Updated on September 12, 2026
Malta PR by investment for moving to the country and travelling to the Schengen Area
€169,000
Minimum investment
6+ months
Application processing time
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme, MPRP, offers applicants the opportunity to secure permanent residency in Malta through economic investment. The programme is governed by the Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations.
To qualify, applicants must meet four requirements: invest in real estate, make a charitable donation to an NGO, cover state fees, and demonstrate ownership of assets.
Investors and their family members receive Malta permanent residence cards within 6 months or more. The residency status granted is permanent and lifelong.
1
Investors can enter Malta under any circumstances, even if the borders are closed for tourists. This can be especially beneficial in case of instabilities in the person’s country of origin or residence.
Investors can enter Malta under any circumstances, even if the borders are closed for tourists. This can be especially beneficial in case of instabilities in the person’s country of origin or residence.
2
Malta residence permit holders can enter other Schengen countries and stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Time spent in Malta does not count toward this limit.
It is easy to reach many European destinations as there is an international airport in Malta, and flights go to cities all over Europe.
Malta residence permit holders can enter other Schengen countries and stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Time spent in Malta does not count toward this limit.
It is easy to reach many European destinations as there is an international airport in Malta, and flights go to cities all over Europe.
3
Malta PR holders can get medical care in Malta and other European countries. This might be appealing to persons looking to receive a higher-quality medical treatment.
Maltese residents can enrol in Maltese schools and universities, with most programs being taught in English. They can also attend short-term educational courses in all EU countries without obtaining student residence permits.
Malta PR holders can get medical care in Malta and other European countries. This might be appealing to persons looking to receive a higher-quality medical treatment.
Maltese residents can enrol in Maltese schools and universities, with most programs being taught in English. They can also attend short-term educational courses in all EU countries without obtaining student residence permits.
4
The MPRP allows investors to include their spouses or partners, unmarried children under 29, and parents and grandparents of any age in the application. Adult family members, except for spouses, must be principally dependent on the investor.
All the benefits the main applicant has apply to their relatives, too.
The MPRP allows investors to include their spouses or partners, unmarried children under 29, and parents and grandparents of any age in the application. Adult family members, except for spouses, must be principally dependent on the investor.
All the benefits the main applicant has apply to their relatives, too.
5
Maltese residents can expand their businesses to the entire unified market of the European Union. Malta’s strong economy offers many opportunities, particularly in sectors like real estate, tourism, and iGaming.
The taxation system in Malta can also be advantageous for business compared to some other countries, as entrepreneurs can get significant tax refunds.
MPRP holders may also work in Malta if they wish.
Maltese residents can expand their businesses to the entire unified market of the European Union. Malta’s strong economy offers many opportunities, particularly in sectors like real estate, tourism, and iGaming.
The taxation system in Malta can also be advantageous for business compared to some other countries, as entrepreneurs can get significant tax refunds.
MPRP holders may also work in Malta if they wish.
6
Applicants do not need to take language exams or reside in Malta for several years to qualify for the status. They obtain permanent residence in 6 months or more with the help of certified legal experts who assist them at each step.
Applicants do not need to take language exams or reside in Malta for several years to qualify for the status. They obtain permanent residence in 6 months or more with the help of certified legal experts who assist them at each step.
7
Investors who spend over 183 days per year in Malta become tax residents. While the MPRP does not include specific tax benefits, Malta’s tax system may still appeal to investors. Non-domiciled residents in Malta are taxed only on income and capital gains arising in Malta and on foreign income remitted to Malta.
Investors who spend over 183 days per year in Malta become tax residents. While the MPRP does not include specific tax benefits, Malta’s tax system may still appeal to investors. Non-domiciled residents in Malta are taxed only on income and capital gains arising in Malta and on foreign income remitted to Malta.
8
Investors do not need to live in Malta to maintain residency. They are also not required to be present in the country during the application process. They must only travel to Malta to submit biometrics.
Investors do not need to live in Malta to maintain residency. They are also not required to be present in the country during the application process. They must only travel to Malta to submit biometrics.
9
Malta offers a high level of safety, with low crime rates and a welcoming community. As a stable EU member, it has strong laws that protect residents’ rights and create a secure place to live and invest. Malta is known for supporting human rights and is among the world leaders in LGBTQ+ equality and protection.
Malta offers a high level of safety, with low crime rates and a welcoming community. As a stable EU member, it has strong laws that protect residents’ rights and create a secure place to live and invest. Malta is known for supporting human rights and is among the world leaders in LGBTQ+ equality and protection.
Get our detailed guide to learn:
How to obtain residency smoothly
Rights and opportunities that come with your new status
Obligations to fulfil to maintain residency
Answers to frequently asked questions
Trusted by 10,000+ investorsUnder the Malta residency by investment programme, applicants must demonstrate a specific amount of capital in their bank account. They can choose between two options:
To obtain Malta PR, investors must rent or buy properties, pay state fees and make charitable donations to non-government organisations.
Additional costs include health insurance, translation and apostille of documents, and notary and agent fees. Investors purchasing real estate in Malta must also pay a stamp duty of 5% of the property value and 1.5% as legal fees.
For a family consisting of the main applicant, their spouse, and minor children, the total investment amount is the same as for a single applicant. The sum increases by €7,500 per person only if the investors include their parents, grandparents, or adult children.
1st option
Investors are required to purchase residential property with a minimum value of €375,000.
The property must be held for at least five years. After this period, investors may sell the property and either purchase another one or rent housing without any specific price conditions. Maintaining a residential address in Malta is mandatory to preserve residency status.
Real estate acquired for residency purposes cannot be rented out.
2nd option
Investors must rent residential property for a minimum of five years, ensuring that the annual rental cost exceeds the required minimum. This minimum is set at €14,000 per year, regardless of the property’s location.
After five years of residence, investors must continue renting a property to maintain a residential address, but there are no longer specific price requirements.
The total cost depends on family composition. We can provide a free, individualised calculation for your case, covering additional expenses like taxes, insurance, and more.
Trusted by 10,000+ investorsThe Malta permanent residence application process consists of several stages, with application verification as the longest, typically taking at least 6 months. Most steps can be completed remotely.
1 day
Preliminary Due Diligence
A certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer conducts preliminary Due Diligence, checking applicant information in the databases used by the Residency Malta Agency to confirm eligibility.
This step helps to reduce the rejection risk to 1%. If any issues arise, solutions are offered, such as submitting additional documents.
3+ weeks
Preparation of the documents
Immigrant Invest lawyers provide the investor with the list of necessary documents for the application. Then they prepare the welfare history, translate documents into English, notarise copies, and fill out application forms.
When the documents are ready, the lawyers submit the application to the Residency Malta Agency, and the investor pays the first €15,000 of the administration fee.
3—6 months
Due Diligence
The Residency Malta Agency processes the application and conducts Due Diligence. If some questions about applicants’ biographies or finances occur, they send requests to the licensed agent. Immigrant Invest lawyers prepare all the necessary documents and answers in this case.
Up to 8 months
Fulfilment of the investment conditions
Within 2 months of approval, the investor pays the remaining €45,000 of the administration fee. The government contribution, charitable donation, and real estate rental or purchase must be completed within 8 months.
The investor and their family also secure health insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 per person.
Once all conditions are met, Immigrant Invest lawyers submit the supporting documents to the Residency Malta Agency.
1+ days
Fingerprinting in Malta
Applicants must visit Malta for fingerprinting by the Residency Malta Agency. Infants up to the age of 2 are exempt from biometrics.
2—3 weeks
Obtaining Malta PR cards
Once the biometrics are submitted, the application is sent to the residence department for printing, which typically takes around 2 weeks per application.
Annually for the first 5 years of residency
Review of compliance with the programme's terms
The Residency Malta Agency conducts annual checks during the first five years of residency to ensure the investor complies with programme rules, such as maintaining housing and holding assets of at least €500,000.
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. Agent’s participation is obligatory by law. We process the preliminary Due Diligence, help investors prepare documents for application, and accompany them until they receive Malta PR and further.
We have helped investors get residency and citizenship since 2006 and know the details of each programme we represent. You can count on the qualified assistance of our lawyers trained in international law and an individual approach to your case.
Licence No. RES-IMIN
Proven approval record
Rigorous Due Diligence is the foundation of every successful application. Immigrant Invest’s Compliance Department conducts a preliminary assessment before submission, minimising risks and ensuring an approval rate of over 99%.
End-to-end legal support
We guide clients through every stage of the process — from defining objectives and initial consultations to Due Diligence, application filing, approval, and ongoing status maintenance.
Licensed and internationally recognised
Immigrant Invest is authorised by regulatory authorities in the EU and Caribbean jurisdictions to represent applicants in investment immigration programmes. Our licensed status reflects strict compliance with regulatory standards and professional requirements
Confidential
We protect your trust with strict confidentiality, securing your data and investment details under an NDA agreement.
Elena Ruda,
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
With over 20 years of experience and established partnerships in Malta, Immigrant Invest provides strategic legal guidance for individuals pursuing Maltese citizenship.
A multidisciplinary team of legal, compliance, and real estate professionals accompanies clients at every stage of the process — from preliminary Due Diligence and residency arrangements to the preparation of a substantiated proposal and navigation of the multi-layered evaluation and approval procedure.
Each phase is handled with precision, discretion, and strict adherence to Maltese legislation, ensuring a seamless, transparent, and professionally managed pathway to citizenship.
To participate in the Malta residency programme, investors must provide the following documents:
All copies must be notarised. Documents that are not in English or Maltese must be translated. Lawyers assist investors with all the procedures.
Schedule a meeting
Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.
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Investors and their family members might need additional services after getting permanent residence in Malta, for example, assistance with card renewal, opening a bank account or getting a Maltese driver’s licence. Here’s how we can help.
1.
We help investors renew PR cards for the entire family every five years.
We help investors renew PR cards for the entire family every five years.
2.
We prepare the required documents and complete the bank forms.
We prepare the required documents and complete the bank forms.
3.
We assist in obtaining residence permits for family members not included in the initial application, such as new spouses, children, or children-in-law.
We assist in obtaining residence permits for family members not included in the initial application, such as new spouses, children, or children-in-law.
4.
We assist in cases of lost residence permit cards or address changes. We prepare and submit the necessary documents and help obtain a new residence permit card.
We assist in cases of lost residence permit cards or address changes. We prepare and submit the necessary documents and help obtain a new residence permit card.
5.
We help investors choose properties online, conduct property checks, and facilitate the purchase process.
We help investors choose properties online, conduct property checks, and facilitate the purchase process.
6.
We assist in obtaining tax numbers or police clearance certificates. We also help with the submission of annual compliance forms.
We assist in obtaining tax numbers or police clearance certificates. We also help with the submission of annual compliance forms.
The status of a permanent resident is valid for life, so investors do not need to reapply for it. However, the permanent resident card is issued for five years and must be replaced upon expiry.
To obtain a new residence permit card, the main applicant must:
For dependants, the requirement is to hold valid health insurance in each dependant’s name.
Some European countries, such as Portugal, Greece, Hungary, and Cyprus, allow foreigners to obtain residence permits by investment, also known as Golden Visas. However, the threshold, processing time, validity, and family inclusion rights vary.
Compare the key criteria of Malta residency by investment with Golden Visas in other EU countries.
Schedule a meeting
We will develop an individual solution, select a country and status that will solve your problems, and accompany the entire process.
Head of the Austrian office
Prefer messengers?
98 m² — 193 m²
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