Malta Permanent Residence for Americans 2026 | MPRP Guide

You're not just investing in a permit. You're choosing a different life. 

Picture this. It's a Tuesday morning in March. You're sitting on a sun-drenched terrace in Valletta, espresso in hand, the Grand Harbour stretching out below you like something from a Renaissance painting. Your children are walking to their British-curriculum school three blocks away. Your spouse just scheduled lunch with friends in Sliema. You have a video call at 2 PM New York time 8 PM here and after that, nothing but a quiet evening on an island where the crime rate is lower than any US state. 

This isn't a vacation. This is your life. 

Every year, my team and I help a carefully selected group of American families make this exact transition through the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. We choose to focus on a limited number of families and applications per year because we believe that every case is unique and requires personalised and dedicated attention at every step. We prioritise quality over volume. 

If you're an American seriously evaluating European residency, this guide is the most comprehensive, honest, and current resource you'll find. I've written it not as a sales pitch but as the conversation I have with every prospective client before we even discuss working together. 

What is the Malta Permanent Residence Programme? Why Americans choose it 

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme is a structured residency-by-investment pathway that grants non-EU nationals, including US citizens, the right to live, settle, and stay in Malta indefinitely. It's administered by the Residency Malta Agency under well-established legislation (Legal Notice 121 of 2021, most recently amended by Legal Notice 146 of 2025). 

 For Americans specifically, Malta offers a combination that's difficult to find elsewhere in Europe: 

• English is an official language and not just "widely spoken". It is enshrined as an official language in Malta’s Constitution and embedded in government, law, education, sports, and daily life. Your children attend English-language schools. Your legal documents are in English. Your neighbours speak English. This alone eliminates the single largest integration barrier American families face when relocating to Europe. 

• The EU's only English-speaking Mediterranean member. Malta sits at the crossroads of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, with direct flights to London, Frankfurt, Rome, Dubai, Istanbul, and even New York via Delta Airlines as of June 2026. As a Schengen member, your MPRP residence card grants visa-free travel (limited to 90 out of every 180 days) across 27 European countries. That being said, American citizens already enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen area on the basis of their nationality. 

• A genuine Plan B that doesn't require full commitment. Unlike some programmes, the Malta Permanent Residence Programme doesn't require you to live in Malta full-time. Many American clients use it as a strategic second home, activating their residency when needed while maintaining their US life. It's recommended to spend as much time as reasonably possible in Malta to maintain the connection and local relationships, but there's no rigid minimum stay requirement. 

• Permanent means permanent. Your Malta permanent residency is indefinite and immediate upon your final approval. The residence card is renewed every five years as an administrative formality, not a re-application. And here's something rare: the status extends to future spouses, future children and even grandchildren. You're securing generational access. 

The 2025 Reforms: What changed & why it matters for you

In July 2025, Malta introduced significant amendments to the MPRP through Legal Notice 146 of 2025. These changes made the programme more accessible and efficient for families. Here's what you need to know: 

• A streamlined fee structure. The administration fee for the main applicant is now €60,000, payable in two stages: €15,000 upon submission and €45,000 after receiving the Letter of Approval in Principle. This staged approach eases the upfront financial commitment. 

• Unified government contribution. Previously, the contribution varied depending on whether you rented or purchased property. It's now standardized at €37,000 regardless of your property choice. This simplification removes a layer of complexity from the decision. 

• Reduced family costs. Adult dependants other than the spouse now incur a fee of €7,500, down from the previous €10,000. Crucially, spouses and minor children no longer attract a separate contribution fee, serving as a meaningful saving for families. 

• Immediate temporary residence. New applicants can now immediately avail of an optional one-year temporary residence permit at the start of their application process, once standard background checks are passed. This means that you and your family can relocate to Malta while the full permanent residence application is processed, rather than waiting months before making the move. This is especially helpful when families need to get the ball rolling on school admission application, or other relocation plans. 

• Property flexibility. Subject to certain terms and conditions, you can now earn rental income immediately from owned property and sublet rented property after the initial five years. These practical adjustments make the property investment work harder for you. 

Am I eligible for the MPRP? The straightforward requirements 

The MPRP has clear eligibility criteria. You must: 

• Be a third-country national. As a US citizen (non-EU), you qualify. The programme is specifically designed for nationals outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. 

• Demonstrate sufficient assets. You need to show capital assets of at least €500,000, with a minimum of €150,000 in financial (liquid) assets. Alternatively, capital assets of at least €650,000 with a minimum of €75,000 in financial assets. These two options are merely the eligibility criteria, and applicants are obliged to disclose and evidence their total wealth, as well as how such wealth was generated throughout the applicant’s lifetime. 

• Have a clean background. You must pass a fit-and-proper assessment, have no criminal record, and not pose any threat to national security or public interest. Malta conducts a rigorous four-stage due diligence process. This is a feature, not a bug. It protects the integrity of the programme and the value of your residency. 

• Not benefit from other specific schemes. You cannot simultaneously hold benefits under certain other Maltese tax or residency programmes, such as the Malta Nomad Residence Permit (MNRP), or the Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP).

What does Malta PR cost? A transparent breakdown 

One of the most common frustrations I hear from American prospects is that other firms obscure the true total cost. I don't believe in that approach. Here's the complete picture based on the current (post-July 2025) fee structure: 

• Government fees and contributions: 

The administration fee is €60,000 for the main applicant (payable in two stages). The government contribution is €37,000 whether you rent or buy. Each adult dependant beyond the spouse carries a €7,500 fee. A €2,000 donation to a registered Maltese NGO is also required. 

• Property investment (ongoing, not lost): 

If purchasing, the minimum property value is €375,000 anywhere in Malta. If renting, the minimum annual rent is €14,000 anywhere in Malta. This property must be maintained for a minimum of five years, after which you are still required to maintain a residential address in Malta to keep your residence cards active. Your Certificate of Maltese Residence does not expire, even if residence cards are not renewed.

• For a family of four (two parents, two minor children): 

The total government-related costs come to approximately €99,000 (administration fee + contribution + NGO donation). The property investment is separate and remains your asset whether you buy a home you'll use and enjoy or lease a comfortable family apartment. 

What I tell my clients: Think of the €99,000 as the total programme cost. The property is an investment in your family's Mediterranean home, not a fee. Many clients find that Malta property values have appreciated meaningfully over recent years, and the rental market remains strong. 

The MPRP Process: What to expect

Step 1: Choose a Licensed Agent. This is required by Maltese law. You cannot submit an Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) application independently. Your trusted agent handles the application, documentation, and communication with the Residency Malta Agency. I'm licensed as RES-BALD by the Residency Malta Agency and licensed as Malta Real Estate Agency EA-00174-24.

Step 2: Initial Consultation and Due Diligence. Before we submit anything, we conduct a thorough preliminary review of your eligibility, financial documentation, and personal circumstances. This is where my dual qualification matters, I assess both your immigration pathway and your property needs simultaneously, ensuring everything aligns. 

Step 3: Optional Temporary Residence. New applicants can now immediately avail of an optional one-year temporary Malta residence permit at the start of their MPRP application process. This can either be applied for immediately at the start of the process, later on in the process after PR submission, or possibly not apply for TR at all. I note that since US Americans already enjoy visa-free access to Malta for up to 90-days at a stretch, the additional upfront costs of entering into a property lease contract and obtaining health insurance for temporary residence may not the best option for all applicants, unless the family is keen to relocate to Malta as soon as possible.

Step 4: Permanent Residence Application. From the point of engagement, and in parallel with the TR application (if availed of), the team and I will efficiently guide you on the information and documents we need for the strongest PR application to be submitted on your behalf. Typically, strong and successful MPRP applications require a minimum of 2 to 3 months to be compiled.

Step 5:  RMA Due Diligence and Processing. The Residency Malta Agency conducts its four-stage due diligence process. This typically takes six to nine months from the submission of a complete and correct application. 

Step 6: Letter of Approval in Principle. Upon successful due diligence, you receive the Letter of Approval in Principle. The remaining €45,000 administration fee is due at this stage. 

Step 7: Complete Investments. Finalise your property arrangement (purchase or lease), pay the government contribution, make your NGO donation, and secure private health insurance covering all EU risks. 

Step 8: Permanent Residence Certificate. With all conditions satisfied, you will receive your final approval and Certificate of Maltese Residence. If availed of, your temporary residence cards will be converted to new permanent residence cards with a 5-year validity. You and your family are now permanent residents of Malta. 

Why Malta over other EU options? 

American families exploring European residency often compare Malta with Portugal, Greece, and Spain. Here's what sets Malta apart: 

• Language. Malta is the only option where English is a constitutional official language used in law, government, education, and daily life. In Portugal, Greece, and Spain, English proficiency varies widely and official processes are conducted in the local language. 

• Programme stability. Portugal's Golden Visa underwent dramatic restrictions in 2023, eliminating real estate investment pathways in Lisbon and Porto. Spain has recently moved to restrict its own golden visa. Greece has raised minimum investments repeatedly. Malta's MPRP has been refined and improved (most recently in July 2025) rather than restricted, a signal of the Malta Government’s commitment to the Malta permanent residence programme. 

• Quality of the permit. The MPRP grants genuine permanent residence that's indefinite and generational. Many competing programmes offer temporary permits requiring regular renewal and demonstration of ongoing ties, and may exclude the option to include family members (such as parents or grandparents of the main applicant and spouse, or possibly even adult children).

• Safety. Malta consistently ranks among the safest countries in Europe, with low crime rates, political stability, and a welcoming attitude toward foreign residents. For American families concerned about safety, particularly those with children, this is often the deciding factor. 

• Size as an advantage. Malta's compact size means everything is within a 30-minute drive. Your children's school, your favourite restaurant, the beach, the airport; all accessible without the sprawling commutes of larger European countries. For families, this creates a quality of daily life that's difficult to replicate. 

Tax considerations for Americans in Malta 

Tax planning for US citizens living abroad is complex, and I always recommend working with a qualified cross-border tax advisor. However, here's the general landscape: 

Malta's non-domiciled tax system means that income arising outside Malta and not remitted to Malta is generally not subject to Maltese tax. This creates planning opportunities for Americans whose income and investment structures are primarily US-based. 

The US-Malta double taxation treaty helps prevent double taxation, and US citizens in Malta can potentially use the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Foreign Tax Credit to manage their US tax obligations. 

It's important to understand that US citizens remain subject to US worldwide taxation regardless of where they live. Malta residency doesn't eliminate US tax obligations, but it can be part of a legitimate tax planning strategy. 

This is general information and not tax advice. Your situation requires individual analysis by qualified professionals. 

Dual-license Agent advantage and why it matters

Here's something most prospective clients don't realise, immigration and real estate in Malta are handled by separately licensed professionals.  

I hold both licenses. As a warranted-Attorney with the Residency Malta Agency license RES-BALD and a licensed Real Estate Agent EA-00174-24, we handle your immigration application and your property search as a single, coordinated process. This means your property selection is informed by immigration requirements from day one. This offers less risk of miscommunication between parties, no duplication of due diligence, mitigates privacy risks, and no risk of your property choice inadvertently complicating or delaying your MPRP application.

For families relocating from the US, this integrated approach eliminates one of the biggest sources of stress and delay.  

What I tell every client before they commit 

I believe in complete honesty with my clients, even when it makes the sales conversation harder. Here's what you should know: 

• Malta is small. If you're used to the vast open spaces of the American West or the anonymity of New York City, Malta's density may take adjustment. The main island is roughly 27 km long and 14.5 km wide. Some people find this charming and convenient. Others feel confined. Visit first, ideally for at least two weeks before committing. 

• Summers are hot. July and August temperatures regularly exceed 35°C (95°F), and the island has limited green space compared to northern European countries. Many residents travel during peak summer. The trade-off is 300+ days of sunshine and winters so mild that outdoor dining continues year-round. 

• Bureaucracy exists. While Malta is far more efficient than many European countries, certain administrative processes can test your patience. Having an experienced local advisor makes an enormous difference here. 

• This investment is meaningful. The total programme cost plus property represents a substantial commitment. I'd rather tell a prospective client “You’re not ready yet" and have them return in twelve months with stronger financial preparation than accept someone who'll be stressed throughout the process. 

The families who thrive in Malta are those who embrace the Mediterranean pace, invest in building local connections, and approach the experience with curiosity rather than expectation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an MPRP application take? 

From submission of a complete application to receiving your permanent residence certificate, the typical timeline is nine to twelve months. The new temporary residence permit also means your family can relocate to Malta much earlier in this process. 

Do I need to live in Malta full-time?

No. There's no strict minimum residency requirement. It's advisable to spend some time in Malta each year (approximately two to three weeks is recommended) and maintain your qualifying property, but full-time residence is not required. 

Can my parents be included in the application? 

Yes. The MPRP allows up to four generations in a single application. Parents and grandparents can be included as dependants, provided they are not in full-time employment. Each adult dependant beyond the spouse incurs a €7,500 fee.

Can I work in Malta as an MPRP resident?

MPRP residents may apply for a work permit under Malta's ordinary labour laws. The MPRP itself does not automatically grant work rights, but it does not prevent you from seeking employment or conducting business in Malta through proper channels. 

What happens to my US tax obligations? 

US citizens are subject to worldwide taxation regardless of where they live. However, Malta residency combined with proper tax planning (including the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Foreign Tax Credit) can create meaningful optimization opportunities. Always consult a qualified cross-border tax advisor. 

Is dual citizenship possible? 

Yes. Malta permits dual citizenship, and the US does not prohibit it. After maintaining permanent residence in Malta for a qualifying period, you may be eligible to apply for Maltese citizenship through naturalisation. This is a separate process from the MPRP and acquiring MPRP status does not automatically lead to a path to citizenship.

What if my application is refused? 

Refusals are rare for well-prepared applications with thorough preliminary due diligence and comprehensive evidence source of funds and wealth. If a refusal occurs, the temporary residence permit is revoked within 15 days of the notice. This is why the quality of your initial preparation and eligibility assessment matters enormously and why I conduct rigorous preliminary checks before we ever submit. 

Can my children inherit the residency status? 

Yes. The MPRP status is retained by dependants and extends to future spouses and future children of currently dependent children. This generational aspect is one of the programme's most distinctive features.

Is the MPRP the same as Malta’s Golden Visa?

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) has been colloquially referred to as Malta’s Golden Visa. It is an official residency-by-investment programme administered by the Residency Malta Agency, granting non-EU nationals permanent residence in Malta.

Do I need a Malta immigration lawyer to apply?

By Maltese law, MPRP applications must be submitted through a Licensed Agent authorised by the Residency Malta Agency. Dr. Russell Attard Baldacchino (RES-BALD) is a warranted advocate and licensed agent who also holds a Malta real estate licence, offering a fully integrated service.

Can I move to Malta from the USA without a minimum stay?

The MPRP does not impose a strict minimum stay requirement. American families commonly use it as a strategic second residency, while maintaining their US life. You are free to determine how much time you spend in Malta.

Your Next Step  

If you've read this far, you're serious. That's exactly the kind of client I work with; someone who does their research, asks the right questions, and makes informed decisions. Here's what I'd suggest: 

Schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation: 

This isn't a sales call. It's a conversation where I assess your situation honestly, answer your specific questions, and tell you whether the Malta Permanent Residence Programme is genuinely the right fit for your family. If it's not, I'll tell you that too and suggest alternatives worth exploring. 

How to reach the Attard Baldacchino team:

• Book your e-consultation online via our dedicated Booking Page. 

• Email us on admin@ab.eu or russell@ab.eu 

• WhatsApp or Direct: +356 7928 4155 

• Website: www.attardbaldacchino.com / www.ab.eu

What to have ready for our conversation: 

A general sense of your family situation (size, ages of children if applicable), your asset position (approximate, not detailed), your timeline, and your main motivations for exploring European residency. 

My team and I look forward to hearing from you!

Dr. Russell Attard Baldacchino is an Advocate and Licensed Agent (RES-BALD) with the Residency Malta Agency, and a Licensed Real Estate Agent (EA-00174-24) in Malta. He specialises in the Malta Permanent Residence Programme and Malta Nomad Residence Permit, with a focus on serving American families seeking quality European residency. 

Attard Baldacchino | Ta' Xbiex, Malta | admin@ab.eu | www.attardbaldacchino.com / www.ab.eu

Disclaimer: This article is published for informational and educational purposes. It should not be considered formal legal, immigration, or tax advice. Programme details, fees, and requirements are accurate as of the date of publication but are subject to change. Always consult qualified professionals for advice specific to your circumstances.