Malta
Residency-by-Investment
Welcome To Malta Residency By Investment
The Malta Residency by Investment Program, commonly known as the Malta Golden Visa Program, is a top choice for expatriates around the world. This program is streamlined, offering residency through investments in real estate and government funds.
Located centrally in the Mediterranean, between Sicily and North Africa, the Republic of Malta is an enchanting archipelago. Comprising three main inhabited islands – Malta, Comino, and Gozo – and several smaller, uninhabited islands, it is celebrated for its sunny weather and beautiful beaches.
About Malta
As one of the world’s smallest nations, Malta is recognized for its significant contribution to global tourism, with the industry accounting for a substantial portion of its GDP.
Officially bilingual, Malta has embraced both Maltese and English, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage.
Its status as an independent republic since 1974 and memberships in international organizations like the European Union and the Commonwealth of Nations highlight its global connectivity and influence.
CAPITAL
Valletta
POPULATION
441,521
TOTAL AREA
316 km2
CURRENCY
Euro (€)
Geographical Location and Climate
The strategic positioning of Malta, south of Sicily and north of Africa, accentuates its role as a Mediterranean hub. The islands’ topography, characterized by terraced fields and dramatic cliffs, complements the predominantly rocky terrain.
Malta’s climate, typical of the Mediterranean region, offers warm winters and dry summers, with occasional temperature extremes. with winter lows of 35°F and summer highs frequently surpassing 100°F.
Language and Culture
Malta’s unique cultural panorama is an amalgamation of southern European, North African, and Britonic influences. This rich cultural ambiance is reflected in the Maltese language, a unique blend of Arabic and Italian roots, written in Latin script and the only Semitic language to do so. Its island-lifestyle and location also strongly influence the culture, most noticeably in Maltese cuisine which is a fascinating fusion of North African and Southern European flavors.
Malta’s social structure often mirrors a hierarchy, shaped by education and economic status. A significant aspect of daily life is the Catholic faith, evidenced by the 359 churches strewn across Malta and Gozo. The concept of ‘pika’ or friendly neighborhood rivalry is especially prevalent during the festive seasons.
Economic Overview
The Maltese economy has undergone significant transformation since shedding its dependence on the British military presence in the mid-20th century. Steered by development plans bolstered by government incentives, the economic landscape integrated a manufacturing sector contributing to a fifth of the nation’s GDP.
Although hindered by a small domestic market and hampered agriculture, Malta’s economy has managed to flourish, primarily through its openness to international trade and investment, and its harnessing of limestone, its only abundant mineral resource used extensively in construction. Today, the country boasts strong property rights, effective judiciary, and laudable government integrity, placing it above world averages in these aspects.
Why Choose The Malta Residency By Investment Program?
LIFETIME MALTESE RESIDENCY
Obtaining a Maltese residency grants the applicant and their dependants a lifetime residency certificate. This gives you the right to reside, settle and stay indefinitely in Malta with a residency that can be maintained for a lifetime, subject to fulfilling ongoing requirements.
SCHENGEN VISA-FREE TRAVEL
As a Maltese permanent resident, enjoy visa-free travel throughout the 26 Schengen States, as well as Monaco, the Vatican, and San Marino, facilitated by your Maltese Residence Card.
EU LONG-TERM RESIDENCY
After 5 years of continuous residence in Malta, you will be eligible for the EU Long-Term Residency. This grants you and your family many of the same benefits as the Maltese citizenship.
FUTURE SECURITY
The program includes provisions for your spouse, unmarried and financially dependent children of any age, and parents and grandparents. As per recent reports, you can set up your life in Malta, one of the world’s safest countries, an ideal location for a stable and secure life for your family.
How to Qualify for the Malta Residency By Investment Program
Living in the heart of Europe is made possible through Malta’s Residency By Investment program. As a full member of the European Union, Malta offers foreign investors a unique opportunity to gain permanent residency in this captivating country.
To attain Maltese residency, candidates must interact with the Residency Malta Agency to satisfy the main requirements. These requisites include the submission of a single-time application fee, engaging in property transactions, and making charitable contributions to a registered NGO in Malta.
Recent changes to the Maltese Golden Visa program include:
- The requirement to invest in government bonds (previously €250,000) has been removed.
- The minimum real estate investment has been increased: €300,000 in the South of Malta and Gozo and €350,000 in the rest of Malta. These investments must be maintained for at least five years.
- The government contribution differs depending on whether you lease or purchase a property: €58,000 for leasing and €28,000 for purchasing.
- An administrative fee of €40,000 is required, of which a quarter is payable before approval in principle.
- A mandatory €2,000 donation to a Maltese registered NGO or philanthropic organization is required.
Eligibility Criteria for the Malta Residency By Investment Program
The Maltese Residency By Investment program specifies certain qualifications each candidate must meet to attain residency.
These Include:
- Applicants must be over 18 years old
- Applicants should be third-country nationals, i.e., non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens
- Given Malta’s adherence to international law, it discourages applications from countries currently under sanctions, based on Agency updates
- Prospective applicants should not be beneficiaries under any other applicable regulations or schemes
- Applicants should possess sound and regular income sources, ensuring their ability, and that of their dependants, to sustain themselves without depending on Malta’s social assistance system
- A capital asset requirement of no less than €500,000, of which a minimum of €150,000 must be composed of financial assets
- Applicants need to be fit-and-proper individuals, certified by a clean criminal record
Malta’s Residency By Investment Program facilitates an inclusive family application, accepting up to four generations under one application. This enables extended families to enjoy the myriad benefits of living in the enchanting Mediterranean nation of Malta.
Investment Options for the Malta Residency By Investment Program
The Malta Residency Program necessitates substantial financial commitments in three vital channels that collectively aim to invigorate Malta’s economy and societal fabric:
Choose one of the two following Real Estate Investment Options:
1. Real Estate Purchase
Applicants can bolster their investment portfolio by buying a property in Malta. This acquisition must have a market value of at least €300,000 in the South of Malta or Gozo or €350,000 anywhere else in Malta, reinforcing a robust commitment to Malta’s real estate market.
Additional Fees
| Main Applicant | Spouse | Children between the ages of 12-17 | Children 18 and over | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property transfer tax | 5% of the property’s value | – | – | – |
| Notary public fee | 1-2% of the property’s value | – | – | – |
| Land registry fee | 0.6-0.8% of the property’s value | – | – | – |
| Additional Contribution to the Maltese Government | USD 30520.00 | – | – | – |
| Government administration fee | USD 43600.00 | USD 8175.00 | USD 8175.00 | USD 8175.00 |
| Residence permit card | USD 356.98 | USD 356.98 | USD 356.98 | USD 356.98 |
2. Property Lease
As an alternative to purchasing a property, applicants can opt to enter into a rental agreement, which must be held for at least 5 years. This requires a property with an annual rental of €10,000/year in the South of Malta or Gozo or €12,000 for all other parts of Malta.
Additional Fees
| Main Applicant | Spouse | Children between the ages of 12-17 | Children 18 and over | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Additional Contribution to the Maltese Government | USD 63220.00 | – | – | – |
| Government administration fee | USD 43600.00 | USD 8175.00 | USD 8175.00 | USD 8175.00 |
| Residence permit card | USD 356.98 | USD 356.98 | USD 356.98 | USD 356.98 |
Additional Mandatory Investments
In addition to the real estate investment, applications must donate no less than €2,000 to an NGO.
Malta Residency Program Steps And Timeline
The Malta Residency by Investment process is quite sequential, involving different stages over an estimated 6-12 months to attain permanent residency. Below is a step-by-step guide through the process:
1. Initial Engagements
Consult with our experts to select between the two real estate investment options. Our team will assist you in making an informed decision, considering your specific requirements and investment goals.
This is followed by submitting the necessary forms to the Residency Malta Agency, confirming intent to join the program.
2. Payment of Government Fee
At this stage, applicants must pay a non-refundable government fee of €10000 that forms part of the final contribution.
3. Receipt of In-principle Approval
The remaining government fee of €30000 becomes payable upon receiving an “approval in principle” notification.
4. Property Transactions
With the approval in hand, the applicant can now undertake the property transaction, either by renting a property or buying a new home in Malta.
5. Biometric Data Collection
Provide biometric data for all applicants, a key step for residence card processing.
6. Charity Donation
Finally, a charitable donation of $2000 to a locally registered non-governmental organization (NGO) is required to fully satisfy the residency program’s conditions.
7. Residency Card Issuance
Following the collection of biometric data and completion of all other requirements, the Residency Malta Agency issues the residence cards, confirming residency status in Malta.
Taxes in Malta for Expats
Malta offers a remittance-based taxation system for non-domiciled residents, taxing only the income remitted to Malta at a standard rate of 15%. No inheritance, wealth, or municipal taxes exist, and capital gains from outside Malta are not subject to local taxation. For locally sourced income, progressive tax rates apply, starting from 0% for income up to €9,100 and rising to 35% for income exceeding €60,000.
Benefits of Malta Residency Program
Living under the Maltese sun comes with many advantages seamlessly entwined into the vibrant fabric of Mediterranean life. As a Malta resident, you’re entering a community that prides itself on quality living, safety, and remarkable experiences.
Economic Opportunities
Malta’s growing economy offers diverse investment and business opportunities, particularly in tourism, real estate, and finance, making it an attractive choice for investors and entrepreneurs.
Unrestricted Personal and Professional Life
Gain complete freedom to reside, work, or obtain an education within the picturesque archipelago of Malta.
Visa-Free Travel Privileges
Explore the beauty of Europe with visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area.
Inclusive Family Application
Widen the scope of residency privileges by including all your family members in the application.
Fully-Integrated English-Speaking Community
Seamlessly transition into an English-speaking community, breaking language barriers and adding comfort to your stay in Malta.
A Safe Environment
Experience the tranquillity of living in one of the safest countries, nestled comfortably at the center of the Mediterranean Sea.
Access to Renowned Health Care and Education System
Benefit from top-ranking healthcare services, recognized among the world’s finest by the World Health Organization, and guarantee a superior education for your children within a state-regulated system, providing recognized accreditation accepted across Europe.
Malta Residency FAQs
How much does it cost to get permanent residency in Malta?
Securing permanent residency in Malta through the Maltese Residency by Investment Program costs a total of €420,000 if investors choose to purchase property in Malta (inclusive of all fees bar the property transfer tax, the notary public fee, and the land registry fees associated with buying the property). However, it costs a total of €100,000 plus a €10,000 annual rent agreement for at least 5 years if investors choose to lease a property to gain residency.
What are the benefits of permanent residence in Malta?
Permanent residence in Malta offers several benefits, including visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, access to a high-quality healthcare and education system, and the opportunity to live in a safe, English-speaking community with a vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle. Additionally, Malta’s residency provides potential tax advantages, especially for non-domiciled residents, with favorable conditions for foreign income. This residency also allows for the inclusion of family members, providing them with the same benefits.
How long does the Malta Residency by Investment Program take?
The Malta Residency by Investment Program typically takes 6-12 months. This timeline includes the initial application process, due diligence, property transactions, and the collection of biometric data leading up to the residency permit issuance. However, the exact duration can vary based on individual circumstances and the efficiency of document submissions.
How long do you have to live in Malta to get citizenship?
To qualify for citizenship in Malta through naturalization, you typically need to reside in the country for a minimum of 5 years (1830 days) out of the preceding 6 years, including at least 12 months immediately before the date of application. This residency requirement is part of the overall process, including physical presence in Malta and demonstrating genuine links to the country.
What is the difference between Malta citizenship by investment and residency by investment?
The Malta Citizenship by Investment program requires a higher investment (€600,000 to €750,000), with additional costs for family members and property. It also includes a mandatory donation and offers expedited citizenship. In contrast, the Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) requires a lower investment focused on fund donations, property agreements, and a charitable contribution, leading to permanent residency and potential citizenship eligibility after a five-year residency period.