Move to Malta: FAQs

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

What is the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is a residency-by-investment programme that allows non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals to obtain permanent residence in Malta. Launched in 2021, it replaced the former Malta Residence and Visa Programme (MRVP) and provides successful applicants with the right to reside, settle, and stay indefinitely in Malta, while the programme obligations are met.

Who is eligible to apply for the MPRP?

To be eligible for the MPRP, applicants must be:

• Non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals
• At least 18 years of age
• In possession of valid travel documents
• Have a clean criminal record and pass due diligence checks
• Demonstrate capital assets of at least €500,000, with a minimum of €150,000 in financial assets (or €650,000 with €75,000 in financial assets)

Not from sanctioned countries including Afghanistan, Belarus, North Korea, Iran, Russia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Venezuela

What are the investment requirements for the MPRP?

The investment requirements include:

• Property Investment: Purchase property for a minimum €375,000 or lease property for a a minimum of €14,000 annually
• Government Contribution: €37,000
• Administrative Fee: €60,000
• Donation: €2,000 to a local registered NGO
• Health Insurance: Coverage for all risks in Malta and other European countries

What family members can be included in the MPRP application?

The MPRP guide, section 5, states: A single MPRP application can span up to four generations: the main applicant, their spouse or equivalent partner, children, and dependent parents and grandparents. Eligible dependants are:

• a spouse, or a partner in a relationship of similar status to marriage;
• children under 18, including adopted children;
• children over 18 but who have not yet attained 29 years of age at the time of application, who are unmarried and principally dependent on the main applicant;
• parents and grandparents who are principally dependent on the main applicant;
• adult children of any age certified by a recognised medical professional or authority as having a disability under the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act, to whom the age limit does not apply.

The guide continues: There is no age threshold for parents or grandparents. An additional €7,500 applies for each dependant other than the spouse and under-18 children. An adult dependant is "principally dependent" only where they cannot maintain a basic, independent, self-sufficient life without the main applicant's support; those with substantial wealth, income, or business interests would not qualify as dependants, even with the applicant's support.

What are the benefits of the MPRP?

MPRP beneficiaries enjoy:

• Right to reside, settle, and stay indefinitely in Malta, while the programme obligations are met
• Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for 90 days out of 180
• Right to work in Malta (subject to obtaining work permits)
• Access to Malta's healthcare and education systems
• No minimum physical presence requirement to maintain residency

How long does the MPRP application process take?

The MPRP application process typically takes 6-12 months from submission to approval, depending on the complexity of the case and due diligence requirements. The process includes a rigorous four-tier due diligence assessment.

Can the qualifying property be sold or changed during the first 5 years?

During the first 5 years, beneficiaries can sell or change their qualifying property as long as they continuously satisfy the qualifying property conditions.

Are there any ongoing compliance requirements?

Yes, beneficiaries must:

• Maintain the qualifying property for the first 5 years
• Submit annual compliance forms (Form MPRP5) for the first 5 years
• Maintain health insurance coverage
• Keep a residential address in Malta
• Renew residence cards every 5 years (fee: €100 per year per person)

Malta Nomad Residence Permit (MNRP)

What is the Malta Nomad Residence Permit (MNRP)?

The Malta Nomad Residence Permit (MNRP), also known as the Digital Nomad Visa, is designed for business owners and remote professionals who wish to live in Malta while their business, employer or clients remain outside it. It allows non-EU nationals to reside in Malta for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to 4 years total.

Who is eligible for the MNRP?

To qualify for the MNRP, applicants must:

• Be non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals

• Be at least 18 years old

• Have a minimum gross annual income of €42,000

• Work remotely using telecommunications technologies

• Fall under one of these categories:

  • Employed by a foreign-registered company
  • Partner/shareholder conducting business for a foreign-registered company
  • Freelancer/consultant providing services to clients based outside Malta

What are the income requirements for the MNRP?

The minimum gross annual income requirement is €42,000 for applications submitted after April 1, 2024. Applications submitted before this date remain subject to the previous threshold of €32,400 annually. For each family member included in the application, an additional 20% of the median wage is required.

What documents are required for the MNRP application?

Required documents include:

• Application Forms N1, N2 (if applicable), and N4
• Letter of Intent
• International Passport
• Employment contract or business documentation
• Europass CV
• Bank statements
• Health insurance policy (minimum €100,000 coverage)
• Police conduct certificate (apostilled/double legalised)
• Proof of accommodation (post-approval)

How long is the MNRP valid and can it be renewed?

The MNRP is initially valid for up to one year and can be renewed for up to 3 additional years, allowing a total maximum stay of 4 years in Malta. Renewal is subject to continuing to meet all programme requirements, including evidence of staying in Malta for a minimum cumulative period of 5 months in the previous year.

Can family members be included in the MNRP application?

Yes, family members can be included at an additional fee of €300 per dependent. Eligible family members include:

• Spouse
• Minor children
• Adult children unable to cope independently due to medical conditions
• Adult children economically dependent on the main applicant

What are the benefits of the MNRP?

MNRP holders enjoy:

• Right to reside and work remotely in Malta
• Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for 90 days out of 180
• Access to Malta's healthcare system
• Experience a Mediterranean lifestyle while maintaining employment abroad

How long does the MNRP application process take?

The MNRP application processing is expected to take 30 to 60 working days from receipt of payment, during which background checks are conducted. The entire process includes document completion, application submission, review, and permit issuance.

General Malta Immigration Questions:

What is the difference between MPRP and MNRP?

The main differences are:

• MPRP: Permanent residence for investors requiring significant investment (€182,000+), suitable for long-term relocation
• MNRP: Temporary residence for business owners and remote professionals, requiring proof of remote work and €42,000 annual income, valid for 1-4 years

Are there any nationality restrictions for Malta immigration programmes?

Yes, nationals from sanctioned countries are generally ineligible, including Afghanistan, Belarus, North Korea, Iran, Russia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Venezuela. EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals are not eligible for investment-based programmes as they have freedom of movement rights.

What is the due diligence process for Malta immigration programmes?

Malta employs a rigorous four-tier due diligence process that includes:

• Tier 1: Standard KYC screening through international databases
• Tier 2: Clearance checks with Interpol and Europol
• Tier 3: Enhanced due diligence for high-risk applicants
• Tier 4: Additional verification if required

The process also includes a seven-step risk matrix covering identification, business affiliations, PEPs screening, source of funds, criminal background, sanctions, and reputational risk.

Can Malta residence permit holders work in Malta?

• MPRP holders: Can work in Malta but may need to obtain work permits depending on the type of employment
• MNRP holders: Can only work remotely for foreign employers/clients, not for Maltese companies

Are there tax benefits for Malta residents?

Malta residents who are not domiciled in Malta benefit from:

• Remittance-based taxation (only taxed on foreign income brought to Malta)
• No tax on foreign capital gains
• No inheritance tax, estate duty, or wealth tax
• Special tax rates of 15% on foreign-sourced income remitted to Malta for certain programmes

Can Malta residence lead to citizenship?

The MPRP guide, section 14, states: The MPRP grants residence, not citizenship, and does not lead to citizenship as a matter of course. Maltese citizenship is governed by the Maltese Citizenship Act (Chapter 188 of the Laws of Malta) and the Constitution, and is acquired in several ways: by birth, by descent, by registration (which covers, among others, the spouses of Maltese citizens and certain former citizens), and by naturalisation, ordinarily on the basis of long lawful residence. Long lawful residence is the ordinary starting point for naturalisation, but residence alone does not create an entitlement: any grant is discretionary, assessed against the conditions in the Act, and rests with the competent authority.

What property options are available for Malta residence programmes?

Applicants can choose to:

• Purchase property: Minimum €375,000 in Malta or Gozo
• Lease property: Minimum €14,000 annually in Malta or Gozo
• Properties must be held for a minimum 5 years, after which a residential address in Malta is required

Are there any Special Designated Areas (SDAs) for property investment?

Yes, Malta has 14 Special Designated Areas where foreign nationals can purchase property without usual restrictions. These areas offer:

• Simplified purchase process (around 3 months instead of 4-6 months)
• No need for special permits
• Higher potential returns on investment
• Examples include Portomaso, Smart City, and Fort Cambridge

What is the Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP)?

The GRP is a separate tax residence programme for non-EU nationals who wish to establish tax residence in Malta. It requires:

• Minimum €15,000 annual tax payment
• Property purchase or lease in Malta
• Suitable for individuals seeking tax optimisation rather than permanent residence

For personalised advice on Malta immigration programmes, contact Attard Baldacchino - your licensed Malta immigration agent with over 12 years of Malta relocation support.