Qualifying property requirements in detail

Plain English

Within eight months of the Letter of Approval in Principle the applicant must show title to a residential property in Malta or Gozo — either purchased for at least €375,000 or rented for at least €14,000 a year. The property must meet health and safety standards and be suitable for the family. It must be held for at least five years from the date the certificate is issued; afterwards the beneficiary must still hold a residential property in Malta or Gozo, but the minimum value no longer applies.

Who it applies to

Main applicant

Documented exceptions

A property bought before the application for less than €375,000 can qualify if works paid for by the applicant bring its value to at least €375,000, supported by an independent architect's valuation; the Agency may appoint its own architect and decides in all cases (regulation 3, provisos). During the first five years an owned property may be replaced with another owned property, and a rented property with another rented or an owned property, with the Agency's consent (regulation 15(1)(c) proviso). Switching from owned to rented is not allowed in the first five years (FAQ Q16, Q18).

Official wording

“"qualifying owned property" means an immovable residential property purchased or acquired by title of emphyteusis at a consideration of not less than three hundred and seventy-five thousand euro (€375,000) for a property situated in Malta or Gozo … "qualifying rented property" means a residential property taken on lease for a rent of not less than fourteen thousand euro (€14,000) per annum for a property situated in Malta or Gozo”

S.L. 217.26, regulation 3 (definitions); regulation 9(4)(b); regulation 15(1)(c)

Required evidence

Deed of purchase or lease agreement; for leases, Housing Authority registration, utility bill, photos and rent receipt (FAQ Q16); declaration of bedrooms and square metres.

Common mistakes

Hotel rooms or non-residential property do not qualify (FAQ Q19). An Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit is still required for purchases outside a Special Designated Area (FAQ Q21).