Why Choose the Malta Permanent Residence Programme?

Situated in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta enjoys an excellent reputation for its splendid climate, friendly people, low crime rate, and superb quality of life. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme offers high-net-worth individuals an ideal opportunity to secure a second residence in an attractive location with stand-out benefits, perfect for those seeking a first-class European lifestyle. With a minimum mixed capital contribution of just EUR 175,000 and a relatively straightforward application process, permanent residence in Malta is within reach.

In this guideline, we'll delve into the key benefits of living in Malta and provide tips for a successful permanent residence application. We’ll also compare the golden visa programs of Greece and Portugal, highlighting Malta’s winning edge.

Why is Malta such an attractive destination?

Imagine living on a beautiful Mediterranean island, just a few hours' flight from Berlin, Frankfurt, or London. Welcome to Malta, where a high standard of living and well-developed wealth management systems merge with top-class healthcare and excellent educational opportunities. Malta is a member of our Safe Haven 8 countries — these are high-income sovereign states with superior levels of safety and security that are popular destinations for migrating high-wealth individuals.

What is the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?

This successful residence by investment program is based on applicants making a mixed capital contribution. The contribution is made up of a property investment, contributions to government funds, and a donation to a non-governmental organization (NGO).

By fulfilling the required financial commitments and submitting a successful application, you and your family get the right to reside indefinitely in Malta, enjoying a superior standard of living and securing visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen Area.

Who is eligible for permanent residence in Malta under this investment program?

If you're a high-net-worth individual or investor, the MPRP is designed with you in mind. Eligible applicants include non-European Union, non-European Economic Area, and non-Swiss nationals who meet financial requirements and pass relevant due diligence checks. As the key applicant, you should also be at least 18 years of age and have assets worth EUR 500,000 (EUR 150,000 of that should be financial assets). Furthermore, if you apply for residence under this program, you can include up to four generations of your family in your application.

How do you apply for permanent residence in Malta according to the MPRP?

The Government of Malta has appointed an official body to manage applications for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. This government body has in turn enlisted international migration investment experts, such as Henley & Partners, as licensed MPRP agents. These agents act as the official points of contact for investor applicants and the guarantor that investors can meet the conditions of the program.

Henley & Partners is a global leader in residence and citizenship by investment for high-wealth individuals and their families. As an official MPRP licensed agent, we are authorized to guide you through this permanent residence by investment program and help you prepare and submit your application.

Once your initial application, including a stringent four-stage due diligence process, has been approved by the Maltese government, you receive a Letter of Approval in Principle. This document confirms that your application meets initial requirements and that you can proceed with the investments needed to secure your permanent residence in Malta.

At the time of writing, processing time for a residence permit via the Malta Permanent Residence Programme takes approximately four to six months from the submission of your application to approval.

What investments are required for Maltese permanent residence by investment?

There are two pathways available for residence in Malta. You can lease or purchase a property. 

• Leasing a property in Malta: For permanent residence in Malta through a property lease, you must lease a property with an annual rent of at least EUR 12,000, or EUR 10,000 if the property is in South Malta or Gozo, for a minimum of five years. You may switch properties during this period, provided the new property complies with MPRP regulations.
• Purchasing a property in Malta: To qualify for permanent residence through property purchase, you need to invest a minimum of EUR 300,000 into the purchase of a property located in South Malta or Gozo. For properties located elsewhere in Malta, the minimum required purchase amount is EUR 350,000.

What other fees are required?

To secure permanent residence in Malta, you must contribute EUR 28,000 to the Maltese economy if purchasing a residential property, or EUR 58,000 if leasing. Additionally, a EUR 40,000 non-refundable administration fee and a EUR 2,000 donation to a local NGO are required. These fees cover you, your spouse or partner, and any dependent children. There are additional charges for dependent grandparents and their spouses included in the initial application, as well as post-approval fees for adding family members later. Be sure to also account for translation, notary services, and health insurance costs in your total application expenses.

What are the key benefits of permanent residence in Malta?

Successful entry into the Malta Permanent Residence Programme opens a world of opportunities to you and your family. Here are some of the key benefits that make it so appealing:

• Enhanced mobility: Benefit from visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area for hassle-free European adventures and capitalize on Malta’s strategic location to facilitate and expand your business operations across Europe.
• Financial advantages: Enjoy a stable and attractive financial environment that supports wealth preservation and growth.
• Permanent residence for the whole family: As the main investor applicant, you can include four generations of your family in your application, covering your children, parents, and grandparents.
• Top-notch education: Provide your children with access to Europe’s leading educational institutions. Malta’s own public system is based on the British educational model and is free to residents of Malta.
• Excellent healthcare: Malta is home to high-quality healthcare services. Furthermore, as a permanent resident of Malta, you can also apply for hospital care in Europe’s Schengen Area countries.
• Safety and stability: Live in a country with an exceptionally low crime rate — one of the lowest in the world in fact. This prosperous nation also boasts a long history of government and economic stability.
• Culture and climate: Delight in the balmy Mediterranean climate, rich traditions and cuisine, a fascinating history, and three different languages — Maltese, English, and even Italian.
• Citizenship: Opt for permanent residence in Malta to maintain your original citizenship. This allows you to preserve your current national ties and associated benefits and avoid potential dual citizenship challenges.

Malta, Greece, and Portugal: A quick golden visa comparison

Alongside Malta, the golden visa programs of Greece and Portugal are hugely popular with investors due to their attractive residence benefits and strategic European locations. To help you make an informed decision about the best residence by investment option for you, this quick comparison of the Malta, Greece, and Portugal programs highlights the required investment sums, application processing times, and key benefits.

*As of 31 August 2024

Start your journey to Maltese residence

Whether you want to make Malta your home or simply enjoy its benefits as a European base, the Malta Permanent Residence Programme has you covered. Greater freedom of movement, top-tier healthcare, and excellent educational services make it an exceptional choice.

 As an official MPRP agent, Henley & Partners is here to guide you through every step of the residence application process. Part of our end-to-end-service offer includes helping you find your apartment, townhouse, or other premium property in Malta. Reach out for a free initial consultation and find out how we can help you secure your Maltese permanent residence smoothly and efficiently.

For the latest information, please visit the relevant program pages on www.henleyglobal.com