The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), explained

What is the Malta Permanent Residence Programme?

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is Malta's residency-by-investment route for nationals of countries outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland. It is created by the Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 217.26), made under article 7A of the Immigration Act, and came into force on 29 March 2021, replacing the earlier Malta Residence and Visa Programme. [Government of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation under the Immigration Act (Cap. 217)]

A successful applicant receives a Residence-by-Investment Certificate. The certificate entitles the beneficiary and the dependants listed on it "to reside, settle or stay indefinitely in Malta", provided they keep to the programme's conditions. It does not by itself grant other rights under the Immigration Regulations, such as an employment licence.

Purpose of the programme

The regulations describe their scope as prescribing "the requirements and administration of the grant of permanent residency rights on the basis of investment". In practice the programme combines four elements: an investment in residential property, a government contribution, a donation to a Maltese NGO, and an administrative fee — all set out in the regulations and their First Schedule.

Who administers it

The Residency Malta Agency — a Government of Malta agency — administers the programme, runs the multi-tier due-diligence process and issues certificates after authorisation from the Approvals Board. Applicants cannot deal with the Agency directly: every application must be submitted through an agent licensed by the Agency, who must be a public accountant or auditor, a lawyer or a licensed financial advisor. [Residency Malta Agency (Government of Malta)]

General eligibility

To be a main applicant you must, in summary:

• be a third-country national (not Maltese, EU, EEA or Swiss) and not from a country excluded by the Agency;
• be at least 18 years old;
• hold capital assets of at least €500,000 (including €150,000 in financial assets) or at least €650,000 (including €75,000 in financial assets);
• have stable and regular resources sufficient to support yourself and your dependants without recourse to Maltese social assistance;
• be fit and proper, with a clean criminal record, and pose no threat to national security, public policy, public health or the public interest;
• not currently benefit from certain other Maltese residence or tax schemes.

Each criterion is explained, with its legal reference, on Who can apply and in the Requirements hub.

Main financial requirements

See the full cost breakdown or run the cost calculator.

Property requirement

Within eight months of the Letter of Approval in Principle you must hold a qualifying property in Malta or Gozo: a residential property purchased for at least €375,000 or rented for at least €14,000 per year. The property must be held for at least five years from the date of the certificate. Since 1 January 2025 the same thresholds apply across Malta and Gozo. Read the property hub.

Family inclusion

The certificate can include your spouse or partner, children under 18, unmarried adult children aged 18 to 28 who are principally dependent on you, adult children with a certified disability, and parents or grandparents (yours or your spouse's) who are not in full-time employment and are principally dependent on you. The Agency describes this as up to four generations in one application. See Family & dependants.

Application process

1. Appoint a licensed agent and prepare the file.
2. Submit the complete application; pay €15,000 within one month. You may apply for a one-year temporary residence permit at this stage.
3. Agency due diligence and Approvals Board.
4. Letter of Approval in Principle; pay the fee balance and dependant fees within two months.
5. Within eight months: contribution, qualifying property, donation, health insurance.
6. Certificate and Letter of Final Approval; biometrics in Malta; residence cards.
7. Annual compliance for five years.

The interactive application process explains each stage with its documents, responsibilities and official deadlines.

Residence permit information

The residence certificate does not expire while the conditions are met. Residence cards are issued for five years (or until a minor turns 14 or 18) and renewed through the agent, with biometrics recaptured. Card holders may travel visa-free within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Compliance obligations

For the first five years the Agency monitors compliance annually. You must keep the qualifying property, health insurance, the capital assets and a valid travel document, notify the Agency of relevant changes within four weeks, and accept property spot checks. After five years the minimum property value no longer applies, but you must still hold a residential property in Malta or Gozo and maintain health insurance.

Important limitations

• The certificate gives no automatic right to work in Malta; a work permit is applied for separately.
• The programme grants no tax status or benefit; ordinary Maltese tax rules apply.
• It is not citizenship; naturalisation is a separate, discretionary process.
• Agency decisions are at its absolute discretion and not subject to appeal.
• The administration fee is non-refundable, even if the application is refused.