Malta (EU) Residency & Citizenship

Malta (EU) Citizenship / Residency Program Summaries

Residency and Citizenship for Qualified Applicants

MALTA CITIZENSHIP BY MERIT

The citizenship by investment route (Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation, MEIN) has closed and no longer accepts applications.

Maltese citizenship may be granted on the basis of merit under the Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188). Each application is assessed individually and the decision is discretionary. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee that citizenship will be granted.

Areas in which an exceptional contribution may be considered include:

Eligibility focuses on exceptional global contributors, including:

• Innovators in science, technology, education, healthcare, and advanced research
• Cultural, artistic, or athletic achievers
• Founders and business leaders supporting job creation and strategic investment
• Philanthropic and humanitarian leaders with demonstrable global impact

This marks a transition toward honoring individuals whose achievements serve Malta’s national priorities and elevate its international stature - placing emphasis on meaningful contribution rather than financial investment alone.

The citizenship framework grants temporary Maltese residency (valid for one year) within weeks. Full issuance of the citizenship certificate typically takes 12-16 months.

If you're unsure whether you qualify, contact us to discuss your profile and next steps. We can help assess your eligibility for Malta’s merit-based citizenship.

We look forward to helping you explore this exciting new framework to receive Maltese citizenship.

MALTA PERMANENT RESIDENCE PROGRAMME (MPRP)

The Malta MPRP program is a permanent residency program for non-EU nationals. It requires a one-time investment, and provides a permanent residency certificate which is valid for life. This program does not lead to Malta (EU) citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

The applicant can choose between purchasing a property (minimum property value of EUR 375,000) or renting a property (minimum rental of EUR 14,000 per year).

The administrative fee for the main applicant is €60,000. There is no administrative fee to include a spouse and minor children. The fee for adult dependents (older children, parents, grandparents) is €7,500 per person.

The main applicant must also make a non-refundable government contribution in the amount of EUR 37,000 regardless of whether the property is purchased or rented. Lastly, the applicant must make a philanthropic donation of EUR 2,000 to a Maltese-registered charity of the applicant's choice. 

To qualify, the main applicant must declare that he/she owns assets (stocks, bonds, real estate, other) valued at (A) no less than EUR 500,000 of which EUR 150,000 must be available in financial assets such as stocks, bonds, funds or bank deposits, or (B) at least EUR 650,000 with at least EUR 75,000 in liquid assets.

The MPRP offers two routes: an expedited option that grants temporary residence within about 4 weeks while the application is processed, or the standard route, which takes 3–6 months to approval.

OTHER MALTA RESIDENCY PROGRAMS

In addition to citizenship and permanent residency options for investors, Malta provides various temporary residency programs for individuals who are citizens of another EU member country or nationals of non-EU member states. It is important to note that these programs do not confer permanent residency, nor do they lead to Malta (EU) citizenship and the EU passport.

Please review our Malta Residency page for additional details about each of these programs.

MALTA GLOBAL RESIDENCY PROGRAMME (GRP)

The Malta GRP program is a 1-year residency visa for non-EU nationals that offers visa-free Schengen travel benefits and special tax advantages. The annual minimum tax is EUR 15,000 (to increase to EUR 35,000 for applications filed from Jan. 01, 2027) plus a property purchase or rental, plus fees. The processing time is approximately 90 days. This program does not lead to Malta (EU) citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

MALTA ORDINARY RESIDENCY (OR) / MALTA TAX RESIDENCY (TRP)

The Malta OR program is only available for EU nationals (citizens of the EU including Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland) who want to live in Malta 183 days per year or longer. The program requires the applicant to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency which is defined as having available funds of at least EUR 14,000 for a single person (EUR 23,000 for married couples). Income brought into Malta is fully taxable. This program does not lead to Malta (EU) citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

The Malta tax residency program for EU citizens requires applicants to declare they do not spend more than 183 days in any other jurisdiction outside of Malta, but there is no requirement to spend 183 days inside Malta. The special tax rate on income brought into Malta is 15% (annual minimum tax: EUR 15,000 - to increase to €35,000 for applications filed from Jan. 01, 2027). This program does not lead to Malta (EU) citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

MALTA RETIREMENT PROGRAMME (MRP)

The Malta retirement program is targeted at retirees (EU and non-EU nationals) who receive a pension to be transmitted to Malta. The amount of the pension must equal at least 75% of the applicant’s total income. Applicants must purchase or rent a personal residence (from EUR 8,750 per year if rented, or from EUR 220,000 if purchased). Foreign source income brought into Malta is taxed at 15% with an annual minimum tax of EUR 7,500. This program does not lead to Malta (EU) citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

MALTA NOMAD RESIDENCE PERMIT (MNRP)

The Malta Nomad Residence Permit ("Digital Nomad Visa") is available to applicants who are not citizens of an EU member country. Applicants must be able to work independent of location and prove that (a) they are employed under a work contract issued by an employer outside of Malta, or (b) they conduct business on behalf of a company registered outside of Malta in which they are a partner or shareholder, or (c) they are a freelancer or consultant offering services to clients who are based outside of Malta.

Applicants for the Malta nomad residence permit must earn a salary of at least EUR 3,500 per month. Applicants must rent or purchase a property in Malta, obtain health insurance, and pass all background checks. The visa is valid for 1 year, and may be renewed at the discretion of the Malta government twice, for a maximum of 4 years. The Nomad Residence Permit does not entitle the holder to social benefits in Malta, and it does not lead to Malta (EU) residency or citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

MALTA STARTUP RESIDENCE PROGRAMME (MSRP)

The Malta Startup Residence program is available to startup founders, co-founders, and their core employees and families who are of non-EU nationality and who register their venture in Malta at a minimum EUR 25,000 capital investment. The startup must be younger than 7 years and must not yet have distributed a profit.

Applicants are required to be financially self-sufficient, move to Malta, and pay taxes here. Applicants must rent or purchase a property in Malta, obtain health insurance, and pass all background checks. The residence permit is valid for 3 years, and may be renewed at the discretion of the Malta government for an additional 5 years. The startup residence program does not lead to permanent residency, and it does not lead to Malta (EU) citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

Residence and Citizenship in Malta

General Information for Applicants and Their Families

RIGHTS AND PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Applicants consider residence or citizenship in Malta for a range of personal and family reasons, including relocation, retirement and family circumstances. Residence and citizenship carry different rights and obligations, which are summarised below.

Malta permits dual citizenship. Whether an applicant may keep their existing citizenship depends on the law of their country of origin, and applicants should confirm this before applying.

Free Movement of Persons

Maltese citizens are citizens of the European Union. EU citizens have the right to move and reside in other EU member states, subject to the conditions set out in EU law (Directive 2004/38/EC). Holders of a Maltese residence permit do not acquire these rights, which apply to EU citizens only.

Family members may be included in an application where the applicable regulations allow. The categories of eligible dependants are set out in the official criteria for each programme or framework.

Free Movement of Goods & Services

As an EU member state, Malta is part of the EU single market. Businesses established in Malta may provide goods and services in other member states under single market rules, subject to any sector-specific licensing or regulatory requirements. These rules apply to the business, irrespective of the citizenship of its owners.

Free Movement of Capital

The free movement of capital applies across the European Union. EU citizens may generally transfer funds between member states and acquire property in other member states, subject to the national rules of each member state, some of which restrict property purchases by non-residents. Anti-money-laundering and reporting obligations apply to cross-border transfers.

Taxation

Malta operates its own tax system, including specific regimes for certain categories of residents. In Malta, liability to tax is generally based on residence and domicile rather than citizenship, so obtaining residence or citizenship does not by itself determine an individual's tax position.

Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances. Applicants are advised to obtain advice from an independent tax specialist. On request, we can provide an introduction to tax specialists familiar with Maltese tax law.

Living in Malta

Malta has state, church and independent schools, and a public healthcare system alongside private hospitals and clinics. Access to public education and healthcare depends on the individual's residence or citizenship status. Maltese and English are the official languages. Applicants planning to relocate should consider practical matters such as housing, schooling and health insurance in advance.

Travel Within the EU

Malta has been a member of the European Union since 2004 and of the Schengen Area since 2007. As EU citizens, Maltese citizens may travel within the EU on a valid passport or national identity card. Holders of a Maltese residence permit may travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, in accordance with Schengen rules.

Entry requirements for countries outside the EU are set by each destination country and may change. Travellers should check the current requirements of their destination before travelling.

This section provides general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Decisions on residence and citizenship applications are made by the competent Maltese authorities.

Citizenship / Residency Application Process

The Application Procedure Step by Step

From Consultation to Certificate

Step 1: Initial Consultation
Begin by completing our contact form to request a personalized cost estimate for you and your family. 

This initial consultation is provided at no charge.

Malta's Standing in the European Union

One of the Safest Countries in the EU

SAFE, NEUTRAL, AND RESPECTED

Malta is a safe, neutral and respected member of the European Union since 2004 and part of the Schengen Area since 2007.

The country enjoys a stable political climate and a bi-partisan political scene that is largely convergent on issues of national and economic importance.

Malta has weathered the financial crisis well and shared the limelight with Germany as the only two states maintaining economic growth in the Euro Zone. Malta's banks have been ranked amongst the top 5 soundest banks in the world.

The Island offers a rich, contemporary cultural lifestyle, temperate climate and fascinating history. Malta is also a state of the art financial and business hub due to its competitive tax system and offers significant advantages to foreign entrepreneurs, high net worth individuals and investors seeking an attractive yet safe business environment.

For the last two decades Malta has enjoyed solid and constant growth in its financial services industry and is fast becoming the jurisdiction of choice to international corporate groups seeking an ideal hub from which to do business within the EU, Middle East and North African markets.

Our Qualifications

A Team of Specialists at your Service

YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR MISSION

Our immigration attorney is government-licensed by Residency Malta Agency (license RES-DALI, held by Dr. Alexei Dalli) to file Malta citizenship and residency applications.

Our team includes immigration specialists working exclusively on Malta citizenship and residency matters, and will stand by your side throughout the entire application process, from start to finish.

Apart from our expertise in immigration law, we offer comprehensive assistance in real estate acquisition and leasing. Additionally, our associates specialize in company formation and provide tax advisory services to a diverse clientele, including high net worth individuals, owner-managed businesses, and larger corporations.