Updated 21 August 2025
22 May 2025 • New standards introduced for rental properties in Malta • Source
9 March 2021 • Malta limited cash transactions to €10,000 • Source
5 July 2013 • Conditions for obtaining residency through investment published in Malta’s official gazette • Source
Changes are monitored by Elena Garnitsarik Elena Garnitsarik

Malta Global Residence Programme

Investors obtain a residence permit in Malta to optimise taxes and enjoy visa–free travel across the Schengen Area.

Malta residence permit

€30,000

Minimum investment

2 options

To choose from

3+ months

Obtaining period

29

Visa‑free countries

In Malta, investors are granted residency under the Malta Global Residence Programme. Applicants rent or purchase real estate in Malta and pay an administrative fee.

An investor becomes a tax resident and pays tax on worldwide income transferred to Malta at a reduced rate of 15%. The minimum annual tax is €15,000 per family.

Residency by investment is available exclusively through licensed agents authorised by the Maltese government.

The status is also granted to the investor’s spouse, children, siblings, parents, and grandparents.

To maintain residency, living in Malta is not required, but one must avoid spending more than 183 days in any single foreign country.

7 benefits of the Malta residence permit

Tax optimisation

Holders of Maltese residency by investment benefit from a special tax regime:
  • 0% on income earned abroad and not transferred to Malta;
  • 15% on foreign income transferred to Malta;
  • 35% of income earned in Malta.

The minimum annual tax is €15,000 per family. There are no extra taxes for family members of the investor and no inheritance tax.

English‑speaking country

English is Malta’s second official language and is widely used in business, government, and daily life. This makes it far easier for foreign residents to integrate, handle legal and administrative matters, and build professional networks.

For families, the language advantage extends to education and everyday living. Schools and universities teach in English, offering internationally recognised qualifications, while healthcare, banking, and public services are also delivered in English.

No residence requirement

To maintain the status, an investor must rent or purchase real estate in Malta. However, there is no minimum stay requirement in the country. The only restriction is not to spend more than 183 days a year in any single foreign country.

Status for the whole family

Close relatives of the investor can also obtain Maltese residency. The application may include a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings.

Freedom of movement

Maltese residency allows visa–free travel across the Schengen Area: investors may spend up to 90 days within every 180 days.

High quality of life

A pleasant Mediterranean climate, rich history, and strategic location between Europe and Africa make Malta attractive both for living and for business. The country is also known for its low crime rate and safe environment.

Healthcare and education

Malta’s healthcare system is highly regarded in Europe. For families with children, the country offers British–standard education. Residency simplifies enrolment in local schools and universities, with no need for a student visa.

Visa-free travel to 29 European countries

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

View all

Requirements to apply for the Malta residence permit

Over 18 years old
With a stable legal income
No criminal record
With health insurance
Basic knowledge of English or Maltese

Or a partner in a committed long‑term relationship

Up to 24 years old inclusive
Financially dependent on the investor

Over 55 years old
Financially dependent on the investor

Financially dependent on the investor

Financially dependent on the investor

Investment options for obtaining a Malta residence permit

Option Property rental — €8,750+
Details

An investor becomes a tax resident of Malta and rents residential property worth at least €8,750 per year in the south of Malta or on Gozo. 

For properties in the northern or central region, the minimum annual rent must be €9,600.

Subletting is not allowed.

Additional costs

€5,500+
Administrative fee

€15,000+
Annual tax on income transferred to Malta

€4,500+
Other expenses

Option Property purchase — €220,000+
Details

An investor becomes a tax resident of Malta and purchases real estate in the country. The minimum value depends on location:

  • €220,000 for properties in the south of Malta or on Gozo;
  • €275,000 for properties in the northern or central region.

Subletting is not allowed.

Additional costs

€5,500+
Administrative fee

€15,000+
Annual tax on income transferred to Malta

€4,500+
Other expenses

Schedule a meeting

Help with the choice

Passportivity experts will analyse your situation and offer the most suitable solution.

Real estate for obtaining Malta residence by investment

Stylish apartments near sea Kalkara, Malta
Malta, Kalkara

€325,000—1,800,000

Stylish apartments near sea Kalkara, Malta

72—310 m²
1—4
1—4
Luxury apartments with sea view in Sliema
Malta, Sliema

€675,000—5,900,000

Luxury apartments with sea view in Sliema

60—123 m²
1—3
1—3
Apartments in a new residential building near the sea in Sliema
Malta, Sliema

€920,000—1,300,000

Apartments in a new residential building near the sea in Sliema

176—211 m²
2—3
2

Key documents to apply for a Malta residence permit

  • Passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate, if applicable
  • Photographs
  • Police clearance certificate
  • Medical certificate
  • Health insurance
  • Proof of income
  • Property purchase or rental agreement
  • Declaration of tax representative

How to obtain residence permit in Malta: step‑by‑step process

1.

Preliminary check

Passportivity specialists conduct an internal review to increase the chances of approval. If any issues are found, they suggest solutions; for example, attaching an affidavit to the application.

The check is confidential and takes one business day. The investor only provides a copy of their passport.

2.

Document preparation

The investor collects the required originals and passes them to Passportivity’s lawyers, who prepare the residency application. The lawyers arrange translations, certify copies, and fill out forms. At this stage, the investor also pays the administrative fee.

The document package is then submitted remotely to Malta’s Inland Revenue Department, IRD.

3.

Health insurance

The investor and family members must purchase comprehensive health insurance covering the entire European Union.

4.

Real estate purchase or rental

With guidance from Passportivity experts, the investor purchases or rents property that meets program requirements. This step is carried out in parallel with document collection.

5.

Due Diligence

The tax authority reviews the documents of the investor and their family. If questions arise, Passportivity’s lawyers respond on the investor’s behalf after prior agreement.

6.

Obtaining special tax status

Once the application is approved, the investor attends an interview at the tax authority. The Director personally presents the program terms, while the investor explains their reasons for applying.

Following the meeting, the Director issues an approval in principle. The investor pays the minimum tax of €15,000 and submits proof of property purchase or rental.

The special tax status is issued within about two weeks. This certificate enables the investor to apply for a residence permit.

7.

Application for residency

Passportivity’s lawyers complete and submit the application, supporting documents on behalf of the investor.

The investor and their family must travel to Malta to submit the application and provide biometric data, accompanied by a Passportivity lawyer.

The documents are filed with Identity Malta by prior appointment.

8.

Application review

Identity Malta reviews the application within about 5—6 weeks. A notification of residence card issuance is then sent to the investor’s Maltese address.

9.

Receiving residence cards 🔥

The investor and family members collect their residence cards in person.

Why choose us

1

Reliable partner

Passportivity operates exclusively within the conditions set out in legal notice No. 167 of 2013, the Global Residence Programme Rules.

2

Deep Expertise

11+ years in investment immigration and financial matters to solve the most complex client challenges.

3

Individual Approach

We develop step-by-step plans, taking into account client requirements, to achieve optimal results.

4

Support at every stage

From the first consultation and even after receiving the desired document, we provide legal support.

5

Additional services

Get a tax number, sign a rental agreement or apostille additional documents — we will fulfill any request.

6

Flexible communication and 24/7 availability

Meet us in person or online, whatever suits you best.

We respond to inquiries within two hours. Your case is handled by a dedicated lawyer who is always in touch.

From idea to residence permit — guided by experts

For over 10 years, we've been helping clients navigate the path to citizenship and residency. Our approach combines in-depth knowledge of international law with a practical understanding of local bureaucratic systems. Every case is handled with a bespoke strategy, refined to the last detail.

Personal meeting

Frequently asked questions

No, Maltese residence cannot be purchased. However, foreigners can obtain temporary or permanent residency by making investments through special government programs. The cost of permanent residence starts at €150,000, while residence under the Global Residence Programme begins at €30,000.

Yes, buying property worth at least €220,000 can be one of the conditions for obtaining residency under the Malta Global Residence Programme.

Foreigners over 18 with a legal source of income, no criminal record, health insurance, and basic knowledge of English or Maltese can apply. Their spouse or partner, financially dependent children up to 24, as well as dependent parents, grandparents, brothers, and sisters may also be included. 

Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland are not eligible.

To secure residency, investors become tax residents. The first tax payment of €15,000 is made during the application process, then annually thereafter.

Investors rent property for at least €8,750 a year or purchase property worth at least €220,000, depending on the region. In addition, they must pay an administrative fee starting at €5,500, buy health insurance for €500+ per person, and cover expenses for document apostille, translation, and notary services for €4,000+.

A registered address in Malta is mandatory to keep residency. If an investor sells or stops renting their property, the residence permit cannot be renewed.

The process takes on average three months. If the tax authorities or Identity Malta have additional questions, it may take longer. Each application is reviewed individually.

To maintain residency, investors must keep a registered address in Malta, rent or own real estate, and pay an annual tax of at least €15,000.

There is no minimum stay requirement. However, an investor must not spend more than 183 days in any single country to avoid becoming its tax resident.

The first residence card is issued for one year, and subsequent ones for two years.

To renew, an investor must submit a tax declaration and pay the €15,000 tax by April 30th of the following year. Once confirmed by the tax authority, the investor provides biometrics and receives a new residence card at Identity Malta.

Yes, but only with a special permit. Under the Malta Global Residence Programme, an investor may work or run a business, with Maltese‑sourced income taxed at 35%.

One year after obtaining residency, the investor renews their card, given they still meet the criteria. The second and subsequent cards are valid for two years.

To renew, the investor submits a tax declaration and pays at least €15,000 by April 30th of the following year. After confirmation, they provide biometrics again and receive a new card.

Malta has two investment options. 

Malta Global Residence Programme, GRP: applicants become tax residents, pay €15,000 annually, rent or buy property, and pay an administrative fee. Minimum costs start at €30,000.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme, MPRP: investors obtain permanent residency if they:

  • contribute at least €37,000;
  • pay an administrative fee of €60,000+;
  • make a charitable donation of €2,000;
  • rent property for €14,000+ a year or buy for €375,000+.

Becoming a tax resident or living in Malta permanently is not required under the MPRP.

No, Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, was officially closed in July 2025.

Passportivity lawyer Yulia Malloy

Contact us today

We will help you obtain Malta residence permit without unnecessary hassle. We minimize risks so you don't waste time and money.

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