Permanent Residence
The right to live and work in Malta for life
European Visa Free Access
Visa-Free travel for 90 in 180 days in the Schengen Area
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is a residency by investment programme designed to attract entrepreneurs, corporate executives and professionals who seek permanent residency in the Island of Malta, one of the most safe, inclusive and progressive Mediterranean states within the European Union. Upon approval, Maltese Permanent Residency is granted for life, with residence cards renewed every five years.
The MPRP provides a temporary residency within 3 months to enjoy while full background checks are being carried out for the final issue of Permanent Residency Certificate within 6+ months. Maltese Permanent Residency allows individuals and their families to relocate to Malta immediately or at any later time with no minimum stay requirements. Permanent residents can travel within the Schengen Area without the need to apply for a visa and may stay in any of the 27 Schengen countries for 90 out of every 180-day period.
Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their dependents, make a one-time contribution to the Government of Malta, rent or buy a residential property and make a donation to a philanthropic institution.
Malta, a European Union member state located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea is an island of stability with a proven record of economic success, a booming economy and a well-educated English-speaking workforce. Malta joined the European Union in 2004 and is also a member of the Schengen Area and the Commonwealth. The country is ideally located between Europe and other continents and serves as an ideal bridge from where to conduct business.
Malta offers a permanent residence programme known as the Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP). Residency acquired under this route grants a permanent residence status which allows its holders the right to reside, settle and stay in Malta as well as to travel within the European Schengen Area without a visa for 90 out of 180 days.
Country Highlight
- Capital City: Valletta
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Languages: Maltese and English
- Nearest Country: Italy
- Visa Free Countries: European Schengen Area (29 countries)
- Time Zone: Central European Time Zone
Benefits of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme
- Permanent Residence valid for life, for all the family
- Investment is only required after approval
- The right to reside in Malta
- Property Investment required only for the first 5 years
- Visa-free travel within the 29 Schengen Area Countries for 90 out of 180 days
- No minimum physical presence required
- No language test required
- Ability to include the spouse, parents, grandparents and children up to the age of 28 in the same application.
Benefits
Right to live permanently in Malta
MPRP grants indefinite residency in Malta, allowing individuals and families to reside in the country with peace of mind. It offers long-term security and access to Malta’s lifestyle benefits.
Ability to include 5 generations
The main applicant may include their spouse (or long-term partner), dependent minor children, and financially dependent adult children who have not yet attained twenty-nine (29) years of age and are not married at the time the main applicant submits the application. Additionally, parents or grandparents of either the main applicant or their spouse may be included, provided they are principally dependent on the main applicant. All included family members benefit from the same permanent residency status, allowing them to live in Malta and enjoy visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, subject to satisfying the Residency Malta Agency’s requirements.
Gateway to Europe
Enjoy the best of European living with the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP). While it does not grant permanent residence across the entire EU, it allows you to reside permanently in Malta, benefiting from the island’s high quality of life, stability, and strategic location. In addition, MPRP holders can travel freely throughout the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, offering both flexibility and the freedom to explore, work, or conduct business across much of Europe.
Mediterranean quality of life
Malta offers a relaxed lifestyle, excellent climate, and vibrant culture. Residents benefit from English-speaking services, modern infrastructure, and a safe environment.
Tax Neutrality
Obtaining Permanent Residence in Malta does not automatically render you a resident in Malta for tax purposes. Independently from the MPRP status, tax residence is usually acquired when residing in Malta for 183+ days or if evidence is produced of an intention to establish your residence in Malta. Even when establishing tax residence in Malta, the applicable Res Non-Dom Tax System ensures you do not pay tax on a worldwide basis but only on local source income and only that portion of your foreign income that you may choose to remit to Malta. Foreign capital gains are not taxable, whether remitted to Malta or not.
Legal Basis
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) was launched by virtue of Legal Notice 121 of 2021 as amended by Legal Notice 57 of 2024, Legal Notice 310 of 2024 and Legal Notice 146 of 2025. The regulations lays down the requirements for applicants with a clean background to apply for Maltese residence by investment on the basis of a contribution to Malta, the purchase or rental of property as well as a donation to a registered Maltese philanthropic organisation. Applications are to be submitted by a local licenced agent to the Residency Malta Agency.
Secure Your Malta Permanent Residency Today
Eligibility under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme
- The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is open to Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.
- The Main Applicant must show capital of not less than €500,000, out of which, a minimum of €150,000 should be in the form of liquid financial assets. Alternatively, an applicant can show capital of €650,000, out of which, a minimum of €75,000 should be in the form of liquid financial assets.
- The Main Applicant can include in the same application: the spouse, financially dependent and unmarried children up to the age of 28, and financially dependent parents of both the applicant and of the spouse.
- Applicants are required to be covered by a health insurance covering their presence in the Schengen Area
Investment Required under the MPRP Applicants under this programme are required to fulfil all of the following three requirements:
- Pay a Government contribution of €37,000 and a government administrative fee of € 60,000 per family, and
- Rent a residential property for €14,000 annually or Purchase a residential property for €375,000, and
- Make a philanthropic contribution of €2,000 to an approved local registered philanthropic, organisation or an NGO
An additional government fee of €7,500 is to be paid for each additional adult dependant included in the application.
Who is this for
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is ideal for non-EU nationals seeking long-term residency in a stable, reputable, and secure European country where English is an official language. It offers a flexible base in Europe that can serve as a second home or a primary residence for those wishing to relocate. This solution suits families, retirees, and professionals who value lifestyle, safety, and access to EU benefits, including visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, while benefiting from a transparent and well-regulated residency programme.
Ideal for:
- Non-EU nationals
- Global families
- Retirees
- Remote professionals
- Wealth planners
Why Malta
Malta offers a secure and welcoming base for international residents. Its Permanent Residence Programme reflects the country’s commitment to transparency, quality of life, and global engagement.
Country Highlights:
- EU member state
- Safe and stable jurisdiction
- English-speaking environment
- Excellent healthcare and education
- Mediterranean lifestyle
Key Contacts
Dr. Jean-Philippe Chetcuti
Dr. Antoine Saliba Haig
Marina Magri
Secure Your Maltese Residency Today
Requirements
Legal Basis for Residency
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is regulated under the Maltese Immigration Act and subsidiary legislation, initially introduced through Legal Notice 121 of 2021 and subsequently amended by Legal Notices 57 and 310 of 2024 and 146 of 2025. The programme provides a structured and transparent framework for granting permanent residency to eligible non-EU nationals.
Who Qualifies for MPRP
Applicants for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) must be non-EU nationals with a clean criminal record, a stable income, and the ability to provide clear evidence of the source of their wealth and funds. They are also required to meet the financial contribution and investment thresholds set by the authorities. Specifically, applicants must demonstrate possession of assets valued at no less than €500,000, of which a minimum of €150,000 must be held in financial assets. Alternatively, they may hold assets of at least €650,000, with a minimum of €75,000 in financial assets.
Financial Requirements
There are three main requirements, which all need to be fulfilled in order to acquire permanent residence in Malta:
1. Pay a one-time fee to the Government as per below:
- Government Admin Fee – €60,000 (An additional government fee of €7,500 applies for each additional adult child or parents of the applicant/spouse)
- Government Contribution – €37,000 payable in 8 months from Approval and
2. Rent a property in Malta for €14,000 per year OR purchase a property for €375,000, and
3. Pay a donation of €2,000 to a local registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare or artistic NGO.
Due Diligence Process
The Residency Malta Agency, the Government body responsible for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), oversees the acceptance and processing of all applications under the programme. Committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and due diligence, the Agency implements a stringent four-tier screening process to ensure that only individuals of good repute and standing are approved.
Due diligence responsibilities are shared between the Agency and the licensed agent, who verify that all information provided in the application is accurate and complete. Following approval, the Agency requires the agent to submit annual proof of property lease or purchase and health insurance coverage on behalf of the applicant. This reporting continues for the first five years and thereafter as deemed necessary by the Agency, ensuring ongoing compliance with programme requirements.
Process to become a Malta Permanent Residence
- Upon engagement, we shall be guiding you on the required documentation needed under the MPRP programme. Our team will prepare the application forms and supporting documentation and submit this to the Residency Malta Agency.
- At this stage, applicants have the option to request a Temporary Residence Card, which provides Schengen area access while their Permanent Residence application is being processed.
- The Residency Malta Agency conducts thorough due diligence checks on the applicant and any qualifying members and ensures that the applicant is in possession of the required minimum wealth.
- When the applicant successfully passes the due diligence checks, a letter of approval in principle is issued, and the investor is required to satisfy the three main investment requirements.
- Upon satisfying the requirements, the investor and the qualifying family members are required to visit Malta to take their biometric data.
- Finally, the applicants are issued with a Maltese residence certificate (valid for life) and Maltese residence cards (valid for renewable five year periods)
- Annual compliance is to be carried out for the first five years.
Process/Timeline
Review of Objectives and Available Residency Routes
The process begins with a consultation call to assess the applicant’s profile, family composition, objectives, and eligibility. This step ensures alignment with MPRP requirements.
Submit to Residency Malta Agency
The licensed agent must file all government application forms and supporting documents with the Residency Malta Agency. Once the application is submitted, the Agency will issue an acknowledgment receipt. An invoice for the €15,000 non-refundable fee will then be issued by the Residency Malta Agency, and the applicant is required to settle this fee within one month of submitting the MPRP application.
The Residency Malta Agency conducts a four-tier due diligence process to ensure that only reputable individuals and families are approved under the programme. Both the Agency and the licensed agent share responsibility for verifying all information provided by the applicant. The agent performs initial KYC checks during onboarding, after which the Agency carries out a second review to confirm completeness, assess risks, and validate all notarised, apostilled, and translated documents. If any documents are missing, the process is paused until the agent submits the outstanding items.
The third stage involves police clearances and checks against Interpol, Europol, and international sanctions databases, covering all applicants and their business associates. The Agency may request further details or engage due diligence firms to clarify any issues.
In the final stage, the full application is presented to the Agency’s Approval Board. If approved, a Letter of Approval in Principle is issued.
Certificate of Permanent Residency Issued
The applicant must then make the required investments, including renting or purchasing a property, making the charitable donation, and settling the remaining government fees.
After all investments are finalised, the applicants must travel to Malta for the biometrics appointment. The Maltese residency card is subsequently issued for a five-year period and can be renewed thereafter.
Why Us
We're experienced: 25+ years experience in citizenship and residence programmes.
We're discreet: Lawyer-client privilege protects the confidentiality of calls and exchanges with us and extensive asset and info disclosure required by the project.
We've written extensively: Publications and books on investor migration:
We lecture extensively: Various international fora including International Bar Association, EILN, STEP and AILA.
We're recognised for our leadership: WhosWhoLegal, Legal500, Chambers and Partners, Uglobal Investment Migration, Investment Migration Insider.
We're accredited members: Maltese Chamber of Advocates, Uglobal Investment Migration, the European Immigration Lawyers Network and the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Malta Institute of Taxation, International Bar Association, International Fiscal Association, STEP.
We're local: Maltese-born and Maltese-trained lawyers and immigration specialists.
Licence: AKM-ACCA
FAQs
[question]What is the Malta Permanent Residence Programme?[/question]
[answer]MPRP is a legal pathway for non-EU nationals to obtain permanent residency in Malta. It offers long-term stability, lifestyle benefits, and visa free access to the European Schengen Area.[/answer]
[question]Who can apply for MPRP?[/question]
[answer]The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is open to non-EU nationals, excluding citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area, and Switzerland. Applicants from countries currently under sanctions or with close ties to such jurisdictions—such as Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen, and Venezuela, are ineligible, and applications from the Russian Federation and Belarus are also currently not accepted.
Eligible applicants must demonstrate a stable income, a clean criminal record, and suitable accommodation in Malta, and may include family members in their application.[/answer]
[question]What are the investment requirements?[/question]
[answer]Yes, applicants must either purchase or rent qualifying property in Malta as part of the programme’s requirements. The minimum value for purchase is of 375,000 euro while the minimum annual value for rent is of 14,000.
In addition to purchasing or leasing property in Malta, applicants are required to make a contribution of €37,000 to the Maltese economy, donate €2,000 to a registered non-governmental organization, and pay a non-refundable administration fee of €60,000.[/answer]
[question]Can family members be included?[/question]
[answer]Yes, spouses, children up to the age of 28, and dependent parents can be included in the application, ensuring full family relocation.[/answer]
[question]How long does the process take?[/question]
[answer]The process typically takes 6 months from the date of submitting an application. This timeline depends on document readiness and due diligence outcomes.[/answer]
