Malta permanent residency

To obtain permanent residence in Malta, one may participate in the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. This requires purchasing or renting real estate in the country, paying the government contribution and administrative fee, and making a charitable donation. 

Investors must also undergo a Due Diligence check.

The cost of obtaining Malta permanent residence depends on the chosen real estate option. Investor expenses include:

• purchase of property worth at least €375,000 or rental of property for at least €14,000 per year for 5 years;
• charitable donation of €2,000;
• government contribution of €37,000;
• administrative fee of €60,000.

The benefits of Malta residency by investment include visa‑free entry to Schengen countries, a high standard of living, and an attractive tax system. Malta also has a favourable business environment, developed infrastructure, and a warm climate. Permanent residents may live in the country without restrictions, obtain work permits, run businesses, and educate their children in local schools.

Immigration to Malta can be relatively straightforward, especially for citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland, who enjoy freedom of movement.

Investors can obtain permanent residence by making significant investments in the Maltese economy. They must also pass a strict Due Diligence.

The process may vary by case. Obtaining Malta residence by investment takes six or more months.

Yes, a Maltese work permit is the first step towards permanent residence. A foreigner may apply for Malta PR after legally residing and working in Malta for at least five years. Applicants must prove financial self‑sufficiency, provide proof of residence, and purchase health insurance.

Permanent residents may apply for citizenship by naturalisation after 5 years of residence. Applicants must prove they have lived in Malta for:

• 12 consecutive months before the application date;
• 4 years during the previous 6 years.

Applicants must also pass an English or Maltese language exam and provide evidence of good character and mental competence.

Yes, an investor must demonstrate capital of at least €500,000, including €150,000 in liquid financial assets, or €650,000, including €75,000 in financial assets.

The status is indefinite, but the residence card must be renewed every five years. The main applicant must confirm their registered address in Malta, proof of income, and health insurance. They must also provide a property purchase or rental agreement.

Additional costs include translator and notary services, health insurance, bank charges, postal services, and the residence card issuance fee.

Yes. Property purchased for permanent residence may be rented out short‑term, for example, when the investor leaves Malta temporarily.

Rented property may be sublet if two conditions are met: the investor has rented it for more than 5 years and the landlord has given consent. These rules took effect on July 22nd, 2025.

Yes, the investor may sell the property after maintaining ownership for five years. However, to renew permanent residence, proof of a registered address in Malta is required.

Yes, financially dependent relatives may join the investor either during the Malta PR application or later. The main applicant must pay an additional administrative fee of €7,500 for each dependent.

Residency Malta revised the government contribution and administrative fee in July 2025. Under the new rules, the minimum investment is €169,000 for rental properties, down from €182,000. as for purchased properties, the cost came up from €457,000 to €474,000.

An investor becomes a Maltese tax resident if they live in the country for more than 183 days a year. Foreigners with strong personal or economic ties to Malta, such as property ownership, may also qualify.

Tax residents pay taxes on worldwide income at progressive rates ranging from 0 to 35%.

The choice depends on the applicant’s goals and budget.

A tax residency permit must be renewed regularly, with costs starting at €30,000. It is suitable for foreigners seeking tax optimisation and Schengen visa‑free travel.

Malta permanent residence is indefinite, with a required investment starting at €169,000. This option suits investors looking for a “safe haven” in the European Union and greater freedom of movement.