CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT BLOG

Spain Ends Its Golden Visa – But Malta’s Programs Remain Open (For Now)

Spanish Housing Crisis Contributing to Golden Visa Program Termination.

Spain officially closed its Golden Visa program on April 3, 2025, ending a 12-year initiative that offered residency to non-EU nationals in exchange for real estate investment. While the program generated over 14,500 visas and brought significant capital into Spain, it also contributed to a dramatic rise in housing prices -especially in cities like Madrid and Barcelona - prompting public backlash and government action. 

In recent years, countries across Europe have started reassessing and scaling back their residency-by-investment schemes. Spain now joins Ireland, the Netherlands, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Portugal in closing or restricting access to their Golden Visa programs, citing concerns over affordability, inequality, and the impact on local communities.

But there’s one European nation still offering a clear and credible path forward: Malta.

Why Malta Remains a Prime Alternative

Malta’s programs remain not only open but also highly competitive in terms of long-term value and lifestyle:

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP): A flexible Golden Visa program offering permanent EU residency with visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Zone, with no minimum stay requirement. Ideal for families, retirees, and business professionals seeking a European base.

Malta Citizenship by Investment (MEIN): Officially called the Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation program, MEIN allows high-net-worth individuals to obtain full EU citizenship and a Maltese passport within 12–36 months, based on a combination of investment, residence, and due diligence. The Malta passport enables visa-free access to over 180 countries, and offers exceptional benefits such as the ability to live in any European country, including free education and free healthcare.

Unlike Spain’s now-defunct program, Malta still allows investment routes that contain a real estate component - and the option to rent instead of buying. Plus, the official language is English, making integration for American and international families far easier.

Act Now Before Doors Close
As governments across Europe tighten their immigration policies, time is running out to secure a foothold in the EU. Apply now to benefit from current rates and straightforward requirements - before rising global restrictions make programs like this a thing of the past. 

We can assist with every step of the process, including property selection, residency filing, citizenship applications, and full relocation support. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about Malta’s MPRP or Citizenship by Investment options.

Contact our office today to discuss your goals and receive a tailored quotation. We also invite you to try our new Cost Calculators for Malta Citizenship and Permanent Residency - designed to give you a clear estimate of the investment required based on your unique profile.

We appreciate the opportunity to be of service!


Because immigration by investment programs can change over time please contact us to speak with an advisor or to receive a preliminary quotation. The information provided in this blog post is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal or financial advice.

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MALTA INFORMATION CENTER

Everything you need to know about Malta citizenship, residency, and real estate.

Malta Citizenship

• A Comprehensive Guide to Malta Citizenship by Investment

• Does Malta allow dual citizenship with the USA?

• Do you get citizenship if you buy real estate in Malta?

• How easy is it to get Malta citizenship?

• How long does it take to get the Malta citizenship?

• What is the cost of the Malta citizenship by investment program?

• What is the difference between residency and citizenship of Malta?

• What are the benefits of Malta citizenship?

Malta Residency

• How easy is it to get Malta residency?

• How do you qualify for residency in Malta?

• Can I get residency in Malta if I buy a house?

• Can I get permanent residency in Malta by investment?

• How long does it take to get a Golden Visa in Malta?

Malta Real Estate

• A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Real Estate in Malta

• A Comprehensive Guide to Renting Property in Malta

• A Comprehensive Guide to Relocation to Malta

• Discover the Malta Lifestyle

• Investing in Malta Commercial Real Estate

• Investing in the Malta Residential Real Estate

• What are Malta Special Designated Areas (SDA)?

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Click here for the Malta citizenship by investment program. Click here for the Malta residency programs.

To start the application process online please register here.

For a detailed cost estimate or to schedule a confidential consultation please use our contact form.