The Malta Residency by Investment landscape has changed significantly in 2025, with the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) now serving as the main route for non-EU nationals seeking permanent residency in Malta. These changes, introduced under Legal Notice 146/2025, have made the process more accessible, flexible, and family-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the entire journey, from preparing your application to receiving your permanent residence card, along with what you can expect at each stage.
Understanding the Latest Changes and What They Mean for You
Legal Notice 146/2025, effective from January 1, 2025, brought several important updates to the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. The most notable change is the introduction of a 1-year Temporary Residence Permit. This permit is issued soon after you submit your initial application and attend your biometric appointment. It allows you and your family to live legally in Malta while your full application is being processed. If your application is approved, this temporary permit is converted into permanent residency. If your application is rejected, the temporary permit is revoked within 15 days.
Other key updates include:
- Lower minimum property investment: You can now buy property starting at €375,000 or rent for at least €14,000 per year.
- Rental income flexibility: Property owners can earn rental income right away, and renters can sublet after five years with landlord approval.
- Reduced fees for adult dependents: The fee per adult dependent is now €7,500, down from €10,000.
- Lower overall costs: The total base cost starts at about €97,000, including government contributions, property investment or rental, and a €2,000 donation to local causes.
- Multi-generational inclusion: The program covers up to five generations, including the main applicant, spouse or partner, parents, grandparents, children, their spouses or partners, and grandchildren.
Step 1: Preparing Your Application
Before you begin, make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements. The Malta Residency by Investment program is open to non-EU nationals and their families. You must be able to make the required investments and pass background checks.
Documents and Information Needed:
- Valid passports for all applicants
- Proof of relationship for dependents (birth certificates, marriage certificates)
- Evidence of financial resources
- Police clearance certificates
- Health insurance covering all applicants
It’s a good idea to work with a licensed agent, as they can help you gather the right documents and ensure your application is complete. The licensing authority for agents will move to the Residency Malta Agency by the end of 2025, but current licenses remain valid until December 31, 2025.
Step 2: Submitting the Initial Application and Biometric Data
Once your documents are ready, your agent will submit your application to the Residency Malta Agency. You’ll also need to attend a biometric appointment, where your fingerprints and photos will be taken.
- Estimated timeframe: 2-4 weeks to prepare documents and schedule the biometric appointment.
- Required action: Submit all documents and attend the biometric appointment.
- What to expect: After your biometric data is collected, you’ll pay a €15,000 fee for the temporary residence card.
| Country/Type | Visa Category | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Malta | Permanent Residence | 2-4 weeks for preparing documents |
| Malta | Permanent Residence | 4-8 weeks after biometric appointment for receiving Temporary Residence Permit |
| Malta | Permanent Residence | 1-3 months for making required investments |
| Malta | Permanent Residence | 2-4 months for final review and approval |
| Malta | Permanent Residence | 1-2 weeks for taking Oath of Allegiance |
Step 3: Receiving the 1-Year Temporary Residence Permit
After your initial application and biometric data are processed, authorities will conduct background checks. If you pass, you’ll receive a 1-year Temporary Residence Permit. This permit allows you and your dependents to live in Malta while your full application is reviewed.
- Estimated timeframe: 4-8 weeks after biometric appointment.
- Required action: Wait for background check results; no travel restrictions during this period.
- What to expect: You can move to Malta and start settling in, enroll children in school, or begin business activities.
Step 4: Making the Required Investments
With your temporary permit in hand, you must complete the required investments:
- Property investment: Buy property for at least €375,000 or rent for at least €14,000 per year.
- Government contribution: Pay between €30,000 and €60,000, depending on your chosen route.
- Philanthropic donation: Donate €2,000 to a local cause.
- Adult dependent fee: Pay €7,500 for each adult dependent included in your application.
You’ll need to provide proof of these investments to the Residency Malta Agency.
- Estimated timeframe: 1-3 months to complete all investments and submit proof.
- Required action: Finalize property purchase or rental, make payments, and gather receipts.
- What to expect: You can start earning rental income from your property right away, and after five years, renters may sublet with landlord approval.
Step 5: Final Application Review and Approval
Once you’ve submitted proof of your investments and all other requirements, the Residency Malta Agency will conduct a final review. If everything is in order, you’ll be invited to take the Oath of Allegiance.
- Estimated timeframe: 2-4 months for final review and approval.
- Required action: Wait for approval and prepare for the Oath of Allegiance.
- What to expect: If approved, your temporary permit will be converted into permanent residency. If rejected, your temporary permit will be revoked within 15 days.
Step 6: Taking the Oath of Allegiance
You and your adult family members must be present in Malta to take the Oath of Allegiance. This step is required before you receive your permanent residence cards.
- Estimated timeframe: 1-2 weeks to schedule and complete the oath.
- Required action: Be in Malta for the oath ceremony (usually requires a stay of 14-21 days).
- What to expect: After the oath, you’ll receive your permanent residence cards, valid for five years.
Step 7: Receiving Your Permanent Residence Card
Your permanent residence card allows you and your family to live in Malta for life, as long as you renew the card every five years and maintain your investment.
- Card renewal: Every five years, with a biometric card renewal fee of €37.50 per year.
- Ongoing requirements: Maintain your property investment or rental agreement.
Benefits and What to Expect as a Resident
- Visa-free travel: You can travel freely within the Schengen Zone.
- Access to services: You and your family can use Malta’s healthcare and education systems.
- No minimum stay: There’s no strict requirement to live in Malta full-time, making it flexible for investors.
- Tax advantages: Depending on your residency and investment structure, you may benefit from Malta’s favorable tax regime.
Practical Tips and Common Questions
- How long does the whole process take? Most applicants complete the journey in 6-12 months from initial application to receiving permanent residency.
- Can I include my extended family? Yes, the program covers up to five generations, making it one of the most inclusive in Europe.
- What happens if my application is rejected? Your temporary permit is revoked within 15 days, and you must leave Malta.
- Can I work or start a business in Malta? Yes, permanent residents can work, start businesses, and enjoy most rights of Maltese citizens, except voting.
Looking Ahead: Future Changes and Stability
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme is expected to remain stable, with no announced changes to investment thresholds or fees beyond 2025. The government may issue further guidelines on property usage and rental income, but the core benefits and requirements are likely to stay the same. The citizenship-by-investment program remains closed, and there are no plans to reopen it.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most up-to-date details, visit the Residency Malta Agency’s official website. Here you’ll find application forms, official guidance, and contact information for licensed agents. Legal Notice 146/2025 is the main legal document governing the program.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Malta Residency by Investment program stands out for its flexibility, family coverage, and clear process, making it a top choice for global investors seeking a secure and lasting European base.
By following these steps and staying informed, you can move forward with confidence, knowing what to expect at every stage of your Malta Permanent Residence Programme journey.
Learn Today
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) → A program allowing non-EU nationals to obtain permanent residency in Malta through investment.
Legal Notice 146/2025 → Malta’s legal update that reformed residency requirements effective January 1, 2025.
Temporary Residence Permit → A one-year permit issued after initial application, allowing legal stay during processing.
Biometric Appointment → A session to record fingerprints and photos required for residency application processing.
Oath of Allegiance → A mandatory ceremony where applicants pledge loyalty before receiving permanent residence cards.
This Article in a Nutshell
Malta’s 2025 residency law update introduces a 1-year temporary permit for investors. Lower property investments and extended family coverage make Malta an attractive, flexible residence option for global investors seeking long-term European residency and benefits within the Schengen Zone.
— By VisaVerge.com
