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Updated on March 30, 2026

Malta Permanent Residence Programme

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.

9 benefits of Malta PR by investment

Creating a plan B 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.

Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area

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.

Access to high-quality education and healthcare

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.

Getting residency for four generations

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.

Doing business and working in Malta

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.

Convenient pathway to permanent residence

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.

Opportunity to acquire Maltese tax residency

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.

No physical stay requirement

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.

Living in a safe and stable country

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.

Practical guide to permanent residence in Malta

  • Step-by-step procedure
  • Requirements for applicants
  • List of documents
  • Answers to frequently asked questions

Who can apply for Malta permanent residency?

Investor

  • Over 18
  • Third-country nationals
  • Not being included in the international lists of sanctions
  • No criminal record
  • Capable of confirming the legality of the income
  • Able to show capital of at least €500,000+

Spouse or partner

  • In an official marriage or de facto partnership with the investor
  • Including same-sex couples

Minor children

  • Common children of applicants
  • Children from previous marriages of both the investor and their spouse

Children aged 18 to 29

  • Unmarried
  • 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

Under the Malta residency by investment programme, applicants must demonstrate a specific amount of capital in their bank account. They can choose between two options:

  • minimum of €500,000 in total assets, including at least €150,000 in liquid financial assets;
  • minimum of €650,000 in total assets, including at least €75,000 in liquid financial assets.

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
Purchasing real estate — €474,000+

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.

Cost item Expenses
Purchasing real estate €375,000+
Contribution fee €37,000
Administration fee €60,000

+ €7,500 per adult dependent, except for spouse

Charitable donation €2,000
2nd option
Renting real estate — €169,000+

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.

Cost item Expenses
Renting real estate for 5 years €70,000+
Contribution fee €37,000
Administration fee €60,000

 

+ €7,500 per adult dependent, except for spouse

Charitable donation €2,000

Individual cost calculation for Malta permanent residence

The total fee amount depends on family composition. We can provide a free, individualised calculation for your case, covering additional expenses.
We will send you a quote by email within 1 hour.

Process of obtaining Malta permanent residency by investment

The 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.

Preliminary Due Diligence
Preparation of the documents
Due Diligence
Fulfilment of the investment conditions
Fingerprinting in Malta
Obtaining Malta PR cards
Review of compliance with the programme's terms
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.

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.

License №AKM‑IMIN

Why you should trust us

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.

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.

Elena Ruda
Chief Development Officer at Immigrant Invest

Required documents for obtaining Malta permanent residence

To participate in the Malta residency programme, investors must provide the following documents:

  • valid international and internal passports;
  • birth certificate;
  • marriage certificate, if applicable;
  • education records, such as certificates and diplomas;
  • confirmation of residence address, such as a utility bill or residence certificates from municipal authorities;
  • police conduct certificates;
  • bank statement for the last 6 months and bank reference letter;
  • evidence of the availability of assets;
  • business ownership documents or employment documents;
  • welfare history document.

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

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.

Vladlena Baranova
Lawyer, AML Compliance officer, certified CAMS specialist
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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 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.

Renewing residence permit cards

We help investors renew PR cards for the entire family every five years.

Opening bank accounts

We prepare the required documents and complete the bank forms.

Getting residence permits for family reunification

We assist in obtaining residence permits for family members not included in the initial application, such as new spouses, children, or children-in-law.

Replacing the PR 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.

Selecting a property to buy and conducting the deal

We help investors choose properties online, conduct property checks, and facilitate the purchase process.

Working with documents

We assist in obtaining tax numbers or police clearance certificates. We also help with the submission of annual compliance forms.

Renewal of Malta permanent residence

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:

  • be registered at a residential address in Malta, supported by a lease or property purchase agreement in their name;
  • have valid health insurance in their name;
  • provide proof of regular and stable income or sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family without relying on social assistance in Malta.

For dependants, the requirement is to hold valid health insurance in each dependant’s name.

Malta MPRP vs. European Golden Visas

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.

European residency by investment terms

Country Minimum investment Obtaining period Validity Residency requirement Family inclusion
Malta €169,000 6+ months Indefinite None Spouse or partner, children under 29, parents, grandparents
Greece €250,000 4+ months 5 years None Spouse or partner, children under 21, parents
Portugal €250,000 12+ months 2 years 7 days per year Spouse or partner, children under 26, parents
Cyprus €300,000 9+ months Indefinite One visit every 2 years Spouse or partner, children under 25
Hungary €250,000 5+ months 10 years None Spouse or partner, children under 25, parents

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 who wish to make Malta their home away from home. To obtain permanent residence permits for themselves and their families, investors buy or rent housing, pay government fees, and make charitable donations. 

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.

Applicants must demonstrate a total capital of at least €500,000, of which €150,000 must be liquid financial assets. Another option is having a capital of €650,000+, with a minimum of €75,000 of liquid assets.

Investors’ spouses or partners, children under 29, and parents and grandparents of any age can also obtain permanent residency in Malta. All adult family members, except for the spouse, must be principally dependent on the investor. 

The investor’s relatives obtain the same benefits of Malta permanent residence as the main applicant.

How much are the expenses of getting Malta PR by investment?

The investment requirements under the MPRP include:

  1. Renting or buying real estate. The minimum investment is €14,000 per year for rental or €375,000 for property purchase. The sum does not depend on the property’s location.
  2. Contribution to the government of Malta of €37,000.
  3. Administration fee of €60,000, with an additional €7,500 paid per adult family member, except for the spouse, included in the application.
  4. Charitable donation of €2,000.

The cost of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme includes 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:

  • right to live in Malta and unrestricted entry at any time;
  • visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period;
  • access to high-quality education and healthcare systems;
  • opportunity to work or establish a business in Malta with a special permit.

Can you guarantee that I will get Malta PR by investment?

No, as it is impossible to guarantee success for any residency-by-investment programme, including the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, MPRP. The Residency Malta Agency makes the final decision.

To improve the likelihood of approval, Immigrant Invest conducts preliminary Due Diligence. A certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer checks the applicant’s background using the same databases as the Residency Malta Agency.

The preliminary review helps identify potential issues and reduces the risk of refusal to 1%. If the MPRP is not suitable, we suggest alternative paths to achieve the investor’s 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 permanent residency for additional family members, subject to extra fees in some cases. A fee of €7,500 is payable for each adult dependent included in the application, except for the spouse.

Can I get Malta citizenship instead of permanent residency by investment?

Malta does not offer citizenship by investment. Instead, foreigners can obtain a Maltese passport by descent, marriage, or naturalisation.

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 €169,000.

For more information, visit one of the following pages: All ways to get Malta permanent residence or Permanent residence by naturalisation.

How to get permanent residency in Malta?

Foreigners seeking permanent residency in Malta must fulfil the following investment requirements:

  • rent or buy real estate for at least five years — the required cost is €14,000+ annually for rent and €375,000+ for real estate purchase;
  • pay a state fee — €37,000;
  • pay an administration fee — €60,000; the investor pays an additional €7,500 for each adult family member except for the spouse in the application;
  • make a charitable donation — €2,000;
  • demonstrate capital of at least €500,000, with €150,000+ in liquid financial assets, or a capital of €650,000+, with €75,000 in liquid financial assets.

The process of obtaining permanent residency takes 6 months or more. It includes preparing documents, undergoing Due Diligence, making an investment, and submitting biometrics.

Can you buy property in Malta to get Malta residency?

Yes, you can obtain Malta permanent residency by purchasing property for at least €375,000, but it is not the only requirement. You must also pay:

  • contribution fee of €37,000;
  • administration fee of €60,000, plus €7,500 for each adult dependant, except for the spouse;
  • charitable donation of €2,000.

Do I need to show the source of funds for the investment?

Yes, you will need to prove the legal source of your funds and wealth by providing supporting documents such as:

  • bank statements showing the accumulation of funds;
  • records of employment or business income;
  • agreements for the sale of assets or documents confirming inheritance.

Can I work in Malta or an EU country with Malta permanent residency?

You can work in Malta if you have permanent residency, but you must apply for a separate work permit. If you want to work in another EU country, you need to meet that country’s national work visa requirements. Permanent residency in Malta alone does not cover this.

Do I need to pay taxes in Malta as a US citizen?

US citizens may need to pay taxes in Malta, depending on their residency status and how their income is sourced and used. If a person is a tax resident in Malta, they are taxed on income earned in Malta and on any foreign income remitted to the country. Foreign income kept abroad is not taxed there.

Americans must still file US tax returns on their worldwide income, but the tax treaty between the US and Malta can help prevent double taxation.

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.
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