The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) is an appealing program offered to business people, individuals and families. The program presents flexible investment options through property and government contributions leading to Malta residency in a quick turnaround time of 4-6 months. It’s a valuable option for anyone considering making Malta their second home. To qualify, applicants must meet specific Malta permanent residency requirements, including investment, health and character conditions.
The following guide sets out to give you all the much anticipated programme details. Answering all the hows, who’s, what’s and whens so you can fully grasp the programme and decide if it’s the way, or better yet, place to go for you.
What is the Malta Permanent Residence Programme?
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) enables investors to obtain Permanent Residency in Malta and live comfortably as a Maltese residence. The programme is designed to showcase the attractiveness of Malta, such as safety, economic and political stability, high quality infrastructure and healthcare. One of the significant benefits of the program is visa free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days out of 180 days.As of mid-2023, the programme gives investors the option to buy or lease property along with contributions and donations to secure permanent residency in Malta. Originally opened in 2015, the Malta permanent residence programme went through a series of revisions in 2021 to ensure quality candidates and an effective due diligence process.
Why Malta?
Malta is a European archipelago nestled in the Mediterranean sea, to the south of Italy and east of Tunisia. Just what you might envision given the location, jagged cliffs, stunning beaches and ancient sites. The small, yet important nation bore witness to a mesh of culture and empires over time. Malta is a unique country and part of the European Union.Being a permanent residence of Malta means you will have the freedom to travel visa-free throughout the EU as any EU resident can. Additionally, residents will have health insurance that covers risks in Malta and other European countries, providing comprehensive coverage across the region.
Malta Permanent Residence 2025 Highlights
Upon approval of your MPRP application, you will be a Maltese resident and be eligible to reap the following benefits:No relocation requirementsNo requirement to live in Malta to maintain your residence permit to maintain your Maltese residence status.Visa-free access to Schengen AreaTravel through the entire 26 country Schengen zone and stay for up to 3 months at a time with your Malta residence permit. Renewable indefinitelyThe Malta residence card is valid for five years with the option to renew.Pathway to citizenshipPotential to acquire Maltese citizenship under specific conditions.183 days to be tax residencyLive in Greece for 183 days per year to be a qualified tax resident. Rights to establish a business in MaltaAs a permanent residence holder you will have the right to start and operate a business in Malta.Includes your dependentsInclude up to four generation of dependents on your Malta permanent residency applicationMediterranean lifestyleEnjoy all the perks of high quality healthcare, education and a comfortable lifestyle with your Maltese residency.Malta Permanent Residence Programme Investment Options
Okay, so you’re sold on Malta and are ready to put your money down and secure residency in this dreamy island oasis. Let us lay out the investment options to obtain permanent residence you.Investors have the choice of:
1. Purchasing a property for a minimum value of €375,000 and paying a government contribution of €80,000; or,
2. Renting/leasing a property for at least €14,000 annually and paying a government contribution of €110,000.
Property Purchase
Through property acquisition, applicants may choose to purchase a residential property in Malta. Along with the property purchase, applicants must also pay a non-refundable administrative fee of €40,000 upon application submission, which is part of the initial investment process. Additionally, a charitable donation of €2,000 to an approved NGO in Malta is required.
Applicants must also demonstrate a total capital of at least €500,000, with at least €150,000 in liquid assets to qualify for the program.
Also Read:- Malta Permanent Residence Programme
Property Lease
Qualified applicants can choose to lease a property instead of purchasing one. Beyond the required €14,000 yearly lease amount, applicants must pay a €110,000 government contribution, a €40,000 administrative fee and a €2,000 donation to an approved NGO in Malta.
After renting a property, you are still eligible to purchase one later, making this a strategic option for anyone testing the real estate market or eyeing their dream home for some time before making a purchase.
Eligibility and Requirements
Not sure how this fits your strategy?
A focused consultation to assess your objectives and shortlist the right options.
Key Requirements
The Residency Malta Agency ensures qualified and reputable candidates. Overall, the minimum eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Third country nationals (non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss)
- Can’t originate from sanctioned countries
- Not receiving advantages under other applicable regulations and schemes
- Have stable and regular financial resources, sufficient to maintain themselves and any dependents
- Possess capital assets of a minimum value of €500,000, with at least €150,000 being financial assets
- Clean criminal record (pose no threat to national security)
Dependents
The MPRP program allows applicants to add up to four generations of dependents to their applications. This includes, the applicant and spouse, children under 18 years of age, dependents over 18 years of age, as well as parents and grandparents. An additional fee of €10,000 is tacked on for every adult dependent added to the applicant.
Application Process
The Residency Malta Agency is the body in charge of handling and promoting the program. Upon attracting qualified applicants, the Residency Malta Agency conducts a stringent four-tier due diligence and screening process. The Residency Malta Agency also ensures yearly program compliance.The Maltese permanent residence program is a relatively quick process and upon qualifying residency can be sorted in as little as four to six months.
Get permanent residency through the MPRP in 5 steps
1. Submit Application: The agent will submit the application and give the applicant a receipt.
2. Due Diligence: The Agency applies a rigorous four-tier due diligence process to ensure applicants are reputable, verify a complete and correct application, pass police clearance and put together the applicant’s profile for the government of Malta.
3. Approval Board: The complete file is submitted to the approval board which will either issue a Letter of Approval in Principle (LAP) or rejection.
4. Biometrics and Residency Card: Upon receiving a LAP, applicants and their families can travel to Malta and have their biometrics done to process Malta residence permit cards. However, the cards won’t be issued until after the investment is secured.
5. Make Investments: Settle the required investment either through property purchase or lease, along with all fees and donations.
The Agency will request the agent to provide proof of leased property and sickness insurance coverage for the beneficiary every year for the first five years. This should be done by submitting a lease contract and an annual policy. After five years, the Agency can request these documents at its own discretion.
GLOBAL MIGRATION SOLUTIONSInterested in a free consultation with one of our specialist residency & citizenship by investment advisors?
Contact Us HereMPRP Summary
All-in-all, the Malta Permanent Residency Program is a cost-effective alternative to Malta’s Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services Program and other golden visas and residency programs in the European Union. It provides a reliable option for obtaining long-term residency in Europe and visa-free access to the Schengen Area
Investors will enjoy permanent residency in Malta, allowing them to travel visa-free for life and reside in a safe and tax-friendly European island nation.
The Maltese residency by investment program enables you to establish permanent residency in Malta and travel without visa restrictions across the Schengen Area for 90 out of 180 days. Additionally, you can take advantage of Malta’s reasonably priced real estate market.
Apply for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme with Lincoln Global Partners
The MPRP is an exceptional opportunity for individuals to gain EU residency in this beautiful island nation. Malta residence offers many benefits such as economic and investment opportunities, enhanced global mobility and the ability to live, work and study in Malta. A sure bet destination with a stable political climate and a strong economy, Malta is not to be overlooked when it comes to residency investment.Lincoln Global Partners is a specialist international investment migration firm with offices in the UK, UAE and Brazil. Our professionals are experts in the field of citizenship by investment and we are ready to assist you every step of the way with your Greece Golden Visa application.
Contact us to start the process and become a 'Global Citizen' in 2025
Malta Permament Residence Programme FAQ
Here are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about the Malta's MPRP.My income is from a sole source of an annuity. Am I eligible?Yes indeed! Under the Malta Retirement Programme (MRP) rules, regular income from personal overseas retirement plans, insurance policies, and occupational retirement schemes are eligible provided such payments are periodic. Lump‑sum amounts on their own do not qualify as pension income.75% of your chargeable income must derive from such qualifying pension sources received in Malta. On $6,600/month (≈ €6,100/month), that annual income (~€73,200) would likely satisfy the 75% threshold if there are no other income streams.
Can I include my Spouse?Yes. It is permitted for in‑household dependents (e.g. spouse) to benefit from MRP status, even if the annuity is in the main beneficiary’s name alone. Dependents need to be principally dependent on you, demonstrated via an affidavit and supporting documentation.
Spouses are taxed under the special tax status rules combined with the main applicant.
Is this foreign pension income taxed at a flat 15% rate?Yes, once you have confirmed special tax status under MRP:
- Flat 15% Tax on Pension Income Remitted to Malta.
- Other non‑foreign income would be taxed at the normal progressive rate of 35%, but since your income is a pension-type annuity considered foreign income received in Malta, it falls under the 15% rate,
There is also a minimum annual tax of €7,500 for the main beneficiary, and €500 per dependent—so your combined minimum would be €8,000 per year regardless of actual 15% tax liability, unless the computed tax exceeds that minimum.
