Citizenship and Permanent Residency

Malta Citizenship by Merit

The Granting of Citizenship by Naturalisation on the Basis of Merit Regulations (issued by Legal Notice 159 of 2025), Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap.188). This framework replaces the former Citizenship Programme, which was declared incompatible with EU law by the European Court of Justice in April 2025. Malta now focuses exclusively on exceptional merit and contributions of national or global importance.

At ECONOMIQ, we are competent professionals with an international team of experienced specialists who can assist eligible applicants through the whole regulatory process in accordance with the Maltese Regulations. We are here to make sure there are no delays or glitches in your application process.

Key benefits of Maltese Citizenship:

• The right to reside, study and work in any of the 27 countries of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and United Kingdom
• Visa-free travel to more than 180 countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia and Japan
• Malta is an economically stable country with an A + credit rating, showing one of the highest economic growth rates among all EU countries
• Favourable taxation system for both corporate and individuals
• Citizenship of an EU country for the entire family of the applicant, including financially dependent and unmarried children under 29 years old
• Citizenship of Malta is inherited regardless of the country where the children are born
• Malta recognizes dual citizenship
• An attractive and safe place to live or buy a second home with a wonderful Mediterranean climate and excellent air and sea connections
• A leading health care system and education system for the family

Core Principles:

• Citizenship is granted only for genuine merit in the public, humanitarian, or national interest
• Contributions must align with Malta’s Vision 2050, emphasising sustainability, innovation, culture, and collaboration
• Applications are assessed individually and rigorously – no fast-tracks or pay-for-passport mechanisms

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must demonstrate extraordinary contributions in one or more of the following fields:

• Science, Technology, and Research
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Arts, Culture, and Education
• Sports and Athletics
• Philanthropy or Social Impact
• Public Health or Humanitarian Work

Additional requirements:

• Direct alignment with Malta’s national interests or international reputation
• Good character and a clean criminal record

Extensive due diligence checks:

• Security and criminal background screening
• Financial source verification
• Global sanctions and reputational checks

Who Can Apply:

Main Applicant:

• Individuals with sustained, high-impact achievements or services of exceptional value

Eligible Dependants:

• Spouse or long-term partner (including de facto relationships)
• Biological or adopted children under 18
• Unmarried dependent children aged 18–28

Residency Requirements:

• Minimum 8 months residence in Malta prior to applying
• Must own or lease a residence during this period

Proof of presence includes:

• Utility bills
• Lease/purchase contracts
• Integration into Maltese society – such as learning the language, cultural involvement, or local networks – significantly strengthens the application.

Required Documentation:

• Long-form birth certificate (+ translations if needed)
• Biometric passport copy & Maltese residence permit
• Proof of residence in Malta
• Evidence of merit (publications, patents, awards, philanthropic impact)
• Endorsement letters from Maltese or international bodies
• Police conduct certificates (for all countries lived in during the last 10 years)
• Detailed CV
• Application forms and other supporting documentation

Permanent Residency: The Malta Permanent Residency Program

In March 2021, Residency Malta Agency  launched the Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP) (S.L. 217.26) recently amended as per Legal Notice No. 146 of 2025, replacing the Malta Residency Visa Programme (MRVP) (S.L. 217.18) with the aim of streamlining the programme and strengthening its benefits. With recent changes applicants will now have the option, to apply for a 1-year temporary residence. This provides immediate peace of mind and mobility within the Schengen Zone while the permanent process is ongoing. Read more for detailed information;

Malta Permanent Residence Programme offers a unique opportunity to foreign individuals and their families to apply and acquire a permanent residence in a European country. Beneficiaries will have the right to settle and reside permanently in Malta or Gozo with direct investments that include a property investment for the family to enjoy, and other contributions towards the Maltese government.

Get the most favourable Residency Card within 4 – 6 months!

Key benefits and advantages of Malta Permanent Residency Programme:

• Member country of the European Union (since 2004), part of the Schengen area (since 2007) and member of the Commonwealth of Nations (since 1964)
• Free movement within the entire Schengen area
• One of the safest countries in the world (according to the World Risk Report)
• Malta is an economically stable country with a credit rating A+ showing one of the highest economic growth rates among all EU countries
• No language requirement and English is an official language in Malta
• The right to reside in Malta without any restrictions and no obligations to reside any minimum number of days
• Children under 29 years can be included as part of the application, provided that they are not married and confirmed as financial dependents of the main applicant
• Option to add additional family members after the residency certificate has been issued
• The applicant and his/her spouse can include financially dependent parents as part of the application
• Exceptional education and leading health care system ranking in the top 5 (according to WHO)
• The residence card is issued for 5 years, renewable for a period of 5 years thereafter
• The applicant has the option to apply for a Temporary Residence valid for 1 year. Issued at the start of the application process following standard background checks. Renewal of the 1-year temporary residence permit is subject to the sole discretion of the Agency and upon submission of the complete application pack within the stipulated timeframe. Upon Approval in
• Principle and full compliance with Programme obligations, the Temporary Permit will convert to a Permanent Residency Certificate.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria for MPRP Programme

To qualify for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, main applicants must meet several eligibility requirements. They must be over 18 years of age, non-EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals. As the main applicant you shall present evidence of possession of assets having a value of not less than €500,000 out of which a minimum of €150,000 shall be in the form of financial assets or having a value of not less than €650,000, out of which a minimum of €75,000 shall be in the form of financial assets. You also need to have a clean criminal record and go through a due diligence process conducted by the Residency Malta Agency. This ensures the integrity of the programme. For guidelines, refer to the official Residency Malta Agency website.

Investment Requirements

The MPRP requires applicants to make specific investments to secure residency. These include buying a home that costs at least €375,000 in Malta or Gozo or the option to lease a property with a minimum annual rent of €14,000 in Malta or Gozo. Additionally, the main applicants must contribute €37,000 to the Maltese government if purchasing or leasing the qualifying property, and make a €2,000 donation to a local non-governmental organization. Learn more about property and other investments.

Tax Implications

While the MPRP does not grant automatic tax residency, Malta’s attractive tax framework is worth exploring. Residents may benefit from Malta’s remittance-based taxation system, where foreign income is only taxed if remitted to Malta. Additionally, Malta boasts an extensive network of double taxation agreements, ensuring that individuals can minimize their global tax burden. For a deeper understanding of Malta’s tax benefits, consult Malta’s Inland Revenue website.

Life in Sunny Malta

Malta offers an exceptional quality of life, blending a rich cultural heritage with modern amenities. Its strategic location in the Mediterranean, excellent healthcare system, and top-ranking education options make it an ideal choice for families. English being an official language further eases the transition for expatriates. If you are considering relocating, explore why Malta is perfect for expats.

The Application Process

Navigating the MPRP application process is easy with the guidance of an experienced and qualified professional. A company like ECONOMIQ can help by preparing documents and submitting the application on your behalf. We can assist in completing the investments and securing your residency cards. The entire process typically takes 4–6 months. Every step is meticulously overseen by the Residency Malta Agency to ensure compliance.

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme is a unique opportunity for families seeking stability, security, and access to the European lifestyle. With its robust economy, exceptional quality of life, and streamlined application process, Malta stands out as a premier destination for global investors. For expert advice and assistance, reach out by filling the contact form below—we’re your trusted partner in securing Maltese residency.

MALTA GLOBAL RESIDENCE PROGRAMME (GRP)

The Malta Global Residence Programme grants eligible third-country nationals a residence permit in Malta together with access to a preferential tax regime.
Individuals approved under the Programme may reside in Malta and benefit from a reduced fixed tax rate of 15% on foreign generated income that is remitted to Malta.
Residence in Malta also permits travel for touristic purposes within the Schengen area without the need of applying for additional visas.

ELIGIBILITY

To qualify under the Programme, the applicant must:

• be at least 18 years of age;
• be a third country national (TCN) and not a citizen of Malta, the EU, EEA or Switzerland;
• be in possession of a valid travel document;
• be able to adequately communicate in English or Maltese;
• not benefit from any other special tax status in Malta;
• maintain a health insurance policy covering the main applicant and his dependents for all risks across the European Union;
• be in receipt of steady and regular resources sufficient to maintain himself/herself and his/her dependents without resorting to social assistance;
  satisfy all other application requirements.

TAX CONTRIBUTION AND TREATMENT

• The beneficiary is required to pay a minimum annual tax of €15,000.
• Foreign generated income remitted to Malta is taxable at 15%, with the possibility of claiming double tax relief where applicable.
• Income arising in Malta is subject to tax at 35%.
• Foreign income not remitted to Malta is not subject to Maltese tax, though it may be taxable in another jurisdiction.
• Separate tax computation between spouses is not permitted.

QUALIFYING PROPERTY REQUIREMENT

Applicants must acquire a qualifying property in Malta.

The property may be:

• Purchased for a minimum value of €275,000
(€220,000 if located in Gozo or the South of Malta)
  or
• Leased for not less than €9,600 per annum
(€8,750 per annum if situated in Gozo or the South of Malta).

The qualifying property must be retained for the duration of the stay and must not be shared with persons other than dependents listed on the residence certificate.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Phase 1 – Submission
  Payment of an Administration Fee of €6,000
(€5,500 if the property is situated in Gozo or the South of Malta) and submission of all required documentation to the Malta International Tax Unit (ITU).
• Phase 2 – Due Diligence
  The applicant must be considered a “fit and proper person” and successfully pass due diligence checks conducted by the International Tax Unit.
The review process generally takes approximately six (6) weeks.
  Upon successful assessment, a Letter of Approval in Principle is issued and the main applicant may be invited to attend an introductory meeting at the ITU.
• Phase 3 – Property Finalisation
  Acquisition or lease of the qualifying property in accordance with Programme requirements.

Following the fulfilment of all phases, the applicant may proceed with the issuance of the Maltese residence card.

ADDITIONAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

Malta does not impose wealth tax or estate duties.
However, duty may be chargeable on inter vivos or causa mortis transfers of immovable property or marketable securities where the relevant document is executed or used in Malta.

CONTINUOUS OBLIGATIONS

A beneficiary under the Programme must comply with the following on an annual basis:

• Retain the qualifying property (or replace it with another property meeting Programme requirements);
• Not reside in another jurisdiction for a period exceeding 183 days;
• Maintain valid health insurance coverage;
• Not become domiciled in Malta;
• Pay the required annual minimum tax;
• Submit an annual tax return together with a declaration confirming compliance with Programme conditions.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

The special tax status may be inherited, subject to continued compliance with Programme obligations.