068 544 38 66
info@bs-rsa.com
www.bs-rsa.com
info@bs-rsa.com
www.bs-rsa.com
Malta permanent residency
Investors obtain permanent residence in Malta to live in a European country and travel visa–free across the Schengen Area
6+ months
Obtaining period
Obtaining period
Indefinite
Validity of resident status
Validity of resident status
No residence required
Before or after obtaining the residence permit
Before or after obtaining the residence permit
Visa-free Schengen
Visits under the 90/180-day rule
Visits under the 90/180-day rule
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme is a residency by investment route launched for foreigners on March 26th, 2021.
Participation is open to investors from countries outside the EU and the EEA.
Permanent residence status is granted to family members, including a spouse, children, parents, and grandparents.
Participation is open to investors from countries outside the EU and the EEA.
Permanent residence status is granted to family members, including a spouse, children, parents, and grandparents.
To obtain Malta PR, investors must purchase or rent real estate, pay government fees, and make a charitable donation. They must also prove ownership of capital amounting to at least €500,000.
Maltese permanent residence is indefinite. Investors only need to renew the residence card every five years.
Maltese permanent residence is indefinite. Investors only need to renew the residence card every five years.
7 benefits of the Malta permanent residence programme
- Visa-free travel across the Schengen AreaInvestors with Maltese permanent residence may visit Schengen countries and stay there for up to 90 days in any 180–day period. There are 29 European countries in the EU, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
- Opportunity to relocate to MaltaObtaining permanent residence does not oblige investors to live in the country. However, if they decide to move, Malta can serve as an alternative place of residence in case of a risky situation in their primary country of residence.
as a member of the European Union, Malta offers a high standard of living, including European healthcare and education systems, as well as a safe and stable political environment. - Quality educationPermanent residents have access to healthcare in Maltese clinics and can study in local schools or universities.
It is easier for holders of Maltese permanent residence to enter European universities. A degree from the University of Malta is highly valued internationally when seeking employment. - Accessible real estate marketForeigners can purchase multiple properties in Malta’s Special Designated Areas without the need for permits. These properties may be rented out, generating an annual rental income of 4–7%.
The real estate market has shown consistent growth, with property values rising by around 6% each year. - Banking accessibilityIndividuals living in São Tomé and Príncipe are permitted to establish bank accounts, maintain savings, and execute cross-border financial transactions.
- Attractive tax systemSpending more than 183 days a year in Malta makes one a tax resident. The country has no inheritance or wealth tax, and some tax rates and deductions are more advantageous than in other European countries.
- English-speaking countryEnglish is one of Malta’s official languages and is used in all areas of public life, from government and business to education and healthcare. as it is widely spoken across the population, expats find it easy to communicate, handle daily affairs, and integrate seamlessly into Maltese society.
Requirements to apply for the Malta residency by investment
Over 18 years old
With legal income
With health insurance
No criminal record or prosecution
Not under sanctions
No visa refusals from countries with a visa‑free agreement with Malta
With a capital of at least €500,000
With legal income
With health insurance
No criminal record or prosecution
Not under sanctions
No visa refusals from countries with a visa‑free agreement with Malta
With a capital of at least €500,000
In an official marriage or cohabitation
Including from previous marriages of the investor or spouse
Unmarried
Financially dependent on the investor
Financially dependent on the investor
Over 55 years old
Financially dependent on the investor
Financially dependent on the investor
Financially dependent on the investor
4 mandatory conditions for obtaining Malta permanent residence
Request
Purchase or rental of real estate
Government contribution — €37,000
Administrative fee — €60,000
Charitable donation — €2,000
Purchase or rental of real estate
Government contribution — €37,000
Administrative fee — €60,000
Charitable donation — €2,000
Details
The first option is renting residential property worth at least €14,000 a year. A 5‑year lease will cost a minimum of €70,000.
The investor must maintain a registered address in Malta for at least 5 years after obtaining permanent residence.
The second option is purchasing real estate worth at least €375,000. The minimum ownership period is 5 years.
The amount of the contribution does not depend on the real estate option or the number of family members included in the application.
The investor pays the fee in two stages: €15,000 upon application submission and €45,000 after receiving approval.
The investor makes a donation to a charitable organisation. The amount does not change if family members are included in the application.
The fee increases by €7,500 for each family member over 18 years old, except for the spouse.
The first option is renting residential property worth at least €14,000 a year. A 5‑year lease will cost a minimum of €70,000.
The investor must maintain a registered address in Malta for at least 5 years after obtaining permanent residence.
The second option is purchasing real estate worth at least €375,000. The minimum ownership period is 5 years.
The amount of the contribution does not depend on the real estate option or the number of family members included in the application.
The investor pays the fee in two stages: €15,000 upon application submission and €45,000 after receiving approval.
The investor makes a donation to a charitable organisation. The amount does not change if family members are included in the application.
The fee increases by €7,500 for each family member over 18 years old, except for the spouse.
Additional costs
€5,000+
Translation and notary services
5%
Stamp duty, payable only by investors who purchase real estate
€500+
Residence card fee
€500+
Health insurance
€5,000+
Translation and notary services
5%
Stamp duty, payable only by investors who purchase real estate
€500+
Residence card fee
€500+
Health insurance
Real estate for obtaining Malta permanent residence
Malta, Rabat
€575,000+
Modern apartments in a hotel complex
122—672 m²
2—4 bed
2—4 bath
€575,000+
Modern apartments in a hotel complex
122—672 m²
2—4 bed
2—4 bath
Malta, Kalkara
€325,000+
Stylish apartments near the sea
72—310 m²
1—4 bed
1—4 bath
€325,000+
Stylish apartments near the sea
72—310 m²
1—4 bed
1—4 bath
Malta, Sliema
€675,000+
Luxury apartments with a sea view
60—123 m²
1—3 bed
1—3 bath
€675,000+
Luxury apartments with a sea view
60—123 m²
1—3 bed
1—3 bath
Key documents to apply for a Malta residency by investment
- Foreign passport
- Proof of address
- Health insurance
- Proof of financial capacity
- Police clearance certificate
- Investment documentation
- Sale or rental agreement for real estate
Step‑by‑step procedure for obtaining Malta permanent residence by investment
A compliance specialist reviews the investor’s financial history: it examines documents and assesses potential risks. This procedure helps identify “red flags” and reduces the risk of a residence permit refusal to as little as 1%.
The check is confidential; the investor provides only a copy of their passport.
The check is confidential; the investor provides only a copy of their passport.
The head office lawyers compile a list of documents required for participation in the permanent residence programme. The investor provides originals, and the lawyers prepare them for submission: they are translated and notarised in Malta.
Alternatively, documents can be translated and notarised in the investor’s country of residence, in which case an apostille or consular legalisation is required.
Alternatively, documents can be translated and notarised in the investor’s country of residence, in which case an apostille or consular legalisation is required.
Once the documents are ready, the lawyers submit the application to the Residency Malta Agency.
At this stage, the investor pays the first instalment of the administrative fee, €15,000 of the total €60,000.
The investor may also request a temporary residence permit and remain in Malta while the application is under review.
At this stage, the investor pays the first instalment of the administrative fee, €15,000 of the total €60,000.
The investor may also request a temporary residence permit and remain in Malta while the application is under review.
The Residency Malta Agency reviews the investor’s documents. The application is considered within 90–180 days, though in practice it may take longer due to workload or requests for additional documents.
Within two months of receiving approval from the agency, the investor pays the remaining part of the administrative fee. Within eight months, they must also:
- rent or purchase residential property in Malta;
- pay the government contribution;
- make a charitable donation.
The investor and their family members travel to Malta to submit biometric data for the issuance of permanent residence cards.
The residence cards are issued within two weeks after biometrics. Passportivity collects them and sends them to the investor at a convenient address.
During the first five years, the Residency Malta Agency annually verifies that the investor continues to meet programme conditions: renting or maintaining ownership of real estate and holding capital of at least €500,000.
We are an official partner of Passportivity in South Africa.
