Family
Can a family apply for the MPRP together?
How families are treated under the MPRP: who can be included, what it costs, the dependency test for adults, and scenarios for couples, families with children and multi-generational households.
Yes — up to four generations
One application can cover the main applicant, spouse or partner, children and the parents and grandparents of either the main applicant or the spouse. The Agency highlights "the possibility to include up to four generations in one application". [Residency Malta Agency (Government of Malta)]
Scenarios supported by the current rules
Single applicant. Administration fee, contribution, donation and one residence card.
Applicant + spouse. The spouse pays no dependant fee — only a residence card fee.
Applicant + spouse + children under 18. Children are fee-exempt apart from residence cards. Both parents sign the minor's forms, or the sole-custody parent provides the court ruling.
Applicant + adult children (18–28). Each unmarried, principally dependent adult child attracts €7,500. The age limit is tested at submission. An adult child with a certified disability has no age limit and no fee.
Applicant + parents or grandparents. Each principally dependent parent or grandparent who is not in full-time employment attracts €7,500. There is no age threshold.
The dependency test
Adults other than the spouse must be principally dependent on the main applicant — unable to live a self-sufficient basic independent life without that support. Wealthy or well-paid relatives do not qualify even if you contribute to their lifestyle. You swear an affidavit and should attach evidence.
Adding people later
A beneficiary can add a dependant, a dependent child's spouse or a dependant's minor child after the certificate is issued, with due diligence and the applicable fee.
Everyone is checked
Every dependant goes through the same due diligence as the main applicant; background verification applies from age 14.
Related questions
Do my spouse and children pay a dependant fee?
Under the current First Schedule, the spouse, children under 18 and adult children certified as having a disability pay no administration fee. Adult children aged 18 to 28, parents and grandparents each attract a €7,500 non-refundable administration fee. Every person, including the spouse and children, pays the residence card fee.
Who can be included as a dependant?
The spouse (or partner in a relationship of equivalent status); children under 18; unmarried adult children aged 18 to 28 who are principally dependent on the main applicant; adult children with a certified disability (no age limit); and parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse who are not in full-time employment and are principally dependent. Household staff cannot be included.
Sources & Verification
Verified 30 September 2026 against the sources below- Legislation
Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations (S.L. 217.26), consolidated
Government of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation under the Immigration Act (Cap. 217)
Subsidiary Legislation 217.26 — Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations, L.N. 121 of 2021 as amended by L.N. 57 and 310 of 2024 and L.N. 146 of 2025
- Published
- 29 Mar 2021
- Effective
- 22 Jul 2025
- Last checked
- 30 Sept 2026
- Status
- Active
Reference: SL-217-26Official requirement - Legal Notice
Legal Notice 146 of 2025 — MPRP (Amendment) Regulations, 2025
Government of Malta — Government Gazette No. 21,472
L.N. 146 of 2025: Malta Permanent Residence Programme (Amendment) Regulations, 2025
- Published
- 22 Jul 2025
- Effective
- 22 Jul 2025
- Last checked
- 30 Sept 2026
- Status
- Active
Reference: LN-146-2025Official requirement - Official Authority
Residency Malta Agency — Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) page
Residency Malta Agency (Government of Malta)
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) — eligibility criteria, application & programme requirements, benefits
- Published
- —
- Effective
- —
- Last checked
- 30 Sept 2026
- Status
- Active
Reference: RMA-MPRP-PAGEOfficial requirement - Government Publication
Residency Malta Agency — MPRP Frequently Asked Questions (V2.6.1)
Residency Malta Agency (Government of Malta)
Frequently Asked Questions — Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), version 2.6.1
- Published
- 01 Jul 2024
- Effective
- —
- Last checked
- 30 Sept 2026
- Status
- Active
Reference: RMA-MPRP-FAQ-2-6-1Official requirement
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Written by
Malta MPRP Guide Editorial Team
Research & editorial
The editorial team researches the Malta Permanent Residence Programme directly from the consolidated regulations (S.L. 217.26), the Legal Notices that amend them and the Residency Malta Agency's published material. Ever…
Reviewed by
Fact-check & source review
Responsible for reviewing published pages against the current text of S.L. 217.26 and the Agency's official pages, recording the verification date and flagging any page that needs an update after a legislative change. R…