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Malta Residency Program (MPRP)

→ EU Citizenship → MALTA PERMANENT RESIDENCY PROGRAMME (MPRP)

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Background and Guide - Malta Permanent Residence

The Republic of Malta, a full EU member since 2004, is strategically located to provide services to the international community. Malta an English-speaking country, has built upon the commercial laws of England and now the EU, to position itself as a premier family wealth, corporate and financial services jurisdiction.

With robust, competitive taxation rules, Malta has achieved sustained economic growth. Such growth is not solely the result of Malta's tax and fiscal policies, but there are other important factors such as a multilingual workforce, lower labour costs, a strategic location and a sound telecommunications infrastructure. As a result, there has been an influx of interest from investors, high net worth individuals and corporations, who desire a stable, reputable environment in which to structure their personal and corporate affairs - as well as to reside.

Now in 2024, it is possible to apply for High Net Worth Immigration to Malta (Malta Residency by Investment) to acquire Malta Permanent Residency (Malta Golden Visa), which allows the applicant and his family to live, work, and study on the incredible island of Malta through Purchase or Rental of Property (Real Estate in Malta) and a financial contribution! Contact our Malta Lawyers by telephone, video call or make an office appointment in our offices in Parramatta, Sydney, Australia and Singapore, Hong Kong and London, UK.

Why apply for Malta Residency by Investment?

  • EU Country - Member of the European Union (EU), since 2004, and OECD member and is a highly respected country. Citizenship of Malta offers the right to live, work and study in any of the 28 EU countries and Switzerland.
  • Location - Near Italy, and 2 hours flight time to Germany, and 3 hours flight to London, UK.
  • Banking System - A+ Credit Country Rating by Poors, Moodys and Fitch. Rated as the 10th Soundest Banking system in the world.
  • English language - English is an official language.
  • GDP - In 2021, the Maltese economy rebounded strongly by 10.4%, thanks to improved business and consumer sentiment and growth in investment and services exports. In 2022, real GDP growth is forecast to reach 4.9%, which is higher than projected in spring, given the expected stronger gains in the services sector.
  • Low Unemployment Rate - The unemployment rate in Malta dropped to 3.2 percent in the first quarter of 2022, from 4 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year. The number of unemployed fell by 1,716 to 9,090 while the number of employed increased by 11,442 to 274,493.
  • Work Permit - Resident may apply for Work Permit, under ordinary labour laws.
  • No World-wide Taxation - Income arising in Malta or foreign income brought into Malta is subject to ordinary tax rules of Malta (progressive income tax bands). Income not received in Malta is not taxed in Malta (0% tax on foreign capital gains). Malta has over 70+ Double Taxation Treaties.
  • Residency Requirements - Allowed an absence of 6 consecutive months or 10 months in 5-year period.

Eligibility Criteria - Malta Permanent Residency by Investment Program

The Maltese Government launched a new permanent residency by investment program - Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP) for non-EU nationals, effective 29 March 2021. The MPRP replaced the successful Malta Residence and Visa Program (MRVP), which was launched in 2016.

To be eligible for the Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP), the Applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. Licensed Agent - Submit an MPRP application via a Licensed Agent, who is listed on Residency Malta Agency's website 'List of Agents'. Note that VisaConnect co-operates with Malta Lawyers, who are Licensed Agents.

2. Administrative Fee - Main Applicant must pay a non-refundable administrative fee of €40,000.

3. Government Contribution - Main applicants must pay a Government Contribution of €28,000 if purchasing a property or €58,000 if leasing a property. In addition, there will be a contribution payable by each additional adult dependent of €7,500 and €5,000 Euros for each child, over 18 years of age.

4. Philanthropic Donation - Make a donation to a local Malta philanthropic, cultural, scientific, artistic, sport or animal welfare NGO registered with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations for €2,000 Euros (main applicant only).

5. Property Investment - The rates under the MPRP program have increased to €350,000 Euros for a purchase in the northern and central parts of Malta, and €300,000 in the South of Malta or Gozo. Alternatively, rent a property for a minimum of €10,000 in the South of Malta/Gozo or €12,000 in the rest of Malta, as previously. The Applicant must hold the qualifying property for a minimum period of 5 years, after which a residential address is required.

6. Income or Asset Documentation - Under the previous MRVP program, the main applicant had the option to demonstrate either a minimum annual income of €100,000 or €500,000 in personal assets. The new MPRP program is expected to eliminate the proof of income option, while retaining the €500,000 proof of asset obligation with a new requirement of €150,000 of total assets being available as liquid funds.

7. Securities Investment - Under the old MRVP program, the main applicant was required to make a refundable investment of at least €250,000 into government-approved securities to be held for 5 years. The new MPRP program will no longer have this requirement.

8. Financing Option - No financing option will be available under the new MPRP program.

9. Third Country National - The applicant cannot be from the EU, EEA or a Swiss national. In addition, the applicant cannot be benefiting from any other Maltese tax or residency programme nor can they be from sanctioned countries.

10. Age - The main applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

11. Fit and Proper Test - As part of the Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP), there is a four-tier due diligence process carried out directly by the government to assess candidates comprehensively. Applicants must have a clean criminal record, and the Malta government conducts extensive criminal checks with INTERPOL, the International Criminal Court, and various other sources and authorities. As part of the due diligence process, applicants must also provide a police certificate before they will be approved for Malta MPRP. In addition, Applicants must not pose any potential threat to Malta national security, public policy, public health or public interest.

12. Excellent Health - Applicants must prove that they do not suffer from any contagious diseases. All applicants must also be covered by an 'all-risks' EU wide health insurance policy.

13. Valid Travel Document - The Applicant must have a valid travel document (Passport) for himself and his dependents.

14. Travel Insurance - Take out a Medical Insurance policy to cover all risks across Malta. Also, have travel Insurance when travelling across the Schengen Area.

15. Dependents - The Applicant can include dependents in their visa application, including: Spouse, Child (and adopted) under 18 years, Unmarried child 18-26 years, and Parents and Grandparents.

16. Submission of Application to Residency Agency Malta - The Agency is the Government entity responsible for managing and promoting Malta’s residency-by-investment programme. The Residency Malta Agency seeks to attract quality individuals and families, applying a stringent four-tier due diligence process that ensures the most meticulous screening procedures. Therefore, it is based on this ethic, together with transparency and integrity that the Agency approaches all its transactions.

Benefits of Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP)

The benefits of the Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) are as follows:

  • Indefinite Residence - Offers third country nationals and their dependents indefinite residential status in Malta
  • Right to travel in all Schengen Area - travel within the 27 Schengen Countries Visa-free, for 90 out of 180 days stay.
  • Four Generation Program - Spouses, children under the age of 18, unmarried children (No age limit), parents and grandparents
  • Married Children - If children marry after they obtain card, wife can also apply for indefinite Residential status
  • No Residence requirement - Immediately receive an indefinite residence permit without living there, after just a 1 day visit
  • Indefinite Permanent Residence Card - The MPRP is the only Permanent Residency Program in Europe or Worldwide that guarantees an Indefinite Permanent Residence Card for the Applicant's children and their children
  • Low entry costs
  • No requirements for business, language, education background, age, etc
  • No language test
  • Only invest after receive Approval Letter in Principle
  • Safe and secure - A+ credit score Government bond
  • Fast and transparent process - 4 to 6-month processing time from the submission of a complete and correct application.

Fees and Contributions for Malta MPRP

Outlined below are the Fees and Contributions for 1 or more Applicants for the Malta Permanent residence Programme:

Main Applicant

  • Option 1 (purchase a property): €40,000 - Administration fee & €28,000 - Government contribution
  • Option 2 (lease a property): €40,000 - Administration fee & €58,000 - Government contribution

Parents/Grandparents - €7,500

Spouse of an already approved main applicant - €7,500

Spouse of an already approved dependent child - €7,500

Child 18+ principally dependent on main applicant after approval - €5,000

Minor child, of an already approved dependent child and/or of his already approved spouse - €5,000

Malta Citizenship and Property

Guidance with the Malta MPRP or Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services, eligibility criteria, and how our Immigration Consultants can assist you, and assistance to buy a Property in Malta. See more information on web pages below:

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions - Malta Residency - MPRP

What is the Malta capital city, and where exactly is Malta located in Europe?

Malta's capital is Valletta. Malta is an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, located 80 kilometres south of Italy. Malta is only 316 square kilometres, and is one of the smallest countries in the world. As at 2022, approximately 475,000 people live in Malta and Gozo.

Does Malta have any Educational Institutions of the highest international standard?

Yes. The University of Malta, with over 400 years history, is a centre for international academic exchange, comprising 12 faculties and a number of other institutes and centres, the University undertakes academic research, designs courses in the arts, sciences and the humanities to produce professionals in various disciplines, and bridges education with industry needs.

Is it possible to actually learn English, in Malta?

Yes, of course. Malta is also a hub for the learning of English as a foreign language. Around 40 language schools contribute to Malta’s niche tourism industry. In 2018, there were 87,000 international students in Malta.

What is the processing time of the Malta Residency MPRP application?

MPRP Processing time is 4 to 6 months from the submission of a complete and correct application.

What are the most important benefits of MPRP?

1. Applicants can include up to 4 generations in 1 application. 2. Visa-free travel across the Schengen area for 90 out of 180 days stay. 3. Right to settle, stay and reside permanently in Malta.

What happened to the previous Malta Residence and Visa Programme - MRVP ?

The MRVP Programme has been closed and superseded by the MPRP Programme. Note that Residency Malta Agency processed MRVP applications submitted until 26 March 2021.

What are the financial requirements to participate in the MPRP Programme?
  • Pay a non-refundable administrative fee of €40,000
  • Rent a property for a minimum of €10,000 in the South of Malta/Gozo or €12,000 in the rest of Malta; or purchase a property for a minimum value of €300,000 in the South of Malta/Gozo or €350,000 in the rest of Malta
  • If Applicant is purchasing property, pay a Government contribution of €28,000 or if leasing a property, pay a contribution of €58,000
  • Pay an additional €7,500 for each additional adult dependant (except for the Applicant's spouse)
  • Maintain the qualifying property for a minimum period of 5 years after which a residential address is required
  • Make a donation of €2,000 to a local philanthropic, cultural, scientific, artistic, sport or animal welfare NGO registered with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations
  • Hold a valid travel document, such as a Passport
  • Apply for a Sickness Insurance policy of cover for all risks across Malta
  • Apply for Travel Insurance when travelling across the Schengen Area
Can I submit an MPRP application myself, as the Investor/Applicant?

No. You must submit an application via a Licensed Agent. Note that an up-to-date List of Agents is on the Residency Malta Agency website.

Where is my MPRP application submitted to?

Your MPRP application and supporting documents are submitted by your Licensed Malta Agent to Residency Malta Agency, located at: Zentrum Business Centre, Level 2, Mdina Road, Qormi, QRM 9010, Malta.