Malta no longer offers a so-called Golden Visa, but a valuable alternative is 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
Who can apply for MPRP?
Non-EU/EEA and Swiss citizens.
Are there any nationality restrictions for MPRP in 2026?
Yes, citizens of Russia and Belarus cannot access Malta's residency program due to the prevailing social context and international sanctions.
Is there a minimum stay requirement to access the MPRP scheme?
No.
Who governs the MPRP scheme?
Malta Permanent Residence Program Regulations.
Where do I apply for the MPRP that replaced the golden visa in Malta?
At the Expatriates Unit at Identità Malta.
IMPORTANT: Only a specialized agent can handle the formalities on behalf of foreign citizens seeking residency in Malta through the MPRP path.
You may explore this infographic on this topic:
What does MPRP offer?
- residency in Malta,
- the right to work and/or study in Malta,
- visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area, and freedom of movement in Europe, etc.
What are the options to access MPRP in 2026?
- 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,
- a minimum of EUR 650,000, including at least EUR 75,000 in liquid financial assets.
Can family members be included in the program?
Yes. These can be:
- spouse/partner,
- children,
- parents and grandparents.
What are the documents required when applying for MPRP in 2026?
- Valid passport,
- Marriage and birth certificates,
- Criminal record certificate,
- Title Deed or lease contract,
- Proof of funds,
- Health insurance,
- Proof of paid government fees,
- Power of attorney, etc.
What is the timeframe to get residency in Malta through MPRP?
Around 6-8 months.
Are there any precautions to consider when applying for MPRP in 2026?
- the immigration authorities in Malta impose rigorous checks through Anti Money Laundering (AML) and Know-Your-Customer (KYC) policies,
- a preliminary eligibility assessment is the first important step before the final approval is issued,
- the main applicant must prove a stable income, including for family members, to sustain living in Malta,
- customer due diligence is performed when applying for residency in Malta through MPRP.
Persons interested in Maltese citizenship 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 immigration lawyers in Malta for tailored legal services and more.