Residency & Citizenship

Malta Programs

Malta immigration has become increasingly popular among investors, retirees, entrepreneurs, and remote workers looking for a safe and stable European lifestyle. Malta offers an English-speaking environment, attractive tax benefits, and several residency and citizenship options.

EU Member State Schengen Area English Speaking Dual Citizenship Allowed
5
Programs Available
€14K
Min. Investment/yr
2-6mo
Processing Time
15%
Flat Tax Rate

Key Highlights

Why Choose Malta?

English Speaking
English is an official language, used across government services, schools, healthcare, and business — making daily life much easier for international residents.
Safe & Stable Country
Malta is considered one of the safest countries in Europe, with low crime rates and a stable political environment — especially attractive to families and retirees.
Favorable Tax System
Several programs offer a flat 15% tax rate on foreign income remitted to Malta. Non-domiciled residents are only taxed on Maltese income and foreign income brought into the country.
Schengen Area Access
Malta is part of both the European Union and the Schengen Area. Residents benefit from visa-free travel across all Schengen countries.
Quality Healthcare & Education
Malta has a well-regarded healthcare system with both public and private services. The British education model is followed, with international school options for expat families.
Dual Citizenship Allowed
Malta allows dual citizenship. Foreign nationals who obtain Maltese citizenship do not have to renounce their original citizenship.

Malta Immigration

Malta Programs Overview

Program Best For Type Min. Investment Processing
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) Non-EU families seeking long-term EU residency Residency €500K assets 2–6 months
Global Residence Programme (GRP / TRP) Tax planning & lifestyle relocation Residency €275K property 2–4 months
Malta Retirement Programme (MRP) Retirees & pensioners Residency 75% pension income 2–4 months
Malta Nomad Residence Permit Remote workers & digital nomads Residency €42,000/yr income 1–3 months
Citizenship by Merit (CBM) Exceptional contributions to Malta or international community Citizenship Case by Case Discretionary

Detailed Programs

Program Details

Click on each program to expand the details

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) Residency

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme is one of the most popular options for non-EU families looking for long-term residency in Europe. It gives applicants permanent residency rights in Malta and visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, without requiring them to live in Malta full-time.

Applicants can include spouses, children, parents, and grandparents up to five generations under one application.

Minimum Assets
€500,000 (incl. €150K liquid)
Property Requirement
Purchase €375K or Rent €14K/yr
Government Contribution
€37,000 + €60K admin fee
NGO Donation
€2,000

Malta offers tax-focused residency options for internationally mobile individuals, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth families looking for a safe European tax environment. The GRP is designed for non-EU nationals, while the TRP targets EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals.

Both programs provide a flat 15% tax rate on foreign income remitted to Malta, with a minimum annual tax payment of €15,000.

Tax Rate
Flat 15% on remitted income
Min. Annual Tax
€15,000
Property Purchase
€275,000 (€220K in South Malta)
Property Rental
€9,600/yr (€8,750 South Malta)

The Malta Retirement Programme is specifically designed for retirees and pensioners who want to enjoy Malta's Mediterranean lifestyle and favorable tax system.

At least 75% of the applicant's income must come from a pension, and the entire pension must be remitted to Malta. Applicants must spend at least 90 days per year in Malta, without exceeding 183 days in any other jurisdiction.

Tax Rate
Flat 15% on remitted income
Min. Annual Tax
€7,500 + €500/dependent
Income Requirement
75% from pension
Min. Stay
90 days/year in Malta

The Malta Nomad Residence Permit is designed for remote workers employed or contracted outside Malta who wish to live in the country while working for a foreign employer.

The permit is valid for one year and can be renewed for up to four years in total. Applicants must demonstrate earnings of at least €42,000 annually.

Min. Annual Income
€42,000/yr (€3,500/mo)
Permit Duration
1 year, renewable up to 4 years
Application Fee
~€400
Work Authorization
Foreign employer only

The Malta Citizenship by Merit is a highly discretionary option for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the country or to the international community in areas such as science, technology, culture, sports, philanthropy, and business or innovation.

Applicants must first complete a residency period in Malta, demonstrate genuine ties to the country, and pass enhanced due diligence verifications. This citizenship option works on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Maltese authorities.

Eligibility
Exceptional contributions
Residency Required
Prior Malta residency period
Approval
Government discretionary
Due Diligence
Enhanced verification required

Dual Citizenship

Malta & Dual Citizenship

Malta allows dual citizenship. Maltese citizens are permitted to hold citizenship in more than one country, and foreign nationals who obtain Maltese citizenship do not have to renounce their original citizenship.

However, whether an individual can hold dual citizenship also depends on the laws of their country of origin. Some countries do not permit their nationals to hold a second citizenship — it is therefore essential to verify the regulations of your home country before proceeding.

Malta Policy
Dual citizenship allowed
Renunciation Required
No — original citizenship retained
Important Note
Verify home country laws before applying
Citizenship Authority
Community Malta Agency

Due Diligence

Malta's Rigorous 4-Tier Verification Process

Obtaining Maltese residency or citizenship is challenging due to a rigorous four-tier due diligence process designed to admit only high-caliber individuals and their families. Applicants must adhere to Maltese Government immigration procedures and confirm their eligibility at each stage.

The Community Malta Agency (a federal government agency) handles all citizenship matters, while the Central Visa Unit oversees national visa policies. This institutional oversight ensures the program maintains its integrity and prestige as one of Europe's most trusted residency pathways.

1
Initial Eligibility Screening
Basic eligibility assessment and document review
2
Source of Funds Verification
Detailed financial background and origin of wealth
3
Criminal & Background Checks
International criminal record and reputation review
4
Final Government Approval
Community Malta Agency final review and issuance

General Requirements

Extended Stay & US Citizens

Non-EU Extended Stay Requirements
For stays in Malta longer than 90 days, non-EU citizens usually need a National Visa (D Visa) to enter the country, followed by a residence permit based on their reason for relocating.

Common options include:
• Single Permit — for employees
• Nomad Residence Permit — for remote workers
• MPRP — for investors and high-net-worth individuals
General Overview for US Citizens
Americans can move to Malta, but since the US is not part of the EU, they must apply for a visa or residence permit to stay for more than 90 days.

Common options for Americans include:
• Nomad Residence Permit — for remote workers
• Global Residence Programme — for high-net-worth individuals
• Work Permit — sponsored by a Maltese employer

Government Fees

Application Fees & Requirements (2026)

Program Admin Fee Property Requirement Min. Tax / Assets
MPRP €60,000 (€15K initial + €45K on approval) + €7,500/dependent Purchase €375,000 or Rent €14,000/yr €500,000 assets incl. €150K liquid
GRP / TRP €6,000 administrative fee Purchase €275,000 or Rent €9,600/yr (South Malta: €220K / €8,750) Min. annual tax €15,000
MRP €2,500 + €500/dependent Purchase €275,000 or Rent €9,600/yr Min. annual tax €7,500 · 75% pension income
Nomad Residence Permit ~€400 in application and residence card fees Valid rental agreement required Min. €3,500/mo (€42,000/yr) foreign income

Application Process

Your Path to Maltese Residency

1
Program Selection
Decide which Malta residency option best fits your goals
2
Documentation
Valid passports, birth & marriage certificates, health insurance, police clearance, financial documentation
3
Government Review
Strict due diligence & background checks by Maltese authorities. Review stage takes 2 to 6 months
4
Residency Requirements
Renting or purchasing qualifying property, paying government contributions, finalizing health insurance
5
Biometrics
Fingerprints, photographs, and signatures collected during your stay in Malta
6
Residence Card
Issued within a reasonable time after biometrics. Valid 1 to 5 years depending on the program selected

Ready to Start Your Malta Journey?

Contact us for a free, strictly confidential consultation. Our senior advisors will identify the best Maltese program for your profile and family situation.

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