Malta has established itself as a respected jurisdiction for individuals and families who wish to secure permanent residence within the European Union. The country combines political stability, a robust legal system, and strategic access to the Schengen Area, making it an attractive option for long-term relocation or as part of a broader wealth and succession plan.
All information presented is derived exclusively from official authorities, including Residency Malta, legislation.mt, Identità , and EUR-Lex. Reliance on primary legislation and regulatory guidance ensures that the details provided are accurate, verifiable, and free from commercial interpretation. 1, 2, 3, 4
The guide outlines eligibility rules, treatment of family members, financial and minimum investment obligations, key application stages, and the rights and limitations attached to residence.
What is the Malta Golden Visa?
The Malta Golden Visa, officially known as the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), is a residency-by-investment framework that grants the right to reside, settle, and stay indefinitely in Malta, provided that all program conditions continue to be met.
The program is administered by the Residence Malta Agency, which is responsible for processing applications and overseeing compliance. Identità , the national identity authority, issues residence cards and biometric enrolments upon approval of an application.
Its legal basis is established under Subsidiary Legislation 217.26 (Malta Permanent Residence Regulations), as subsequently amended by the latest Legal Notices, which define the applicable investment thresholds, contributions and eligibility criteria.
The MPRP excludes Maltese or EU citizenship, automatic tax residency in Malta, and the right to work across the Schengen Area. Later sections of this guide address these matters.
Benefits of the Malta Permanent Residency Program
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme offers a structured and transparent route to long-term residence within the European Union.
Its framework is designed to provide stability for applicants and their families while ensuring compliance with Maltese law and regulatory standards.
While the MPRP provides significant benefits, it is important to note that the programme does not confer Maltese citizenship, it does not automatically create tax residency, and it does not grant employment rights elsewhere in the Schengen Area.
Legal Basis & 2024–2025 Updates
The Malta Golden Visa Program is governed by Subsidiary Legislation 217.26 under the Immigration Act.
Amendments to the programme are introduced through Legal Notices (L.N.), which periodically adjust eligibility rules, financial thresholds, and administrative processes.
This ensures that the framework remains aligned with Malta’s broader residence and investment policy objectives.
MPRP Legal Notices & Key Changes
Between 2024 and 2025, the program underwent significant revisions. Investment thresholds and contribution models were recalibrated (see Financial and Investment obligations for current amounts).
The definition of qualifying dependants was refined, particularly regarding parents and grandparents. A licensing regime for agents was introduced, adding an additional layer of oversight.
Furthermore, a temporary one-year residence permit was created for applicants while their main file is under review, offering legal stay during processing.
Who is Eligible for the Malta Permanent Residency Program
To qualify for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, applicants must demonstrate that they meet the following conditions:
- The minimum age is 18 at the time of application.
- Must be a third-country national (non-EU, non-EEA, non-Swiss).
- The applicant must possess the ability to meet the financial requirements and maintain adequate resources to sustain themselves and their family independently of Malta's social assistance system.
- A minimum capital of €500,000 is required, with €150,000 coming from financial assets such as cash, securities, and bonds.
- The applicants and their dependants must have a verifiable clean criminal record and undergo due diligence checks.
- There should be no record on international sanctions lists, and there should be no security or public policy concerns.
- All included family members will receive comprehensive health insurance that is valid across the European Union.
- Commitment to maintain the qualifying investment for a minimum of five years.
- Application submitted exclusively through a licensed agent approved by Residency Malta.
Qualifying Family Members (Dependents)
The Malta Permanent Residence Program allows the main applicant to include a defined circle of family members in the same application.
The framework is designed to cover close relatives who are demonstrably dependent, ensuring continuity of residence across generations.
The following categories are eligible:
- Spouse or partner: a legally recognised spouse or long-term partner, including same-sex partnerships.
- Minor children: children under the age of 18.
- Adult dependent children: unmarried children between 18 and 29 who remain financially dependent on the main applicant.
- Parents and grandparents of either the main applicant or their spouse/partner are included as dependents if they are financially dependent and, when applicable, not employed full-time.
- Dependants with a disability: children or other qualifying relatives of any age who are certified as having a disability and remain dependent on the main applicant.
Additional contributions are due for each dependant listed in the application. No siblings of the main applicant or spouse are eligible.
Financial & Investment Obligations
Applicants to the Malta Permanent Residence Program must satisfy a comprehensive set of financial commitments. These extend beyond the initial application stage and require continued compliance during the first five years of residence.
Capital / Asset Test
Applicants must demonstrate one of the following:
- Capital of €500,000, of which at least €150,000 must be financial assets.
- Capital of €650,000, of which at least €75,000 must be financial assets.
This requirement provides assurance that the applicant and dependants are financially self-sufficient.
Property
- Applicants must either purchase a qualifying property for at least €375,000 or lease a property at a minimum of €14,000 per year.
- The property must be retained for at least five years. After that period, the property requirement lapses, though the residence status remains conditional on maintaining adequate accommodation in Malta.
- The former regional discount for properties in South Malta and Gozo is no longer available.
Government Contribution
- A non-refundable contribution is payable: €30,000 if purchasing property, or €60,000 if leasing.
- This must be paid after approval in principle and before the issuance of residence certificates.
Administrative Fees
- A €50,000 fee is payable by the main applicant.
- €15,000 is due within one month of submission.
- The remaining €35,000 is due within two months of approval in principle.
- A €10,000 fee per dependant applies, consisting of an administrative charge and a contribution element.
Donation to NGO
Applicants must make a one-time €2,000 donation to a local philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare, or artistic NGO registered with the Commission for Voluntary Organisations.
This must be completed before the residence certificate is issued.
Ongoing Obligations
For the first five years, applicants must:
- Maintain the required capital and financial assets.
- Retain ownership or lease of the qualifying property.
- Hold valid health insurance covering all risks in Malta.
- Remain of good conduct, with no criminal convictions or security issues.
- Notify Residency Malta of any material changes in family composition, finances, or residence arrangements.
Comparative Analysis
Scenarios covered:
- Applicant + Spouse
- Applicant + Spouse + 2 Parents
- Applicant + Spouse + 2 Children + 2 Parents
Note: All figures must be verified against the latest amending Legal Notice before publication.
Malta Permanent Residency Program Application Process & Timelines
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme follows a defined procedure with clear responsibilities divided between a licensed agent and the applicant, and the timelines are anchored in the regulations and must be observed strictly.
Application Checklist
- Engage a licensed agent at the outset.
- Prepare proof of capital/assets before submission.
- Ensure full documentation for due diligence.
- Observe the two-month deadline for post-AIP fee settlement.
- Complete property, contribution, donation, and insurance requirements within the timeframe specified in the regulations.
- Consider a temporary residence permit if early presence in Malta is required.
- Attend biometrics at Identità to finalise the process.
Malta Permanent Residency Program Documents & Forms
A successful Malta Permanent Residence Programme application depends on accurate and up-to-date documentation. The following checklist sets out the key records normally required, along with their validity periods and issuing authorities.
Identity and Civil Records
- Valid passport – must be valid at least six months beyond the application date.
- Birth certificates – full version; legalised/apostilled where issued abroad.
- Marriage certificate – where applicable; ensure names match across all records.
- Change of name or adoption certificates – if relevant.
Criminal Record and Security Clearances
- Police certificates are required for all applicants who are over 14 years old.
- Must cover every jurisdiction where the individual has resided for more than six months in the past 10 years.
- Validity window: 90 days.
- Due diligence questionnaires – completed for the main applicant and dependents.
Financial Documentation
- Proof of assets – portfolio or bank confirmation meeting the capital/asset test.
- Bank statements – typically the last three months.
- Evidence of income or business ownership – where applicable.
Property and Contribution
- Promise of sale agreement or lease contract – demonstrating compliance with property requirements.
- Undertaking to meet contribution and donation obligations – signed and submitted post-AIP.
Insurance and Health
- Health insurance policy – comprehensive cover for all applicants in Malta.
- Medical questionnaire and report – to confirm there are no serious contagious conditions.
Supporting Forms
- Form MPRP-1 – The main application form. It contains the applicant’s personal details, declarations, and the official request for residence. Check official form ↗
- Form MPRP-2 – The dependant information form. Each dependant (spouse, children, parents, grandparents) receives one, so Residency Malta has their details recorded. Check official form ↗
- Form MPRP-3 – The health and insurance declaration. It proves the applicant and dependants are medically covered and not likely to burden Malta’s health system. Check official form ↗
- Form MPRP-4 – The licensed agent’s declaration. Since individuals cannot apply directly, the agent must sign this to certify the file, confirm due diligence checks, and take responsibility for submission. Check official form ↗
Validity Windows
Compliance, Monitoring, Renewal & Changes
Holders of a Malta Permanent Residence Programme certificate must meet ongoing conditions. During the first five years, annual compliance checks confirm property, insurance, and capital requirements.
Residence cards are valid for five years and renewed with updated biometrics and fees. Any change of address or family status must be reported.
After five years, property may be sold if a qualifying residence in Malta is retained.
Rights & Limitations
Malta's permanent residence provides long-term security and access to Europe, but it is not a universal permit for work or citizenship.
Below are the main rights and restrictions:
Rights
- You can live, settle, and stay in Malta indefinitely as long as you remain compliant with the regulations.
- Include eligible family members under one application.
- Travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Enrol children in Maltese schools and access private healthcare.
- Purchase, lease and register properties in Malta.
Limitations
- There is no automatic right to work in Malta; employment requires a separate authorisation from Identità .
- No Schengen-wide work rights; permission is limited to Malta only.
- There is no automatic Maltese or EU citizenship; naturalisation follows separate rules.
- No automatic tax residency; this depends on separate residence and day-count criteria.
Tax Position (MPRP ≠Tax Residency)
Holding a certificate under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme does not, in itself, establish tax residency. Malta determines tax residence separately, typically by physical presence and day-count criteria, or under specific programmes such as the Global Residence Programme and the Residence Programme.
An individual may therefore hold MPRP status yet remain a tax resident elsewhere if the presence test is not met. Professional advice should always be sought to structure one’s affairs appropriately, as residences for immigration purposes and tax purposes follow distinct legal frameworks.
Common Mistakes in Applications and How to Solve Them
Applications are most often delayed or refused because of avoidable errors.
Careful preparation and reliance on official guidance prevent these issues.
Grounds for Malta Permanent Residency Program Refusal
Some applications for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme are rejected. Refusals are most commonly issued where an applicant or dependant has a criminal record, fails due diligence checks, is listed on international sanctions, provides false or incomplete information, or cannot demonstrate the required financial standing.
Residency Malta applies a rigorous multi-tier review process, and any inconsistency or omission can be grounds for rejection. Careful preparation, accurate documentation, and reliance on licensed agents are essential to minimising this risk.
What Happens in Case of Refusal
If an application is refused under the MPRP:
- The process stops immediately: no certificate is issued, and the applicant has no residence rights in Malta.
- Fees already paid are not refunded (application, administrative, and due diligence fees are expressly non-refundable).
- Property commitments made too early can cause losses: if someone purchases or leases a property before getting approval in principle, they may be left with an asset they cannot use for the program.
- Re-application is possible, but only if the underlying refusal ground can be overcome (for example, insufficient documentation can be corrected; a serious criminal record cannot).
- Legal recourse exists through the Immigration Appeals Board, but this is formal, lengthy, and generally requires Maltese legal counsel.
👉 In practice, most refusals happen at the due diligence stage. That is why licensed agents advise waiting for the Approval in Principle before committing to property or contributions.
Final Thoughts
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme offers a stable and structured path to long-term residence within the European Union, but its requirements are exacting and the application process is subject to strict due diligence. Many refusals arise not from ineligibility but from incomplete preparation, overlooked details, or commitments made too early.
At Movingto, we guide applicants through each stage with clarity and care. Working with licensed partners, we guarantee accurate eligibility assessment, standard document preparation, and resolution of potential issues prior to submission. This structured approach significantly reduces the risk of delays or refusals, even though we cannot guarantee any outcome.
If you are considering Malta as your residence base, our team is available to provide an initial consultation, free of charge and without obligation.
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