The Maltese archipelago forms part of the Schengen Area and a European Union (EU) member state. While considering a second residency or a second passport in the country, you must have come across terms like ‘Golden Visa’ or a ‘Golden Passport’. Let us tell you what they mean.
Golden Visa and Passport are terms usually associated with various countries’ residence and/or citizenship programmes. In Malta, these are the Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP) and Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment.
Malta Golden Visa Programmes
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
Launched in 2021, the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) followed the Malta Residence and Visa Programme (MRVP). The MPRP attracts non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to invest in Malta and gain permanent residency. In addition, the programme allows a multi-generational application, making it easier for you and your family to move to the island nation.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme Benefits
Your successful application for the MPRP grants the following advantages:
- Maltese permanent residence permit to beneficiary and dependents
- Lifetime visa-free travel within the Schengen area
- The right to reside, settle and stay indefinitely in Malta
- The ability to apply for Long Term Residence status
- Naturalisation after a certain residence period
- Applying for a work permit under a separate process
- Special tax status when coupled with the Global Residence Program
Read this article to explore other benefits of permanent residency in Malta.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme Financial Options
The MPRP provides two investment options for applicants. For the Full Contribution, the minimum Contribution to Government is €98,000. You must make a mandatory charitable donation to a Maltese registered NGO for €2,000 and rent a residential unit for five years in the South of Malta and Gozo for a minimum of €10,000.
On the other hand, the Reduced Contribution requires a minimum of €68,000 contribution. The mandatory donation is at least €2,000, and you have to purchase a residential unit for five years in the South of Malta and Gozo for a minimum of €300,000.
Applicants also have real estate options. You may rent a property in the other areas of Malta for €12,000 per annum or purchase one for at least €350,000.
MPRP Eligibility Criteria
All applicants of the MPRP must be 18 years of age or older. You must have a capital of €500,000 of which €150,000 must be financial assets) and a stable and regular source of income. Moreover, you must have a certificate of good health from a reputable health system and a clean criminal record to ensure that you are not considered a potential national security risk.
As mentioned earlier, the MPRP allows a multi-generational application. You and your spouse or partner can add children born or adopted after the approval date, subject to an additional contribution and successful due diligence checks.
Learn more about the MPRP through our guide.
Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment
The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is suitable for high-net-worth individuals and families who contribute significantly to the country. The programme replaced the previous Malta Individual Investor Programme, aiming to attract more foreign investors from across the globe.
The regulation is limited to a maximum number of 400 successful applicants per year, capped at 1,500.
Malta Citizenship Benefits
Your successful application for Maltese citizenship grants you EU residency and all the advantages that come with it:
- Citizenship in a well-respected, economically, and politically stable European country
- Citizenship status that is inherited by future generations even if born outside of Malta
- Freedom to travel to 184 countries, including the USA, Canada, and Australia
- Right to live, work, and study in all 27 EU countries, as well as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland
Malta Citizenship Investment Requirements
Like with the MPRP, the programme for Maltese citizenship also has two investment options. After one or three years of residency, you can become a Maltese citizen, with a €150,000 difference in the minimum contributions.
Alternatively, if you opt to acquire citizenship after a year of residency, the minimum contribution to the government is €750,000. On the other hand, you can become a citizen after three years with a minimum contribution of €600,000.
Malta Citizenship Eligibility Criteria
The main applicant for the Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment must be 18 or older. You and your dependents must have approved global health insurance for life and a clean criminal record.
In addition to the minimum contribution, you must also donate, before your naturalisation, a minimum of €10,000 to a registered philanthropic and Government Agency approved organisation or society.
Applicants also have to purchase immovable residential property in Malta with a minimum value of €700,000. Alternatively, you may lease a residential immovable property for a minimum annual rent of €16,000.
Such qualifying property is to be held for a minimum period of five (5) years from the date of issuance of the certificate of naturalisation. You are permitted to change property and switch from lease to purchase or vice versa.
Malta Golden Visa - Endevio as your Relocation Services Advisor
In conclusion, Malta is rated A+ by Fitch and the fastest growing economy in the EU. Basically, the island nation is economically stable, providing excellent business opportunities. Add the first-class health service and top educational system, and Malta becomes one of the best countries for residency and citizenship.
At Endevio, we understand your goal to ensure your family’s future. Through our established network of experts and years of experience, we are ready to help you realise your Maltese dreams. Fundamentally, we have in-depth knowledge of the Malta Permanent Residency Programme and the Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment requirement and procedure, helping you through every step of the process.
