The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is a residency programme that allows non-EU/EEA nationals to live and work in Malta indefinitely. It was launched in 2021 by the Maltese government to attract foreign investment and boost the economy. This programme is ideal for entrepreneurs, retirees, and high-net-worth individuals seeking permanent residence in a stable and safe country in Europe. Beneficiaries can move to Malta with their families and travel within the Schengen area without needing to obtain a visa. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme has been updated twice in 2025 to make it more accessible to investors.
2025 Updates: Key Changes to the Malta Permanent Residence Programme
Malta has made several changes to its permanent residence programme to increase its appeal. Here are the new updates made to the programme:
Instant Residency While Processing
Applicants can now receive a one-year temporary residence permit for themselves and their dependents once they submit their application. This means you can quickly move into the country even before your application is approved.
Lower Costs for Family Members
The fee for adult dependants has been reduced from €10,000 to €7,500 per person. This saving can enable you to include more family members in your application.
Buyers Can Lease Property Immediately
No need to wait years before leasing a property you purchased for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. Buyers can now lease out their property immediately to generate rental income.
Permission to Rent out Property to Third-Party
Investors who choose to rent a property can now sublet it to someone else after five years, provided the person is not also applying for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme.
Rights to Live, Work, and Study in Malta
With a Malta residence permit, you can live anywhere in the country. You can also work anywhere, run your own business, or study at the top international schools in Malta.
Visa-Free Travel
You get the freedom to travel to 29 Schengen countries without needing to apply for a visa. You can even stay there for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Relocate with Family
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme allows you to relocate to the country with your family. These include your spouse, parents, grandparents, and unmarried children up to 29 years of age.
Tax Neutral
Obtaining Malta's permanent residence does not automatically mean you owe taxes to Malta or change your existing tax situation in other countries.
No Requirement to Live in Malta
You don't even have to move into the country. You can just buy a qualifying property and lease it out to enjoy the benefits of Malta's permanent residency.
High Quality of Life
As a Malta resident, you get access to world-class healthcare and amenities. You can also enjoy the warm Mediterranean climate and stay in a safe and peaceful country, with English as an official language.
Eligibility for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme
To be eligible, you need to:
- Be non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss
- Be over 18 years of age
- Have a clean criminal record
- Be financially independent. You must have at least €500,000 in capital, out of which €150,000 should be financial assets or capital of €650,000, with €75,000 in the form of financial assets.
Qualifying Property Roots for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme
There are two options that you can consider when seeking permanent residency in Malta;
Property Purchase (Buy a Property in Malta and Get Residency)
Buy a residential property worth at least €375,000. Note that you need to hold onto the property for at least five years or until you would like to keep the residency card.
If you want to purchase a property and rent it out, you need to acquire a property in an SDA (Specially Designated Area).
Property Rental (Rent a Property in Malta and Get Residency)
Alternatively, you can also rent a property with an annual rent of at least €14,000.
No matter the investment option you choose, you need to make a contribution of €37,000 to the Maltese government. You will also have to pay a fixed fee of €7,500 for each adult dependent (apart from your spouse).
The administration fee for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme is €60,000 (€15,000 when submitting your application and €45,000 after receiving the Letter of Approval in Principle). You will also have to donate €2,000 to a Maltese NGO or charity.
Get in Touch with Us
For more information about the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, contact us at Arcus Estates. Our dedicated team will be happy to answer all your questions and help you choose the best investment route for you. Reach out today and let's help you secure a residence permit in Malta.