Malta Residency by Investment

About Malta

Malta is a 3 island archipelago located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. While deemed one of the top 10 smallest countries in the world, Malta offers a highly developed infrastructure with superior health, education, and financial services. With pro-business policies, special tax incentives, and the government’s regulatory framework for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, Malta has become a premier destination for investors.

Along with a stable political environment and growing economy, Malta boasts stunning landscapes with gorgeous beaches and historic sites. The previous residency program, MRVP, was launched in 2015 and recently updated in 2021, now known as the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) directed by a new agency called Residency Malta Agency. Successful applicants are able to obtain residency within 6-8 months and eventual EU Citizenship.

Prime Minister:
Robert Abela

Government:
Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic

Economy:
Tourism and financial

Currency:
Euro

Capital City:
Valletta

Population:
over 460,000

Language:
English and Maltese

Members of:
EU Member Country,United Nations,Commonwealth

Benefits

Fast-track
Process

Investment Required
After Approval

Visa-free access
to Schengen Zone

Attractive
Tax Regime

No
residency requirements

Mediterranean
lifestyle

High standard of
education and healthcare

Live, work* and
study in Malta

Leads to
citizenship

*Work permits are a separate process and can easily be obtained once residency is approved.

Visa Free Countries

Applicants can enjoy the right to live, work and study in Malta as well as enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone (90 days within a 180 days period).

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Four of these countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) are not members of the EU but enjoy similar rights under the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Eligibility

Applicants proceeding with the residency by investment program must be at least 18 years of age and hold a clean criminal record. The Residency Malta Agency conducts a thorough due diligence process to ensure only the highest moral standing applicants can proceed. Applicants are required to provide personal documentation such as passports, national IDs, birth and marriage certificates as well as proof of funds.

Full Requirements Checklist

Investment Options

Option 1: Property Acquisition

Economic
Donation

Invest a non-refundable donation of at least EUR 68,000 into the Malta National Development & Social Fund, inclusive of the EUR 40 000 administration fee.

Philanthropic
Donation

Invest a non-refundable donation of at least EUR 2,000 in a registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare or artistic non-governmental organization or society.

Real
Estate

EUR 300,000 in property acquisition maintained for at least 5 years in the South of Malta or Gozo; OR EUR 350,000 in property acquisition maintained for at least 5 years in other areas of Malta.

Proof of
assets

Applicants must show proof of at least EUR 500 000 in capital assets with at least EUR 150,000 as liquid assets.

Option 2: Property Lease

Economic
Donation

nvest a non-refundable donation of at least EUR 98 000 into the Malta National Development & Social Fund, inclusive of the EUR 40,000 administration fee.

Philanthropic
Donation

Invest a non-refundable donation of at least EUR 2,000 in a registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare or artistic non-governmental organization or society.

Real
Estate

Lease a rental Property for at least EUR 10,000 per year for a 5 year period in the South of Malta or Gozo; OR Lease a rental Property for EUR for at least 12,000 per year for a 5 year period in other areas of Malta.

Proof
of assets

Applicants must show proof of at least EUR 500,000 in capital assets with at least EUR 150,000 as liquid assets.

Additional investment for dependents:

Spouse: EUR 7,500
Parents / grandparents: EUR 7,500
Children: EUR 5,000
Spouse of children dependents: EUR 7,500

Addtional Fees

Process

The residency process is broken into 2 main categories: provisional residency and then permanent residency.

1. Speak with one of our advisors to determine the best solution for you and your family. We will discuss the various residency options along with the process and investment options of each program. We offer tailored solutions to assist and meet your goals.

2. We will conduct our initial due diligence check to ensure that you do not currently hold any criminal charges and are eligible to proceed with the Malta Residency Visa program. To process the initial due diligence check, a copy of passports for all applicants over 12 and a copy of proof of address (such as a utility bill) is required.

3. Offshore Circle requires a non-refundable retainer to supply application forms and work on your application file.Offshore Circle will also provide a customized and itemized list of requirements to ensure you meet and comply with all requirements set by Residency Malta Agency.Applicants are required to make a non-refundable deposit of EUR 10 000 (25% of the administration fee) within 1 month of the application submission.

4. The Residency Malta Agency conducts various due diligence processes on each of the applicants. The typical timeframe is around 4- 6 months.

5. Upon pre-approval, the Agency issues a Letter of Approval in Principle and the applicant can then proceed with the chosen investment option, pay the balance of the administration fee of EUR 30 000. Applicants must also proceed with the donation and obtain health coverage

6. Upon final review of the required investments, the agency will send through the confirmation of approval, and applicants are required to attend the biometrics appointment in person in Malta.

7.Applicants will receive a certificate of residency valid indefinitely and the residency permit cards valid for 5 years, which can then be easily renewed.

Speak with one of our Citizenship & Residency Advisors

Speak with one of our advisors to determine the best solution for you and your family. We will discuss the various residency options along with the process and investment options of each program. We offer tailored solutions to assist and meet your goals.

Initial due diligence check

We will conduct our initial due diligence check to ensure that you do not currently hold any criminal charges and are eligible to proceed with the Malta Residency Visa program. To process the initial due diligence check, a copy of passports for all applicants over 12 and a copy of proof of address (such as a utility bill) is required.

Submit Application & Deposit

Offshore Circle will also provide a customized and itemized list of requirements to ensure you meet and comply with all requirements set by Residency Malta Agency. Applicants are required to make a non-refundable deposit of EUR 10 000 (25% of the administration fee) within 1 month of the application submission.

Processing time

The Residency Malta Agency conducts various due diligence processes on each of the applicants. The typical timeframe is around 4 – 6 months.

Pre-approval

Upon pre-approval, the Agency issues a Letter of Approval in Principle and the applicant can then proceed with the chosen investment option, pay the balance of the administration fee of EUR 30 000. Applicants must also proceed with the donation and obtain health coverage.

Approval & Biometric appointment

Upon final review of the required investments, the agency will send through the confirmation of approval, and applicants are required to attend the biometrics appointment in person in Malta.

Issuance of residency permits

Applicants will receive a certificate of residency valid indefinitely and the residency permit cards valid for 5 years, which can then be easily renewed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the residency permit valid for?

The residence permit is valid for 5 years. Applicants can easily renew their permits every 5 years, indefinitely. For minors, permit IDs expire on their 14th and 18th birthdays and can be easily be renewed.

Is an attorney required to submit the application on my behalf?

Malta requires applications to be submitted via an authorized local agent.

Can I include my family members in my application?

Spouse
Children of any age
Children 18 – 25 years old
Spouse of children dependents
Parents and grandparents of any age

Does Malta recognize same-sex marriage?

Yes, Malta recognizes same-sex marriage and applicants can proceed with the residency application.

What countries are restricted from proceeding with the citizenship application?

Malta restricts nationals from Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen from proceeding with the residency application.

What medical conditions are exempt?

Applicants who have a contagious disease such as HIV will not be eligible to proceed with the residency application.

Why do I need to provide financial documents?

Malta conducts a thorough due diligence process on each of the applicants proceeding with the residency application

Where should I obtain my police report from?

Police reports must be obtained from the applicant’s country of citizenship as well as from any country the applicant has resided for a minimum of 1 year

Can I sell my real estate investment?

Indeed, Malta requires you to hold the investment for 5 years, however, applicants can choose to sell their investment after the set period of years without affecting their residency status.

Do I need a permit to purchase property in Malta?

All foreigners and non-residents need an Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit to purchase property in Malta, with some exceptions such as if the property is in a specially designated area.

How do I make the payment for the costs and fees?

The government fees are paid through your local authorized agent.

Will I get my money back in the case of denial?

The government administration fees are non-refundable and will not be returned to the applicant. The investment amount is only required to be made after pre-approval. The Residency Malta Agency holds the right to refuse an application if the applicant has a criminal record, does not pass their due diligence process, provides false information within the application, conceals information, or has been denied a visa from any of the countries Malta holds a visa-free agreement with.

If I am not living in Malta, will I be subject to tax?

No, non-tax residents will not be subject to any taxation within Malta unless the income is sourced in Portugal.

Will I be considered a tax resident of Portugal?

No, non-tax residents will not be subject to any taxation within Malta unless the income is sourced in Portugal

What are some other Tax Considerations?

Malta does not impose any taxes on the following:

No inheritance or death taxes
No estate duty
No net worth or wealth taxes
No municipal taxes, rates, or real estate taxes

What are the residency requirements?

There are no residency requirements.

Can I obtain Maltese Citizenship?

Maltese residents can apply for naturalization after maintaining residency for 5 years and meeting other criteria and obtaining a Maltese passport.

What are the criteria to obtain citizenship?

After 5 years of maintaining residency, applicants must meet the following criteria to apply for citizenship:

Clean criminal record
Knowledgeable in English and Maltese
Reside in Malta for the 5 year period prior to the naturalization application
Reside in Malta throughout the 12 months immediately before the date of application and 4 years out of the preceding 6-year period