Malta Golden Visa: Permanent EU Residency Through Investment

The Malta Golden Visa, officially titled the Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP), is a government-approved residency-by-investment scheme that offers permanent residence in Malta to non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. It provides a clear pathway to reside in Malta and travel freely within the Schengen Zone, with the added advantage of lifetime residency from the start.

Unlike many other European golden visa programs that offer temporary residency, Malta’s MPRP grants immediate permanent residency with no renewal required, making it a unique and attractive option for global investors and families.

Investment Requirements

To qualify for the MPRP, applicants must meet a combination of contributions, investments, and real estate commitments:

1. Government Contribution (Non-refundable):
   • €28,000 if purchasing property
   • €58,000 if renting property
2. Property Requirement:
   • Purchase: Minimum €350,000 in central Malta or €300,000 in the south or Gozo
   • Rent: Annual lease of at least €12,000 in central Malta or €10,000 in the south or Gozo
   • Must maintain the property for 5 years
3. Donation:
   • €2,000 donation to a Maltese-registered NGO or charity
4. Administrative Fee:
   • €40,000, partially due at application and partially upon approval
5. Proof of Assets:
   • Minimum capital of €500,000, with at least €150,000 in financial assets

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national
• Clean criminal background (including dependents)
• Must demonstrate sufficient financial means and a legal source of funds
• Valid health insurance covering Malta and the EU
• No stay requirement for maintaining the residency

Family Inclusion

The MPRP allows inclusion of:

• Spouse or long-term partner
• Children (including adult children) who are financially dependent
• Parents and grandparents of the main applicant or spouse

All family members receive permanent residency cards valid for 5 years, renewable.

Key Benefits of the Malta Golden Visa

• Permanent Residency from Day 1: No need to renew temporary permits
• Schengen Zone Travel: Visa-free access to 27 countries
• No Minimum Stay: Flexibility to live abroad and still maintain residency
• Family-Friendly: Generous inclusion of dependents
• English-Speaking Country: Malta is officially bilingual (Maltese and English)
• EU Healthcare & Education: Access to high-quality services
• Favorable Tax Regime: Malta has no worldwide income tax for residents who are not domiciled

Important Notes

• Residency does not lead to Maltese citizenship automatically. Citizenship by investment is available under a separate, more expensive scheme.
• Real estate must be maintained for 5 years, but residency is permanent.
• Applications are handled by licensed agents approved by Residency Malta Agency.

The Malta Golden Visa (MPRP) is a robust, low-maintenance path to permanent EU residency for those seeking stability, mobility, and lifestyle benefits. With no renewal hassles and minimal travel requirements, Malta offers a smart solution for families and investors looking for long-term European access.