Malta Golden Visa vs Portugal: Which EU Residency Programme Wins in 2025?

Published: September 2nd, 2025

Introduction: Europe’s Residency Race in 2025 

The global demand for residency by investment programmes in Europe is at record highs. High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), and global families are searching for the best Golden Visa in Europe 2025 — a route that provides mobility, security, and generational stability. 

In 2025, two names dominate this discussion: Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP 2025) and the Portugal Golden Visa. 

This article offers a clear side-by-side comparison of Malta Golden Visa vs Portugal Golden Visa. We’ll cover: 

• Timelines and processing speed 

• Investment size and costs 

• Renewals and permanence 

• Family inclusion 

• Tax implications 

• Post-pandemic stability 

By the end, you’ll understand which EU residency by investment 2025 programme is the smarter choice. 

Timelines and Processing Speed (Golden Visa Processing Times 2025) 

Malta: Fast, Predictable, Transparent 

• Temporary residence card in weeks (L.N. 146 of 2025) — allowing Schengen travel immediately. 

• Full approval in 6–12 months. 

• Certainty of outcome: No backlog issues; Malta operates under a stable, EU-aligned legal framework. 

Portugal: Bureaucratic Delays 

Portugal’s Golden Visa is administered by the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) ↗. 

• Processing delays often 12–36 months. 

• A backlog of ~50,000 cases in 2024 left investors frustrated. 

• Post-2023 reforms removed real estate as an investment route, causing confusion. 

👉 For investors asking which Golden Visa is fastest in Europe, Malta is the clear winner. 

Investment Size and Costs (Golden Visa Cost 2025) 

Malta Golden Visa Cost 2025 

• Property purchase: €375,000 minimum (5-year hold), or rental €14,000/year. 

• Government contribution: €37,000 main applicant + €60,000 admin fee. 

• Donation: €2,000 to a Maltese NGO. 

• Dependents: €7,500 per additional adult who is not the spouse. 

• Total non-recoverable cost: ~€150,000. 

See latest Malta real estate market data ↗ for price benchmarks. 

Portugal Golden Visa Cost 2025 

• Fund/business investment: €500,000 minimum. 

• Residential property no longer eligible. 

• Government and legal fees: €6,000–12,000 per applicant. 

• Taxes: Property transfer tax ~8%, legal fees ~€8,000. 

Compare with Portugal housing market analysis ↗ to see how affordability trends shaped reforms. 

👉 Malta offers a lower entry point and asset-backed residency, while Portugal requires larger, less liquid investments. 

Renewals and Permanence (Golden Visa Requirements 2025) 

Malta 

• Permanent residency from Day 1 with a lifetime certificate. 

• Only renewal: biometric card every 5 years (€100 fee). 

• No requalification or escalating obligations. 

Portugal 

• Initial permit valid for 2 years, then renewable every 2 years. 

• After 5 years, applicants may apply for permanent residence or citizenship. 

• Uncertainty due to shifting political decisions. 

For a wider policy perspective, see the Investment Migration Council ↗ on global trends in residency-by-investment renewals 

👉 When evaluating Golden Visa requirements 2025, Malta is unmatched for permanence. 

Family Inclusion (EU Residency for Families 2025) 

Malta 

• Covers up to five generations: main applicant, spouse/partner, children, parents, grandparents, grandchildren. 

• Exceptional for estate and legacy planning. 

Portugal 

• Covers spouse/partner and dependent children. 

• Parents only in limited dependency cases. 

👉 For EU residency for families 2025, Malta provides unmatched inclusivity. 

Tax Implications (Malta Residency Benefits vs Portugal Residency Benefits) 

Malta Residency Benefits 

• Non-dom regime: Only Malta-source and remitted income taxed. 

• No wealth, inheritance, or estate tax. 

• 70+ double tax treaties, OECD resource 

• Permanent residents who become tax-resident must manage worldwide income taxation strategically. 

Portugal Residency Benefits 

• Non-Habitual Residence (NHR) regime: 10-year tax incentives. 

• Foreign pensions taxed at 10%; local income at 20%. 

• Wealth and inheritance taxes still apply. 

👉 Malta offers long-term stability for estate planning, while Portugal offers short-term tax perks. 

Post-Pandemic Stability and Market Outlook (Living in Malta with Golden Visa) 

Malta 

• GDP growth forecast: ~4.1% in 2025, according to the European Commission ↗. 

• Real estate: Values doubled 2013–2023; 12% increase in 2024, according to Eurostat housing data ↗ and Global Property Guide Malta analysis ↗. 

• New rules allow investors to rent out purchased properties temporarily. 

• For those considering living in Malta with Golden Visa, stability, English-speaking education, and healthcare are major benefits. For lifestyle considerations, explore OECD Better Life Index – Malta ↗ and cost comparisons via Numbeo ↗. 

Portugal 

• Housing affordability crisis has caused restrictions on foreign buyers. 

• Golden Visa policy changes reflect political volatility. (see OECD Better Life Index – Portugal ↗). 

• Solid recovery, but slower than Malta’s growth pace. 

👉 Malta is more stable and predictable, with clear residency benefits for long-term planners. 

Side-by-Side Summary 

Which Golden Visa Wins in 2025? 

So, is Malta the best Golden Visa in Europe 2025? 

Yes. For investors prioritizing speed, permanence, family coverage, and stability, Malta’s MPRP 2025 clearly outshines Portugal’s Golden Visa. 

Portugal remains attractive for those chasing citizenship in 5 years, but delays and uncertainty erode its appeal. 

👉 For HNWIs and UHNWIs who need clarity, Malta Golden Visa is the winner of 2025. 

FAQ Section 

Is Malta the best Golden Visa in Europe in 2025? 

Yes. It offers permanent residency from day one, unmatched family inclusion, and predictable timelines. 

How much does Malta Golden Visa cost in 2025? 

Around €150,000 in non-refundable costs plus property (€375K purchase or €14K/year rental). 

How much does Portugal Golden Visa cost in 2025? 

At least €500,000 in funds/business investments, plus government/legal fees. 

What are the requirements for Malta Golden Visa 2025? 

Applicants must show €500K in assets, pass due diligence, and commit to property + contributions. 

What are the requirements for Portugal Golden Visa 2025? 

Invest €500K in funds/business, renew every 2 years, and spend 7 days annually in Portugal. 

Can families apply for Malta’s Golden Visa? 

Yes — up to five generations on one application. 

Which Golden Visa is fastest in Europe? 

Malta: weeks for temporary card. Portugal: 12–36 months. Cyprus: 2–3 months (no Schengen). Greece: 6–12 months. 

Is Portugal’s Golden Visa still worth it in 2025? 

Yes, for citizenship seekers, but it comes with higher risk, longer waits, and reduced flexibility compared to Malta.  

Next Steps: How Endevio Can Help 

At Endevio, we guide investors through every step of Malta’s MPRP — from eligibility to property search, tax structuring, and family planning. 

📞 Contact us today for a confidential consultation on the best Golden Visa Europe 2025 and discover how Malta can secure your family’s future. 

Agenzija Endevio Ltd is authorized to act as an Accredited Agent by Agenzija Komunita Malta through license number AKM-AGEN