MALTA RESIDENCY / MALTA GOLDEN VISA
Malta Residency: Security. Opportunity. A Better Life.
Malta residency for investors and
their families.
Live and work in Malta.
To support the country's economy, Malta, located south of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea, is offering residency status to foreign investors, freelancers, retirees, and startup founders. Maltese residents may live in Malta as long as they maintain their residency status. Malta residents may also apply for a Malta work permit and participate in the social services system.
International business people, investors, freelancers and retirees
worldwide consider Malta (permanent) residency a valuable asset
for convenient travel across Europe, an opportunity to embrace the
European lifestyle, or as an alternative living option in case conditions
at home become unfavorable.
Because none of the Malta residency options automatically
lead to citizenship, clients who wish to obtain a Malta passport
are advised to apply under the
Malta Naturalisation
for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Regulations, which
is Malta's official investment citizenship program.
Schengen
Borderless Travel
Free Custom
Quotation
Live - Work -
Retire in Malta
Private &
Confidential
Family Members
Included
Malta
Residency Status
The Malta Residency Programs
Malta offers several residency programs that are targeted at EU and non-EU nationals who wish to become residents of the country. Please contact us to receive a detailed quotation.
(A) MALTA PERMANENT RESIDENCE PROGRAMME (MPRP)
The Malta MPRP program (Malta Golden Visa) 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 program does not lead to Malta citizenship / the Malta passport.
(B) MALTA GLOBAL RESIDENCY PROGRAMME (GRP)
The Malta GRP program is a renewable 1-year residency visa for non-EU nationals that offers visa-free Schengen travel benefits and special tax advantages. This program does not lead to Malta citizenship / the Malta passport.
(C) MALTA ORDINARY RESIDENCE (OR)
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. This program does not lead to Malta citizenship / the Malta passport.
(D) MALTA TAX RESIDENCE PROGRAMME (TRP)
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). This program does not lead to Malta citizenship / the Malta passport.
(E) 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. This program does not lead to lead to Malta citizenship / the Malta passport.
(F) MALTA NOMAD RESIDENCE PERMIT (MNRP)
The Malta Nomad Residence Permit ("Digital Nomad Visa") is a
renewable 1-year visa available to applicants who are not citizens
of an EU member country. Applicants must be able to work independent
of location for companies or clients which must be located outside
of Malta. The Nomad Residence Permit does not entitle
the holder to social benefits in Malta, and it does not
lead to Malta permanent residency or citizenship / the Malta passport.
(G) 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 entitle the holder to social benefits
in Malta, and it does not lead to Malta permanent
residency or citizenship / the Malta passport.
The Benefits of Malta Residency
Business executives, affluent citizens, retirees, and freelancers around the world are applying for Malta temporary or permanent residency for work-related reasons, international tax planning, and to provide their families with a better quality of life.
Applicants realize that the Maltese residency can provide several benefits, including:
- Visa free travel across the EU Schengen zone
- Living or retiring in a safe country with a warm climate
- A better education for the applicant’s children
- A better quality of life for the family, including better healthcare and an unpolluted environment
- Relatively low real estate prices
- Personal security
- Tax advantages
- Applicants are not required to continuously live in Malta before or after residency approval
Visa-free Travel Across the Schengen Zone
Malta residency offers Schengen borderless travel which is attractive especially for business executives who frequently travel in the European Union.
A Better Quality of Life for the Family
Malta is a safe country that offers a low cost of living index. Clean air, property rights, and freedom of speech are enjoyed by all. Multiple cultures live side by side in peace and harmony. The country has long been a vacation spot for Europeans and high net worth individuals who flock to the island for its sunny and warm climate year-round. Malta offers a modern infrastructure ranging from reliable phone and internet service to secure banking to well-established air and sea routes connecting the island to the European mainland and international destinations.
A Better Education for the Applicant’s Children
Because of the country's history as a former British colony the Maltese school system reflects the British structure. There are two school categories: state schools and private schools. State schools are free to all students (including free transportation and free books), while private schools such as international schools charge tuition fees.
Attractive Tax System
Malta stands out as a compelling financial center, drawing attention
for its highly advantageous tax system and strategic geographical
position at the nexus of three continents – Europe, Africa, and
Asia. The combination of these factors makes Malta an ideal destination
for individuals and businesses seeking favorable tax conditions
and a strategic location for international trade and commerce.
The favorable tax system in Malta encompasses various incentives
and exemptions, contributing to the nation's appeal as a financial
hub. Applicants are advised to secure the services of an independent
tax specialist. Should you require assistance in this regard,
we would be glad to facilitate an introduction to reputable tax
specialists familiar with Malta's tax landscape.
Malta Residency Program Details
For Applicants and their Families
Malta Residency Program Comparison
Malta offers a variety of residency programs, ranging from a
1-year visa to permanent (life-long) residency.
Please review the application requirements below and don't hesitate
to contact us with
questions or to receive a detailed quotation.
(A) MALTA PERMANENT RESIDENCE PROGRAMME (MPRP)
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (L.N. 121 of 2021) for
non-EU nationals offers applicants the right (without obligation)
to live in Malta year-round, 90-day visa-free travel to all European
countries within the Schengen area, and the option to apply for
a Malta work permit. It requires a one-time investment and provides
a permanent residency certificate which is valid for life.
Family members, such as a spouse, children, parents and grandparents
may be included if they are financially dependent on the main applicant.
Standard processing is about 4 to 6 months from the submission of
a complete and correct application.
The applicant makes the required investments after receiving the
residency approval in principle, and residing in Malta continuously
during or after the residency application period is not a requirement.
Please contact us to
receive a detailed quotation.
PROGRAM COST:
- Malta Government Contribution (non-refundable donation
to the Malta government):
- Main applicant: EUR 28,000 (if property is purchased), EUR 58,000 (if property is rented)
- Spouse: no charge
- Children (any age): no charge
- Dependent parents and/or grandparents: EUR 7,500
- Malta Philanthropic Donation:
- Main applicant only: EUR 2,000
- Malta Property Investment (minimum 5 year holding
period):
- Main applicant only: Choose between a property purchase at EUR 350,000 or a property rental at EUR 12,000 per year (EUR 300,000 / EUR 10,000 in the south or Gozo)
- Malta Government Fee:
- Main applicant only: EUR 40,000
- Legal Fees:
- Depending on the number of family members to be included. Please ask us about a custom quotation for you / your family.
Please note that applicants must also meet the following
qualifications:
- The main applicant needs to prove ownership of assets valued at EUR 500,000 or more. Assets may include bank deposits, stocks/bonds/mutual funds, real estate, and similar.
- Of these assets, at least EUR 150,000 must be liquid funds, such bank deposits, stocks/bonds/mutual funds, or similar.
- The liquid funds do not need to be transferred to Malta - they can be kept in the applicant’s account in his/her home country.
- These assets cannot be used for the application.
- The applicant must continue to demonstrate ownership of assets valued at EUR 500,000 or more during the first 5 years of residency. This requirement stops after five years.
The MPRP program does not lead to Malta citizenship
/ the Malta passport. Residents may apply for citizenship after
6 years in residency status, but applications usually take 10 to
15 years to reach the approval stage. If you are interested in qualifying
for Malta citizenship after only 12 or 36 months of residency, please
review the
Malta Naturalisation
for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment page.
For more detailed information and answers to common questions
about the MPRP program, please visit our comprehensive MPRP FAQ page.
(B) MALTA GLOBAL RESIDENCY PROGRAMME (GRP)
The Maltese Global Residence Programme (GRP) targets wealthy
non-EU citizens by offering them 1-year (tax) residency in Malta
and 90-day visa-free travel to all European countries within the
Schengen area. As such, the program is especially beneficial for
business persons who need frequent, visa-free travel across the
Schengen zone.
GRP visa applicants can also benefit from Malta's low flat tax rate
of 15% chargeable on all income remitted to Malta from foreign sources,
subject to a minimum annual tax of EUR 15,000. To take advantage
of the tax benefit GRP applicants must refrain from staying in any
other jurisdiction for more than 182 days and becoming a tax resident
in that other country.
Applicants must have valid health insurance and purchase or rent
a personal residence. If purchased, the minimum value is EUR 275,000
(or EUR 220,000 in Gozo/South Malta). If rented, the annual minimum
is EUR 9,600 (or EUR 8,750 per year in Gozo/South Malta).
Residency status under the GRP programme must be renewed annually
to avoid expiration. The annual expense, a minimum tax, to renew
residency is approximately €15,000. Further, because the applicant
is required to rent a residence at an annual lease of no less than
€8,750 (a property purchase is also acceptable), the total minimum
expense to renew the GRP permit each year is approximately €24,000
plus fees.
Processing can be as fast as 3-4 months.
This program is not an effective means to relocate to Malta permanently,
and it does not lead to Malta citizenship / the
Malta passport.
(C) MALTA ORDINARY RESIDENCE (OR)
The Malta ordinary residence programme 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).
Applicants must possess health insurance that provides coverage
for the applicant while residing in Malta and purchase or rent a
personal residence.
Income brought into Malta is fully taxable.
This program does not lead to Malta citizenship
/ the Malta passport.
(D) MALTA RESIDENCE PROGRAMME (TRP)
The Malta (tax) residency program is only available for EU nationals
(citizens of the EU including Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway,
and Iceland) and 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). There is no tax on income generated outside
of Malta and not remitted to Malta, and there is no tax on capital gains or savings generated outside of Malta even if these are brought
into Malta.
Applicants must have valid health insurance and purchase or rent
a personal residence. If purchased, the minimum value is EUR 275,000
(or EUR 220,000 in Gozo/South Malta). If rented, the annual minimum
is EUR 9,600 (or EUR 8,750 per year in Gozo/South Malta).
Processing can be as fast as 3-4 months.
This program does not lead to Malta citizenship
/ the Malta passport.
(E) 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 need to stay in Malta for an average of 90 days per year
over a five year period, and must 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).
Applicants must purchase or rent a personal residence. If purchased,
the minimum value is EUR 275,000 (or EUR 220,000 in Gozo/South Malta).
If rented, the annual minimum is EUR 9,600 (or EUR 8,750 per year
in Gozo/South Malta).
Foreign source income brought into Malta is taxed at 15% with an
annual minimum tax of EUR 7,500 for the main applicant, and EUR
500 for each dependent.
This program does not lead to Malta citizenship
/ the Malta passport.
(F) 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.
Click here to read additional Nomad Visa FAQs.
Applicants for the Malta nomad residence permit must earn a salary
of at least EUR 3,500 per month (EUR 42,000 per year).
Applicants must rent or purchase a property in Malta, obtain health
insurance, and pass all background checks.
Family members, including a spouse or partner, minor children, and
dependent adult children, maybe included on the application of the
main applicant.
The visa is valid for one year, and may be renewed at the discretion
of the Malta government, 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 Malta permanent residency or citizenship / the Malta passport.
(G) MALTA STARTUP RESIDENCE PROGRAMME (MSRP)
The Malta Startup Residence program is available to startup founders,
co-founders, 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. The submission and approval of a formal business plan
is required by the Malta authorities.
Applicants are also 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.
This program does not lead to Malta citizenship
/ the Malta passport.
Malta Residency Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Questions and Answers about the Malta Residency Programs
Seeking Answers? Start Here.
The following are select questions frequently asked about the various Maltese residency programs. If you don't find your answers here, please contact us at your convenience.
Q: Are your attorneys licensed by the Malta government?
A: Yes. Our immigration attorneys are licensed "Authorized Registered
Mandatories" as designated by the Government of Malta (Aġenzija
Komunita' Malta). Applicants are not permitted to file residency
or citizenship applications themselves due to the complexities involved
in preparing all government-mandated application forms.
Applications may only be submitted to the Malta government by an
agent licensed by the Community Malta Agency. Feel free to
peruse the
profiles of our attorneys.
Q: Will the Malta residency automatically lead to Malta
citizenship and the Malta passport?
A: No. None of the residency program automatically lead to Malta
citizenship. Malta permanent residents may file a citizenship application
after 6 years in residency status, but there is no guarantee that
an approval will be granted, and applications typically take 10
to 15 years to reach the approval stage.
If you are interested in Malta citizenship / the Malta passport
please review our
Malta Citizenship page or use our
contact form.
Q: What is the difference between the Naturalisation
for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Regulation and the
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?
A: The Malta Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by
Direct Investment Regulation (Maltese Exceptional Investor
Naturalisation / MEIN) is a program that offers qualified applicants,
including EU nationals and non-EU nationals, Malta residency and
citizenship (the Malta passport) in return for a one-time contribution
to the Malta economy as outlined on our Malta Citizenship by Investment
page.
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP),
on the other hand, leads to residency, meaning the permission to
live in Malta as long as desired, and visa-free travel to all European
countries within the Schengen area for 90 out of 180 days. It does
not automatically lead to the Maltese (EU) citizenship and the Malta
passport. Residents may file a citizenship application after 6 years
in residency status, but any citizenship application may be approved
or rejected entirely at the discretion of the minister and the department
in charge at that time. There is no guarantee that an approval will
be granted, and applications typically take 10 to 15 years to reach
the approval stage.
Q: How will new residents be taxed?
A: In general, Malta taxation is only based on domicile (your permanent
home), and not on residency or citizenship status.
Under Maltese Law, at birth you automatically acquire your domicile
status (Domicile of Origin) from your father. If your father later
changes his domicile to a new location (Domicile of Choice), yours
automatically changes to this new location as well. On attaining
the age of 18, you are allowed to acquire a new domicile of choice,
but there is no such requirement.
This means if you don’t make Malta your domicile, then only
income and capital gains generated from activities inside Malta
are fully taxable. Income, such as from employment, arising outside of Malta and not sent
to Malta is not taxable. In addition, capital gains or savings generated outside of Malta even if brought into Malta are not taxable for non-domiciled
residents.
In other words, tax is due only on (a) income generated inside of
Malta, (b) capital gains arising inside of Malta, and (c) income
generated outside of Malta and remitted to Malta.
Other Tax Considerations:
- No inheritance or death taxes
- No estate duty
- No net worth or wealth taxes
- No municipal taxes, rates or real estate taxes
Q: Can I include my family with my Malta residency application?
A: Yes. Depending on the type of residency program selected, the
main applicant may include dependents, such as a spouse, children,
parents, and grandparents who rely on the main applicant for financial
support.
Q: Will my residency expire?
A: The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) confers residency
for life. Other residence programs require periodic renewals.
Q: Do I need to move to Malta or live in Malta for a
minimum number of days during the year to qualify for residency?
A: In general, applicants do not need to move to Malta or live in
the country year-round. A genuine link with the country can be evidenced
by, for example, several visits per year, showing water and electricity
bills, having a club membership, engaging in any business activity
in Malta, and similar. Our attorneys will assist you to be in full
compliance with Maltese regulations depending on the residence program
of your choice.
Q: How long does the application processing take until
I get residency?
A: In general, application processing takes at least 2-3 months,
depending on the type of residency program selected. In no small
part, processing times depend on how fast the applicant can provide
supporting documentation.
Q: Can you help me find suitable real estate in Malta?
A: Yes. Feel free to browse available properties with pictures and
prices on our Malta real estate
page.
In addition, we offer a full range of professional
real estate services to buyers; please request our "Malta Real Estate
Services" brochure for details.
Further, we are associated
with licensed real estate agencies and developers in Malta and can
help you find a property that fulfills all application requirements.
We will ensure that your preferred property meets the minimum standards
of your residency or citizenship application as many properties
currently do not meet these requirements. Having rented or bought
a property that does not meet the government regulation can lead
to a lot of frustration and additional expenses when trying to bring
such a property up to code.
Our professional relationships in Malta guarantee to our clients
a smooth, comprehensive service that includes identifying suitable
properties, providing transport for property viewings, drafting/reviewing
legal contracts, and/or liaising with local notaries and architects
as needed.
When you decide on a property for purchase we can set up a Power
of Attorney to appear on your behalf without the need for you to
travel to Malta to finalize the transaction.
Q: What does "Schengen Area" mean?
A: Malta residency/citizenship allows you to travel without restrictions
across the "Schengen Area" of the European Union. The Schengen zone
is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport
and immigration controls at their common borders. It functions as
a single country for international travel purposes, with a common
visa policy. Source:
Wikipedia
Please contact us for a detailed cost estimate or confidential consultation in person, or by phone, Zoom, or email. Our attorneys are ready to assist you with attaining your investment objectives and answer any questions you might have about immigrating to Malta.
Zenturo Ltd.
Residency & Citizenship by Investment
Programs Worldwide
394A / 395A, Triq il-Kbira San Guzepp
Santa Venera, SVR 1016
Malta
Phone: +356 9950
5515
WhatsApp: +356 9991 4125
Telegram: +356 9991 4125
WeChat 微信: ZenturoSupport
Skype: Zenturo Ltd. Support
Service Inquiries: service@zenturo.com
General Counsel: legal@zenturo.com
Company Registration No.: C-39472
VAT ID: MT-18142026
All of our Malta immigration attorneys are government-licensed
Authorised Registered Mandatories.
License: AKM-BALD
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