Formal requirements:
Malta’s primary investment residence route is the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), administered by the Residency Malta Agency. The programme allows third-country nationals to obtain permanent residence in Malta, subject to satisfying eligibility, financial and due diligence requirements.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and must submit their application through a licensed agent. They must demonstrate assets of at least €500,000, of which at least €150,000 must be held as financial assets, or else having assets with a value of at least €650,000, out of which at least €75,000 is held in the form of financial assets. Applicants must retain a qualifying residential property for a minimum period of five years, either by purchasing property with a minimum value of €375,000 or leasing residential property with a minimum annual rent of €14,000. Applicants are also required to pay a government contribution of €37,000 and effect a donation of €2,000 to a registered Maltese NGO. Non-refundable administrative fees apply depending on the number of dependants. Once approved, beneficiaries are able to reside indefinitely in Malta and benefit from visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
In July 2025, Malta updated its Citizenship by Merit framework, effectively decoupling naturalisation from passive financial investment. This pathway is reserved for individuals who provide "exceptional services" to the Republic of Malta or humanity. Unlike its predecessor, this model has no fixed minimum investment associated cost. Instead, it utilises a qualitative assessment of an applicant's contribution in fields such as scientific research, innovation, culture, philanthropy, or high-impact entrepreneurship.
The process begins with a residency stage (typically requiring at least 12 months of legal residence) followed by a "Merit Proposal" submitted to an independent evaluation board. This proposal must evidence tangible public benefit or strategic value to Malta’s national goals, such as job creation or technological advancement. This merit-based model ensures that citizenship is awarded based on genuine integration and demonstrable impact rather than the mere transfer of capital.
Other investment opportunities [Brief overview]:
In addition, Malta offers specialised residence pathways for international professionals, entrepreneurs and remote workers. The Nomad Residence Permit caters to third country nationals who are remote workers with foreign income, while the Malta Startup Residence Programme provides a 3-year permit (extendable to 5) for founders of innovative enterprises, requiring a minimum investment of €25,000. Various tax residency schemes also support high-net-worth individuals and professionals in specific sectors. These alternatives offer flexible entry points for those seeking business expansion or relocation within the EU without an immediate path to permanent residency or citizenship while also offering beneficial tax on income.
Document link for further information.
GTG Legal https://gtg.com.mt/practice-areas/citizenship-and-residence-schemes/
See also:
Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188): https://legislation.mt/eli/cap/188/eng/pdf
Granting of Citizenship by Naturalization on the Basis of Merit Regulations: https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/188.6/eng/pdf
Immigration Act (Cap. 217): https://legislation.mt/eli/cap/217/eng/pdf
Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations: https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/217.26/eng
Residency Malta Agency: https://residencymalta.gov.mt/
Community Malta Agency: https://komunita.gov.mt/
Nomad Residence Permit: https://mtca.gov.mt/docs/default-source/documents/personal-tax/legal-and-technical/guidelines/nomad-guidelines---16-01-25.pdf?sfvrsn=f0cc9971_1