Malta Golden Visa: 2024

Malta Golden Visa Programme Guide for 2024

Malta's Golden Visa program, officially known as the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), offers non-EU nationals the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Malta through investment. The program requires a minimum investment in government bonds, real estate, and a contribution to the national development and social fund. In return, successful applicants receive residency rights in Malta, allowing them to live and travel within the Schengen Zone. Malta's favorable tax regime, robust financial services sector, and high quality of life make it an attractive destination for investors and their families seeking EU residency.

Break Front has a team of legal experts that can navigate you through the process with ease.

Country Info

Population: Approximately 514,000 (as of 2023).
Economy: Malta has a strong and diversified economy, with major sectors including tourism, financial services, iGaming, manufacturing, and maritime industries. As a member of the European Union, Malta benefits from access to the EU single market, and it is a favored destination for foreign investors due to its business-friendly environment.
Government Type: Unitary parliamentary republic.
Official Languages: Maltese and English.
Geographic Position: Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, located south of Italy and north of Libya. It consists of three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino.
Currency: Euro (€).
Capital: Valletta.
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC +1; Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC +2 during daylight saving time.
Climate: Malta enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), applicants must meet the following criteria:

Age Requirement: The main applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Financial Investment: Applicants must invest the required amounts to meet the program's qualifying criteria.
Financial Self-Sufficiency: Applicants need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their dependents without relying on Malta's social assistance.
Health Insurance: Both the main applicant and dependents must maintain valid health insurance that covers the entire European Union. This insurance must provide comprehensive coverage for all risks in Malta.
Criminal Record: All applicants, including dependents, must present a clean criminal record.
Investment Commitment: While there is no minimum stay requirement, applicants must commit to maintaining their qualifying investments for at least five years.

To be eligible for MPRP, applicants must either purchase or lease a property in Malta. If opting for a lease, the lease agreement must be for a minimum of five years, ensuring a long-term commitment to the country. This also helps maintain the stability of the investment. Applicants must adhere to the lease terms throughout this period.

While there is no strict language requirement, gaining a basic understanding and proficiency in the local language (Maltese) can facilitate integration into the community.

Investment opportunities

To apply for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) and obtain a resident card, individuals have the option to either purchase real estate or lease a property. This program is designed for individuals who possess sufficient financial resources and are looking to enhance their quality of life and mobility by investing in Malta. The investment involves either buying or leasing a property in Malta, along with contributing to the national development and social fund, among other government contributions.

Applicants should be aware that participating in the Malta Permanent Residence Programme requires a long-term commitment to the country’s social and economic development. Investments made through this program contribute directly to the local economy and community. It is essential that applicants provide accurate and thorough personal information in their applications to avoid any issues.

Non-Refundable Government Donation

If you're considering obtaining a Maltese Golden Visa through a non-refundable government contribution, this is a viable route for those who prefer to invest in the country without committing to property ownership or leasing. This option requires a substantial financial contribution directly to the Maltese government, which is non-refundable.

The investment requirements are as follows:

Contribution Amount: If you choose to rent a property in Malta, you must make a non-refundable contribution of €58,000. If you opt to purchase a residential property instead, the required contribution is €28,000.
Additional Fees: There is an additional charge of €7,500 for each extra adult dependent included in your application.

This route is designed to bolster Malta’s economy while allowing investors the opportunity to gain residency in this strategically located European Union member state. The investment not only secures your residency but also provides the potential for long-term benefits, such as the option to eventually apply for citizenship, provided you meet certain criteria and timeframes.

Property Investment

To qualify for the Malta Golden Visa program through property investment, applicants must adhere to specific criteria and make a significant financial commitment.

Property Investment Requirements:

Property Purchase: Applicants must buy residential property in Malta valued at a minimum of €300,000 if located in the South of Malta or Gozo, or €350,000 if located in other parts of Malta. This property must be held for at least five years.
Property Rental: Alternatively, applicants can rent a property with a minimum annual rent of €10,000 in the South of Malta or Gozo, or €12,000 in other parts of Malta. The rental agreement must also be maintained for at least five years.

Additional Contributions:

In addition to the property investment, applicants must make a non-refundable government contribution:

Renting: A contribution of €58,000.
Purchasing: A contribution of €28,000.

There is also an additional fee of €7,500 for each adult dependent included in the application.

These investments and contributions must be maintained throughout the five-year period to retain the residence permit, and applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources and obtain comprehensive health insurance that covers all risks in Malta.

This route not only grants residency but also positions applicants for potential citizenship in the future, provided they maintain their investment and residency status for the required period.

Donation

Applicants are required to make a donation of €2,000 to a local registered NGO that is involved in philanthropic, cultural, sports, artistic, scientific, or animal welfare activities. The NGO must be registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organizations or otherwise approved by the Residency Malta Agency.

It's important to note that this donation should only be made after the Letter of Approval has been issued. Proof of the donation must be submitted along with the final proof pack. The licensed agent handling the application is also responsible for obtaining clearance from the Residency Malta Agency regarding the chosen NGO or organization for the donation.

Additional fees

Program additional fees:

Parent or grandparent of the main applicant or spouse who is entirely dependent on the main applicant: €7,500
Spouse of an already approved main applicant: €7,500
Minor child of the main applicant or their approved spouse: Free
Child of the main applicant and/or his spouse, born or adopted after the certificate is issued: Free
Adult child of the main applicant or his approved spouse, who is over 18 years old, not married, and principally dependent on the main applicant: €5,000
Adult child of the main applicant or their approved spouse who is over 18 years old and who has been certified by a recognized medical professional or authority as having a disability in terms of the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act: Free
Spouse of an already approved dependent child: €7,500
Minor child of an already approved dependent child and/or their already approved spouse: €5,000

Administration Fee

The administration fee for the Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) is a mandatory, non-refundable fee that applicants are required to pay as part of their application process. This fee is designed to cover the administrative costs associated with processing the application.

The standard administration fee is €40,000. This fee is generally paid in two parts:

Initial Payment: €10,000 is due at the time of submission of the application. This initial payment is non-refundable.
Balance: The remaining €30,000 is due after the issuance of the approval letter. This must be paid before the applicant receives the residency certificate.

It is important to note that this administration fee is separate from other investment requirements and government contributions under the MPRP.

Investment benefits

When making an investment in Malta to get residence it comes with several high-quality benefits

Great air and sea connections and Visa-Free travel in EU

Dynamic real-estate market

Free public services and high-quality of life

English speaking country

One of the major attractions of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme is the ability for applicants to include their family members within a single application, though additional fees apply (as outlined in our costs section below).

Eligible dependents who can be included in the application include:

The spouse of the main applicant in a monogamous marriage or a similar legally recognized relationship, such as a civil union, domestic partnership, or common-law marriage.
Children under 18 years of age, including adopted children.
Unmarried children over 18 who are primarily or entirely dependent on the main applicant or their spouse.
Children over 18 who are recognized as persons with disabilities.
Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or their spouse who are primarily or entirely dependent on them.

Dependents included in the main applicant’s Malta Golden Visa enjoy access to Malta's high-quality healthcare and educational systems, which are among the key benefits of applying for the programme. Additionally, Malta is renowned as one of Europe's top study destinations, making it an attractive option for dependents seeking educational opportunities.

Required documents

To apply for the Malta Golden Visa, the following documents are required:

A valid passport for all applicants along with birth certificates where applicable.
A criminal record certificate for applicants over 14 years old, issued by the competent authorities in their country of origin or residence, covering any period of residence over six months during the past 10 years.
Health insurance proving that the main applicant and their dependents are not suffering from any serious illness or contagious disease, and that they are in good health. The insurance must ensure they will not be an unreasonable burden on Malta’s national health system.
A commitment to purchase or lease immovable property in Malta as required by law.
Personal information necessary for due diligence processes, confirming that the main applicant and their dependents are fit and proper persons.
A power of attorney granted to a verified agent.
A medical report and questionnaire.
Proof of funds and financial assets for the main applicant.
Bank statements for the main applicant only.
Evidence of business ownership or employment for the main applicant or their benefactor.
A commitment to remit the total contribution payable and the donation required to apply for the program.

Important notice: A thorough four-tier due diligence process is part of the Malta Golden Visa application. To submit your application, you must go through a Licensed Authorized Agent who will act as your power of attorney. To maximize your chances of success, ensure that all documentation is in place and accurately completed (originals or certified copies).

Process for Golden Visa

Process for gaining Malta's Golden Visa is made out of several crucial steps necessary to successfully obtain it

those steps are mentioned and explained below.

1. Power of attorney and application submission: You must sign a power of attorney document authorizing your selected licensed agent to act on your behalf in all matters related to the MPRP.

2. Letter of Approval in Principle or Rejection: The final application file is presented to the Approvals Board, which will determine whether your application has been approved or rejected. Once a decision has been made, you will receive either a Letter of Approval in Principle or a Letter of Rejection.

3. Make qualifying investments: You are required to make your qualifying investments, which can include purchasing or leasing real estate, making a donation to a registered NGO/organization of your choice, and settling the contribution to the Maltese government.

4. Application pack submission and issuance of receipt: Your licensed agent will compile and submit the complete application pack to the Residency Malta Agency. A receipt will be issued as confirmation of submission.

5. Due diligence: The Residency Malta Agency conducts a four-tier due diligence process to validate your application.

6. Letter of Final Approval: Upon successful completion of the previous steps, the applicant will receive a Letter of Final Approval, granting them the green light to obtain a residence permit.

7. Biometric data collection and residency card issuance: If approved, you must travel to Malta (with any dependents included in the application) to submit your biometric data to the Residency Malta Agency. The issuance of biometric data is tied to the Malta residency card but is not a mandatory step in the process. These cards are issued once the investment is made and all criteria are fulfilled. Each card is valid for five years and is renewable, with the exception of minors turning 14 or 18 years old. Minors approaching their 14th or 18th birthday will have a residency card valid until a month before their birthday.

8. Annual Compliance: The applicant must adhere to annual compliance requirements to maintain the validity of their Malta residency status. This includes submitting necessary documentation, such as proof of continued financial solvency, insurance coverage, and any updates on dependents or other relevant details as required by the Residency Malta Agency.

Why Choose Break Front?

Global expertise with local insight: A team of seasoned local case executives, immigration lawyers, and investment specialists.

Independent service: We are not affiliated with any marketing agencies or specific projects. You’ll have access to all eligible Golden Visa options, allowing you to choose the best path for your needs, supported by the legal due diligence services of a reputable law firm.

High approval rate: We pride ourselves on our high approval rates while having successfully assisted hundreds of clients from over 25 countries.

Comprehensive support: Our dedicated onboarding and immigration teams guide you through the entire process, providing a seamless experience with a single point of contact.

Transparency: Our fees are clearly outlined and comprehensive, with no hidden costs involved in the entire process.

Privacy: Your personal information is securely stored in a GDPR-compliant database.