Malta Residency & Citizenship

Malta Citizenship / Residency Program Summaries

Residency and Citizenship for Qualified Applicants

MALTA CITIZENSHIP BY MERIT

The citizenship by investment route (Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation, MEIN) has closed and no longer accepts applications.

Maltese citizenship may be granted on the basis of merit under the Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188). Each application is assessed individually and the decision is discretionary. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee that citizenship will be granted.

Eligibility focuses on exceptional global contributors, including:

• Innovators in science, technology, education, healthcare, and advanced research
• Cultural, artistic, or athletic achievers
• Founders and business leaders supporting job creation and strategic investment
• Philanthropic and humanitarian leaders with demonstrable global impact

This marks a transition toward honoring individuals whose achievements serve Malta’s national priorities and elevate its international stature - placing emphasis on meaningful contribution rather than financial investment alone.

Applicants must first hold residence status in Malta. Processing times depend on the competent authorities and on the circumstances of each application.

If you're unsure whether you qualify, complete our qualification assessment form or contact our legal team.

The initial qualification assessment form is free of charge.

MALTA PERMANENT RESIDENCE PROGRAMME (MPRP)

The Malta MPRP program is a permanent residency program for non-EU nationals. It requires a one-time investment, and provides a permanent residency certificate which is valid for life. This programme does not lead to Maltese citizenship.

The applicant can choose between purchasing a property (minimum property value of EUR 375,000) or renting a property (minimum rental of EUR 14,000 per year).

The administrative fee for the main applicant is €60,000. There is no administrative fee to include a spouse and minor children. The fee for adult dependents (older children, parents, grandparents) is €7,500 per person.

The main applicant must also make a non-refundable government contribution in the amount of EUR 37,000 regardless of whether the property is purchased or rented. Lastly, the applicant must make a philanthropic donation of EUR 2,000 to a Maltese-registered charity of the applicant's choice. 

To qualify, the main applicant must declare that he/she owns assets (stocks, bonds, real estate, other) valued at (A) no less than EUR 500,000 of which EUR 150,000 must be available in financial assets such as stocks, bonds, funds or bank deposits, or (B) at least EUR 650,000 with at least EUR 75,000 in liquid assets.

The MPRP offers two routes: an expedited option that grants temporary residence within about 4 weeks while the application is processed, or the standard route, which takes 3–6 months to approval.

What the MPRP gives you:

• Permanent residence in Malta, an EU member state where English is an official language
• Visa-free travel in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period
• Spouse, children, parents and grandparents on one application
• The choice to rent rather than buy the qualifying property
• No requirement to give up your current citizenship

OTHER MALTA RESIDENCY PROGRAMS

Malta provides various temporary residency programs for individuals who are citizens of another EU member country or nationals of non-EU member states. It is important to note that these programs do not confer permanent residency, nor do they lead to Maltese citizenship.

Please review our Malta Residency page for additional details about each of these programs.

MALTA GLOBAL RESIDENCY PROGRAMME (GRP)

The Malta GRP program is a 1-year residency visa for non-EU nationals that offers visa-free Schengen travel benefits and special tax advantages. The annual minimum tax is EUR 15,000 (to increase to EUR 35,000 for applications filed from Jan. 01, 2027) plus a property purchase or rental, plus fees. The processing time is approximately 90 days. This program does not lead to Maltese citizenship.

MALTA ORDINARY RESIDENCY (OR) / MALTA TAX RESIDENCY (TRP)

The Malta OR program is only available for EU nationals (citizens of the EU including Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland) who want to live in Malta 183 days per year or longer. The program requires the applicant to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency which is defined as having available funds of at least EUR 14,000 for a single person (EUR 23,000 for married couples). Income brought into Malta is fully taxable. This program does not lead to Maltese citizenship.

The Malta tax residency program for EU citizens requires applicants to declare they do not spend more than 183 days in any other jurisdiction outside of Malta, but there is no requirement to spend 183 days inside Malta. The special tax rate on income brought into Malta is 15% (annual minimum tax: EUR 15,000 - to increase to €35,000 for applications filed from Jan. 01, 2027). This program does not lead to Maltese citizenship.

MALTA RETIREMENT PROGRAMME (MRP)

The Malta retirement program is targeted at retirees (EU and non-EU nationals) who receive a pension to be transmitted to Malta. The amount of the pension must equal at least 75% of the applicant’s total income. Applicants must purchase or rent a personal residence (from EUR 8,750 per year if rented, or from EUR 220,000 if purchased). Foreign source income brought into Malta is taxed at 15% with an annual minimum tax of EUR 7,500. This program does not lead to Maltese citizenship.

MALTA NOMAD RESIDENCE PERMIT (MNRP)

The Malta Nomad Residence Permit ("Digital Nomad Visa") is available to applicants who are not citizens of an EU member country. Applicants must be able to work independent of location and prove that (a) they are employed under a work contract issued by an employer outside of Malta, or (b) they conduct business on behalf of a company registered outside of Malta in which they are a partner or shareholder, or (c) they are a freelancer or consultant offering services to clients who are based outside of Malta.

Applicants for the Malta nomad residence permit must earn a salary of at least EUR 3,500 per month. Applicants must rent or purchase a property in Malta, obtain health insurance, and pass all background checks. The visa is valid for 1 year, and may be renewed at the discretion of the Malta government twice, for a maximum of 4 years. The Nomad Residence Permit does not entitle the holder to social benefits in Malta, and it does not lead to permanent residency or Maltese citizenship.

MALTA STARTUP RESIDENCE PROGRAMME (MSRP)

The Malta Startup Residence program is available to startup founders, co-founders, and their core employees and families who are of non-EU nationality and who register their venture in Malta at a minimum EUR 25,000 capital investment. The startup must be younger than 7 years and must not yet have distributed a profit.

Applicants are required to be financially self-sufficient, move to Malta, and pay taxes here. Applicants must rent or purchase a property in Malta, obtain health insurance, and pass all background checks. The residence permit is valid for 3 years, and may be renewed at the discretion of the Malta government for an additional 5 years. The startup residence program does not lead to permanent residency, and it does not lead to Maltese citizenship.

Residence and Citizenship in Malta

General Information for Applicants and Their Families

RIGHTS AND PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Applicants consider residence or citizenship in Malta for a range of personal and family reasons, including relocation, retirement and family circumstances. Residence and citizenship carry different rights and obligations, which are summarised below.

Malta permits dual citizenship. Whether an applicant may keep their existing citizenship depends on the law of their country of origin, and applicants should confirm this before applying.

Family Members

Family members may be included in an application where the applicable regulations allow. The categories of eligible dependants are set out in the official criteria for each programme or framework.

Taxation

Malta operates its own tax system, including specific regimes for certain categories of residents. In Malta, liability to tax is generally based on residence and domicile rather than citizenship, so obtaining residence or citizenship does not by itself determine an individual's tax position.

Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances. Applicants are advised to obtain advice from an independent tax specialist. On request, we can provide an introduction to tax specialists familiar with Maltese tax law.

Living in Malta

Malta has state, church and independent schools, and a public healthcare system alongside private hospitals and clinics. Access to public education and healthcare depends on the individual's residence or citizenship status. Maltese and English are the official languages. Applicants planning to relocate should consider practical matters such as housing, schooling and health insurance in advance.

Travel for Residence Permit Holders

Malta has been part of the Schengen Area since 2007. Holders of a Maltese residence permit may travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, in accordance with Schengen rules.

Entry requirements for countries outside the Schengen Area are set by each destination country and may change. Travellers should check the current requirements of their destination before travelling.

This section provides general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Decisions on residence and citizenship applications are made by the competent Maltese authorities.

Residency Application Process

The Residency Application Procedure Step by Step

From Enquiry to Residency Certificate

Step 1: Initial Enquiry
Begin by contacting our legal team with details of your situation and the family members to be included.

Step 2: Document Preparation
Once you choose to proceed with a residency application, our immigration attorney and dedicated case specialists will guide you through the process, ensuring completion of all required forms and collection of supporting documentation. Your application file is then submitted to the Maltese authorities for review.

Step 3: Application Processing
The Maltese government reviews the submission and initiates its due diligence procedures. The result may be an Approval in Principle, a request for clarification or additional documents, or a denial.

Step 4: Compliance Phase
Following Approval in Principle, the applicant must demonstrate continued compliance with program requirements. These include real estate acquisition or lease, health insurance, financial undertakings, and other conditions based on the chosen program.

Step 5: Certificate of Residency
Approved MPRP applicants receive a Permanent Residency Certificate. Other residence programmes issue a residence permit for the period set by the programme.

Malta's Standing in the European Union

One of the Safest Countries in the EU

SAFE, NEUTRAL, AND RESPECTED

Malta is a safe, neutral and respected member of the European Union since 2004 and part of the Schengen Area since 2007.

The country enjoys a stable political climate and a bi-partisan political scene that is largely convergent on issues of national and economic importance.

Malta has weathered the financial crisis well and shared the limelight with Germany as the only two states maintaining economic growth in the Euro Zone. Malta's banks have been ranked amongst the top 5 soundest banks in the world.

The Island offers a rich, contemporary cultural lifestyle, temperate climate and fascinating history. Malta is also a state of the art financial and business hub due to its competitive tax system and offers significant advantages to foreign entrepreneurs, high net worth individuals and investors seeking an attractive yet safe business environment.

For the last two decades Malta has enjoyed solid and constant growth in its financial services industry and is fast becoming the jurisdiction of choice to international corporate groups seeking an ideal hub from which to do business within the EU, Middle East and North African markets.

Our Qualifications

A Team of Specialists at your Service

YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR MISSION

Our immigration attorney is government-licensed by Residency Malta Agency (license RES-DALI, held by Dr. Alexei Dalli) to file Malta citizenship and residency applications.

Our team includes immigration specialists working exclusively on Malta citizenship and residency matters, and will stand by your side throughout the entire application process, from start to finish.

Apart from our expertise in immigration law, we offer comprehensive assistance in real estate acquisition and leasing. Additionally, our associates specialize in company formation and provide tax advisory services to a diverse clientele, including high net worth individuals, owner-managed businesses, and larger corporations.