Malta Permanent Residence Programme
Malta PR by investment for moving to the country and travelling to the Schengen Area
Download the guide
Calculate the cost
4—6 months
Application processing time
90 days in 180
Visa-free travelling
in the Schengen Area
in the Schengen Area
License
№ AKM‑IMIN
Malta Permanent Residence Programme, or MPRP, allows third-country nationals, non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss, to obtain permanent residency in Malta by investment in the country’s economy. Investors buy or rent real estate, pay state fees, and make charitable donations to non-government organisations. In return, they get Malta PR cards in several months instead of five years, as other applicants do.
The status of Malta’s permanent residency is life-long. It provides attractive benefits, such as the right to live or create a backup plan residence in Malta, travelling to the Schengen Area visa-free for 90 days out of 180, and running a business in a European country. Investors’ families may also get Malta PR and enjoy the new possibilities and quality of life.
Malta has provided residency by investment since 2015, and the rules were updated in 2021. The MPRP is regulated by The Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations, L.N. 121 of 2021.
Benefits of Malta PR by investment
1
Moving to Malta or creating a plan B residence
Investors get the right to live in Malta, but they’re not obliged to move there. Malta PR holders may buy real estate in the country and open bank accounts to create a “safe haven”.
2
Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area
Malta residence permit allows one to enter other Schengen states and stay there for 90 days out of 180. The time spent in Malta doesn’t count.
3
Access to high-quality education and healthcare
Malta PR holders can study or get medical help in Malta. Also, they may visit other European countries visa-free if they need treatment or wish to take short-term educational courses.
4
Getting residency for four generations
The MPRP allows investors to include their spouses or partners, children, parents, and grandparents in the application. There’s no age threshold for family members.
5
Working and doing business in Malta
Holders of the MPRP permit are given the right to work in Malta should they wish to do so. Malta’s robust economy presents a range of business and investment opportunities, especially in sectors such as real estate, tourism, and iGaming. Malta’s taxation system could be more appealing for doing business in comparison to certain other countries.
6
Convenient pathway to permanent residence
There’s no need for applicants to take any language exams or reside in Malta for multiple years to be eligible for acquiring the status.
7
Opportunity to acquire Maltese tax residency
Investors spending over 183 days per year in Malta can attain tax residency status. But obtaining a Maltese Permanent Residence (PR) permit through investment doesn’t come with specific tax advantages — investors are taxed according to the standard regulations.
Nonetheless, Malta’s tax system can be appealing to investors as is. For non-domiciled residents, the country operates on a remittance basis for taxation, wherein foreign income is only taxed when brought into Malta.
Get maximum information
about the process
- Step-by-step procedure
- Requirements for applicants
- List of documents
- Answers to frequently asked questions
Download the guide
PDF, 36 pages, 12 MB
is licensed programme agent
(License № AKM‑IMIN)
Who can apply
for Malta permanent residency
Investor
- Over 18 years old
- Third-country national, non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss
- Born outside sanctioned countries, announced by the Residency Malta Agency
- Fit-and-proper, without a criminal record
- Capable of confirming the legality of the income
- With stable financial resources to support themselves without recourse to Malta social assistance
- Able to show capital of €500,000+, out of which €150,000+ must be liquid financial assets
Spouse or partner
- In official marriage or de facto partnership with the investor
Children
- Of any age
- Unmarried and principally dependent on the investor or the spouse
Parents and grandparents
- Of any age
- Principally dependent on the investor or the spouse
Expenses for obtaining Malta residence by investment
Investors rent or buy properties, pay state fees and make charitable donations to non-government organisations to get Malta PR.
Real estate investment must be held for at least five years. Then an investor may sell a property or rent another one, with no price limits. Having a registration address in Malta is obligatory even after the first five years of residency.
The minimum price of rent or purchase depends on the property’s region. The thresholds are lower in the South of Malta and Gozo.
State fees include a direct contribution to the government of Malta, which is €28,000 if you buy real estate, and €58,000 if you rent it. An additional €7,500 is paid for each parent or grandparent in the application.
An administration fee is €40,000. It is divided into two parts: €10,000 is settled within one month of the application submission, and another €30,000 is paid within two months after the Letter of Approval in Principle is issued.
Charitable donation of €2,000 is paid to a Maltese non-government philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare or artistic organisation. This organisation must be registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations or otherwise approved by the Residency Malta Agency.
Additional costs include health insurance, translation and apostille of documents, and notary and agent fees. They’re not regulated by Maltese legislation and depend on the prices of companies providing assistance to the investors.
1 option
Renting real estate
Investors rent properties for five years, and the annual costs should be over the established threshold. In the South of Malta and Gozo, yearly rentals must be over €10,000, and in other regions, €12,000.
| Investor | Family of four | |
| Renting real estate for 5 years | €50,000+ €60,000+ |
€50,000+ €60,000+ |
| Contribution fee | €58,000 | €58,000 + €7,500 for each parent and grandparent |
| Administration fee | €40,000 | €40,000 |
| Charitable donation | €2,000 | €2,000 |
| Additional costs that are not stated by the MPRP Regulations, an approximate estimate | ||
| Documents translation and apostille, notary fees | €4,000 | €4,000+ |
| Health insurance | €400+ | €1,600+ |
2 option
Purchasing real estate
A property in the South of Malta or Gozo must cost over €300,000, and the minimum price for housing in other regions is €350,000. An investor should own an object for five years, and then they may sell it and buy or rent another one to get a new registration address in Malta.
| Investor | Family of four | |
| Renting real estate for 5 years | €300,000+ €350,000+ |
€300,000+ €350,000+ |
| Contribution fee | €28,000 | €28,000 + €7,500 for each parent and grandparent |
| Administration fee | €40,000 | €40,000 |
| Charitable donation | €2,000 | €2,000 |
| Additional costs that are not stated by the MPRP Regulations, an approximate estimate | ||
| Fees, taxes and services when buying real estate | 8—15% of the property price | 8—15% of the property price |
| Documents translation and apostille, notary fees | €4,000 | €4,000+ |
| Health insurance | €400+ | €1,600+ |
Individual cost
calculation for Malta
permanent residence
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Immigrant Invest
is licensed programme agent
is licensed programme agent
Why do investors turn to Immigrant Invest?
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.
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent of permanent permanent residence in Malta for investments.
Real estate to buy to get permanent residency in Malta
Malta, Sliema
€740,000+
Apartments in a new residential high-rise project near the sea
from 176 m²
2–3
2
Malta, Kalkara
€350,000+
Apartments in a large-scale residential project on the first coastline
from 77 m²
1–3
1–3
Malta, Mellieha
€310,000+
Apartments in a new residential project with panoramic views of the coast of Malta
from 123 m²
1–3
2–3
Selection of real estate
Individual selection
of properties
for investment
- Discuss your tasks and goals
- Choose between properties from reliable developers
- Get fully prepared and verified documents for a purchase
Elena Kozyreva,Managing Director
for Real Estate projects
Process of obtaining Malta permanent residency by investment
The Malta PR process includes several stages, and the longest one is usually the application processing: it takes 4—6 months. Most steps of the programme are remote.
1 day
Preliminary Due Diligence
Preliminary Due Diligence
1 day
A certified Anti Money Laundering Officer conducts preliminary Due Diligence; they check information in the databases used by Residency Malta Agency to ensure that the investor is eligible to participate in the MPRP. The check is confidential.
Preliminary Due Diligence allows us to reduce our clients’ rejection risk to 1%. If we find some issues, we offer appropriate ways to solve them: for example, to add some documents when applying for permanent residency in Malta.
4—5 weeks
Preparation of the application
Preparation of the application
4—5 weeks
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 €10,000 of the administration fee.
4—6 months
Due Diligence
Due Diligence
4—6 months
The Residency Malta Agency processes the application and conducts Due Diligence. If some questions about applicants’ biography or finance occur, they send requests to the licensed agent. Immigrant Invest Lawyers prepare all the necessary documents and answers in this case.
The application processing time is 4—6 months. In our practice, some cases may be considered for up to eight months.
If an applicant passes the Due Diligence, a Letter of Approval in Principle is issued and sent to the licensed agent.
Up to 8 months
Fulfilment of the investment conditions
Fulfilment of the investment conditions
Up to 8 months
The investor pays the remaining €30,000 of the administration fee within two months after the approval. Other conditions, including a government contribution, charitable donation, and renting or buying real estate, must be fulfilled in eight months.
Also, the investor and their family get health insurance with €30,000+ per person coverage.
When all the conditions are fulfilled, Immigrant Invest lawyers pass the supporting documents to the Residency Malta Agency.
1+ days
Fingerprinting in Malta
Fingerprinting in Malta
1+ days
All the applicants come to Malta for fingerprinting by the Residency Malta Agency. This step takes place after the approval in principle but may be done before fulfilling the investment conditions.
1 month
Getting final approval
Getting final approval
1 month
The Residency Malta Agency reviews the additional documents submitted after fulfilling the investment conditions. Then Immigrant Invest receives the final approval, which means that the applicants will get the PR cards.
2 weeks
Obtaining Malta PR cards
Obtaining Malta PR cards
2 weeks
The Residency Malta Agency issues a Certificate of residence and the PR cards and sends them to Immigrant Invest lawyers in Malta. The investor gets their documents by courier without visiting Malta.
The Malta permanent residence card is valid for five years if issued to an adult. Minor children’s cards expire a month after they reach 14 or 18.
Annually for the first 5 years of residency
Review of compliance with the programme's terms
Review of compliance with the programme's terms
Annually for the first 5 years of residency
The Residency Malta Agency checks if the investor follows the programme’s rules: rents or buys housing and keeps assets of €500,000. This check is conducted annually in the first five years after the investor gets Malta permanent residency by investment.
What help can you get from us after obtaining permanent residence in Malta?
Investors and their family members might need additional services after getting permanent residence of Malta, for example, assistance with card renewal, opening a bank account or getting a Maltese driver’s licence. Here’s how we can help.
Renewal of residence permit cards
We help investors renew their PR cards every five years.
Replacement of the lost PR cards
We prepare all the necessary documents, submit them and help to get a new residence card.
Opening a bank account
We prepare the required documents and fill out the bank forms.
Registration of yachts
We help to register yachts under the Maltese flag.
Getting a driver’s licence
We consult on the process of obtaining a Maltese driver’s licence. The applicant needs to pass the driving exams.
Selecting a property to buy and conducting the deal
We help investors choose an object online and check the property. Then we help to conclude the deal.
Frequently asked questions
Does Malta offer permanent residency by investment?
Yes, investors can get Malta PR under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme.
This programme was designed for third-country nationals willing to make Malta their home away from home. They buy or rent housing, pay government fees and make charitable donations to obtain Malta permanent residence permits for themselves and their families.
Who can apply for Malta permanent residence by investment?
Non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals with legal income, without criminal records or sanctions, may apply for Malta permanent residency. Also, they must have funds of €500,000+, and €150,000+ of them must be financial assets.
Spouses or partners, children, parents and grandparents of investors may also obtain permanent residency in Malta. All adult family members, except a spouse, must be principally dependent on the investor.
How much are the expenses of getting Malta PR by investment?
The investment under the MPRP include:
- Renting or buying real estate. In the south of Malta and Gozo, the minimum prices are €10,000 annually or €300,000 respectively, and in other regions, they are €12,000 annually or €350,000.
- A direct contribution to the government of Malta is €28,000 if you buy real estate and €58,000 if you rent it.
- An administration fee of €40,000.
- A charitable donation of €2,000.
Other expenses include law services, health insurance, and taxes and fees if an investor buys a property.
What are the benefits of PR in Malta?
Malta permanent residence holders get several benefits:
- a right to live in Malta or enter it anytime;
- an opportunity to travel the Schengen Area visa-free for 90 days in 180;
- access to high-quality education and healthcare;
- a chance to work or run a business in Malta after getting a special permit.
Can you guarantee that I will get Malta PR by investment?
No, because it’s impossible to guarantee success for any residency-by-investment program, including the MPRP. The authorities make the final decision.
To raise the chances for approval, Immigrant Invest conducts a preliminary Due Diligence. A certified Anti Money Laundering Officer searches for information about the investor in the same databases that the Residency Malta Agency uses.
The preliminary check helps us foresee possible issues and reduce the risk of refusal to 1%. And if the MPRP is not suitable for the investor, we offer other paths to reach their goals.
Can I get a Malta permanent residency for my new spouse, children or grandchildren if I am already approved?
Yes, investors with Malta PR can apply for this status for their family members. There are additional fees to pay:
- €7,500 for a parent, grandparent, or a spouse of the investor or already approved dependent child;
- €5,000 for the investor’s child over 18 or a grandchild.
The investor or their spouse’s minor children can get Malta permanent residency without additional contributions.
Can I get Malta citizenship instead of permanent residency by investment?
Malta doesn’t provide citizenship by investment, so if you want to get all life-long status in Malta in several months, permanent residency under the MPRP may be the right choice.
Investors may apply for Malta citizenship for exceptional services by naturalisation after one or three years of residence. The minimum investment amount is €690,000. If one applies for MPRP, changes their mind in the process and wishes to apply for Malta citizenship, the administration fee of €40,000 is not refunded.
How easy is it to get permanent residency in Malta?
Obtaining Malta permanent residence is not too easy, but the requirements and process are straightforward. The investor must pass the Due Diligence check, prove financial solvency at the required level and fulfil the investment conditions. If all the conditions are met, the applicant gets a Malta permanent residence card. The process takes less than a year.
Can foreigners get PR in Malta?
Yes, foreigners can participate in the Malta Permanent Residence Programme and obtain a PR card by investment. The minimum investment amount is €150,000.
Schedule a meeting
Let’s discuss the details
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.
Zlata ErlachCaribbean investment program expert
