Malta Residency Program

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Malta

The establishment of the Maltese Exceptional Investment Naturalisation (MEIN) by the Maltese government allows for the granting of Maltese citizenship following a period of residency in Malta and through direct investment in Malta – contributing to the social and economic development of the country. One application can include the investor, the investor’s spouse, unmarried dependents under 29 if financially dependent on the investor, and parents and grandparents over the age of 55 who are largely supported by the investor.

Government

Unitary Parliamentary Republic

Population

574,000 (2024)

Official Language

Maltese, English

Climate

15 degrees C Winter I 32 degrees C Summer

Member of

European Union

Visa Free Travel

172 Countries

Time to Passport

12 months

Procedures for Residency in Malta

Step 1

Candidate must complete the due diligence form and include scanned copies of all dependents’ passports who will be included in the application for Malta citizenship by investment.

Step 2

Once due diligence is complete, if favorable, the professional team will begin working on the initial Malta residency by investment application. Once almost complete, a request will be submitted to the Community Malta Agency (CMA), which is the government agency overseeing MEIN. Within 30 days, the candidate will receive an appointment to visit Malta and complete biometrics of all adult applicants in order to issue the Malta residence permit cards.

Step 3

The candidate will lease a property for a minimum of 36 months in Malta or purchase a property in order to fulfill the initial Malta residency requirements. This is meant to demonstrate genuine ties to the country. The professional team may assist in helping the candidate find the appropriate property for leasing or purchasing.

Step 4

The first visit to the Community Malta Agency is completed. Approximately, 15-25 business days after this visit, the initial Malta residence cards will be issued. Some time should be spent in Malta at this time during the residency stage.

Step 5

Shortly after the appointment with the Community Malta Agency, the Malta citizenship by naturalization application can begin. Certain required documents will need to be notarized in Malta. Necessary appointments in relation to your application (such as the health visit) will also be coordinated by the professional team. The professional team will assist in filling out all required forms for submission.

Step 6

Once the candidate receives an Approval in Principle, the remaining balance of the contribution owing to the National Development and Social Fund will be due within 45 days. The remaining obligations, such as proof of property purchase or lease, and charity donation, will also need to be fulfilled.

Step 7

Once all the monetary requirements have been fulfilled, the Maltese government will issue an invitation letter for the candidate to visit Malta to swear the Oath of Allegiance. Each member of the family over 18 must take this oath. Shortly after this, a Certificate of Naturalization under the Malta citizenship program will be issued, and the Malta passport application can be compiled and submitted. Once submitted, the Malta passports may be picked up in a matter of weeks. Every member of the family above the age 6 will be required to provide biometrics for their passport.

Requirements for Citizenship by Merit in Malta

Principal applicant must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

  • Must show they have been a resident of Malta for at least three years (one year by exception) and demonstrate connecting factors to Malta during this residency period to qualify for Malta citizenship by residency.

The following criteria must be met:

  • 16,000 EUR per annum of a leased residential property in Malta, which must be held for at least five years post naturalization, OR 700,000 EUR purchase of a residential property in Malta to be held for at least five years post naturalization under the Malta residence by investment program.
  • 10,000 EUR donation to a registered philanthropic cause, cultural, sports, or animal welfare agency approved by CMA.
  • Global health insurance must be acquired and maintained during the Malta residency program period.
  • A 600,000 EUR investment (for 36-month passport route) OR 750,000 EUR investment (for 12-month passport route) in the National Development and Social Fund as part of the Malta investment visa.
    • 50,000 EUR additional for spouses
    • 50,000 EUR additional per dependent, unmarried and under age 29
    • 50,000 EUR additional per parents and grandparents over the age of 55

The following candidates will be ineligible to get Malta citizenship:

  • The candidate has been denied a visa to a country with which Malta has visa-free travel arrangements and has not subsequently obtained a visa to the country which has issued the denial.
  • 1 those who are subject to a criminal investigation those considered to be a threat to national security
  • Those involved in any activity likely to cause disrepute to the country
  • Those providing falsified information.
Find out more

What is Malta Residency?

Choosing to reside in Europe brings many benefits – access to high-quality education and healthcare, freedom of movement within the Schengen Area, and increased stability and lifestyle opportunity for you and your family. The Republic of Malta, a member of the European Union and the Schengen Zone, offers an attractive solution through its investment-based residence programme. In this guide, we explain exactly what Malta residency is, how the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) works, and why it could be the strategic choice for international investors.

Why Choose Malta for Residency?

Malta has developed a strong reputation as a secure, stable and predictable jurisdiction for residence by investment. It combines the appeal of a Mediterranean lifestyle with pragmatic advantages:

  • As an EU and Schengen-Area country, Malta offers access to Europe’s markets and mobility opportunities.
  • With strong rule of law, transparent regulation and favourable climate, it ranks as a sought-after destination for affluent families and global citizens.
  • Its strategic location in the heart of the Mediterranean grants excellent air links to Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
  • The quality of life in Malta – from education and healthcare to cultural amenities – makes it ideal for those seeking more than just a residence but a lifestyle transition.

In short: if you are a non-EU investor looking to secure a European base for your family, Malta offers a compelling, streamlined route.

Overview of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme is specifically designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who wish to acquire the right to reside indefinitely in Malta through a qualifying investment. It differs from standard residence permits in that it is tailored for globally mobile investors and their families. Under the MPRP you receive a Maltese residence certificate, and you and your eligible dependents gain the right to live, study and work in Malta, with visa-free access to the Schengen Area (for short-stay travel).

Throughout the process, you retain your existing citizenship and are not required to renounce it. You also benefit from the security of the EU’s social and legal system, while enjoying the flexibility to reside globally.

Key Benefits of Malta Residency by Investment

When you pursue the MPRP, the following benefits stand out:

  • EU residence base: You obtain the right to reside indefinitely in an EU Member State.
  • Visa-free travel: You gain access to the Schengen Area, enabling travel across most of Europe for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
  • Low stay requirement: The programme imposes no strict minimum residency period (i.e., you are not required to live in Malta full-time).
  • Family inclusion: Spouse, dependent children (including adult children under certain conditions), parents and even grandparents can be included in the plan.
  • Quality of life: Malta offers world-class education options, sophisticated health-care infrastructure, and a safe, stable environment – factors that matter when relocating your family.
  • Retain original citizenship: You maintain your current nationality while adding a European residence.
  • Investment flexibility: After the qualifying period you may adjust holdings (subject to programme rules) and live fully independently.

These features make Malta particularly well-suited for high-net-worth individuals seeking a European foothold, for reasons of mobility, education, lifestyle, tax planning or future-proofing assets.

What Are the Requirements & Investment Options?

Eligibility

To qualify for the MPRP you must meet key eligibility criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Be a national of a country outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland.
  • Pass a government-mandated due diligence check (standard for investor-residence programmes).
  • Demonstrate adequate assets: for example, you must hold capital of at least €500,000, of which €150,000 must be in financial assets, or you may alternatively show assets worth not less than €650,000 with at least €75,000 in financial assets.

Investment Options

You must fulfil a “mixed capital requirement” consisting of several components:

  • Real estate or lease: You may either purchase a residential property in Malta for €375,000, or lease a residential property for a minimum of €14,000 per year for at least five years.
  • Contribution to Malta’s economy: You must make a contribution of €37,000 (for the property purchase or leasing option) to the Maltese economy.
  • Charitable donation: A donation of €2,000 to a Maltese-registered non-governmental organisation (NGO).
  • Administration fee: A non-refundable fee of €60,000 (covers principal applicant, spouse/partner and dependents).

In some cases, the minimum investment starts from €169,000 when opting for a lease option.

Application Process

The application is structured in stages:

  1. Assessment & submission – You engage an authorised agent, submit personal documentation and pay required fees.
  2. Due diligence – The Residency Malta Agency conducts thorough checks on the applicant and their background.
  3. Letter of Approval in Principle (LOAP) – Once due diligence is passed, you receive an LOAP, which allows you to proceed with the investment requirements.
  4. Investment completion – You purchase or lease the property, make the economic contribution and donation.
  5. Residence certificate issuance – Upon verification of all steps, Malta issues your permanent residence certificate.

Timeline & Stay Requirements

While actual processing times vary depending on dossier quality and volume, the practical stay requirement in Malta is minimal – there is no minimum stay requirement to maintain the residence status.

This flexibility is particularly appealing for global investors who may want to travel frequently or maintain multiple homes.

Common Questions & Comparisons

Malta Residency vs Malta Citizenship by Investment

It’s important to distinguish residence from citizenship: the MPRP grants residence rights, not citizenship. Citizenship by investment is a different route, with its own criteria and merits. While after five years of residence you may be eligible to apply for Maltese citizenship (subject to additional conditions), citizenship is neither automatic nor guaranteed via the MPRP.

Does Malta Residency Lead to Citizenship?

Yes – after a minimum of five years of holding residence and meeting the naturalisation requirements you may apply for citizenship. However, this path depends on satisfying further criteria set by the Maltese government (including a genuine link to Malta).

The further criteria to apply for Malta Citizenship is through Malta Citizenship by Merit program which are as follows:

  1. The applicant must render (or have rendered) exceptional services or make an exceptional contribution to Malta or to humanity, or their naturalisation must be considered of exceptional interest to the Republic of Malta.
  2. Eligible areas for contributions include (but are not limited to):
  • Science, research, innovation
  • Technology and entrepreneurship
  • Arts, culture, sports
  • Philanthropy, social impact, job-creation initiatives
  1. There is no fixed financial investment threshold specified for this merit-route. The assessment is qualitative rather than based on a set amount.
  2. The decision is discretionary – the relevant Minister (via the Community Malta Agency and an Evaluation Board) assesses each case on a case-by-case basis.
  3. Applicants must undergo strict due diligence (good character, no disqualifying background, integrity checks) and may need to specify how they will continue contributing to Malta after citizenship.
  4. Residence requirement: At least 8 months’ residence in Malta in the period preceding the application is mentioned in the legislative provision for exceptional services by merit.
  5. Proof of a property title or lease in Malta is also required unless waived by the Minister in certain cases. 

What Are the Tax Implications & Stay Obligations?

One of the powerful features of Malta’s residence programme is that there is no mandatory requirement to reside in Malta for a set number of days each year.
 However, for tax residency purposes you should engage professional advice if you plan global income, as Malta has its own tax regime which may apply when you spend substantial time in-country or earn Maltese-sourced income.

Can My Family Be Included?

Yes – your spouse or partner, dependent children and parents and even grandparents may be included. The programme is designed to benefit “whole-family” applicants and offers inclusion up to four generations in some cases.

What Happens After the Five-Year Investment Term?

After five years, when the investment period has been fulfilled, you may retain your Maltese residence status and enjoy the benefits of EU residence. Real estate can be retained or potentially sold after satisfying any applicable holding period. We recommend structured planning to maximise the benefits of property value and residency onward.

How Step Global Group Can Help You

At Step Global, we specialise in guiding high-net-worth clients from the GCC, UAE, India and South Asia through the Malta residency journey with tailored advice at every step:

  • Expert eligibility assessment and customised investment planning.
  • Coordination of property acquisition in Malta – purchase or lease – through trusted networks.
  • Preparation and management of all documentation and liaison with Maltese authorities.
  • Due diligence support and advisory to ensure compliance and a smooth process.
  • Post-grant support: relocation logistics, family integration, schooling, banking and lifestyle setup.
  • Transparent cost structure and timeline planning – no surprises, just results.

Our regional focus means we understand the specific needs of investors from the Middle East and South Asia: from multi-jurisdictional tax structuring, to education for globally mobile families, to multi-asset portfolios and residence diversification.

About Step Global

Step Global is the leading immigration consultancy and advisory firm headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates – a hub for effectively servicing clients from the GCC and MENA region, including India and Pakistan. We are comprised of a network of globally licensed lawyers, investment advisors, immigration specialists, and real estate experts who provide active guidance through the entire immigration process. Acting as a single point of contact between all parties involved, we ensure the most optimal chances for approval of your application for migration.

Our partner firms meet high standards to be part of our international network and are respected by peers in the legal and business communities. As a result, Step Global only offers investment immigration visa programs that are well-reputed globally and provide access to the top-ranked passports worldwide as per the Passport Index.

Step Global bridges the gap of future planning for its high-net-worth clientele by providing additional required services including Wealth and Tax planning and Executive Lifestyle Management Services. Step Global has taxation specialists who help clients fully prepare for their financial future. With over a decade of experience in estate planning and investment consultation, and international taxation guidance, our experts can guide HNWIs on how to best appreciate and protect their capital.

This branch of the business is titled Step Wealth, and we’re proud to boast a solid track record of clients making significant capital gains through investment, taxation consultation, and estate planning.

Why Choose Us for Your Immigration Journey:

13+ years of experience in the field of investment immigration
Award winning lawyers and specialists on the ground and supervising each file
Partnerships with only the top and most reputed law firms, immigration, and tax specialists in the world
Highest track record of immigration petition approvals in the region
Holistic approach to future planning for each and every candidate

Malta Citizenship by Naturalization Pricing

Single Applicant 12 months: EUR 5,000

Single Applicant 36 months: EUR 5,000

Single Applicant 12 months: EUR 750,000

Single Applicant 36 months: EUR 600,000

Single Applicant 12 months: EUR 96,000

Single Applicant 36 months: EUR 128,000

Single Applicant 12 months: EUR 10,000

Single Applicant 36 months: EUR 10,000

Single Applicant 12 months: EUR 15,000

Single Applicant 36 months: EUR 15,000

Single Applicant 12 months: EUR 70,000 (Main applicant)

EUR 15,000 (Per Dependent)

Single Applicant 36 months: EUR 70,000 (Main Applicant)

EUR 15,000 (Per Dependent)

Single Applicant 12 months: EUR 25,500

Single Applicant 36 months: EUR 25,500

Single Applicant 12 months: EUR 973,000

Single Applicant 36 months: EUR 855,000

Malta Citizenship by Investment

FAQs

It is a Malta-government approved investment-residence scheme for non-EU nationals, which grants the right to reside indefinitely in Malta, subject to investment and due diligence.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, hold sufficient capital (e.g., €500,000 with €150,000 in financial assets) and pass background checks.

Options include purchasing real estate for €375,000 or leasing for at least €14,000 per year for five years; a contribution of €37,000; a €2,000 donation to NGO; and a €60,000 administration fee. Minimum investment starts at approx. €169,000 when leasing option is used.

To qualify for Malta Citizenship by Merit, an applicant must satisfy the following key conditions:

  1. Exceptional Contribution or Service
  2. National Interest Requirement
  3. Residence Requirement
  4. Genuine Link to Malta
  5. Good Character and Due Diligence
  6. Ministerial Discretion
  7. Ongoing Commitment
  8. Supporting Documentation like – Letters of recognition, awards, or achievements, Proof of residence or property lease, References from Maltese institutions or authorities

No fixed minimum stay is required to maintain residence under the programme — giving you flexibility as a global investor.

Yes – the programme allows inclusion of spouse/partner, dependent children, as well as parents or grandparents in many cases.

While residence under the MPRP does not automatically guarantee citizenship, after five years of holding residence and fulfilling additional criteria you may apply for Maltese citizenship.

Processing timelines vary; once you meet the eligibility and investment requirements smoothly, you can expect the residence certificate to be issued within a standard timeframe (please contact us for current estimates).

Once the initial investment period is fulfilled, you remain a resident. You may sell real estate (subject to any holding requirements) or retain it. The residence status stays valid if you maintain obligations.

Other Programs We Offer

We provide a wide range of Citizenship by Investment programs: St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment, St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment.

We provide a wide range of Residency by Investment programs: Canada Residency by Investment, Greece Residency by Investment, Hungary Residency by Investment, Latvia Residency by Investment, Portugal Residency by Investment, UAE Residency by Investment, US Residency by Investment.

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