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Malta | EU Permanent VISA
Starts at €375,000
EU Visa Free
6 Months Processing Time
Malta | Starts at $375,000 | EU Visa Free
Essential Information
Country: Malta
Capital: Valletta
Population: 520,000
Language: Maltese, English
Timezone: GMT+1
Currency: Euro (EUR)
VISA Free Access: EU VISA Free
Program Started: 2015
Program Overview
Malta’s Permanent Residency by Investment Programme (MPRP) grants non-EU nationals the right to reside in Malta and travel freely across the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Updated in 2020, the programme offers one of Europe’s most stable and reputable residency options, backed by a transparent regulatory framework. Investors can choose between a property purchase or rental route, both tied to government contributions and strict due diligence.
With EU access, a high standard of living, and potential future citizenship, Malta is an ideal base for global investors seeking security and flexibility.
Investment & Pricing Options
Applicants must select either the purchase or rental route:
Purchase Route: Acquire property worth at least €375,000 (Malta) or €350,000 (Gozo/southern Malta), plus a €30,000 government contribution
Rental Route: Lease a property for €14,000/year (Malta) or €12,000/year (Gozo/southern Malta), plus a €60,000 government contribution
Both options require a one-time €50,000 administrative fee, a €2,000 donation to a Maltese NGO, and €10,000 per dependent. Health insurance covering Malta and the EU is mandatory.
Free From Borders handles the entire submission process—property checks, compliance documents, and due diligence—ensuring accuracy at every stage.
Eligibility & Dependents
The programme is open to applicants aged 18+, with no serious criminal record and a clean financial background.
Dependents can include your spouse, children, and parents, each added for €10,000. There’s no requirement to live full-time in Malta—residency is granted regardless of physical presence, provided you maintain your qualifying property.
Residency cards are valid for five years, with renewals available. Free From Borders manages compliance to ensure clients remain eligible without disruptions.
Application Timeline & Process
Applications are typically approved within 4–6 months. Once residency is granted, investors may apply for Maltese citizenship through naturalisation after maintaining physical presence in Malta for five full years (183+ days annually).
This is a separate route from Malta’s direct CBI programme but allows for long-term EU access and potential citizenship through residence. Free From Borders tracks your eligibility and handles renewals, ensuring a smooth journey toward full EU rights.
Why choose Malta?
Malta does not impose tax on worldwide income unless it’s remitted to Malta. You are only taxed on income earned within Malta or foreign income brought into the country.
There are no inheritance, wealth, or gift taxes, and property tax is minimal. With over 70 double taxation treaties, Malta provides a highly efficient environment for international financial planning. For long-term residents, schemes like the Highly Qualified Persons Rule may offer further incentives.
Free From Borders offers full transparency and can connect you with local tax advisors where needed.
What Are the Procedures and Timeline for the Malta Residency by Investment Program?
After a due diligence check, you choose rent or purchase. Once property is secured and payment made, your residency permit is typically issued within 4–6 months.
Can I obtain residency in Malta while retaining my current passport?
Yes. Malta grants permanent residency, not citizenship. You retain your current nationality, and dual nationality is allowed for citizenship later.
Legal Basis for Malta Residency by Investment:
The programme is governed by LN 553 of 2020 under the Aliens Act, detailing property, contribution, and insurance requirements.
Which EU/Schengen countries can I travel to with my Maltese residency permit?
At present, the Malta residency card offers EU Schengen access to the below:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
We advise consulting with your Free From Borders advisor for the most up-to-date information at the time of your application. We are not responsible for any changes to the above that occur during or after your application is completed, as these changes are beyond our control and at the discretion of foreign governments' border policies.
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