Everything You Need To Know About Malta Residency Requirements

One significant advantage is the government's various residency schemes - they make it easy for foreigners to obtain residency and even citizenship.

4 Types of Maltese Residency Schemes

1. Malta Ordinary Residence

One of the most popular schemes is the Malta Ordinary Residence permit, which allows individuals to live and work in Malta for an extended period, provided they meet certain requirements.

Best for: EU nationals.

Valid for: 5 years.

What tax: 0-35% of your income, minus a tax credit (depending on how much you earn and your marital status).

Requirements:

• You have financial stability.
• You’re employed or studying in Malta.
• You have family members in Malta.
• You physically stay in Malta for min. of 3 months.
• You have evidence of a physical address in Malta.

2. Malta Global Residency Program

The government offers a "buy the property and get residency in Malta" scheme. This means that if you purchase a property in Malta, you may be eligible for residency. This scheme is a great option if you’re interested in investing in Malta's booming real estate market and establishing roots on the island.

This program is for EU/EEA/Swiss nationals looking to buy high-value property in Malta while benefiting from a special tax status and a residence permit.

Requirements:

• You have a valid travel document.
• You and your dependents have personal health insurance.
• You are financially stable and you passed the fit and proper test.
• You are fluent in one of Malta’s official languages (Maltese or English).
• You have a qualifying property.
• You have to be represented by an Authorised Registered Mandatory (ARM).

Malta Golden Visa or Malta Citizenship by Investment are ideal for high-income individuals to receive a Maltese passport within 1 - 3 years. You have to make a large investment and/or donations in Malta.

3. Malta Permanent Residence

Another popular residency scheme is the Malta Residency Scheme, which is designed for non-EU nationals who want to live in Malta.

Best for: Non-EU nationals (also applicable for EU nationals, but not recommended).

Valid for: 1 year.

What tax: 35% of your income, BUT when you use it for The Malta Global Residency Programme, you can lower it down to 15% (see below).

Requirements:

• You have evidence of a physical address in Malta.
• You are employed, self-employed, or you have a holding company in Malta.
• You have an employment license to work in Malta.
• If you have a business, you need a business plan and commitment to recruit at least 3 EEA/Swiss/Maltese nationals within 18 months.
• Your business has to lead a project approved by Malta Enterprise. You also have to notify Jobsplus.
• As self-employment applies to shareholders of a Malta company, you have to pay a share capital of at least €500,000. (You can’t redeem, reduce, or transfer your share capital for the first 2 years).
• You meet the requirements for Malta Citizenship by Investment scheme, also known as the Malta Golden visa (see below for more details).

4. Malta Citizenship By Investment Programme

A government-run initiative that allows individuals to obtain citizenship and a Maltese passport in exchange for a significant investment in the country.

Requirements:

• You are at least 18 years of age.
• You have a clear criminal background. You don’t face a criminal investigation or international sanctions. This also applies to all family members included in your application.
• You agree to support your family members that you're included in your application.
• You have to make an investment of at least €750,000 to the national development fund. An investment of €600,000 will get you a Malta passport after 3 years.
• You and your family have to live in Malta until you become eligible for citizenship. This means that you also have to invest in residential real estate.

Find more detailed information about Malta Golden Visa & Passport here.

How long does it take to get residency in Malta?

A permanent residency visa in Malta takes between 3 to 7 months.

• Application preparation time – 2-3 weeks.
• Submission and processing time – 3 months.
• Compliance time to fulfill all requirements – 3 months.

How much does it cost to get residency in Malta?

• Short-term non-EU nationals must pay a fee of €25 for a 1-year permit.
• Long-term non-EU nationals must pay the fee of €125 for a 5-year permit.
• There is no application fee if:
• You are an EU/EEA/Swiss national or a family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss national.
• You're married to a Maltese national, with Exempt Person Status.
• You have International Protection, and you're released from detention.

Where to get residency in Malta?

• Visit the Department for Identity Malta Agency in Msida.
• You can submit the application through someone else on your behalf. You must then collect the document in person.
• You can also apply by post. But you have to send photocopies of your passport and/or ID card. You then have to present your original documents when collecting your residency documents.

Identity Malta Agency

Triq Il-Wied Ta' L-Imsida, L-Imsida

Tel: +356 2590 4000

Email: [email protected]

It is quite easy to get all the necessary forms to start life in Malta. Depending on where you’re relocating from, you can apply for either of those residencies. The main differences are in taxation and required investments.

After you are done with the dry formalities, that’s when the fun starts. Head over to our marketplace to find your nest on this beautiful island.

☀️ [email protected]