The Maltese Permanent Residence Program (MPRP)

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.

About the Maltese Permanent Residence Programme

The Maltese Permanent Residence Program 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:

Investment options and formalities of MPRP in 2025

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:

• Real estate purchase – At least EUR 375,000 as minimum property price, EUR 30,000 investor contribution fee (and EUR 5,000 per family member), EUR 50,000 as administrative fee, and a charitable donation of EUR 2,000. The property cannot be sold for at least 5 years.
• Renting real estate – EUR 14,000 as minimum rental price/year, EUR 60,000 as contribution fee, EUR 50,000 as administrative fee (plus EUR 5,000/family member), and a charitable donation of EUR 2,000.

In addition to the options above, applicants must also meet other conditions. For instance, foreign citizens must prove they have:

• at least EUR 500,000, among which EUR 150,000 in liquid financial assets,
• minimum of EUR 650,000 that should include at least EUR 75,000 as liquid financial assets.

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:

• spouse/partner,
• children,
• parents and grandparents.

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.

What are the benefits of MPRP?

The Maltese Permanent Residence Programme in 2025 does not allow foreigners to obtain citizenship, but it comes with other benefits, besides residency. Here are some of them:

• high quality of living,
• a great educational system based on the British principles and structure,
• freedom of movement in Europe,
• great tax system,
• no obligation to live in Malta once the permanent residency is gained.

When can I apply for Maltese citizenship?

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.

Why choose Malta for investments and 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:

• Malta is attractive from an economic and political point of view, due to the stability it offers in this direction.
• Investors analyze these aspects before business relocation or investments.
• Being a strong financial center, Malta is quite representative in front of entrepreneurs from overseas.
• Retiring to Malta is beneficial because of the great standards of living, including healthcare.
• In terms of expenses, freelancers in Malta enjoy varied benefits from this point of view.
• Businessmen from abroad enjoy the advantages in the field. For instance, there are no complex procedures for company formation in Malta.
• The gaming sector is highly developed in Malta and an attraction to foreign entrepreneurs who want to generate profits in this field. Contact us if interested in a Maltese investment visa.
• The taxation regime of Malta is another great benefit considered by international entrepreneurs who want to benefit from an advantageous tax system. Talk to us for more information about how to immigrate to Malta.

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.

What options are available to foreigners who want to retire to Malta?

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 that retiring 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.

Some statistics about immigrants in Malta

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:

• Citizens from Cyprus found a new home in Malta through dedicated programs in recent years. At the moment, the rate is approximately 43 citizens of Cyprus per 1,000 Maltese residents.
• The total number of immigrants in Malta has increased to almost 173,700, representing around 30% of the country’s total population.
• There were approximately 238 sea arrivals to Malta in 2024. The majority of those arriving by this route came from Bangladesh.

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 2025? We suggest you contact our Maltese immigration lawyers.