Residence in Malta

Malta offers several routes to residency schemes for EU and non-EU nationals, with different requirements. We’ve prepared a summary of what some of these schemes offer to give you an overview of the options. 

Malta Ordinary Residence Scheme

The Ordinary Residence Scheme offers residence rights, including tax residence, to persons from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. The eligibility for this scheme includes having a stable income and valid travel documents, as well as making a property commitment. The property can be a rental of at least €8750 yearly, or a purchase of at least €220,000. Successful applicants and their families will be able to live and work in Malta, enjoy Schengen travel opportunities, and can apply the 15% tax rate on income arising outside of Malta.

Learn more about the Malta Ordinary Residence Scheme

The Malta Residence Programme

The Malta Residence Programme (TRP) was launched in 2014 for nationals from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, and their families, offering the right to take up residence in Malta. In order to take up this scheme, a person must hold a qualifying property which is occupied as their principal place of residence, either through rental (with an annual lease of at least €8750), or through purchase (with a value of not less than €220,000). Beneficiaries will be granted special tax status, being subject to a 15% tax rate on any income that is received in Malta from foreign sources.

Malta Global Residence Programme

The Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP) offers residence in Malta to persons who are not nationals of the EU, EEA or Switzerland. In order to take up this scheme, a person must reside in a property in Malta as their principal place of residence. This property can be rented (with an annual lease of at least €8750), or purchased (with a value of not less than €220,000). The applicant must have health insurance and valid travel documents, and also be able to communicate in Maltese or English. The Global Residence Programme grants a special tax rate of 15% for the applicant and their family on any income they bring to Malta.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme

In 2021, the Malta Residence and Visa Programme (MRVP) was discontinued and replaced by the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP). This programme offers residency by investment to those outside of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. Beneficiaries will enjoy visa-free travel across the Schengen area, for 90 out of 180 days. In order to be eligible under this programme, an applicant must hold property in Malta either through rental (with a minimum annual lease of €10,000) or through purchase (where the property has a value of at least €300,000). Should the applicant choose to rent property, then they must also pay a €58,000 contribution. Applicants opting to purchase property must pay a €28,000 contribution. There is an administrative fee of €40,000 and the requirement to make a €2000 donation to a registered voluntary organisation.  

Our partner law firm specialises in investment and migration law, and is skilled in providing advice to international families on taxation, citizenship and residence. For detailed information on each programme, get in touch with our citizenship and residency specialists.