The Malta Permanent Residency Program is a government-backed scheme that grants non-EU nationals and their families indefinite residence rights in Malta through a mix of contributions, property commitments, and donations.
In 2025, the MPRP was updated to simplify contributions, reduce family costs, and introduce a temporary residency card at the application stage.
The scheme continues to stand out in Europe for its balance of affordability, family inclusivity, and fast processing compared to similar residency-by-investment options.
Este artículo trata:
- What is the Malta permanent residency program?
- Who is eligible for permanent residency in Malta?
- How much does it cost to apply for permanent residency in Malta?
- How many years will it take to get PR in Malta?
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La información contenida en este artículo es meramente orientativa. No constituye asesoramiento financiero, jurídico o fiscal, ni una recomendación o solicitud de inversión. Algunos hechos pueden haber cambiado desde el momento de su redacción.
What is the Malta permanent residency program 2025?
En Malta Permanent Residency Program 2025 (MPRP) allows non-EU nationals and their families to obtain the right to reside indefinitely in Malta through an investment and contribution scheme.
Managed by the Residency Malta Agency, the program requires a combination of government contributions, property commitments, and charitable donations.
Unlike temporary visas, permanent residency provides long-term stability and access to the EU Schengen area.
How do I apply for permanent residency in Malta?
Applicants must apply through a licensed agent accredited by the Residency Malta Agency. The process involves:
- Application submission & due diligence: The accredited agent prepares and files the application, after which authorities conduct rigorous background and security checks.
- Payment of contributions and fees: Applicants must pay the required government contribution, administrative fee, and dependant fees where applicable.
- Property commitment: A qualifying property must be purchased or rented in Malta or Gozo in line with the program’s updated thresholds.
- Charitable donation: A mandatory €2,000 donation must be made to a registered Maltese non-governmental organization.
Once all requirements are fulfilled and the application is approved, the applicant is issued a residence certificate.
This document grants indefinite residency rights in Malta and can also cover qualifying dependants such as spouses, children, and parents.
How do you qualify for permanent residency in Malta?
To qualify for the Malta Permanent Residency Program, applicants must:
- Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national. The program is designed exclusively for third-country nationals.
- Have a clean criminal record and good health. Applicants undergo strict due diligence and must show they are not a security risk.
- Show proof of sufficient financial resources. Applicants must demonstrate €500,000 in total assets (with at least €150,000 in financial assets), or alternatively, €650,000 in assets (with at least €75,000 in financial assets) under the updated rules.
- Fulfill investment requirements. This includes paying the government contribution, covering administrative fees, making the €2,000 charitable donation, and committing to qualifying property (purchase of at least €375,000 or rental of at least €14,000 annually).
Are there age limits to Malta residency programs?
There are no strict age limits for the Malta Permanent Residency Program. However, the main applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Dependents can include spouses, children, parents, and grandparents, provided they meet dependency requirements.
How much does the Malta permanent residency program cost?
The cost of the Malta Permanent Residency Program depends on whether the applicant buys or rents property:
- Government contribution: Applicants must pay €30,000 if purchasing property or €60,000 if renting. This is a one-time contribution to the Maltese government.
- Property commitment: Applicants must either purchase qualifying real estate worth at least €375,000 in Malta or Gozo, or rent a property with a minimum annual lease of €14,000.
- Charitable donation: A mandatory €2,000 donation must be made to a registered Maltese non-governmental organization (NGO).
- Administrative fee: A non-refundable €50,000 fee applies, with €15,000 due at the time of application submission and the remainder payable upon approval.
How long does it take to get Malta permanent residence?
The application for the Malta Permanent Residency Program generally takes 4 to 6 months from the date of submission, provided that all required documents are complete and accurate.
This timeline includes the thorough four-tier due diligence checks carried out by the Residency Malta Agency, which assess the applicant’s background, financial standing, and security clearance.
In practice, processing can take longer if authorities request additional documentation, clarifications, or verifications, especially for complex financial histories or family applications.
Delays may also arise if the property commitment or payment milestones are not met on time.
Summary of Malta Permanent Residency Changes in 2025
The Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) has undergone key updates to strengthen due diligence and adjust investment requirements.
The most important changes include:
- Temporary Residency at Application Stage
Applicants now receive a renewable one-year temporary residence card upon submission of their MPRP application and payment of the initial €15,000 fee. This gives families immediate access to Malta while waiting for final approval. - Unified Contribution
A single contribution amount of €37,000 now applies to both property purchasers and renters. This replaces the old system where buyers paid €30,000 and renters €60,000. - Reduced Family Costs
- Spouses and minor children are no longer subject to the former €10,000 contribution fee.
- The fee for each additional adult dependent (18+) is reduced to €7,500 (down from €10,000).
- Additional dependents added later also pay €7,500.
- Administrative Fee Structure
A new €60,000 administrative fee applies, payable in two parts: €15,000 on submission and €45,000 upon approval. - Property-Related Updates
- Immediate Leasing for Buyers: Property purchasers can lease their qualifying property immediately after acquisition, earning rental income while awaiting approval.
- Subletting for Renters: Rental applicants may sublet their property after five years, provided the sub-tenant is not another MPRP applicant.
- Agent Licensing
Licensing authority has been transferred from Agenzija Komunitá Malta to the Residency Malta Agency (RMA). Existing licenses remain valid until December 31, 2025, with new licensing rules forthcoming. - Overall Cost Outlook
The typical total outlay for families (excluding property purchase/lease) now stands at around €100,000, making the program more accessible compared to prior rules.
For quick reference, here’s a comparison of the current and previous program.
| Category | Before 2025 Changes | After 2025 Changes |
| Government Contribution | €30,000 (property purchase) / €60,000 (rental) | Unified €37,000 (applies to both purchase and rental) |
| Administrative Fee | €40,000 (flat fee, paid upfront) | €60,000, split into €15,000 on application and €45,000 on approval |
| Charitable Donation | €2,000 to an approved Maltese NGO | Unchanged – €2,000 to an approved Maltese NGO |
| Property Commitment | Purchase: €300,000 (Gozo/South) or €350,000 (other areas) / Rental: €10,000–€12,000 annually | Purchase: €375,000 (anywhere in Malta/Gozo) / Rental: €14,000 annually |
| Temporary Residency Card | Not available – applicants waited for approval before residency rights | Immediate one-year renewable temporary residency card issued at application stage (after €15,000 payment) |
| Family Member Fees | Spouse/minor children: €10,000 each | Spouse + minor children: €0 (waived) |
| Adult dependents (18+) – €10,000 each | Adult dependents (18+) – €7,500 each | |
| Additional dependents after approval – €10,000 | Additional dependents after approval – €7,500 | |
| Property Leasing Rules (Buyers) | No rental income allowed until after PR approval | Immediate leasing permitted – buyers can generate rental income from purchase date |
| Subletting (Renters) | Not permitted | Allowed after 5 years, provided sub-tenant is not another MPRP applicant |
| Licensing Authority | Agenzija Komunitá Malta | Residency Malta Agency (RMA) – with transition until Dec 31, 2025 |
| Processing Time | 6–8 months (sometimes longer) | Streamlined to 4–6 months (complex cases may take longer) |
What are the benefits of Malta permanent residency program?
Holders of Malta PR enjoy:
- Indefinite residency rights in Malta – Successful applicants receive a permanent residence certificate, allowing them to live in Malta for life without the need for renewals.
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area – PR holders can move freely across 27 EU Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Family reunification – The program covers the main applicant, spouse, dependent children, as well as parents and grandparents, ensuring multi-generational benefits.
- No minimum stay requirement – Unlike other EU programs, there is no obligation to physically reside in Malta to maintain PR status, offering flexibility to frequent travelers.
- Access to Malta’s stable economy, healthcare, and education system – Residents can benefit from Malta’s strong financial environment, robust public and private healthcare services, and high-quality international education options.
What are the disadvantages of being a permanent resident in Malta?
While the program is attractive, there are drawbacks:
- Significant upfront costs and ongoing property commitments – Between government contributions, administrative fees, charitable donations, and real estate commitments, the financial threshold can be high compared to other EU residency schemes.
- Limited work rights – Permanent residency in Malta does not automatically entitle holders to work. Separate employment licenses or permits must be obtained, which can be restrictive for those seeking professional opportunities.
- No political rights or EU citizenship benefits – Unlike Maltese citizenship, PR status does not include the right to vote, hold office, or access the full benefits of an EU passport such as free movement, work, or settlement across the EU.
- Annual compliance and monitoring obligations – Residents are subject to periodic checks to confirm they continue meeting the program’s requirements, such as property and financial commitments, which adds an element of ongoing responsibility.
What are the different types of residency permits in Malta?
Malta offers several residency pathways, each designed for different applicant profiles:
- Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP): For non-EU nationals seeking permanent settlement through investment.
- Global Residence Program (GRP): For individuals relocating to Malta with a favorable tax status but without permanent residency rights.
- Ordinary Residence: For EU/EEA/Swiss nationals residing in Malta for employment or retirement.
- Nomad Residence Permit: For digital nomads and remote workers.
- Student and Work Residence Permits: For those studying or employed in Malta.
Is Malta PR worth it?
For many investors and families, Malta PR is worth it due to its strong EU mobility benefits, stability, and family inclusivity.
However, it may not be ideal for those seeking full EU citizenship, as the program only grants residency, not nationality.
Individuals should weigh the costs, requirements, and long-term goals before applying.
Conclusión
The Malta Permanent Residency Program remains one of Europe’s most appealing residency-by-investment options, especially after the 2025 updates that lowered family costs, introduced faster access through temporary residency cards, and added flexibility for property use.
While it does not grant citizenship or EU-wide work rights, it offers long-term stability, Schengen mobility, and multi-generational benefits that make it an attractive choice for globally mobile families seeking a secure base in Europe.
Preguntas frecuentes
Why did so many people leave Malta?
Many expats left Malta due to rising living costs, limited housing availability, and concerns about overcrowding.
Others cite stricter residency compliance rules and employment restrictions as additional reasons.
How much is the minimum wage in Malta in 2025?
For 2025, the national minimum wage per week of whole-time employees is:
-Age 18 years and over: €221.78
-Age 17 years: €215.00
-Under 17 years: €212.16
Can you work with permanent residency?
No, permanent residency in Malta does not automatically grant work rights.
A separate work permit or employment license is required to legally work in the country.
Is it hard to get residency in Malta?
Residency in Malta is relatively accessible compared to other EU countries, especially through the Malta Permanent Residency Program.
The process is clear and streamlined, but applicants must meet strict due diligence checks, significant financial commitments, and ongoing property or rental obligations.
Some expats also find long-term compliance rules and administrative requirements challenging.
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