From Application to Approval: Navigating Malta’s Permanent Residence Process

Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) offers an opportunity for high-net-worth individuals to obtain residency in one of Europe’s most attractive countries. Julia Loko, Investment Programs Expert at Immigrant Invest, explains the MPRP, the available investment options, and the process to get Malta permanent residence. 

Understanding the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

Malta Permanent Residence Programme is a government initiative that grants permanent residency to individuals who make qualifying investments in Malta. It allows non-EU nationals to live, work, and travel in the Schengen Area. 

MPRP is a residency-by-investment program designed to attract foreign investors, boosting the local economy through real estate and government contributions.

Applicants must be over 18 and pass a thorough Due Diligence process, ensuring they have a clean criminal record and sufficient financial resources. Also, they must be able to prove that they have sufficient financial means to support themselves and their dependents without burdening Malta’s social welfare system.

Applicants must submit the following documents: 

1. Proof of real estate purchase or rental. 
2. Proof of income, a clean criminal record. 
3. Health insurance.
4. Medical report. 

Malta’s residents gain access to visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, as well as local healthcare and educational institutions. 

Investment Options in Malta

Applicants can choose between two main investment routes: renting or buying real estate. Both options require a non-refundable administrative fee of €40,000 and a government donation of €28,000 if purchasing property or €58,000 if renting. The applicant must also donate €2,000 to a registered Maltese charity.

Real estate investment requires purchasing a property worth at least €300,000 in the south of Malta or Gozo, or €350,000 in other parts of Malta. This option appeals to those interested in long-term residence or real estate investment.

Renting property is another option, where applicants must lease a property for at least €10,000 per year in the south of Malta or Gozo, or €12,000 in other areas. This may suit individuals seeking flexibility in their residence status.

The total process, including the submission of documents and Due Diligence checks, takes around four to six months.

7 Benefits of Malta Permanent Residence

1. Access to the Schengen Area. Residents can travel visa-free to 29 European countries within the Schengen Area, allowing for seamless movement across the region.
2. Living in Malta. Permanent residents can live in Malta indefinitely, enjoying a stable and safe environment with a high quality of life.
3. Family inclusion. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme allows applicants to include their spouse, children, and even dependent parents or grandparents, providing security for the whole family.
4. Education opportunities. Malta has a strong education system with both public and private schools. English is widely spoken, making it easier for children to adjust.
5. Healthcare access. Malta’s healthcare system is ranked among the best in Europe, and permanent residents can access both public and private healthcare services.
6. No residency requirement. There is no requirement to reside in Malta full-time, offering flexibility for those who wish to live abroad while holding residency status.
7. Security and stability. Malta is politically stable, with a low crime rate, making it a safe place to reside and invest.

How to Obtain Permanent Residence Status in Malta

Step 1. Application submission. The process begins with submitting the application through a licensed agent. This includes filling out the required forms, providing documentation, and paying the initial administrative fee.

Step 2. Background checks. Once submitted, the application goes through a series of background checks, including Due Diligence on the applicant’s financial standing and personal history.

Step 3. Investment completion. Upon receiving approval, the applicant must complete the investment by purchasing or renting a property and making the government donation. These must be done within a set timeframe, typically four months.

Step 4. Final approval. After completing the investment, the applicant receives final approval, granting permanent residency status. The residence card is issued shortly after, valid for five years and renewable indefinitely.

Step 5. Maintaining residency status. To maintain permanent residency, the applicant must hold the qualifying property for at least five years and maintain health insurance. There are no additional residency requirements.

Key Aspects of Maintaining Residency

Holding qualifying property. An important requirement for maintaining Malta permanent residency is holding the purchased or rented property for at least five years. Selling or failing to renew the lease during this period could lead to the loss of residency status.

Health insurance coverage. Permanent residents must maintain health insurance throughout their stay in Malta. This insurance should cover both the resident and their dependents, ensuring access to healthcare services in the country.

Conclusion

Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme is an efficient way for high-net-worth individuals to secure permanent residency in Malta. With access to the Schengen Area and family inclusion, the programme offers valuable advantages. The clear application process, along with flexible investment options, makes it an appealing choice for global investors.