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Malta | EU Visa Free
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: 540,000
Language: English, Maltese
Timezone: GMT+1
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Program Started: 2013
Malta’s Permanent Residency by Investment Programme grants non-EU citizens the right to live in and travel through the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Updated in 2020, the MPRP offers two clear paths: purchase property (≥ €375k–€350k) or rent (≥ €12k–€14k/year), each with corresponding Government contributions (€30k–€60k). A €50k non-refundable administrative fee, along with a €2k charitable donation is mandatory.
Applicants must pass due diligence, have valid health insurance, and maintain qualifying property for five years. Successful residents enjoy Malta’s high standard of living, EU access, and potential eligibility for citizenship after five years of physical presence.
Residency Today, Citizenship Tomorrow.
Malta residency leads to long-term citizenship eligibility. Residents can apply for citizenship after 5 years of physical presence (183+ days/year), separate from the CBI route.
With residence secured through investment, you unlock full mobility across the EU, stay flexibility, and the opportunity for EU citizenship down the line.
Free From Borders monitors eligibility and guides clients through preparation, secure status renewal, and future naturalisation pathways—protecting your investment and future options.
Choose Your Malta Home – Purchase or Rental Path.
There are two clear, government-backed property routes:
Purchase Option:
Buy property in Malta or Gozo ≥ €375,000 in southern regions or ≥ €350,000 elsewhere.
→ Includes a €30,000 government contribution.
Rental Option:
Lease a property for ≥ €12,000/year in Gozo/south Malta or ≥ €14,000 elsewhere, for 5 years.
→ Includes a €60,000 government contribution.
Additional costs include a €50,000 administrative fee, €2,000 NGO donation, plus €10,000 per dependent (spouse/children) and a valid health insurance policy covering Malta and the EU.
Residency permits are issued after compliance with these rules. Free From Borders coordinates all property, financial submissions, and agency communications—ensuring full transparency and zero confusion.
Minimal Obligations, Maximum Mobility.
You must hold your qualifying property for 5 years; rental or purchase is mandatory throughout that period.
You aren’t required to reside full-time—standard Schengen rules apply (90 days in 180). Applicants must be 18+, pass strict due diligence, hold health insurance, and have no serious criminal record.
Dependents—spouse, children, and dependent parents—can be included for €10,000 each. You’re free to live and work in Malta, but EU working rights depend on your visa/residency status.
We track all requirements and keeps you ahead of renewals and compliance needs, reducing risk and time spent.
Residency Without Tax Surprise.
Residency is granted without requiring Malta tax residency—citizenship is not automatic. You’re taxed on Malta-sourced income, and only your foreign income remitted to Malta is taxable.
There’s no worldwide income tax liability, making this an ideal option for those with global assets. No wealth, gift, or inheritance taxes. Property taxes are minimal.
With over 70 double tax treaties, Malta offers efficient fiscal planning. After 4+ years of residence, you may qualify under Malta’s tax schemes like the Highly Qualified Persons rules (subject to eligibility).
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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