Malta Permanent Residence Program: Costs, Requirements, and Application Steps

For families looking to establish a foothold in Europe, Malta offers an option that combines long-term residence rights with flexibility over where they live. Some applicants may see the island as a future home, while others may want the security of European residence without relocating immediately.

The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) is designed to accommodate these different objectives, allowing eligible non-EU nationals to qualify through a government contribution and a choice between purchasing or leasing residential property.

Understanding the financial commitment is an important starting point. But the Program involves more than the property price or annual rent: applicants must also meet minimum asset thresholds, pay government fees, provide supporting documentation, and pass due diligence checks. For families, the ability to include qualifying dependents can also influence the overall cost and suitability of the Program. Let’s analyze these application steps and requirements in our guide below.

Key Takeaways

• The MPRP provides eligible third-country nationals and their qualifying family members with permanent residence in Malta
• Applicants must pay a €60,000 administrative fee, a €37,000 government contribution, and a €2,000 charitable donation
• Applicants must purchase qualifying residential property for at least €375,000 or lease property for at least €14,000 annually, retaining the property for at least five years
• Applicants must demonstrate proof of both capital assets and financial assets
• Qualifying spouses and minor children can be included without an additional government contribution, plus a €7,500 administrative fee applies to each eligible additional adult dependent
• Applications must be submitted through a licensed agent and are subject to government due diligence

Why Malta Appeals to International Families

Malta’s position within the European Union and the Schengen Area, its English-speaking environment, and its Mediterranean lifestyle make it a top consideration for families exploring long-term residence options. The island also offers access to internationally-recognized education and healthcare services.

An attractive element to the MPRP is that it provides permanent residence without requiring beneficiaries to relocate immediately, or needing to meet a minimum physical presence requirement. This can be useful for families whose professional commitments, children’s education, or existing homes, for example, make an immediate move impractical.

Interested parties should assess the Program in the context of their wider plans, including family composition, property preferences, financial resources, and intended use of the residence status. Permanent residence may provide greater flexibility, but it does not automatically equate to Maltese citizenship or unrestricted rights to live and work in every EU member state.

Malta Residency Requirements: Who Can Apply?

The MPRP is open to eligible third-country nationals aged at least 18-years-old, excluding citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. Applicants must satisfy the Program’s requirements, as signposted below.

Financial Resources and Capital Assets

Applicants must demonstrate that they can support themselves and their dependents without relying on Malta’s social assistance system. They must also satisfy one of two capital asset thresholds:

• Option one: At least €500,000 in capital assets, of which €150,000 must be financial assets
• Option two: At least €650,000 in capital assets, of which €75,000 must be financial assets

These thresholds are separate from the Program fees and property requirements. Applicants should therefore assess their total financial position before deciding whether to proceed.

Personal Eligibility and Documentation

Applicants must have a clean criminal record and must not pose a threat to national security, public policy, public health, or the public interest. They must also hold suitable health insurance covering Malta and other European countries.

Supporting documents that need to be submitted typically include passports, civil-status records, evidence of assets and financial resources, criminal record documentation, and other documents required by the agency. The exact requirements will depend on the applicant’s circumstances and family composition.

Malta Residency Costs: Purchase vs. Rental

The MPRP offers two property routes. Both require the same main administrative fee, government contribution, and charitable donation. The property commitment, however, is the part where requirements will differ for applicants. We’ve outlined these below.

Government Fees and Contributions

The principal Program costs are:

• Administrative fee: €60,000, non-refundable and payable in stages
• Government contribution: €37,000 for the main applicant
• Charitable donation: €2,000 to an eligible local NGO
• Additional adult dependents: €7,500 for each qualifying adult dependent, excluding the spouse

The administrative fee is payable in two stages: €15,000 within one month of submitting the application and €45,000 within two months of receiving the Letter of Approval in Principle.

The spouse or civil partner and minor children are exempt from the additional adult-dependent fee. Other eligible family members may incur additional costs, however, and applicants should confirm the fees applicable to their specific circumstances.

Option One: Purchase Qualifying Property

Applicants who choose to purchase residential property must acquire a qualifying home in Malta or its sister island Gozo worth at least €375,000. The qualifying property must be retained for at least five years. After that period, the beneficiary must continue maintaining a residential property in Malta, although it is no longer required to meet the original qualifying value.

Adding the minimum purchase price to the €99,000 in principal administrative, contribution, and donation costs gives an initial commitment of at least €474,000. This is before property transaction costs, residence card fees, insurance, professional fees, and other relevant expenses are included.

Purchasing may suit applicants who want to own a home in Malta and are comfortable committing more capital upfront. An immediate positive here is that the property remains an asset, although its future value is not guaranteed, and it must continue to satisfy the relevant Program conditions.

Option Two: Lease Qualifying Property

If buying a property isn’t the goal, applicants can instead lease residential property in Malta or Gozo for a minimum rent of €14,000 annually. Similar to purchasing property, the qualifying lease must be maintained for at least five years. After that period, the beneficiary must continue maintaining a residential property in Malta, although the original minimum rental threshold no longer applies.

At the minimum rental level, the five-year rent totals €70,000. Combined with the €99,000 in principal Program costs, this gives a minimum commitment of €169,000 before additional expenses.

Leasing can be suitable for applicants who prefer to preserve capital or avoid purchasing a property before deciding whether Malta is the right long-term location for their family. However, rent is an ongoing expense which may increase each year (depending on the conditions of the lease), and does not create ownership of the property.

Which Option is Right for You?

The decision depends on liquidity, family plans, and how the applicant expects to use the residence status. Purchasing requires a larger initial commitment, but provides property ownership. Renting involves a lower minimum financial commitment and can offer more flexibility in how capital is allocated elsewhere.

Applicants should also remember that the asset threshold is a separate eligibility requirement and is not included in either cost calculation.

The Malta Permanent Residence Application Process

The processing period of an MPRP application is approximately four to six months. The actual timeline will depend on the application, the due diligence review, document readiness, and the time required to complete the remaining requirements.

We’ve outlined a typical expected timeline for applicants below.

Step 1: Initial Assessment and Onboarding

The process begins with an eligibility assessment covering nationality, personal circumstances, financial resources, and family composition. Applicants can also consider their preferred property route and broader residence objectives at this stage.

Following preliminary screening, the licensed agent co-ordinates onboarding and the preparation of the application.

Step 2: Document Preparation and Submission

The applicant provides the required personal, financial, and supporting documents, followed by the licensed agent reviewing everything before submitting to the Residency Malta Agency.

The first €15,000 portion of the administrative fee is due within one month of an application’s submission. The agency then conducts its own due diligence and may request additional information.

Step 3: Approval in Principle

If the application meets the relevant criteria, the agency issues a Letter of Approval in Principle. This allows the applicant to proceed with the outstanding Program requirements.

The remaining €45,000 administrative fee must be paid within two months of receiving the letter. Applicants should track the relevant deadlines carefully to ensure payment is completed within the deadline window.

Step 4: Complete the Property and Donation Requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of a qualifying property purchase or lease, make the €2,000 charitable donation, and submit the required health insurance documentation.

The chosen property documentation must be provided before the applicable deadline, which is within eight months of receiving the Approval in Principle Letter. The government contribution and other outstanding requirements must also be completed within the prescribed timeframes.

Step 5: Residence Certificate and Cards

Once the agency confirms that all requirements have been met, the residence certificate can be issued. Applicants then complete the required biometrics procedures and can receive their residence cards.

The cards are valid for five years and must be renewed thereafter. Permanent residence status is distinct from the validity of the physical card, and beneficiaries must continue to meet the Program’s applicable conditions.

Including Family Members in an Application

The MPRP can accommodate qualifying family members, which makes it relevant to applicants planning for a spouse, children, or dependent relatives.

Eligible dependents may include:

• A spouse or civil partner
• Minor children, including eligible adopted children
• Unmarried adult children aged 18 to 28 who are principally dependent on the main applicant
• Dependent parents and grandparents of the main applicant or spouse, subject to the applicable requirements

Adult children and other dependents must meet the relevant eligibility and due diligence criteria, while parents and grandparents must also satisfy the applicable dependency conditions which includes not being in full-time employment.

The spouse or civil partner and minor children do not incur the additional €7,500 adult-dependent fee. Other qualifying adult dependents may incur this charge, so the total budget should reflect the number and circumstances of family members included.

For multigenerational families, reviewing dependent eligibility early can help establish a realistic budget and clarify which supporting documents will be needed.

Planning for Malta Permanent Residence

The MPRP offers a choice between property purchase and rental, allowing eligible applicants to structure their commitment around their financial circumstances and long-term plans. However, the headline fees are only one part of the decision. Asset thresholds, property obligations, family eligibility, and ongoing compliance all need to be considered together.

Latitude’s role is to help applicants understand these requirements before proceeding, co-ordinate the application, and manage the documentation and property-related steps. An early assessment can help identify potential issues and establish a clearer picture of the total commitment.

Speak With Latitude Today

Latitude’s role in advising clients across multiple jurisdictions can help applicants assess the differences between established Programs and developing opportunities. A structured comparison can identify suitable routes based on family eligibility, financial preferences, processing expectations, and the intended use of the residence status.

Our advisers assist internationally mobile individuals and families with:

• Residence planning
• Citizenship planning
• Relocation strategies
• Cross-border structuring
• Global mobility solutions

To learn more about Malta or to discuss your options:

• Contact the Latitude team: Contact Us
• Book a complimentary consultation with one of our experts: Schedule a consultation

Related Articles

• Mistakes to Avoid When Relocating to Malta
• What Is It Really Like to Live in Malta as an International Family?
• Valletta: The Capital That Defines Malta’s Global Appeal
• Education, Healthcare and Lifestyle: The Three Factors Driving Relocation to Malta

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Malta Permanent Residence Program?

The MPRP is a residence-by-investment Program that enables eligible third-country nationals and qualifying family members to obtain permanent residence in Malta by meeting the required financial, property, contribution, and due diligence conditions.

How much does the Malta Permanent Residence Program cost?

The principal government costs are €60,000 for the administrative fee, €37,000 for the government contribution, and €2,000 for the charitable donation. Applicants must also purchase qualifying property for at least €375,000 or lease property for at least €14,000 annually for five years.

The minimum calculated commitment is €474,000 for the purchase route or €169,000 for the rental route, before additional expenses.

What are the Malta residency requirements?

Applicants must be eligible third-country nationals aged at least 18, meet one of the capital asset thresholds, demonstrate sufficient financial resources, hold suitable health insurance, pass due diligence, and satisfy the Program’s property and payment requirements.

Do I have to buy property in Malta?

No. Applicants can purchase qualifying residential property for at least €375,000 or lease property for at least €14,000 per year. Both routes require a five-year property commitment. After the initial five-year period, beneficiaries must continue maintaining a residential property in Malta.

Can my family be included?

Yes. Qualifying spouses or civil partners, children, and dependent parents or grandparents may be included, subject to the Program’s eligibility criteria. Additional contributions may apply to certain adult dependents.

How long does the application take?

Latitude estimates approximately four to six months, although the actual processing time depends on due diligence, documentation, and completion of the outstanding requirements.

Do I have to live in Malta to maintain permanent residence?

The MPRP does not impose a minimum physical presence requirement. Beneficiaries must still comply with the applicable Program conditions, including the property requirements.

Does Malta permanent residence grant citizenship?

No. The MPRP grants permanent residence, not citizenship. Maltese citizenship is governed by separate legal provisions and is not an automatic outcome of participating in the Program.