Malta Permanent Residence Programme

Overview

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) allows third-country nationals to obtain residency in Malta, formalising a gateway to the European Union and the Schengen Area. The MPRP is a residency-by-investment programme based on investments in property and government contributions. It is backed by solid legislation allowing the Main Applicant, along with direct family and in-laws’ parents, the right to remain or settle indefinitely in Malta. Legal Notice 121 of 2021 replaced the previous successful Malta Residence and Visa Programme (MRVP).

Who can apply?

A third-country national who is not Maltese, non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss and at least 18 years of age is not a beneficiary of another Maltese programme.

Applicants must not be under criminal investigation, deemed potential national security or reputational risk, denied a visa from countries Malta has free travel agreements with, or subject to a US travel ban list.

The Maltese Government expressly excludes Afghan, Iranian, and North Korean nationals. This list, which may change, includes those who reside in, do business with or have significant ties with these countries.

Principal Requirements

1. Have capital assets of not less than €500,000, out of which a minimum of €150,000 must be financial assets;
2. Pay a non-refundable administrative fee of €40,000;
3. 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;
4. Pay a Government contribution of €28,000 if purchasing a property or €58,000 if leasing a property;
5. Pay €7,500 for each additional parent or grandparent of the Main Applicant and spouse who is principally dependent on the Main Applicant;
6. Hold the qualifying property for a minimum period of 5 years, after which a residential address is still required, albeit for less than the proposed amounts in point 3;
7. Donate €2,000 to a local philanthropic, cultural, scientific, artistic, sport, or animal welfare NGO registered with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations;
8. Has sickness insurance in respect of all risks typically covered for Maltese nationals for themself and their dependants; and
9. Receives stable and regular resources that are sufficient to maintain themselves and their dependants without recourse to the social assistance system of Malta.

The process

Step 1 – Application stage.
Identification documents and source of wealth documents are submitted at this stage. Such documents include a Passport, Birth Certificate, Utility Bill as Proof of Address, Bank Statement, Application Forms, CV, Company Documents, and more.

Step 2 – Submission stage.
Once the application is complete, it is submitted to Residency Malta, where strict due diligence checks take place.

Step 3 – Approval in Principle.

Step 4 – Biometrics Stage
Applicants and dependants will need to travel to Malta to have their biometric data taken for the eventual issuance of their Maltese residency card.

Step 5 – Investment Stage
Purchase/rent out a residential property, settle the government contribution fee and donate to a registered Maltese VO/NGO. Successful investments then allow the applicant and dependents to become Maltese residents, and a residence card is issued for each.

How can Acumum help?

Acumum has extensive experience in the Maltese residency application process and has established connections to government and non-government agencies.

We can provide advice and support at all application stages. Our service includes:

• Advising on application requirements.
• Assisting with the application process.
• Providing expert support to ensure efficient progress toward successful completion

About Acumum

Based in Ireland, Malta, and the UK, we provide a comprehensive and award-winning range of legal, corporate, and private client services to international clients.

Guided by a commitment to long-term relationships and exemplary customer service, our experienced team creates inclusive, practical, and cost-effective solutions for clients, including individuals, family offices, companies, governments, and intermediaries.