Malta Permanent Residence Programme
Investors are presented with multiple options for making a qualifying investment to obtain residency. They can choose to invest in real estate by either purchasing or renting property, with minimum value thresholds based on location.
Malta Golden Visa
Third-country nationals — non-EU, non-EEa and non-Swiss — can participate in the Malta Permanent Residence Program. Investors obtain permanent residency in Malta, which allows them to live in the country and visit the Schengen Area for 90 days in 180. Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent of the program.
Applicants fulfil several investment conditions. They buy or rent real estate, pay government fees and make donations. They also confirm that they have assets of at least €500,000, where €150,000 are liquid financial assets.
Malta permanent residence is granted for life. However, the permanent residence card must be renewed every five years, much less frequently than temporary residence permits.
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme was launched in 2015. In 2021, the rules were updated. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations, L.N. 121 of 2021, provide the new terms and conditions.
Benefits of Maltese Residency
The Maltese Residency confers a multitude of advantages to individuals seeking to relocate or secure their presence within the European Union. Benefits include:
Visa-free Travel within the Schengen Area, allowing easy movement across numerous European countries.
Right to Reside in Malta, an EU member state that boasts a stable political climate and thriving economy.
Possibility of Tax Benefits, with Malta offering an efficient tax system for residents.
High Quality of Life, characterized by a warm climate, a safe environment, and English as an official language facilitating communication.
Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP)
The MPRP offers a structured path to residency through investment.
Here are the specific requirements and options available:
Main Investment: Applicants are required to contribute a substantial investment into a government-approved fund, the minimum being €100,000.
Real Estate Option A: Rent a property with a minimum annual rent of €10,000 in Gozo or the southern regions of Malta, or €12,000 elsewhere in Malta.
Real Estate Option B: Purchase a property with a minimum value.
€300,000 in Gozo or the south of Malta.
€350,000 in other areas of Malta.
Step-by-step procedure for obtaining Malta citizenship
Due Diligence is a crucial step in applying for Malta citizenship. It determines whether the Maltese authorities will approve the investor’s application.
Immigrant Invest’s certified Anti Money Laundering Officer examines the investor’s documents and identifies possible risks that could result in the application being rejected.
Immigrant Invest has its own Compliance Department. We check the applicant confidentially against international legal and business information databases.
If any issues may cause the rejection of the investor’s application, we offer other paths to a second citizenship.
The Maltese police check the investor and their family members older than 12 years against the Interpol and Europol databases.
A Malta residence permit is issued to the investor and all family members over 18.
As a licensed agent, Immigrant Invest:
prepares a Level 1 Due Diligence report;
translates and apostilles documents;
draws up a Maltese real estate rental contract;
fills out the forms required for the medical insurance policy;
submits the investor’s application for a residence permit.
Immigrant Invest applies for the Eligibility Test on the investor’s behalf. It must be done within 12 months from the residence permit card receipt.
All applicants over 12 are subject to the Eligibility Test.
The Minister responsible for matters relating to Malta citizenship approves or rejects applications.
After passing the Eligibility Test, applicants qualify for citizenship one to three years after obtaining a residence permit.
If the investor applies in 1 year, they have to define any significant changes in their personal circumstances. For example, the MRQ-form has to be amended in case of a severe illness.
If the investor applies in 3 years, they confirm the permanent residence address and provide an updated police clearance certificate. If any other documents have been updated, they must also be resubmitted.
The decision is made in writing and gives the applicant the right to get citizenship.
The investor fulfils all conditions within 4 months of the Minister’s written approval. In addition, the main applicant proves their residence in Malta. The residing requirement is stipulated in the new law.
12 months with a residence permit: investments of €750,000.
36 months with a residence permit: investments of €600,000
Applicants over the age of 6 must collect their passports in person at the Malta Passport Department.
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Application Process
The Maltese Golden Visa application process is a structured procedure that involves thorough preparation and submission of specific documents to demonstrate eligibility and financial stability.
Gathering Necessary Documentation
Applicants must compile an extensive set of documents to support their Golden Visa application. These documents are critical to prove their identity, financial means, and background. Required documents typically include:
Passive Income/Bank Statements: Applicants should present recent bank statements to verify stable financial resources.
Personal Identification Documents: This encompasses a valid passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificates (if applicable).
Biometric Data: Passport-sized photos and fingerprints are necessary for personal identification.
Proof of Clean Criminal Record: Applicants need to supply documentation from their country of origin, and any country they have lived in for more than six months, to certify they have no criminal record.
Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance covering Maltese territory is required.
They must also draft a detailed personal statement—often in the form of a cover letter—outlining the purpose of the application and their motivation for choosing Malta as their residency.
Submitting the Application
Once the necessary documentation is gathered, the applicant can proceed with their visa application. The submission process involves the following steps:
Due Diligence: A thorough due diligence check is conducted, ensuring the applicant poses no security, reputational, or financial risk to Malta.
Complete Application Forms: The individual must accurately fill out the required forms and attach relevant documents.
Payment of Fees: Application, processing, and due diligence fees must be paid according to the stipulated requirements of the Golden Visa program.
Residency Visa Issuance: Upon approval, a residency visa is granted, which is the initial step towards long-term residency and eventually citizenship, if desired, by non-EU nationals.
The entire application process reflects Malta’s commitment to attract and scrutinize high caliber individuals under the Golden Visa program, ensuring the integrity and prestige of Malta’s residency by investment scheme.
Initial Fees and Contributions
The Immediate financial outlay for the Malta Golden Visa encompasses administrative and due diligence fees, as well as a non-refundable government contribution.
They are as follows:
Administrative Fee: A payment is required to cover the costs of processing the application. This fee is non-refundable.
Due Diligence Check: Prospective residents undergo a thorough background investigation. This vital step incurs its own separate fee.
Government Contribution: A significant government donation is mandatory, which varies depending on the investment route chosen.
Eligibility Criteria
The Malta Golden Visa Program establishes specific criteria that applicants must meet for residency qualification. The eligibility hinges on fulfilling investment requirements as well as passing comprehensive due diligence processes to maintain the program’s integrity.
Main Applicant and Dependents
The principal investor must commit to a qualifying investment in real estate with options either to purchase or rent property in Malta. Eligibility extends to the following parties:
Spouse: Always considered an eligible dependent.
Children: All dependent children, both minors and those who are economically dependent on the main applicant.
Parents and Grandparents: May qualify as dependents if fully supported by the main applicant.
All applicants and their dependents are required to prove financial stability and a clean criminal record.
