The Malta Residency and Visa Program was launched by the government of Malta to offer residence to third-country nationals that are high-income earners and contribute to the economy of the country.
1-year residence in Malta leads to gaining citizenship through the Malta Citizenship by Investment Program.
Benefits of investing in Malta
Malta is a high-income advanced, innovation-driven economy offering foreign investors a lot of benefits in exchange for their investment in the country.
- Residence card in 1-3 weeks for visa-free entry to Schengen states
- Right to live, study and work in Malta
- Productive English-speaking workforce
- Favourable geographic location
- Fully developed open market economy
- Politically and economically stable EU state
- High standards of healthcare and education
- Low crime rate
- No tax on property
- Low corporation tax
- Stable property market
- Easy connections with EU and neighbouring countries
Eligibility and requirements
- Main applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
- Annual income of not less than €100,000 arising outside of Malta or possessing a capital of not less than €500,000.
- Ability to maintain themselves and dependants.
- All applicants must be in good health and have health insurance.
- Clean criminal record and good character.
- Pay a non-refundable initial fee of €5,500.
- Pay additional €5,000 for the main applicant (+€1,000 for a spouse or dependant).
Period of grant and renewal
The residence certificate is issued indefinitely. It will be monitored annually for the first five years from its issue, and every five years thereafter. It means that applicant will need to visit Malta to renew it every year for the first 5 years and then once every 5 years.
Investment requirements
The following payments and contributions must be made in order to qualify for Malta’s residency.
1. Government contribution
A contribution of €30,000 must be made in the following order: €5,500 are non-refundable and paid upon submission of the application, and €24,500 – after a residence permit is issued.
2. Investment in real estate
Purchase or lease a qualifying property for at least 5 years with the following minimum values:
- Malta: Purchase €320,000 / Lease €12,000 per annum
- Gozo/ South of Malta: Purchase €270,000 / Lease €10,000 per annum
[/customListMarkerColor]
3. Investment in bonds
Purchase of government bonds for at least €250,000; they must be held for at least 5 years from the date of issue.
Other fees and charges apply.
Global Residence Program for special tax status
This program is aimed at third-country nationals who work or are self-sufficient to maintain themselves and their dependants without recourse to public funds. Successful applicants will be offered a preferential tax status in exchange for their investment in purchase or lease of qualifying real estate for a minimum of €220,000 or €8,750 per year correspondingly, based on the location of the property. And the property needs to be declared the applicant’s principal place of residence worldwide, so it cannot be let or sublet.
Residence Program for special tax status for EU/EEA/Swiss nationals
The Residence Program was launched to attract EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who are not permanent residents of Malta. They will be offered a preferential tax status in exchange for their investment in real estate located in Malta that must be also declared their principal place of abode.
Malta Retirement Program
This program was designed to attract EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who are not employed and who receive their pension in Malta, and that pension is their regular source of income constituting 75% their chargeable income.
