Malta does not offer a so-called Golden Visa anymore, yet a valuable alternative would be the Maltese Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), which offers permanent residence on the island (but not citizenship). Please note that support for acquiring this type of residency can only be provided by a licensed specialist. We invite you to read more about the requirements below, then contact an AKM Licensed Agent.
| Short Facts | |
| Is there a Golden visa program in Malta? | No, the program has been replaced. |
| New residency program in Malta | Maltese Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) |
| Dedicated to | Non-EU/EEA and Swiss citizens |
| Minimum age | 18 years old |
| Real estate requirements | Property purchase with a minimum price of EUR 375,000, or rentals of at least EUR 14,000/year |
| Family members included (YES/NO) | YES |
| Administrative fes imposed (YES/NO) | YES |
| Path to Maltese citizenship (YES/NO) | NO |
| What is an AKM licensed agent? | A legal professional required when accessing/applying for MPRP. We can put you in contact with our local partners. |
| Charitable donations imposed | At least EUR 2,000 |
| Liquid financial assets required to join the program | At least EUR 75,000 |
| Benefits of MPRP | – permanent residency, – high standard of living, – access to top educational institutions, – possibility to work in Malta, – no restrictions to enter Schengen Area countries, etc. |
| Best cities for relocation to Malta | – Valletta, – Victoria, – Zabbar, etc. |
| Minimum residecy required before applying for citizenship | 5 years |
| Working with our Maltese agents | For: – a better understanding of MPRP conditions, – support in paperwork, – representation with the local agency, – affordable costs, – complete legal advice, etc. |
Table of Contents
The Maltese Permanent Residence Program in 2026 addresses non-EU/EEA and Swiss citizens and offers a series of benefits, such as residency, the right to work, study, and live in this country. Moreover, the people accepted into this program can enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen countries. There are a number of conditions and formalities that candidates must take into account when they want to apply for the Maltese Permanent Residence Programme. These can be entirely explained by our immigration lawyers in Malta. Plus, you may explore this infographic on this topic:
We invite you to discover the options available through the Maltese Permanent Residence Programme. We remind you that this program only allows for permanent residency in Malta, not citizenship:
In addition to the options above, applicants must also meet other conditions. For instance, foreign citizens must prove they have:
Moreover, we would like to point out that the main applicant for the MPRP must be at least 18 years of age. As for family members who can be included in the program, these can be:
Our Maltese immigration lawyers can explain all the conditions of this residency program in Malta. Our specialists can help you move to Malta and guide you throughout the entire process.
The Maltese Permanent Residence Programme in 2026 does not allow foreigners to obtain citizenship, but it comes with other benefits, besides residency. Here are some of them:
The Maltese Permanent Residence Programme is a scheme dedicated to those who want to relocate to Malta to study, live, or work. With a minimum of 5 years of residency in this country, foreigners can qualify for citizenship, subject to the dedicated programs and the conditions imposed. The authorities reserve the right to conduct checks on both applicants for Maltese residency and those who want to obtain citizenship.
Malta is a great destination for those interested in better living conditions and access to a wide range of well-developed and appreciated services. The country offers a wide range of programs through which foreigners can gain permanent residency and citizenship, under specific conditions. One can easily apply for a Maltese investment visa. Below you can find a few of the reasons why Malta is great for relocation and living standards:
The new Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program allows applicants and family members to live in Malta until they become eligible for Maltese citizenship. A condition in this sense is to make investments in the real estate sector.
The Retirement Program in Malta is dedicated to foreigners who want to move to Malta from EU or non-EU countries, EEA states, and Switzerland. Also known as the Retirement Scheme in Malta, the program involves buying a property of at least EUR 200,000 or renting one and declaring the monthly pension and its sources. It is good to know thatretiring to Malta does not allow you to apply for a job. However, foreigners can hold a non-executive position on the board of a company with establishments in Malta. The application also allows you to relocate to Malta with family members and household staff, according to the information required by the standard form provided to applicants. If you would like to find out more about the Retirement Program in Malta, we invite you to get in touch with our immigration experts. They can help you with all the formalities and documents required for a correct application.
According to data provided by the Maltese National Statistics Office, 2023 saw the highest increase in the number of immigrants, at 26 per thousand inhabitants. Here are some other interesting statistics:
As there is no golden visa option in Malta, applicants can access Maltese Permanent Residence Program (MPRP). This program is meant for non-EU/EEA and Swiss citizens who want to gain residency in Malta through various ways. There is an option for renting a property in Malta and also to purchase one for at least EUR 375,000. Besides the mandatory government & administration fees, applicants must also make a donation of at least EUR 2,000 to a local non-profit organization. It is important to consider that before obtaining residency in Malta, the authorities will make various checks and due diligence, including for citizenship applications.
Persons interested in citizenship in Malta should know that both EU and non-EU citizens are eligible. Would you like to know more about the Maltese Permanent Residence Program in 2026? We suggest you contact our Maltese immigration lawyers.