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.

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 in Malta or Gozo

  • Government Contribution: €30,000 if purchasing property or €60,000 if leasing property

  • Administrative Fee: €50,000 for the main applicant and €10,000 for each dependent

  • 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 allows up to four generations to be included in one application:

  • Spouse or partner in a long-term relationship

  • Children (including adopted children) of any age, provided they are unmarried and financially dependent

  • Parents and grandparents of the main applicant or spouse who are financially dependent

  • Disabled adult children

What are the benefits of the MPRP?

MPRP beneficiaries enjoy:

  • Right to reside, settle, and stay indefinitely in Malta

  • 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

  • Option to apply for Maltese citizenship after 5 years of continuous residence

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. However, they cannot switch from an owned property to a leased property during this period. After 5 years, they must maintain a residential address in Malta but are not required to keep the original qualifying property.

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: €27.50 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 remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads who wish to live in Malta while working for employers or clients based outside Malta. 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 (increased from €32,400 in April 2024)

  • 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 are 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

  • No tax liability in Malta if taxes are paid elsewhere

How long does the MNRP application process take?

The MNRP application processing is expected to take 30 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 digital nomads 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?

Yes, MPRP holders may apply for Maltese citizenship by naturalisation after 5 years of continuous residence in Malta, provided they meet additional requirements, including knowledge of English or Maltese and good character. The decision is at the Minister's discretion.

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 (2-3 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

How does family reunification work in Malta?

Non-EU nationals with Malta residence permits can apply for family reunification after:

  • Residing in Malta for a minimum 2 years

  • Holding a residence permit valid for at least 1 year

  • Meeting income requirements (€23,136 + 20% for each family member)

  • Having adequate accommodation

Eligible family members include spouse, unmarried minor children, and in some cases, dependent adult children and parents.

For personalised advice on Malta immigration programmes, contact Attard Baldacchino - your licensed Malta immigration agent with 100% success rate for US clients and over 11 years of experience in Malta residence and citizenship matters.