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Malta Permanent Residence
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The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme for Non-EU Citizens
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme allows Non-EU citizens willing to obtain residence in a European country the opportunity to become a resident in Malta. Families can apply for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) and be granted a residence permit valid for five years in one of the most beautiful European countries.
Malta offers a unique Mediterranean lifestyle, good educational institutions, world-class health care and economic stability with a high standard of living and quality of life. Becoming a permanent residence also grants successful applicants visa-free travel within the Schengen area for 90 days out of a 180-day period.
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How can you apply for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) & how does the process work?
Those wishing to apply can qualify for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) after passing stringent Due Diligence checks and meeting the qualifying investment criteria needed for the programme. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations, 2021, enacted by the Legal Notice 121 of 2021, replace the previous successful Malta Residence and Visa Programme (MRVP).
Starting January 2025, applicants may be granted a one-year temporary residence permit once they successfully pass initial background checks. All required documentation must then be submitted within six months. If the application meets all criteria and receives Approval in Principle, the temporary permit is upgraded to a Permanent Residence Certificate. In cases of refusal, the temporary permit will be cancelled within 15 days of notification.
Seeking residence in a new country can be a daunting challenge, which is why it is important to work with a company that is recognised and authorised by the Maltese government to assist those who are interested in the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP). A trusted advisor will be able to guide you through the entire process and ensure that you meet the necessary requirements in order to qualify for the programme.
The application process works as follows;
Find your Trusted Advisor
All applications to the programme must be submitted by an authorised Agent. Thus, it is important to find a company that has the experience and knowledge with the investment programme who will understand your goals better and indicate any repercussions from a tax standpoint and herby streamlining your move to Malta.
Prepare your Application
Your trusted advisor will help you prepare the forms and documentation, so the application is submitted to the Residency Malta Agency with all the necessary documentation and requirements – thus avoiding any unnecessary application delays. The Residency Malta Agency will perform Due Diligence and background checks on all applicants.
Application Approval – Residence
Once the application has been approved by the Residency Malta Agency, proof of the investment funds needs to be submitted. Thereafter the Permanent Residency Certificates and residence cards will be issued. A series of documents and forms need to be submitted, including birth and marriage certificates, police clearance, passport copies, etc. All documents must be legalized, apostilled and in English. The entire processing time would typically take 4-6 months since the submission of the application, but this may take longer depending on each file's particularities.
Which investments qualify for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is available to Non-EU investors and their families. Applicants must pass a stringent background check and be in a position to fulfil the financial investment requirements upon approval of the application. These investments are as follows;
A Real Estate Investment
Successful applicants will need to make a real estate investment, which may take the form of either;
- A property purchase in Malta with a minimum value of €300,000 (previously €350,000) or in Gozo or the south of Malta for €250,000 (previously €300,000); or
- Rent a property with a minimum annual rent of €10,000 in Malta (previously €12,000) or €8,000 in Gozo/south of Malta (previously €10,000).
However, applicants who purchase a qualifying property may now lease it out during periods when they are not residing in Malta, in line with established guidelines. Those renting a qualifying property may sublet it after the initial five-year lease period, provided they have the landlord’s consent. All such leasing or subletting arrangements must be properly recorded and monitored by licensed agents.
Make a Non-Refundable Contribution
Applicants are required to make a non-refundable contribution to the Maltese government:
- €37,000 whether renting or purchasing property (previously €30,000 if purchasing and €60,000 if renting).
A Main Applicant shall present evidence of possession of assets having a value of no less than €500,000 out of which a minimum of €150,000 shall be in the form of financial assets or having a value of no less than €650,000, out of which a minimum of €75,000 shall be in the form of financial assets.
Donation
Make a Donation of EUR2,000 to a local NGO registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations, or as otherwise approved by the Agency.
Administration Fees
Lastly an administration fee of €60,000 now applies (previously €50,000 for the main applicant only, this now includes spouse and minor dependants). Additional fees include;
- €7,500 for each adult dependant (except spouse) — previously €10,000
- €7,500 for each additional dependant added after certificate issuance — previously €10,000.
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Who can qualify for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) programme is available to non-EU citizens and their families. The programme grants successful applicants and their dependants included on the application a residence permit allowing them to live in Malta as permanent residents. Qualifying dependants can be defined as follows;
- The principal applicant's spouse in a monogamous marriage or in another relationship that has the same or a similar status to marriage. For the purposes of the MPRP, the term "spouse" shall be gender-neutral.
- Children, including adopted, of the principal applicant or his spouse who, at the time of application, are less than 18 years of age.
- Children over the age of 18 years old, not married, and principally dependent on the principal applicant.
- Financially dependent parents or grandparents of the principal applicant or of his spouse or;
- Disabled adult children of the principal applicant or spouse.
All the family members named above will be able to benefit from the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) and enjoy permanent residency in a European country and visa-free travel within the Schengen area for 90 days out of 180-day period. All applicants will be granted a residence permit, which will allow them to live in Malta.
Whilst the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is not a tax programme, applicants may be subject to tax if they spend a certain amount of time on the island. It is important to consult with an experienced & trusted advisor to fully understand the tax repercussions of a physical move to Malta.
How we can help you with your Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?
At Malta Sotheby’s International Realty, we specialise in sourcing investment-ready properties that meet MPRP criteria. With a curated portfolio of real estate options across Malta and Gozo, our team offers tailored guidance to help you find a home that meets both programme requirements and your lifestyle goals. We collaborate closely with licensed agents and legal professionals to ensure a seamless property selection process.
FAQ's
- Why Invest in the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?
With a stable economy and a GDP that shows a year on year growth, Malta is a safe and sound investment option. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) not only grants successful applicants visa-free access to the Schengen area for 90 days out of a 180-day period, but allows them to reside in a country with a stable political climate, sound education, a low crime rate and a strong healthcare system. Malta’s close proximity to the rest of Europe makes doing business across the EU easy and accessible.
- How long does the application process for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) take?
The process for obtaining permanent residence normally takes between 4 to 6 months from the submission of the application. These times may vary depending on a number of factors. In this regard, it is always best to work with a recognised and authorised company to assist you with your residence needs.
- At what stage of the application process do I make the investment?
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) investment is only made once the application has successfully been accepted. This gives the applicant peace of mind knowing that their investment will not be wasted.
- Can I work under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?
No, regrettably those who obtain residency through the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) are not permitted to work in Malta. The MPRP grants the applicant resident status but does not equate to a work permit.
- Can I apply for a work permit once I have been granted Permanent Residence through the Malta Permanent Residence Programme?
Yes, once the application for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme has successfully been approved and granted, you may begin the process of applying for a work permit in Malta.
- Can I start a business under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?
No, business investments do not qualify for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP). However, once your application for the MPRP has successfully been approved and granted you can open a business of your own in Malta.
- Are there any other costs associated with the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?
Regular costs of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) include a contribution to a Non-governmental organisation (NGO), your application fee for yourself and any dependants, a contribution to the Government and a real estate investment in the form of a property purchase or a monthly residential rental. There is also a minimum processing fee for the issuance of the residence cards and the fees of your trusted advisor.
- Will I have access to health care under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?
No, those who are Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) residents will need to have their own private Health Insurance in Malta. Health insurance is typically payable once a year and is valid for 12 months.
- Can I be rejected from the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?
All applications are subject to rigorous due diligence. Applicants who do not fit within the government criteria will be rejected. Henceforth the importance of working with a recognised and authorised company that has experience with citizenship and residence in Malta.
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