth or descent is available to children born to Maltese citizens. The specific eligibility depends on the applicant’s date of birth and the citizenship status of their parents at the time. In some cases, individuals may also qualify through ancestry if they are direct descendants of an ancestor born in Malta, provided that the parent of that ancestor was also born in Malta.
Citizenship by registration is open to:
These routes require applicants to demonstrate a genuine connection to Malta.
Standard naturalisation is available to foreign nationals who have resided in Malta for at least 4 years in the previous 6, followed by a continuous 12-month stay immediately before applying. In total, the process takes a minimum of 5 years of legal residence.
All naturalisation applicants must also meet additional requirements: a sufficient command of English or Maltese, and proof of good character and integration into Maltese society.
In 2025, Malta introduced a new legal basis for citizenship by merit under Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act and Legal Notice 159 of 2025. This route is designed for individuals who provide exceptional contributions to Malta in areas such as science, technology, humanitarian work, public health, national security, culture, sport, entrepreneurship, or public service9.
The framework has been adopted, but the criteria have not yet been announced. Details of the application process and requirements will be determined once implementing regulations are in place. Until then, no applications for citizenship by merit are being accepted.
Foreigners can take part in government programs.
Malta temporary residence works best for foreigners who want to become tax residents of the country. Paying taxes in Malta under a special regime is the main condition of the program. To get a residence permit, applicants must buy or rent a property and pay an administrative fee and a minimum annual tax of €15,000.
Malta permanent residence is more often obtained by investors who plan to move to the country, conduct international business, and travel visa-free to the countries of the Schengen Area for 90 days out of 180.
Permanent residence is granted for life. To qualify, investors must meet the following requirements:
By naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment. To do this, investors first get a residence permit, and after 1 or 3 years, they apply for a passport.
To qualify, the investor must:
If the investor purchases a property, its minimum cost must be €700,000. They also pay a stamp duty of 5% and notary fees of up to 2%.
In the case of rental, the applicant first rents a property for at least €12,000 annually to obtain a residence permit and then a property for at least €16,000 per year to apply for citizenship. After acquiring a passport, the investor must continue owning or renting real estate for 5 years.
A licensed agent representing the investor submits an Eligibility Assessment application within one year of obtaining a residence permit. The fee is €15,000 for the investor and €10,000 for each family member over 12.
This route to obtaining Maltese citizenship is currently under review. To receive an update as soon as it becomes available again, please leave your email.
A residence permit in Malta is suitable for affluent people who want to optimise taxes through a special regime. At the same time, investors do not have to move to Malta; they need to spend no more than 183 days in any other country.
As residents of Malta, investors have the right to access local hospitals, banks, and educational institutions, as well as travel around the Schengen Area without visas.
Malta permanent residence status allows investors to stay in Malta at any time, work, conduct business, and use the services of clinics and banks here. Investors can provide children with a high‑quality education: schools and universities in Malta are based on European standards.
Malta’s permanent residence card provides visa-free access to other Schengen countries, with permission to spend up to 90 days out of 180 a year there.
Maltese citizens can freely live, work, and study in Malta or another EU country. Their passports open visa-free access to 169 countries, but the allowed period of stay varies depending on the country.
Maltese nationals can also vote in elections and hold public offices.
Temporary and permanent residents can obtain Malta citizenship by naturalisation after 5 years of living in Malta. This includes:
They must also prove knowledge of Maltese or English, be of good conduct, have sufficient income, and provide two sponsors.
Foreigners can decrease the naturalisation period if they apply for citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment. In this case, they contribute at least €690,000 to the Maltese economy and are eligible to apply for citizenship after only 1 or 3 years as a resident.
Foreigners cannot obtain Maltese citizenship by investment directly. The only way, in this case, is to get citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment. Applicants first acquire a residence permit, undergo the Eligibility Assessment, and after 1 or 3 years, apply for citizenship.
Expenses depend on the chosen investment option and the desired period of obtaining a passport. Available options include buying or renting real estate. The minimum sum one might expect to spend is €690,000.
The main difference between Malta permanent residence and citizenship lies in the level of rights and long-term benefits each status provides.
A Maltese residency visa allows foreign nationals to live legally in Malta, access local healthcare and education, and travel within the Schengen Area. However, residents do not have full political or EU-wide rights — they cannot vote in Maltese elections, hold public office, or live and work freely in other EU countries.
Maltese citizenship, on the other hand, confers full national and EU citizenship rights. Citizens can vote, access all public services, and enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 169 countries. They are also free to live and work anywhere in the European Union without restriction.
Foreigners can obtain a Malta residency visa through several routes:
In contrast, a Maltese passport is not granted solely in exchange for investment. Most applicants must qualify through descent, marriage, or five years of legal residence. There is also a fast-track option: citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment, which allows eligible investors to apply after 1 or 3 years of residence, provided they invest at least €690,000 in Malta.
Permanent residency in Malta does not automatically lead to citizenship. To apply for citizenship by naturalisation, you must live in Malta for at least 5 years — including 4 years of cumulative residence and 1 year of uninterrupted residence immediately before applying.
However, holding permanent residence does not guarantee eligibility or fast-track your citizenship application. You must still meet all legal, language, and character requirements, and approval is discretionary, not automatic.
Malta allows dual and multiple citizenships, so from a Maltese legal perspective, yes — you can hold 3 or more citizenships, including Maltese10. However, whether this is possible in practice depends on the laws of your other countries of citizenship. Some states allow only one nationality and may require you to renounce others when acquiring a new one.
1 Source: Residency Malta Agency on Digital Nomad Visa requirements
2 Source: Tax & Customs Administration of Malta on the Global Residence Programme rules
3 Source: Residency Malta Agency on the Malta Permanent Residence Programme legal framework
4 Source: Aġenzija Komunità Malta on acquisition of Maltese citizenship
5 Source: Government services and information on moving to Malta
6 Source: Identita on obtaining a Maltese permanent residence permit
7 Source: Identita on types of temporary residence permits of Malta
8 Source: Servizz, the online guide to government services on obtaining Maltese residence permits
9 Source: Malta Independent on enhancing citizenship-by-merit
10 Source: Maltese Citizenship Act on dual citizenship regulations
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