BUYING PROPERTY IN MALTA AS A FOREIGNER

The 2026 process, full costs, AIP permit rules, and SDA exemptions.

The Purchase Process, Step by Step

1. Search and viewings. Define your requirements and budget, shortlist properties, and arrange inspection visits — we can organize viewings, private transportation, and accommodation for your visit. Overseas buyers unable to travel to Malta can complete all transactions through a Power of Attorney.
2. Preliminary agreement and 10% deposit. On signing the preliminary agreement (konvenju), a sum equal to 10% of the price is lodged with the agent or notary public as stakeholder. The agreement is usually valid for three months (the term prescribed by law) or as mutually agreed. The deposit is forfeited in favour of the vendor should the purchaser fail to complete the final deed for no valid reason at law.
3. Notarial searches and permits. Between preliminary agreement and final deed, a Notary Public engaged by the purchaser researches the property to confirm good title and, where necessary, submits the AIP permit application. All agreements and contracts are written in English.
4. Final deed and payment. Once clear title is confirmed and any required permit issued, the final contract of sale is signed — the deed drawn by the purchaser’s notary. The balance of the purchase price, stamp duty, and legal expenses are paid on signing, when vacant possession is handed to the purchaser.

Purchase Costs (2026)

In one sentence: buying property in Malta costs the purchaser roughly 6–7% on top of the price — 5% stamp duty, about 1% notarial fees, approximately €600 in searches and registration, and a €233 AIP permit fee where applicable (figures as of 2026).

Who Needs an AIP Permit — and Who Is Exempt

Non-residents may freely purchase property in Malta, subject to obtaining an AIP (Acquisition of Immovable Property) permit where required. No AIP permit is needed:

• For properties in Special Designated Areas (SDA) — open to buyers of any nationality on the same terms as Maltese citizens. See our guide to Malta SDA properties.
• For EU citizens who have been resident in Malta for at least five continuous years, or who are purchasing a property to serve as their primary residence, or who are purchasing for investment purposes.
• Where one spouse is an EU citizen and the other is not: both can benefit from the exemption when acquiring their primary residence together.
• For acquisition by an EU national for the conduct of a business activity or the supply of services (a declaration of the purpose is made in the deed).

Buying for Malta Residency?

A qualifying purchase from €375,000 (or a rental from €14,000 per year) is one requirement of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme — but not every property fits, the timing matters, and the property is not needed at the time of application. We wrote a dedicated guide: MPRP-qualifying property in Malta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can foreigners buy property in Malta?
A: Yes. Non-residents may freely purchase property in Malta, subject to obtaining an AIP (Acquisition of Immovable Property) permit where required. No AIP permit is needed for properties in Special Designated Areas (SDA), and EU citizens are exempt in several situations, including purchases of a primary residence.

Q: What does it cost to buy property in Malta?
A: Purchaser costs are typically: 5% stamp duty, approximately 1% notarial fee, approximately €600 in title searches and registration fees, and a €233 AIP permit fee where applicable. Agency fees are borne by the vendor, not the purchaser. Figures as of 2026.

Q: What is an AIP permit and who needs one?
A: The AIP permit, issued under the Immovable Property (Acquisition by Non-Residents) Act, is the permission non-residents generally need to buy property in Malta. It is not required for properties in Special Designated Areas. EU citizens do not need an AIP permit if they have resided in Malta for at least five continuous years, are buying their primary residence, are buying for investment purposes, or are acquiring property for their business activity; where one spouse is an EU citizen and the other is not, both can benefit from the primary-residence exemption.

Q: What are Special Designated Areas (SDA)?
A: SDAs are developments where buyers of any nationality can purchase without an AIP permit and on the same terms as Maltese citizens — popular with international buyers for exactly that reason. Examples include lifestyle developments in Sliema, St Julians, and Gozo. See our dedicated guide to Malta SDA properties for the current list and considerations.

Q: Can buying property in Malta help me get residency?
A: A qualifying purchase from €375,000 (or a rental from €14,000 per year) is one requirement of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), alongside government contributions and due diligence. The property itself does not grant residency — the application does — and the property does not need to be owned at the time of application. See our MPRP-qualifying property guide.

Q: How long does buying property in Malta take?
A: The preliminary agreement is usually valid for three months (the term prescribed by law) or as mutually agreed, during which the notary completes searches and any permit application. Straightforward purchases typically complete within that window; purchases requiring an AIP permit run on the permit timeline.

Ready to Look at Properties?

Browse current listings with pictures and prices, or tell us your requirements and budget and we will shortlist for you — including financing guidance (local banks offer home loans in Malta) and full support through viewings, contracts, and completion.

Sources & Official Information

• Immovable Property (Acquisition by Non-Residents) Act, Cap. 246 — legislation.mt
• Government of Malta — gov.mt

Figures and rules as of July 2026. This page is a general orientation, not legal or tax advice; every purchase should be reviewed by your notary and, where relevant, your tax advisor.