Malta Residency by Investment (Malta Golden Visa)

Situations often arise when a person wants or must change the country of residence. The relocation process is usually quite complicated and lengthy. In the first stage, a temporary residence permit (TRP) is usually required. The grounds for obtaining it are quite diverse. It includes study, work, family reunification, business, etc.

Usually, after 3-7 years of legal stay in the country based on a TRP, a person has the right to apply for a permanent permit. After a few more years, a person gets the right to apply for citizenship. However, several countries offer an expedited permanent residency/citizenship process for wealthy individuals. We are talking about residency/citizenship by investment.

Thus, during the last time, the number of such programs decreased. It is primarily related to the risks of money laundering, corruption, terrorist financing, etc.

However, many programs are still available and continue to attract investors from around the world. In this article, we will detailly examine all the features of the Malta residence by investment.

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Types of Residency in Malta

Malta offers a wide range of residency programs. It is also the only EU member with active citizenship by investment option. Here is a list of the most popular Malta residence and visa programs.

Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services for Direct Investment (ESDI)

By L.N. 437 of 2020, the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations, 2020, were implemented. It introduced a residence path that may lead to Maltese citizenship. Citizenship obtained under this route grants the right of full citizenship for life. It also can be passed on to future generations by descent.

Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP)

MPRP was launched in March 2021, by Legal Notice 121 of 2021. The regulations provide the ability for affluent persons of impeccable standing and repute to apply for Maltese residence. The main condition is to invest in property as well as donate to a charity organisation.

Global Residence Program (GRP)

In June 2013, the Government of Malta launched the Global Residence Programme. It is a residency and tax Programme which provides favourable tax incentives to non-EU Nationals. The Programme allows non-EU Nationals to live with their families in a property which they can either buy or rent in Malta and Gozo. It also provides the added benefit of acquiring a tax residence permit. GRP permit holders are not legally bound by minimum stay requirements. However, they are not permitted to spend more than 183 days in any other jurisdiction.

Nomad Residence Program

The NR permit holder enables them to retain their current employment based in another country whilst legally residing in Malta. The Permit is open to non-EU individuals who can work remotely, using telecommunications technologies. A Nomad Residence Permit will be issued for one year and can be renewed.

Malta Retirement Program

The MRP contemplates the granting of special tax status to individuals who meet several conditions. An individual may benefit under this system if he or she receives a pension, as supported by documentary evidence. All the pensions must be received in Malta and form at least 75% of the chargeable income.

Malta Startup Residence Program

This new program is designed to further attract high-quality entrepreneurs to the country. The program provides non-EU citizens residency for 3 years. It can be extended for a further five years.

Benefits and privileges of the Malta permanent residence program by investment

Residence and ability to work in Malta.
Visa-free access to the Schengen zone for 90 days out of 180 days.
No minimum stay requirement. Unlike a classic residence permit, a Maltese golden visa does not oblige you to live in a country at least 183 days a year. You can live whenever you want while keeping a golden visa as long as you hold real estate in the country.
Permanent residence in Malta is an indefinite immigration status. However, the residence card is renewable for 5 years indefinitely as long as the applicant maintains a residential property in the country.
Income is taxable in Malta only if arises in Malta or is remitted to Malta.
An opportunity to add family members to the application. Spouses, children, parents, and grandparents can participate in the application together with the primary applicant.
A possibility to return money invested in real estate. The minimum holding period is 5 years. After its extension, an investor can sell real estate.

How to get a residence in Malta?

Like any other country, Malta offers many grounds for obtaining residency:

Employment;
Education and training;
Family reunification;
Financial stability;
Other programs outlined before.

The best way to get a residence is to apply for one of the existing Malta residency programs. Depending on your aim and budget, you can choose the most suitable option among those varieties.

How Fintech Harbor can help get Malta residence by investment

Our law firm provides a turnkey immigration procedure in Malta. Our comprehensive approach is built on a chain of well-established steps:

Choose the best program. The procedure usually starts with an initial consultation. Our specialists analyze the personal circumstances, financial capacities, and goals of the client. Based on the above, we propose the most suitable solution.
Internal due diligence. In Fintech Harbor Consulting we evaluate the chance of success long before applying. Our existing due diligence procedure prevents unreasonable expenditure of funds by the client if we see that the application will be rejected.
Prepare and submit all necessary documentation. We provide our clients with a full list of documents for the application. Note that the package may significantly differ from case to case. In this regard, we need to receive comprehensive information on the client’s needs and background. We also provide document translation and legalization services.
Conduct with competent authorities. Our firm communicates with Maltese authorities on behalf of the client. We manage correspondence, answer any questions, and guarantee the smooth processing of the residence application.
Monitor the status of the application. Our team assumes responsibility for monitoring every stage of the procedure. We closely monitor the application’s progress to ensure that it is thoroughly evaluated while following all applicable processes and rules. If there are any changes or modifications to the application status, we notify the client as soon as possible.
Assist in the post-approval phase. Recognizing that the road does not end with approval, our firm is dedicated to supporting the client through the next phases. Beyond residency permits, we remain a trustworthy point of contact for the customer. As a full-service legal company, we answer any questions or problems that may arise following approval.

Requirements of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme

To apply for the Malta Permanent Residence Program, the applicant and his family members must meet the following criteria:

To be third-country nationals (non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss);
Not hail from sanctioned countries, as announced from time to time by the Agency;
Do not participate in any other Maltese immigration Program;
To receive stable and regular financial resources sufficient to maintain the applicant and his/her dependants without recourse to the social assistance system of Malta;
To have health insurance that covers all risks across the EU for a minimum of €50,000 per year, per person;

To have capital of at least €500,000, out of which €150,000 must be liquid assets;
To be fit-and-proper individuals and have a clean criminal record;
To fulfil several financial obligations:
1. Administrative Fee: Pay a non-refundable administrative fee of €40,000.
2. Property Investment:
  Rent a property for a minimum of €10,000 in the South of Malta/Gozo or €12,000 in the rest of Malta; or
  Purchase a property for a minimum value of €300,000 in the South of Malta/Gozo or €350,000 in the rest of Malta.
3. Government Contribution: €28,000 if purchasing a property; or €58,000 if renting a property;
4. Dependant Fees: An additional €7,500 for each additional adult dependant (except for the spouse);
5. Donation: €2,000 to a local philanthropic, cultural, scientific, artistic, sport or animal welfare NGO registered with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations.

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List of documents for permanent residence by investment in Malta

To apply for a Malta Permanent Residence by investment, the following list of documents is required:

Passport of the applicant and family members included in the application.
Cover letter.
Proof of funds for the investment.
Source of funds.
Bank statements from your country of origin.
Proof of family relationship, such as:
- Marriage certificate.
- Birth certificate.
- Custody documents (if applicable).
Documents proving financial dependency (for adult children, parents, or grandparents).
Biometric data for the applicant and family members over the age of 12.
Police certificates prove you do not have a criminal background.
Medical reports for yourself and your family.
Any other supporting documents, as required.

Investment options for permanent residence in Malta

Unlike other golden visas, Malta Permanent Residence Programme offers only real estate investment options. However, the applicant still has a right to choose whether he or she wants to rent or buy a residential property.

Renting real estate. The minimum rental price depends on the region:
- €10,000+ annually in the South of the country and on the island of Gozo;
- €12,000+ annually in the North or Centre of the country.
Purchasing real estate. The minimum price of the property also depends on the region:
- €300,000+ in the South of the country and on the island of Gozo;
- €350,000+ in the North or Centre of the country.

The cost of the Malta Permanent Residency Program, including all government fees, is €150,000+ in case of rental. In the case of purchasing real estate, the cost of a Malta Golden Visa starts at €370,000.

Timeframe of residence by investment in Malta

The Malta Golden Visa application criteria and processes are reasonable and clear. However, each case is unique and may require additional time to collect all the documents, find an appropriate property, and fulfil other requirements. After submitting documents, it usually takes 4-6 months to consider an application. Additional 1-3 months are required to collect all necessary paperwork and receive the residence card.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Malta Residency by Investment

What is the Malta Residency by Investment program?

It is an immigration scheme that allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to seek permanent residency in Malta. Applicants must invest in the country and fulfil other financial and eligibility requirements to qualify.

How much do I need to invest for the Malta Golden Visa?

The total number of investments and related government fees starts from €150,000 in the case of renting real estate. This amount increases to at least €370,000 when purchasing real estate.

How much is a residence permit in Malta?

Contact our team and we will calculate a detailed price.

Who is eligible to apply for a residence visa for Malta?

To be eligible for permanent residency in Malta, an investor must meet the following conditions:

To be non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens;
To be over 18 years old;
Not hail from sanctioned countries;
To have capital of at least €500,000, out of which €150,000 must be liquid assets;
To be fit and proper and have a clean criminal record;
To have health insurance.

Is it easy to get a residence permit in Malta?

It depends on the specifications of the particular case. Obtaining permanent residence in Malta is a straightforward and smooth process if you meet the conditions of the program.

What does the MPRP provide?

It provides a permanent residence permit in Malta, which allows one to live, study, work in Malta, travel to Schengen zone countries and many other benefits.

Are there any limitations on the types of investments that can be made?

Yes, there are restrictions on the sorts of investments that can be made under the MPRP. To qualify for residence, candidates must own or rent a residential property in Malta. Other types of investments, such as stocks or bonds, will not allow you to apply for permanent residence.

What are the tax implications of obtaining residency in Malta?

Malta Permanent Residence Programme does not provide you with a wax residency in Malta. Residence for Malta tax purposes is established by physical presence in Malta for 183+ days a year. Persons who are non-tax residents of Malta and who are non-domiciled in Malta, are taxable only on Malta source income and gains. The MPRP does not give beneficiaries any tax benefits.

Can family members be included in the Malta Residency by Investment application?

Yes. MPRP allows to include siblings, children, financially dependent parents, and grandparents in the application.

Does MPRP require a personal visit to Malta?

Yes, the main applicant and all family members included in the application must travel to Malta and provide their fingerprints. After this one-time visit, the applicant may choose whether he wants to reside in Malta or enjoy MPRP benefits in other ways. Note that living outside Malta does not lead to permanent resident status loss.

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