From Tourist to Resident: How To Get Permanent Residency in Malta

Malta offers three main residence options for non-EU nationals: the Permanent Residence Programme for investors seeking long-term EU status, the Nomad Residence Permit for remote professionals earning at least €42,000 (USD 45,780) per year, and the Startup Residence Programme for founders investing €25,000 (USD 27,250) in a Malta-based company. For detailed program criteria and government updates, visit Next Generation Equity’s Malta Residency Overview.

Renowned for transparent regulations and efficient processing, Malta provides one of the most reliable pathways to EU residence for investors, entrepreneurs, and digital professionals. This verified 2025 guide details program requirements, eligibility criteria, and official updates.

Why Malta Works For Globally Mobile Families

Malta is an English-speaking EU state within the Schengen Area, granting residents visa-free access across nearly 30 European countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Residency processing is handled by Identità and the Residency Malta Agency, the official bodies overseeing residence programs. Malta’s stable tax regime, English-language administration, and Mediterranean lifestyle make it a leading relocation choice.

Overview Of Malta’s Residency Routes

Sources: Residency Malta – MPRP Eligibility, Nomad Residence Permit Eligibility and Fees, and Startup Residence Programme Eligibility and Requirements V4.2.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

Legal Basis And 2025 Updates

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme operates under Subsidiary Legislation 217.26, amended by Legal Notice 310 of 2024 and Legal Notice 146 of 2025.

Key 2025 updates include:

• A one-year temporary residence card issued once initial due diligence is cleared, allowing relocation before final approval.

• A simplified fee structure effective 1 January 2025, lowering total costs for families.

• Permission to sublet leased property after five years with landlord consent.

• Clarified deadlines for all contribution and card-fee payments before the residence certificate is issued.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals.

• Not hold citizenship of, reside in, or have close ties with countries currently sanctioned or ineligible for the MPRP: Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen, and Venezuela.
  Applications from the Russian Federation and Republic of Belarus are also currently ineligible. This list may be revised at the discretion of Residency Malta.

• Demonstrate at least €500,000 (USD 545,000) in capital assets, including a minimum of €150,000 (USD 163,500) in financial assets.

• Buy or lease qualifying property in Malta (see thresholds below).

• Pay the administration fee and government contribution in full.

• Make a €2,000 (USD 2,180) donation to a registered Maltese NGO.

• Maintain EU-wide health insurance and pass Residency Malta’s due diligence checks.

• Submit the application through a licensed Maltese agent (direct applications are not accepted).

• Ensure all dependents are principally dependent on the main applicant. Dependence must be demonstrated through an affidavit and supporting financial or family documentation.

• Note that household staff are not eligible dependents under the MPRP.

• There is no age limit for parents or grandparents applying as dependents.

Program Costs (2025 Schedule)

• Administration Fee: €50,000 (USD 54,500) per application, paid €15,000 (USD 16,350) upon submission and €35,000 (USD 38,150) after approval.
  (Pre-2025 applications: €40,000 split into €10,000 + €30,000.)

• Government Contribution: €30,000 (USD 32,700) if purchasing property or €60,000 (USD 65,400) if leasing.
  Covers the main applicant only; €10,000 (USD 10,900) applies per additional dependent.
  (Pre-2025 applications: €28,000 or €58,000 covering main applicant, spouse, and dependent children, plus €7,500 per parent or grandparent.)

• Donation: €2,000 (USD 2,180) to a registered Maltese NGO.

• Due Diligence Fee: €7,500 (USD 8,175) for the main applicant, €5,000 (USD 5,450) for the spouse, and €2,000 (USD 2,180) per adult dependent.

• Card Fee (Identità): €137.50 (USD 150) per person for a five-year card; €27.50 (USD 30) for changes to details or address.

Transitional Fee Note:
Applications submitted before 1 January 2025 follow the earlier contribution structure (€28,000 if purchasing or €58,000 if leasing), covering the main applicant, spouse, and dependent children, plus €7,500 per parent or grandparent. Applications submitted on or after 1 January 2025 follow the updated €30,000 / €60,000 structure, with €10,000 per dependent.

Property Options

• Purchase: Minimum €300,000 (USD 327,000) in Gozo or South Malta, or €350,000 (USD 382,000) elsewhere.

• Lease: Minimum annual rent of €10,000 (USD 10,900) in Gozo or South Malta, or €12,000 (USD 13,080) elsewhere.
  Property must be retained for a minimum of five years from approval.

Adding Dependents After Approval

After a residence certificate is issued, beneficiaries may add new dependents, such as spouses, children, or parents, by submitting a supplementary application through their licensed agent.

Required documents include updated MPRP forms, identification and civil certificates, police clearances (if applicable), and payment of the dependent contribution fee (€10,000 (USD 10,900) per person under the 2025 schedule).

Status And Renewal

Approved applicants receive a Residence Certificate that remains valid indefinitely as long as all obligations are maintained.
The biometric residence card is valid for five years and renewable through Identità.

Holders may reside permanently in Malta and travel visa-free across the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Employment in Malta requires a separate work authorization from Identità.

Nomad Residence Permit

The Malta Nomad Residence Permit allows non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals to reside in Malta while working remotely for employers or clients based abroad.

It is ideal for professionals who want EU residency without changing their employment, offering flexibility and access to Malta’s lifestyle, connectivity, and infrastructure.

This one-year renewable permit enables foreign nationals to legally live in Malta while maintaining their foreign employment or business, making it a preferred option for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and digital professionals.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Work remotely for a foreign employer, company, or clients located outside Malta.

• Earn a minimum annual income of €42,000 (USD 45,780). Those who applied before April 2024 remain eligible under the previous €32,400 (USD 35,316) threshold.

• Provide proof of accommodation in Malta for the duration of their stay.

• Maintain comprehensive health insurance covering Malta and the EU.

• Submit bank statements for the past three months showing regular income.

• Present a clean criminal record through a valid police conduct certificate.

• Spend at least five months physically in Malta during each 12-month permit period.

• Dependents can be included, provided the applicant’s income increases proportionally, +20 percent for a spouse and +15 percent per child.

Fees

• Application Fee: €300 (USD 327) per applicant, paid via bank transfer from the main applicant’s account.

• Residency Card Fee: €100 (USD 109) per person, payable in person by card at Residency Malta’s offices.

• Visa Fees: May apply for nationals requiring entry visas prior to arrival.

• Renewal Fee: €300 (USD 327) annually per person.

These official government fees apply to the main applicant and any dependents. For more information, here is the full Nomad Residence Permit application process

Validity And Renewal

The Nomad Residence Permit is valid for one year and can be renewed annually if the applicant continues to meet all eligibility criteria.
Renewal requires updated proof of remote work, income, accommodation, and health insurance, along with evidence of a minimum five-month physical presence in Malta.

Renewal applications should be filed two to three months before the permit expires. Dependents may renew alongside the main applicant if eligibility is maintained.

Refusals, Revocations, And Administration

Residency Malta reserves the right to refuse or revoke a permit if adverse information arises, eligibility is breached, or national security concerns emerge. Applications may be rejected for reasons such as criminal records, prior Schengen visa refusals, or incomplete documentation.

Residency Malta’s decisions are final and discretionary, and reasons for refusal are not disclosed. Applicants may reapply after 12 months from the rejection date.

All application forms must be signed in blue ink and submitted as PDF documents via the online portal. Non-English documents must include certified English translations, and payment must come directly from the applicant’s bank account. Residency Malta is not liable for delays caused by overstaying or external travel restrictions.

Status

Permit holders enjoy one year of legal residence in Malta, renewable indefinitely under continued compliance. Holders may travel freely throughout the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but may not undertake employment or business activity for Maltese entities. The program’s simplicity, modest financial threshold, and family eligibility make it one of Europe’s most practical remote-work residence options.

For professionals interested in exploring Malta’s work culture, job sectors, and local employment landscape, read our guide on Working in Malta. For a complete application walkthrough and documentation checklist, read our detailed blog on the Malta Nomad Residence Permit.

Malta Startup Residence Programme

Overview

The Malta Startup Residence Programme enables non-EU entrepreneurs, co-founders, and core employees to live in Malta while building innovative businesses under the guidance of Malta Enterprise and Residency Malta.

It provides a secure EU base for startups in emerging industries and supports family relocation, offering long-term residence to founders and their dependents.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be third-country nationals aged 18 or older.

• Have no criminal record, pending charges, or prior rejections for Maltese residency or citizenship.

• Hold comprehensive health insurance valid across the EU.

• Not be nationals of, or have close ties with, Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen, or Venezuela.
  Applications from Russia and Belarus are also ineligible.

• Submit a business plan approved by Malta Enterprise demonstrating innovation, job creation, and growth potential.

• Incorporate the startup in Malta before residence cards are issued, with founders registered as employees of the Maltese entity.

The program also covers core employees with essential skills and immediate family members of founders and co-founders.

Business And Investment Criteria

The business must operate in innovation-driven sectors such as technology, manufacturing, health, sustainability, or life sciences.
Founders are required to make a minimum tangible investment or paid-up share capital of €25,000 (USD 27,250) in the Maltese company.

An additional €10,000 (USD 10,900) applies for each co-founder beyond four, up to a maximum of six co-founders. Founders and co-founders must maintain tax residence and a physical presence in Malta throughout the program.

Permit Durations

• Founders and Co-Founders: 3-year residence permit, extendable for 5 additional years.

• Core Employees: 3-year residence permit, renewable for another 3 years.

• Family Members: Same duration as the main applicant, with work rights available through a separate Jobsplus employment licence.

Fees

• Application Fee: €750 (USD 817) per adult applicant or dependent for a 3-year permit.

• Residence Card Fee: €300 (USD 327) per person for the initial 3-year card.

• Renewal Card Fee: €500 (USD 545) for founders/co-founders (5 years) or €300 (USD 327) for core employees (3 years).

• Employment Licence Fee: €690 (USD 752) for the first 3 years; €1,150 (USD 1,254) for renewal.

• Core Employees’ Salary Threshold: €30,000 (USD 32,700) per year for new applications; €25,000 (USD 27,250) applies to approvals before April 2024.

Status

The Malta Startup Residence Programme offers one of the EU’s most practical business-residency pathways, combining residency rights with entrepreneurial support. It grants founders and their families Schengen travel privileges and access to Malta’s business ecosystem.

Program participants must comply with Maltese tax obligations under the Income Tax Act (Chapter 123 of the Laws of Malta) and maintain active operations to keep their status valid.

Ordinary Residence Vs. Permanent Residence

Malta’s government distinguishes between two main categories:

• Ordinary Residence: Typically for EU or EEA nationals, renewed every five years, with income taxed at progressive rates of 0 to 35 percent.

• Permanent Residence: Available to all nationalities, with foreign income remitted to Malta taxed at 15 percent.

Permanent residents may stay indefinitely but are not Maltese citizens and cannot vote.

Malta’s Schengen And Visa Framework

Malta belongs to the Schengen Zone, which eliminates border checks within member states. Travelers should still carry valid identification for spot inspections.

Tourist Visa

Third-country nationals needing entry clearance can apply for a short-stay Schengen visa for up to 90 days. Extensions are granted by Malta’s Central Visa Unit only in exceptional cases.

Application Process Overview

Applications are submitted through Residency Malta or Identità, sometimes via licensed agents.

Common Document Checklist

1. Valid passport.

2. Proof of assets and income.

3. Purchase deed or rental contract.

4. Health insurance policy.

5. Police clearance certificate.

6. Civil status documents for dependents.

All originals are verified when collecting the residence card.

Double Tax Treaties And Fiscal Advantages

Malta maintains over 70 double-taxation treaties, preventing dual taxation. There is no inheritance, estate, or wealth tax, and property taxes apply only on transactions.

Foreign-source income remitted to Malta is taxed at either the progressive rate (0 to 35 percent) or a flat 15 percent under special tax status programs. For a deeper look at tax rates, exemptions, and planning strategies, read our detailed guide on Malta’s Tax System for Residents.

Everyday Life In Malta

Language And Community

English and Maltese are official languages. Most locals are bilingual, making integration easy for foreign residents.

Healthcare And Education

Public healthcare is free for citizens and EU residents with EHIC coverage. Non-EU residents must hold private insurance.
The University of Malta and international schools offer English-language education to global standards.

Lifestyle And Safety

With over 300 sunny days a year and low crime rates, Malta combines safety, affordability, and a Mediterranean way of life. To understand daily expenses, housing prices, and quality-of-life factors, read our complete guide on the Cost of Living in Malta.

Choosing The Right Route

• MPRP: Best for investors seeking immediate permanent residence and long-term EU mobility.

• Nomad Residence Permit: For remote professionals seeking flexible EU residence without changing employer.

• Startup Residence Programme: For founders wanting to relocate and build a company in Malta.

To compare eligibility, costs, and processing timelines or to begin your application with a licensed advisor, see Next Generation Equity’s Malta Residency Overview.

Compliance And Due Diligence

Residency Malta applies multi-level due diligence covering fund sources and background screening.

All program fees must originate from the applicant’s bank account, and card fees are paid in person during biometrics.
Processing speed depends on document completeness and due-diligence outcomes.

Pre-Move Checklist

• Confirm which program fits your goals and nationality.

• Ensure property meets value thresholds.

• Maintain at least three months of bank statements.

• Arrange EU-compliant health insurance.

• Authenticate civil and financial documents before submission.

Make Your Move With Next Generation Equity

Malta’s residency programs offer legal clarity, government oversight, and tangible lifestyle benefits. Whether investing, working remotely, or building a startup, these structured options provide compliant and secure pathways into the EU.

For expert guidance and compliant filing, contact us at Next Generation Equity or explore the full program details on our official Malta residency page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does MPRP Processing Take?

Residency Malta usually finalizes complete applications within six to twelve months. A temporary one-year residence card can now be issued earlier so families can relocate while final approval completes.

Can I Add Parents Or Adult Children?

Yes. Dependent parents, grandparents, and adult children reliant on the main applicant may be included for an additional fee of €10,000 (USD 10,900) per person.

What If I Sell My Property Early?

Selling or ending a lease before the five-year holding period can void your residence status unless you replace it immediately with another qualifying property.

Can Startup Residents Apply For Citizenship Later?

Yes. After five continuous years of legal residence, founders may apply for citizenship by naturalization under Malta’s general law, subject to Community Malta Agency approval.

What Industries Are Growing In Malta?

Core sectors include financial services, iGaming, blockchain and fintech, maritime, and film production, creating opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs.

Are There Mortgages For MPRP Buyers?

Yes. Maltese banks offer non-resident mortgages to qualified MPRP investors, typically requiring a 30 to 40 percent down payment.

Do Nomad Permit Holders Pay Tax In Malta?

Nomads are generally exempt from Maltese tax on foreign income if they do not serve local clients and spend fewer than 183 days a year in Malta.