Malta MPRP 2025 updates: temporary permits and lower fees

Malta has overhauled its flagship residency-by-investment route for non-EU nationals, introducing a one-year Temporary Residence Permit and cutting costs for families under reforms that took effect in 2025. The measures, set out in Legal Notice 146/25 and implemented by the Residency Malta Agency, aim to keep the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) competitive while preserving strict checks.

New applicants who pass initial screening can receive a temporary residence card soon after filing, paying a €15,000 administrative fee, rather than waiting for full approval before moving to the island. Officials say the shift gives families a faster, lawful way to settle in Malta while the agency completes full due diligence.

Key policy highlights

• Temporary Residence Permit: one-year card available after initial checks, allowing families to relocate earlier while full approval is pending.
• Administrative fee: €15,000 (non-refundable if the agency refuses the file).
• Reduced adult dependent fee: lowered by 25% to €7,500 per person aged 18 and over.
• Property flexibility: buyers of qualifying real estate can rent it out immediately; renters can sublet after five years with landlord consent.
• Agent licensing: will move under the Residency Malta Agency by the end of 2025, centralizing oversight.
• According to VisaVerge.com analysis, the updates make the MPRP one of the most flexible options for multi-generational families seeking EU residence with Schengen access.

Eligibility and family composition

Under the 2025 framework, the MPRP remains open to non-EU nationals over 18 who meet financial and background standards. The programme continues to allow up to five generations on one application, including:

• spouse or partner
• dependent children (including ages 18–29 if unmarried and financially dependent)
• dependent parents and grandparents
• spouses of dependent children

Each adult dependent requires an extra €7,500 fee. Siblings are not eligible.

Financial thresholds and requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following net worth tests and maintain the level for at least five years:

1. Net worth of €500,000, with €150,000 in financial assets; or
2. Net worth of €650,000, with €75,000 in financial assets.

Other mandatory requirements:

• Health insurance covering all risks in Malta and across the EU for the main applicant and all dependents.
• Clean criminal record for every adult on the application.

Investment options (unchanged, with added flexibility)

• Property purchase: minimum €375,000 in Malta’s south or €400,000 in the north; held for at least five years.
• Long-term rental: minimum €14,000 per year for at least five years.
• Government contribution: non-refundable €37,000 (whether buying or renting).
• Philanthropic donation: €2,000 to a local NGO.

The major change: qualifying property purchased can be rented out immediately; rental agreements can be sublet after five years if the landlord agrees.

Process and timeline (2025)

1. Applicants begin with due diligence by licensed agents (source-of-funds, identity, AML/CFT checks).
2. Ensure all documents are in English or have certified translations.
3. Main applicant must provide an affidavit confirming financial support for any dependent over 18 (except spouse/partner).
4. Signatures from both parents or legal guardians are required for minor dependents.
5. Agent files with the Residency Malta Agency and pays the €15,000 non-refundable administrative fee.
6. After initial checks, the agency may issue the one-year Temporary Residence Permit.
7. If approved-in-principle, the applicant completes required investments: property purchase or rental, €37,000 government contribution, and €2,000 NGO donation.
8. All family members travel to Malta for biometrics.
9. The agency issues the permanent residence certificate and card after confirming all steps are complete.

Additional process notes:

• The biometric card must be renewed every five years; current card fee is €100 per year.
• Despite marketing claims, typical timeline is 6–8 months from submission to final approval for well-prepared files.
• The Temporary Residence Permit allows earlier relocation but does not shorten due diligence or final compliance checks.
• Delays commonly stem from incomplete documents, missing translations, or extended background queries.

Important: The €15,000 administrative fee is non-refundable if the agency refuses the file. Review contracts and commitments carefully before major financial steps.

Impact on applicants and families

• For investors, the 2025 changes reduce the cost for larger families and allow earlier residence with rental income potential.
• Renting/subletting flexibility makes the required real estate a more liquid asset for families keeping a home in their country of origin.
• For Malta, the update aims to keep the MPRP competitive while centralizing oversight and maintaining strict checks.
• Multi-generational inclusion remains a hallmark: grandparents and dependent adult children up to 29 (unmarried and financially dependent) can be included.
• The route provides lifetime residence rights in Malta, visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, and no minimum stay requirement.

Critics continue to caution that residency-by-investment schemes can be abused if checks are weak. Malta has strengthened standards since 2021; the 2025 update retains stronger front-end screening while allowing faster family entry for those who pass initial checks.

Costs — realistic expectations

Industry experts note total costs for a family often exceed €100,000 when accounting for:

• property purchase or rental
• €37,000 government contribution
• €2,000 NGO donation
• €15,000 administrative fee
• dependent fees (€7,500 per adult)
• other professional and transaction costs

This places the route mainly within reach for high-net-worth applicants.

Practical and compliance points

• EU nationals cannot use the MPRP; they follow separate residence routes based on lawful residence through Identità’s Expatriates Unit.
• For potential rejections: the €15,000 fee is non-refundable. Other costs may be recoverable depending on timing and contractual terms.
• Compliance obligations:
  • Keep health insurance current.
  • Maintain required net worth for at least five years.
  • Hold qualifying property contract (purchase or rental) for the five-year period.
  • Renew the permanent residence card every five years and keep biometrics/contact details up to date.
• The Residency Malta Agency encourages working with licensed agents and relying on official guidance rather than marketing claims.
• The agency plans to centralize agent licensing by late 2025, which may reduce errors that cause delays.

Buying vs renting — considerations

• Buying: €375,000 (south) or €400,000 (north) — meets the rule but ties up capital. Buyers can rent out immediately to offset costs.
• Renting: €14,000 per year for five years — better for newcomers who want to test Malta. Subletting allowed after five years with landlord consent, providing a later cost-recovery option.

Official information and next steps

Applicants can find official programme details, updates, and licensed agent information on the Residency Malta Agency website at https://residencymalta.gov.mt.

In short, the 2025 update makes the MPRP faster to access and more flexible on property use, but the core test remains the same: strong due diligence, clear source of wealth, and steady compliance over the first five years.