Permanent Residence in Malta

Malta's permanent residence program offers individuals the opportunity to establish a long-term legal presence in the country, providing a pathway to stability and integration into Maltese society. This program entails specific eligibility criteria and a commitment to residing in Malta for a defined period.

Following five years of residing in Malta under a valid residence permit, individuals become eligible to pursue Maltese citizenship. The application process necessitates adherence to the following criteria:

1. Attainment of 18 years of age.
2. Completion of a five-year residency in Malta with an active residence permit.
3. Successful completion of language, history, and law examinations, commonly referred to as the Malta test.
4. Possession of valid Maltese health insurance coverage.

The Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP) stands as a direct residency-by-investment initiative, revolving around property investments and government contributions. Boasting an efficient processing time of 4 to 6 months upon the submission of a comprehensive and accurate application, the program is an appealing choice for those seeking to establish Malta as their second home.

Benefits: Successful applicants under the MPRP gain the right to settle permanently in Malta, enjoying visa-free travel within the Schengen area for 90 out of 180 days. The program facilitates entry into Malta's affordable real estate market and allows the inclusion of up to four generations in a single application.

Eligibility and Requirements: To qualify for the MPRP, applicants must be third-country nationals, excluding EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. They should not be from sanctioned countries, and they must demonstrate stable financial resources to support themselves and dependents without relying on Malta's social assistance system. Applicants must possess capital assets of at least €500,000, with a minimum of €150,000 in financial assets. Moreover, they must be fit-and-proper individuals with a clean criminal record and pose no threat to national security, public policy, public health, or public interest.

Program Participation: Prospective participants must submit their applications through a Licensed Agent, accompanied by a non-refundable administrative fee of €40,000. Property options include renting in the South of Malta/Gozo (minimum €10,000) or the rest of Malta (minimum €12,000), or purchasing in the South of Malta/Gozo (minimum €300,000) or the rest of Malta (minimum €350,000). Additional fees include a government contribution, payments for dependent parents or grandparents, and a donation to a registered NGO. Participants are required to maintain the qualifying property for a minimum of 5 years, possess a valid travel document, and secure sickness and travel insurance policies when residing in Malta or traveling within the Schengen area, respectively.

To qualify for a permanent residence permit in Malta, individuals must meet the following conditions:

1. Attainment of 18 years of age.
2. Presentation of documentation confirming the payment of taxes for the preceding five years.
3. Submission of a cover letter detailing the purpose of the stay.
4. Demonstrated financial stability.
5. Possession of property or accommodation in Malta for at least five years.
6. Maintenance of a clean criminal record.
7. Possession of a valid health insurance policy.
8. Verification of a stable job or a reliable source of income.

To initiate the application process for a permanent residence permit in Malta, you are required to submit your application to the Department for Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs within the Identity Malta Agency. It is crucial to ensure that you provide all the necessary documents substantiating your eligibility for permanent residence:

1. Evidence of residing in Malta for a minimum of five years.
2. Proof of financial stability.
3. Verification of a clean criminal record.

Attaining permanent residency in Malta is a possibility for students, contingent on factors such as the length of their stay, employment status, and adherence to immigration regulations. To be eligible for consideration, students must meet specific criteria and undergo the requisite application process to secure permanent residency status.

Holders of permanent residence status in Malta enjoy the privilege of residing, working, and studying exclusively within Malta. In contrast, Maltese citizens have the freedom to live, work, and study in any European Union country. While Maltese citizens can travel visa-free to 187 countries, individuals with permanent residence in Malta are restricted to living within the Maltese territory.

The processing time for the application typically falls within the range of 6 to 8 months.

The non-refundable administrative fee is typically around €40,000.

Obtaining permanent residence in Malta through a work permit involves a structured process. Initially, individuals need to secure a work permit sponsored by their employer, granting them the right to work and reside in Malta. After fulfilling the conditions of temporary residence, such as maintaining employment and residing in the country, applicants may become eligible to apply for permanent residence. The application process typically requires submitting documentation demonstrating factors like continuous residence, financial stability, and compliance with specified criteria. Upon approval, individuals are granted permanent residence status, eliminating the need for ongoing work permits and providing the opportunity to live and work in Malta with greater stability.