Residence permit by purchasing real estate in Malta

Obtaining a residence permit in Malta by purchasing real estate is one of the most stable and reliable investment options in the European Union. As an EU and Schengen Area member, Malta offers investors the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), which, upon fulfilment of the established investment and administrative requirements, allows them to obtain permanent residence. The programme is regulated by the Residency Malta Agency and is intended for individuals with a proven stable income and an impeccable business reputation.

Participants must invest in real estate — either by purchasing a residential property worth at least €375,000 or by taking out a long-term lease on a property worth at least €14,000 per year. Investors can choose whichever option suits them best — owning a property is ideal for long-term residence and preserving capital, whereas renting is better suited to those who want to obtain a residence permit without purchasing assets. It is important that the property is located in an approved region and used exclusively by the applicant and their family.

In addition to real estate investments, the MPRP programme requires additional mandatory contributions: a non-refundable contribution to the Malta State Fund and a donation to a registered charity. The amount of these contributions depends on whether the investor purchases or rents the property. For purchase, the contribution is €68,000; for rental, it is €98,000 plus a mandatory donation of €2,000. These funds are allocated to Malta’s social and infrastructure programmes, which makes the programme transparent and socially oriented.

Investors must prove that they have assets worth at least €500,000, of which at least €150,000 must be in the form of liquid financial assets (e.g. deposits, shares or bonds). This criterion ensures that the applicant is financially stable and can support their family without having to work in Malta.

The procedure for obtaining a residence permit consists of several stages. The first stage involves a due diligence check analysing the applicant’s biographical data, sources of income, and business reputation. This is one of the most rigorous verification systems among all European investment programmes. Once this has been successfully completed, an agreement is signed with a state agency and the main contribution is made. The applicant will then receive a permanent residence certificate and a residence permit card, which is valid for five years and will be automatically renewed as long as the programme conditions are met.

Family members may be included in the application, including spouses, minor children and adult children up to the age of 29, provided they are unmarried and financially dependent on the main applicant. Parents and grandparents on both sides may also be included in the programme if they are financially dependent on the investor. All family members receive equal resident status and the right to live in the country.

A Maltese residence permit offers a wide range of benefits. It allows you to travel freely within the Schengen area without a visa, live and study in Malta, access the European healthcare system and open bank accounts, as well as conduct business in the EU. Additionally, the programme does not require mandatory residence on the island, which makes it convenient for international investors.

From a taxation perspective, Malta offers a favourable regime for foreign residents. Tax on income earned outside the country is only levied when it is transferred to a Maltese bank account. Furthermore, there are no inheritance, gift or capital gains taxes on the sale of assets located outside Malta. These factors make residency attractive to owners of international structures and individuals engaged in investment activities.

The MPRP programme is characterised by a high degree of legal protection and stability. Since its introduction, it has not undergone any significant changes and continues to operate under the control of state authorities. Provided all conditions are met, investors and their families retain their resident status indefinitely, ensuring legal predictability and the possibility of long-term planning.

Thus, obtaining a residence permit in Malta through the purchase of real estate offers financial security and strict compliance standards, as well as the real advantages of living in the European Union. The programme is ideal for wealthy investors seeking to provide their families with stable legal status, access to the European market, and a high standard of living with minimal administrative obligations.

The requirements for the property to be purchased in order to obtain a residence permit in Malta are as follows:

Obtaining a residence permit in Malta

The requirements for real estate purchased to obtain a residence permit in Malta under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) are strictly regulated by the government agency Residency Malta. These requirements aim to ensure the transparency of transactions, the legality of funds and the long-term sustainability of investments.

The programme allows for two participation options: purchasing a property or entering into a long-term lease. Requirements for properties vary depending on the region in which they are located. The minimum purchase price thresholds are set by law and depend on the geographical location:

1. For properties in the central and northern parts of Malta, the minimum purchase price is €375,000.
2. For properties in Gozo or southern Malta, the minimum purchase price is €300,000.

If the investor chooses to rent a property, the minimum annual rent is €12,000 in central and northern Malta, and €10,000 in Gozo and the south of the island. The lease must be for a minimum of five years and registered in the relevant state register.

The property must be residential and intended for the investor and their family members to live in exclusively. The programme does not permit the purchased property to be used for commercial purposes, short-term rental to third parties, or tourist rental. It must comply with Maltese law’s construction, sanitary and energy standards and be suitable for permanent residence.

At the time of application, the property must be owned or leased and remain at the investor’s disposal for at least five years from the date of issue of the permanent residence certificate. Failure to comply with this mandatory condition may result in the revocation of residence status. If the investor decides to change the property during this period, they must notify the Residency Malta Agency in advance and provide documents confirming that the new property meets the established requirements.

The purchase of real estate must be paid for with funds transferred from abroad by the applicant. These funds are subject to mandatory bank verification as part of KYC and AML procedures, and Maltese banks have the right to request supporting documents regarding the source of the funds. Similar requirements apply to the sources of rent payments in the case of renting.

To participate in the programme, the property must be registered in the applicant’s name, or jointly owned with their spouse if they are also included in the application. The total value or rental cost must meet the minimum threshold. If the property is purchased with a mortgage, the loan can only be used for the amount that exceeds the established minimum, which must be paid in cash.

It is also a condition of the programme that the investor must actually reside in the property or have a confirmed address where the family can be officially registered. The property’s address is indicated on the residence certificate and serves as the applicant’s official address in the state register.

After five years of mandatory property ownership, the investor may keep the property, sell it, or replace it with another property that meets the programme requirements. In this case, permanent residence status will remain valid, provided that the new property meets the established standards and the investor continues to fulfil their financial obligations under the programme.

Therefore, to obtain a residence permit in Malta, the property must be residential, meet minimum price thresholds and be owned or leased for at least five years. The funds used to purchase the property must also be fully transparent and verified. These requirements ensure the reliability of the MPRP programme, prevent abuse, and guarantee that only bona fide investors who meet the Maltese jurisdiction’s high standards become participants.

Procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Malta through the purchase of real estate

The procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Malta under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is transparent and clearly structured, with strict standards for verifying investor reliability. The programme is regulated by the Residency Malta Agency, which acts on behalf of the government to ensure the legality of the origin of funds, the authenticity of submitted documents, and compliance with legal requirements.

The first step for an applicant is to choose a Licensed Agent accredited by the Residency Malta Agency. Only these intermediaries are authorised to submit applications and assist clients throughout the process. This requirement ensures that documents are prepared professionally and that errors are prevented during submission.

Once an agent has been selected, the investor begins preparing the necessary documentation and undergoing due diligence. At this stage, the applicant’s business reputation, financial solvency and the origin of their funds are verified. Malta has one of the most stringent compliance procedures in Europe, with all candidates undergoing four levels of verification. This includes an analysis of banking operations, sources of income, reputational risks, and possible links to offshore structures.

To participate in the programme, an investor must:

• confirm that they have assets worth at least €500,000, €150,000 of which must be in the form of liquid financial assets (e.g. deposits, shares or bonds);
• provide documents confirming that they have purchased or leased real estate that meets the programme requirements;
• obtain certificates confirming that they have no criminal record from their country of citizenship and all countries in which they have resided for more than six months in the last ten years;
• provide proof of medical insurance that is valid in Malta and of stable income that is sufficient to support a family without them being employed in the country.

After preliminary verification, the agent submits an application to the Residency Malta Agency. At this stage, an administrative fee of €10,000 is payable, which is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the application. The Agency then conducts a full verification of the documents and sends requests to financial and law enforcement authorities.

If the decision is positive, the applicant receives a Letter of Approval in Principle, after which they must fulfil all financial obligations under the programme. These include:

• purchasing property worth at least €375,000 (or renting accommodation worth at least €14,000 per year);
• making a non-refundable contribution to the state fund (€68,000 for property purchase or €98,000 for property rental);
• making a donation of €2,000 to a registered Maltese charity.

Once all conditions have been met, the investor and their family must visit Malta in person to submit their biometric data. Following this visit, the agency will issue a Certificate of Permanent Residence and residence cards confirming the applicant’s status as a resident of Malta.

The cards are valid for five years and are automatically renewed as long as the property is retained and the programme conditions are met. Only confirmation of the applicant’s current address, medical insurance and financial situation is required to renew.

The entire MPRP application process takes an average of four to six months, including the background check stage. For most investors, this is one of the shortest processing times of all EU investment programmes.

Malta residency gives you the right to live in Malta permanently, travel freely within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in each six-month period, open bank accounts, invest in companies and receive tax benefits. At the same time, the programme does not require actual residence on the island — investors can stay in another country while maintaining their status, provided they comply with the formal conditions.

The procedure for obtaining a Maltese residence permit through real estate investment consists of four main stages: selecting a licensed agent, passing a background check, fulfilling investment obligations and obtaining a residence certificate. The MPRP programme combines strict compliance, legal predictability, and an excellent reputation, making it one of the most reliable and respected investment residency schemes in the European Union.

How long is a residence permit in Malta issued for when purchasing real estate?

A residence permit issued under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) has permanent residence status and is granted for an indefinite period. However, the residence cards themselves are issued for a fixed term and are subject to periodic renewal. This combination makes the Maltese programme one of the most stable and legally secure in the European Union.

After passing a background check, meeting investment requirements and paying all fees, the applicant receives a Certificate of Permanent Residence, which is an official document confirming their status as a permanent resident of Malta. Based on this certificate, the investor and their included family members are issued residence cards valid for five years.

After the five-year period, the cards are subject to technical renewal, which does not require the entire programme procedure to be repeated. In order to renew, it is sufficient to confirm that the investor continues to comply with the basic residence conditions:

• retains ownership of the property or continues to lease it on a long-term basis (for at least five years from the date of receipt of the certificate), in accordance with the programme requirements;
• maintains assets worth at least €500,000, including €150,000 in liquid assets;
• has valid medical insurance that covers treatment costs in Malta and other EU countries;
• has no criminal record and complies with the laws of the Republic of Malta.

Thus, resident status itself is unlimited and, provided the conditions are met, it is valid for life. The renewal of cards every five years is only necessary to update biometric data and register the place of residence.

Malta’s permanent residency status allows investors and their family members to live in Malta indefinitely, travel freely within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any six-month period and benefit from the Maltese legal and tax systems. At the same time, the programme does not require mandatory residence on the island — maintaining the investment and complying with the formal conditions is sufficient.

Unlike temporary residency programmes, which require annual renewal, the MPRP provides permanent legal status. This ensures long-term stability, asset protection, and the ability to plan one’s family and financial life within the legal framework of the European Union.

Does a Maltese residence permit for property purchase extend to the property owner’s family?

Yes, the residence permit obtained in Malta under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) extends to the investor’s family members, granting them equal legal status and all the benefits of living in the European Union. Maltese legislation allows not only the main applicant, but also their immediate family members, to be included in the application. This makes the programme one of the most flexible and family-oriented in Europe.

Along with the main investor, the application may include:

• a spouse with whom the applicant is in a legally registered marriage or recognised civil partnership;
• minor children who are financially dependent on the applicant;
• adult children under the age of 29 who are unmarried, financially dependent on the applicant and live with them;
• parents and grandparents of both the investor and their spouse, provided they are financially dependent on them.

All family members undergo the same due diligence procedures as the main applicant. This includes providing criminal record certificates, biographical data, proof of family income sources, and medical insurance that is valid in Malta and the European Union.

Once the application is approved, each family member receives a resident certificate and a five-year residence card confirming their permanent resident status. The validity period of the cards for all family members is the same, as is the renewal period.

A family residence permit grants the right to reside in Malta, receive medical care and access the education system, as well as the right to travel freely within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in each six-month period. The programme does not require mandatory residence on the island — maintaining the property and complying with the programme conditions is sufficient.

A distinctive feature of Maltese legislation is that all included family members retain their status for life, provided the main applicant continues to meet the programme requirements. In the event of the investor’s death, the status can be transferred to their spouse or adult child, provided that they assume the financial and administrative obligations under the programme.

Thus, the Maltese MPRP programme provides comprehensive legal protection to investors and their families, offering legal residence, access to high social standards, and financial stability within the European Union.

How can a residence permit in Malta be extended through the purchase of real estate?

Extending a residence permit obtained under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is a simple administrative procedure aimed at confirming that the programme’s participation conditions are still met, and at updating the applicant’s and their family members’ details. Although permanent resident status is granted indefinitely, residence cards are valid for five years and are subject to renewal.

The renewal process begins several months before the current cards expire. The main requirement for renewal is confirmation that the investor continues to fulfil the programme’s obligations.

The investor must confirm that they continue to own the property purchased under the programme, or that they are renting accommodation in accordance with MPRP requirements. The property must be owned or rented for at least five years from the date of obtaining the residence certificate. When applying for an extension, a valid purchase or rental agreement must be provided, as well as receipts for rent payments if the rental option is used.

Financial solvency

Applicants must demonstrate that their financial situation remains stable and meets the programme’s minimum requirements: assets totalling at least €500,000, at least €150,000 of which must be in the form of liquid financial assets, such as bank deposits, shares or bonds, that can be easily converted into cash. Upon renewal, the investor must provide supporting documents, such as bank statements, investment reports or account statements.

Medical insurance

You must confirm that you have valid medical insurance that covers the cost of treatment and medical services in Malta and other EU countries. The insurance policy must cover all family members included in the application and have minimum coverage in accordance with Residency Malta Agency requirements.

Compliance with legislation and good reputation

Before renewal, a standard background check is carried out on the applicant and their family members. Updated criminal record certificates must be submitted from the applicant’s country of citizenship and any other country in which they have lived for more than six months during the last five years. Compliance with tax and immigration requirements is also verified.

Document submission procedure

The package of documents is submitted to the Residency Malta Agency through an authorised, licensed agent who accompanied the investor during the initial application process. The following documents must be submitted:

• an application for the renewal of residence and status cards;
• copies of passports and current residence permits;
• proof of ownership or rental of real estate;
•  financial documents confirming the existence of assets;
• certificates proving that the applicant has no criminal record;
• proof of medical insurance.

After checking all the documents, the Agency confirms the renewal of residence cards for a new five-year term. This process usually takes four to eight weeks and does not require the investor to be present in person, except in cases where biometric data needs to be updated.

Maintaining status between renewals

To maintain residency, the investor must comply strictly with the programme’s terms: not sell the property before the five-year minimum expires, fulfil financial obligations promptly, and maintain insurance coverage. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the suspension or revocation of the permanent residence certificate.

Renewal for family members

Family member cards are renewed at the same time as the main applicant’s card. If necessary, changes to family composition are permitted (e.g. adding a child or removing an adult). All additional changes are reflected in the updated residence certificate.

Thus, renewal of a residence permit in Malta under the MPRP programme formally confirms compliance with the conditions under which the investor and their family obtained permanent resident status. Provided that the property is retained, financial solvency is maintained, and an impeccable reputation is upheld, the renewal process is straightforward, allowing the investor to retain all the benefits of Maltese residency under European Union law for life.