Malta’s Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) has emerged as a top choice for global investors seeking EU residency. This guide provides an in-depth look at Malta’s program – from its benefits and requirements to how it stacks up against alternatives like Portugal, Greece, and Cyprus. We’ll also dive into Malta’s real estate market (with regional price examples for Malta, Gozo, and key towns) and touch on tax considerations. All information is backed by the latest data and official sources for accuracy.
Malta’s residency-by-investment program offers several attractive benefits for families and investors, including:
Permanent EU Residency: Successful applicants and their dependents receive permanent Maltese residence status, granting long-term stability and the right to live in Malta. (Note: Malta’s program grants a permanent residence certificate from the start, unlike some “Golden Visa” schemes that begin with temporary permits.)
Schengen Travel Freedom: Maltese residents enjoy visa-free travel across the other 29 Schengen countries in Europe. This is a major draw for those needing hassle-free mobility for business or leisure.
Family Inclusion: The program lets you include your spouse, children (even adult dependents), and dependent parents or grandparents in one application. This ensures your whole immediate family can obtain status together.
No Stay Requirement: Uniquely, there is no minimum stay in Malta required. You are not obligated to reside in Malta to maintain the permit (although you certainly can if you wish). This flexibility is ideal for investors who may not want to relocate full-time.
High Quality of Life: Malta offers political stability, a safe environment, English-speaking education (schools and universities), and excellent healthcare – making it appealing for families (applicants often value the English-language schooling, and investors appreciate Malta’s safety and stability). The country consistently ranks as a friendly expat destination with a warm climate and rich cultural heritage.
EU Access: Holding Maltese residency means you have a foothold in the European Union. While it’s not citizenship, it does confer the right to live in an EU country and, after a number of years, can lead to eligibility for naturalization (subject to conditions). Many view it as a “Plan B” or pathway to eventual EU citizenship for their children.
Favorable Tax Regime: Malta’s tax system can be advantageous (see Tax Considerations below). Notably, there are no annual property taxes, no inheritance/estate duties, and no wealth taxes in Malta. For non-domiciled residents, foreign-source income is taxable in Malta only if remitted (brought into Malta). (Important: High-net-worth individuals often relocate to Malta for its remittance basis of taxation. However, note that under current rules, holders of a Maltese permanent residence permit may be taxed on a worldwide basis if they become tax residents. Professional advice is recommended to structure your affairs optimally.)
Robust Economy: Malta boasts one of the EU’s fastest-growing populations and economies, which underpins strong infrastructure and services. GDP is forecast to grow ~4.1% in 2025. The country has thriving industries (financial services, iGaming, tourism) that attract talent and investment – in 2024, tourist arrivals hit a record 3.56 million (↑19.5% YoY). This economic vitality gives confidence that residency in Malta comes with a dynamic business environment.
In summary, MPRP provides a secure EU base with excellent mobility and lifestyle benefits, without many of the inconveniences of other programs. It’s particularly popular for its combination of English-speaking environment and European advantages.
To qualify for the Malta Permanent Residence Program, applicants must meet several requirements:
Basic Eligibility: You must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, at least 18 years old, with no criminal record or security issues, and in good health (proof of health insurance may be required). Applicants also need to demonstrate a stable financial situation – specifically, owning at least €500,000 in assets, of which €150,000 is in financial assets, or hold €650,000 in assets, with a minimum of €75,000 in financial assets (this ensures you have the means to support yourself) . Comprehensive due diligence checks will be performed by the Maltese authorities.
One-Time Contributions: Malta’s program involves a combination of government contributions and investments (often called a “three-part investment”). As of 2025, the administrative fee is €60,000 (non-refundable) and the government contribution is €37,000 for the main applicant, with no additional charges for spouse/de-facto partner and minor dependent children. (Previously, the contribution was lower for property buyers – €28,000 – and higher (€58,000) for renters, but recent reforms standardized the amount.) Additionally, a donation of €2,000 to a registered Maltese charitable organisationis required. These funds collectively make up the “cost” of the residency aside from the property itself. Adult Dependents, such as children over the age of 18 years, parents and grandparents who are financially dependent on the main applicant can be added for an extra fee (e.g. €7,500 per additional adult dependent).
Real Estate Investment: Applicants must invest in Maltese real estate, either by purchasing or renting a property (for both options the contribution remains the same at €37,000 whereas previously this was €28,000 for purchase and €58,000 for rent):
Property Purchase Option: Buy residential property valued at €375,000 or higher in Malta or Gozo. The property must be held for at least 5 years and can be sub-leased for short lets upon receipt of approval in principal.
Property Rental Option: Lease a property with an annual rent of at least €14,000 in Malta or Gozo for a minimum 5-year term and can be sub-leased for short lets after the 5 year compliance period has elapsed. After 5 years, you can sell or stop renting if you wish, as long as you maintain a residential address in Malta thereafter. (Note: The property values above are the legal minimums; in practice, most purchases are above these thresholds. Also, properties in Special Designated Areas have no minimum price, but those are typically luxury developments.)
Financing Restrictions: The investment must be made with the applicant’s own capital. You cannot take a local bank mortgage on the required €375K value to qualify. In fact, Maltese banks are very unlikely to lend to non-residents for this purpose. As one advisor explains: “Not unless you secure financing in your home country...finding a bank in the new country of residency that would agree to a loan...is very slim.” In short, be prepared to fund the property purchase outright (or with a loan from outside Malta secured against your assets). This ensures that applicants bring fresh investment into Malta.
Source of Funds: You will need to show documented source of funds/wealth for the investments. This is standard for due diligence – expect to provide bank statements, earnings history, etc., to prove the money used for the contribution and property purchase is legitimate and belongs to you. Malta has a rigorous vetting process to meet EU compliance norms.
Other Obligations: Once approved, you must maintain a qualifying property and health insurance, and cannot spend over 183 days per year in any single other country (so as not to become tax resident outside Malta). The MPRP itself does not require you to reside in Malta at all, but if you do plan to live in Malta, you do not qualify to use the public social assistance system, unless you are paying tax and social security contributions. There is also a requirement to visit Malta for biometrics and finalize paperwork.
Timeline: The official processing time for MPRP is advertised as 6-12 months. In practice most applicants get their approval in principle in under a year. A major 2025 improvement is that Malta now issues a 1-year Temporary Residence Card to the applicant shortly after file submission and initial screening. This means you and your family can legally live in Malta within a few months of applying, before the final approval is issued. The temporary card is valid for 12 months and is converted to the permanent residence card upon approval. If for some reason the application is ultimately denied (rare if pre-screened properly), the temporary permit would be revoked. This new feature greatly reduces uncertainty and allows families (especially those with children needing to start school) to relocate to Malta much faster than before.
In summary, to get Maltese permanent residence you should budget roughly €150,000 (fees + contribution + donation) in non-recoverable costs, plus either a property purchase of €375K (recoverable asset) or a 5-year lease commitment. The process is stringent but streamlined, with the government emphasizing due diligence and financial solidity.
Investing in property is at the heart of the Malta PR program. Here’s what to know about the real estate aspect:
Qualifying Properties: You are free to choose any residential property in Malta that meets the minimum value/rent threshold. This could be an apartment, townhouse, villa, etc., located anywhere on the islands (Malta or Gozo). Many applicants purchase modern apartments in prime areas (e.g. Sliema, St. Julian’s) or houses in quieter towns – it depends on lifestyle preference. Keep in mind these minimums exclude properties in shell form (it should be finished) and you can’t use schemes like government grants to dip below the threshold.
Resale and Rental: You must hold the property for at least 5 years, but afterwards you can sell it without losing your residency (as long as you purchase another property or switch to renting a property in Malta). Notably, Malta now allows you to rent out the property during those initial years under certain conditions. In July 2025, the rules were changed to permit renting out the purchased property “for temporary periods, provided [the applicants] are not residing in Malta at the time.”. This is a big win for investors – under the old rules, you had to leave your property vacant, but now if you don’t live in Malta full-time you can generate rental income. For those who opt to rent a property for the program, a new rule allows sub-letting that rental after 5 years (with landlord consent). These measures increase flexibility and help you offset costs.
Property Market Resilience: Malta’s property market has been remarkably robust over the past decades, showing steady growth even when other countries saw crashes. Supported by strong local demand and constant inflow of foreign workers and investors, Malta real estate prices have trended upward long-term. From 2013 to 2023, median apartment prices roughly doubled (from ~€142K to €280K). Even the COVID-19 dip was minor in Malta (prices fell only ~2.4% in 2020 and rebounded after). Inward migration is a key driver: Malta’s population has grown ~40% since 2000, largely due to foreign workers. By 2022, 33% of Malta’s labor force (nearly 97,000 people) were expatriates, creating relentless rental and purchase demand in key areas. Additionally, record tourism has boosted the short-let market (over 3.5 million tourists in 2024, almost all staying in Malta). This high demand vs. limited supply (Malta has very finite land) results in resilient prices. For example, apartments in Sliema/Gżira are “basically out of land” – new supply is only via redevelopment – so values keep firming up. Investors take comfort that Malta’s property market has never experienced a severe collapse like some larger markets; even during the 2008 global crisis, Maltese house prices dipped only a few percent and then resumed growth.
Regional Price Differences: Property prices in Malta vary widely by location. Generally, the fashionable coastal and central areas cost more, while the southern and Gozo regions are more affordable. Here’s a snapshot (prices for apartments, as of 2024-2025):
Malta National Average: Approximately €2,500 per square meter for apartments, but this average masks big regional gaps. The Central areas average about €2,500/m² in 2024.
Northern Harbour (Prime) – Sliema, St. Julian’s, Gżira, etc: This is the priciest region. Apartments here command around €3,100–€3,200 per m² on average, the highest in Malta. In fact, median apartment prices in Sliema/St. Julian’s now exceed €600,000. Seafront units or luxury developments (e.g. Tigné Point) can reach €5,000+/m².
Northern Malta – e.g. Mellieħa, St. Paul’s Bay: These areas are slightly less expensive than Sliema. A typical 2-3 bedroom apartment in Mellieħa might cost around €300,000–€400,000 (indeed, the median in the “North” region was about €375,000 in 2025). This region offers a mix of residential and holiday zones and saw prices jump ~12% in 2024. Mellieħa’s spacious homes and sea views are popular with families and expats.
Southern Harbour/South-East – e.g. Marsaskala, Żejtun, Żabbar: Traditionally the most affordable districts. Prices are roughly half of prime areas. According to one analysis, towns like Żejtun, Marsaskala, Qormi offer apartments around €1,500–€2,500 per m². As a broad metric, the “South” region averages ~€2,123/m² for apartments. That means you could find a comfortable 2-bedroom flat in the €150–200K range in these locales. These areas are increasingly on investors’ radar for value; for example, Marsaskala is cited as an “up-and-coming” area with improving infrastructure and strong growth potential – yet one can still find a modern apartment there for €180–350K.
Gozo (Island): Gozo offers the lowest prices and a more rural lifestyle. Average asking prices for Gozo apartments are about €1,875 per m², less than half the level of Northern Harbour region. Median apartment price in Gozo is just over €200,000. €300,000 (the minimum investment threshold for Gozo) can buy a large, even luxury, property on Gozo – which is why some applicants choose to buy there. Do note, however, that Gozo’s rental yields and liquidity are lower; it’s favored more by retirees and those seeking tranquility.
To illustrate: a two-bedroom apartment in Mellieħa might be ~€290,000, whereas a similar property in St. Julian’s could be double that (well over €600,000 in a prime location). Meanwhile, a cozy apartment in Zejtun or Zabbar could be under €200,000. And on Gozo, €220,000 can purchase a spacious apartment or even a rustic farmhouse in need of conversion. These variations underscore that while Malta’s program sets minimum investment levels, the actual budget can be tailored – you might invest more for a property in a high-demand area or stick closer to the minimum in a cheaper region. Malta’s property market offers something for every preference, whether it’s a bustling urban pad or a quiet seaside home.
Transaction Costs & Commission: Buying property in Malta incurs some additional costs (payable by the buyer), mainly a stamp duty of ~5% and notary fees (~1%). However, one thing investors appreciate is that real estate agent commissions are paid by the seller in Malta – typically 5% of the sale price – so the buyer does not pay agent fees (unlike in some countries where the buyer also owes a 2–3% commission). This effectively means the price you negotiate is what you pay (plus government taxes), with no extra brokerage fee on top. Inflation adjustments are not a concern here; prices are negotiated upfront in euros, and agents don’t add any “inflation” surcharge – again, the onus is on the seller. All of this contributes to a relatively straightforward buying process.
In summary, Malta’s required real estate investment can be viewed not just as an “expense” for residency but as a tangible asset purchase in a stable market. With the new ability to rent out your property and the historically strong price trajectory (Malta’s property index has grown ~6% annually since 2017 on average), many investors are confident they’ll see a return on this portion of their outlay. As always, careful property selection and due diligence are advised, but Malta offers a favorable landscape for real estate investment-backed residency.
How does Malta’s residency-by-investment program compare to popular alternatives in Europe? Below we highlight key differences in processing speed, investment size, real estate market, and other factors for Malta, Portugal, Greece, and Cyprus – countries often considered by the same investors. Each program has its pros and cons, but Malta deliberately positions itself as a higher-quality, more secure option. The table thereafter provides a side-by-side comparison.
Processing Time & Certainty: Malta issues a decision in ~6-12 months, plus now gives a temporary residence card at the start. In contrast, Portugal’s once-renowned Golden Visa has been plagued by severe delays – many applicants have waited over three years (36+ months) just to get their initial residence cards due to bureaucratic backlogs. This uncertainty in Portugal has frustrated investors. Greece’s Golden Visa is faster than Portugal’s, often taking around 6–12 months for approval (in some cases even as quick as 2-3 months for the permit, though times vary by region). Cyprus, meanwhile, offers an extremely fast process – its “Permanent Residence Permit” via investment is typically approved in 2–3 months (one of the fastest in Europe). So on speed, Cyprus leads, Malta is reasonably quick, Greece moderate, and Portugal currently very slow.
Minimum Investment & Costs: Malta requires a mix of investment (property €375K) and non-refundable fees (~€100K+). Portugal historically required a €500,000 property purchase (or €350K in urban renewal areas, or €280K in low-density areas). Notably, as of 2023 Portugal has ended the Golden Visa route for new residential property investments in main areas – the program now focuses on other routes (fund investment, commercial properties, etc.). Nonetheless, in terms of cost, Portugal’s pure investment (€500K) could be higher than Malta’s, but Portugal didn’t demand big donations (just fees ~€12K per person over 5 years) – meaning if you eventually sell the Portuguese property you might recover more. Greece until recently had the lowest entry: €250,000 in real estate (hence its popularity). However, Greece increased the minimum to €500,000 for properties in Athens and other prime regions from 2023 onwards, while keeping €250K for other areas. Greece does not require any extra donation to the government (only small application fees). Cyprus PR requires a €300,000 investment in real estate (which must be new property direct from developer). Cyprus also asks you to show a secured annual income of €50,000 from abroad and maintain ~€30,000 in a local bank for 3 years, but there’s no donation – so the €300K is all in the property which you retain. All four countries entail additional closing costs on property (taxes and legal fees), but only Malta has a significant government contribution as part of the program.
Real Estate Market & Investment Proposition: This is a crucial differentiator. As discussed, Malta’s property market is very robust, with consistent appreciation and strong rental demand, partly due to the island’s thriving economy and limited land. Investors buying in Malta can be reasonably confident in the property’s long-term value and liquidity. Portugal’s property market has also performed well in recent years (especially in Lisbon/Porto, which saw big price rises; more than 6% annual increase even in some interior regions in 2023). However, with the Golden Visa being phased out for residential real estate and a nationwide housing affordability push, future growth is uncertain. Moreover, transaction times and bureaucracy in Portugal are slow, which can tie up your capital longer with less flexibility. Greece’s property market offers potentially high upside but comes from a volatile past – it infamously suffered a 42% crash in property values from 2008 to 2017 during the financial crisis. Prices in Greece have recovered strongly in the last few years (Athens is booming with foreign buyers, FDI in Greek real estate hit a two-decade high in 2023). So Greece is on an upswing and still relatively cheap by EU standards – but the market’s resilience is unproven compared to Malta’s steady record. As an investor, one might view Maltese real estate as lower-risk, whereas Greek real estate could offer higher risk-reward (especially if you snag a bargain €250K property in a tourist area – yields can be good given Greece’s tourism resurgence). Cyprus’s property market is small and somewhat niche; it didn’t crash as hard as Greece, but it’s less liquid. A key point: Cyprus is not in the Schengen Area, so a Cyprus residence card does NOT give visa-free travel in Europe. This severely limits the appeal of the Cypriot PR for those whose main goal is mobility – you would need separate visas to travel in mainland Europe. Cyprus real estate has moderate growth; certain areas (like Limassol) have seen price increases thanks to expat demand, but the pool of buyers is limited (especially after Cyprus’s controversial citizenship-by-investment program was terminated in 2020). On the flip side, Cyprus PR is easy and quick – suitable if someone wants a holiday home and residency in a stable, English-speaking (common language) EU country but doesn’t need Schengen travel.
Other Factors: A few more considerations – Path to Citizenship: Malta’s PR does not automatically lead to citizenship, and in fact one must live in Malta long-term (5+ years, learn Maltese/English, etc.) to naturalize via standard routes; Malta also has a separate Citizenship by Merit program for those specifically seeking a passport. Portugal has a well-trodden path to citizenship after 5 years of Golden Visa status (with basic language exam) – one of the biggest draws of Portugal is the relatively quick citizenship option with minimal stay (the Golden Visa required only ~7 days/year presence, and after 5 years you can apply for a passport that gives full EU rights). Greece requires 7 years of residence (and some physical presence each year) to be eligible for citizenship, and Golden Visa holders in Greece technically are not required to live there at all, but if they don’t, they won’t meet the citizenship residency requirement (so Golden Visa is more a permanent residence). Cyprus’s PR does not lead to citizenship unless you actually reside in Cyprus for 7+ years (and learn some Greek, etc.), so it’s more for residency rights only. Work Rights: Malta’s PR holders can work in Malta if they obtain a work permit (which is quite feasible, many employers can sponsor and PR holders are treated favorably since they are residents). Portugal Golden Visa holders can work in Portugal without needing additional permits. Greece’s Golden Visa does not give you a right to local employment (you can do business or freelance, but legally not take up a job as an employee in Greece unless you switch to a different permit). Cyprus PR also doesn’t confer the right to work (it’s a condition of that status that you are financially self-sufficient from abroad).
Below is a summary comparison table of the four programs:
Factor |
Malta PR (MPRP) |
Portugal “Golden Visa” |
Greece Golden Visa |
Cyprus Permanent Residency |
EU Schengen Travel |
Yes – full Schengen access (visa-free). |
Yes – Schengen access (Portugal is in Schengen). |
Yes – Schengen access (Greece in Schengen). |
No – Cyprus is not in Schengen. |
Processing Time |
~6-12 months for approval. Temp residency card issued upfront (1 year). |
Severe delays: ~12-24+ months common; many waited 3+ years for initial card. (Backlog of ~50k cases) |
Typically ~2–6 months for approval (depending on region); legal max ~12 months. Fairly efficient, but volumes are high. |
Very fast: ~2–3 months for approval (one of the fastest in EU). |
Minimum Investment |
€375k real estate purchase (held 5 yrs) or €14k/year rental (5 yrs). Plus ~€100k in fees/contribution. |
€500k real estate (standard). <br>Note: As of Oct 2023, residential property route effectively ended; other options: €500k investment fund, €500k business, etc. |
€250k real estate in most of Greece; €500k in Athens/Thessaloniki & select areas (since 2023). No donation (just small fees). Other options: €400k in bonds/funds or €250k in Greek bank deposit. |
€300k real estate (residential, new build). No donations. Must also show €50k/yr income from abroad. Property to be held indefinitely (though can later replace with another of equal value). |
Total One-Time Costs |
~€150k non-recoverable (government fees, etc) + €375k property (recoverable asset). |
~€6–12k government fees over 5 years + €500k investment (potentially recoverable). Plus taxes ~8% and legal ~€8k. |
Minimal fees (~€2k main applicant + €150 per family member) + property transfer tax ~3%, legal ~1.5%. So maybe €15k costs on €250k. Investment itself recoverable if property sold. |
Government fee ~€500, misc. ~€1,500. VAT on new property 19% (but refundable for first home). Otherwise no extra charges – just €300k property investment. |
Residence Status Granted |
Permanent Residence from Day 1 (optional temporary residence card valid for 15 year, converted to permanent on approval and issued for 5 years, renewable easily). No re-qualification needed if conditions maintained. |
Temporary Residence Cards (2 years, renew, can apply PR after 5 years or citizenship at 5 years). Note: Proposed law in 2023 may end new issuances; existing holders can renew. |
Permanent Residence Permit (initially 5-year validity but status doesn’t expire as long as investment kept). Renewable in 5-year increments. |
Permanent Residence status, granted for life (card renewable every 10 years). |
Ability to Work |
Not automatically. Can work if you separately obtain a work permit (not hard if you have a job offer). Many MPRP holders use Malta for living/retirement, less frequently employment. |
Yes, Golden Visa holders can live and work in Portugal freely (no separate permit needed). Portugal also offers Non-Habitual Resident tax regime for newcomers. |
No employment allowed under Golden Visa law (you can be a business owner or self-employed though). To work as an employee, you’d need to convert to a different status. |
No, cannot take up employment in Cyprus on the PR. Expected to be financially self-sufficient from abroad. (You can own a business or a company, but not work as someone’s employee.) |
Real Estate Market Outlook |
Strong, stable growth ~5-7%/yr recently. Never a major crash in decades. High rental demand (esp. in urban areas, ~5% yields). Limited supply drives capital appreciation. |
Generally positive, but market changes due to Golden Visa freeze in big cities. Lisbon & coastal areas saw high growth; future growth may moderate. Bureaucratic issues can affect property (e.g. licensing delays). |
High growth potential, coming off lows. Athens prices rising fast. But historically very volatile (42% drop in 2008–2017). Rental yields in tourist spots strong, but economy can be fragile. |
Moderate growth. Certain areas popular with foreigners (Limassol, Paphos) see steady demand. Lacks breadth of international buyers due to no Schengen. More of a lifestyle market. |
Special Advantages |
English-speaking country; high standard of living; permanent status with one-time investment; no property tax or inheritance tax; relatively low crime and good healthcare. |
Well-known program; path to a powerful EU passport in 5 years; larger lifestyle destination (Lisbon, etc.); mild climate. NHR tax regime can offer 10-year tax breaks on foreign income. |
Lowest cost (if €250k areas chosen); you can obtain PR without living there at all; Greece’s sunny lifestyle and tourism appeal for rental income; option to buy multiple smaller properties totaling €250k. |
Easiest, fastest process to get an EU residence; no need to travel for biometrics (often done via agent); pleasant Mediterranean life, English widely spoken; family PR covers even adult children up to 25. |
Notable Drawbacks |
Higher overall cost than Greece; no direct citizenship timeline (separate process needed); must commit a donation; cannot finance locally. |
Uncertainty – program changed in 2023, big delays; must renew permit twice in 5 years; language test for citizenship; property purchase options now limited. |
Must maintain investment (property) to keep visa; no automatic citizenship without residing 7 years; can’t work as employee; Greek bureaucracy can be cumbersome for other things (e.g. utilities, taxes). |
No Schengen access (big minus for mobility); cannot work; property must be new (resale properties not eligible for PR); relatively small expat community (except Russians/British); resale of your property might take time. |
.)
As shown above, Malta distinguishes itself by offering permanent residency immediately, with a stable investment in a strong market – albeit at a higher entry cost – and an attractive lifestyle in a fully English-speaking EU country. Portugal offered the citizenship carrot, but the administrative slowdown and policy changes have made it less attractive recently. Greece is the budget option with potentially high returns but comes with some uncertainty and restrictions. Cyprus is extremely fast and straightforward, but the lack of Schengen travel rights is a deal-breaker for many seeking European mobility.
When obtaining a residency by investment, understanding the tax implications is crucial. Each country has its own regime, and personal circumstances will dictate the optimal tax planning. Here we’ll focus on Malta’s personal taxation system, since we cannot give individualized advice for multiple jurisdictions here (Endevio’s tax team can provide bespoke planning for your situation). We’ll also briefly contrast key points with Portugal, Greece, etc.
Maltese Tax System Basics: Malta taxes individuals based on residence and domicile. An individual resident and domiciled in Malta is taxed on their worldwide income. However, most foreigners who move to Malta do not take Maltese domicile (domicile is a legal concept often linked to one’s permanent home/origin). If you are resident in Malta but non-domiciled, Malta normally taxes you only on: 1) income arising in Malta, and 2) foreign income (not capital) that you remit (bring) into Malta. Foreign income you keep abroad is not taxed in Malta. This is known as the “remittance basis”. It can be very advantageous – for example, a non-dom who has investment income or a salary abroad can avoid Maltese tax on that income by not remitting it to Malta, instead living off savings or small remittances (subject to a minimum tax of €5,000/year in some cases). Additionally, foreign capital (like proceeds from sale of assets, crypto gains, etc.) is not taxed even if brought in, as long as it was a capital asset.
Important: Starting 2018, regulations clarified that if you hold a Permanent Residence certificate (like MPRP) or long-term residence, you are not eligible for the remittance basis – you are taxed as if domiciled (worldwide income basis). The interpretation is that beneficiaries of programs like MPRP are taxed on worldwide income if they become tax resident in Malta. This is a key point to discuss with a tax advisor. Many MPRP holders simply don’t reside in Malta for over 183 days, and thus don’t become tax resident in Malta – they maintain their tax residency elsewhere and thus owe Malta no tax except on Malta-source income (which might just be bank interest or rental income if any). Those who do plan to actually live in Malta long-term might consider alternative pathways like the Global Residence Program (GRP) or Residence Program (RP) which explicitly grant a favorable tax status (15% flat tax on remitted income, €15k minimum tax). Malta’s tax law is nuanced, so individualized advice is essential. In any case, there are no taxes simply for holding the residence permit itself – Malta has no annual levy or anything on PR holders. Taxes only come into play if you have income arising in Malta (e.g. you work in Malta or rent out your property – that rental income is taxable in Malta) or if you choose to become a Maltese tax resident.
Comparative Notes: In Portugal, many Golden Visa investors did not become tax residents, but those who did often used the Non-Habitual Residence (NHR) scheme – a 10-year special status that can make most foreign income tax-free or taxed at a flat 10% (for pensions) and local employment income at flat 20%. Portugal’s NHR has been a major draw, though there is talk of revisions. Greece has introduced a “non-dom” flat €100k tax for wealthy new residents and also has tax breaks for foreign pensioners (7% flat tax). Again, Golden Visa holders in Greece who don’t actually reside there have no local tax liability except on any property rental income (rental income in Greece has rates around 15-45% depending on amount). Cyprus has an attractive regime where non-domiciled residents are exempt from tax on foreign dividends and interest, and there’s a flat 5% tax on foreign pensions over €3420. Cyprus’s income tax rates are progessive max 35%, similar to Malta’s (Malta up to 35%, Cyprus up to 35%). Notably, Malta has no capital gains tax on securities for residents, and no inheritance tax; Greece and Portugal do have inheritance and gift taxes, and some modest wealth taxes (Portugal has an annual property wealth tax on high-value real estate).
Double Tax Treaties: Malta, Portugal, Greece, and Cyprus each have extensive double taxation agreements that can prevent you being taxed twice on the same income. Malta has 70+ tax treaties, including with China, Russia, the U.S., etc., which can reduce withholding taxes and allocate taxing rights.
Bottom line: Obtaining Maltese residence does not automatically make you a tax resident of Malta. If structured correctly, one can enjoy Maltese residency and Schengen access while paying little to no tax in Malta, provided your income is sourced and kept abroad. If you do settle in Malta, you’ll benefit from no taxes on foreign capital and possibly structuring opportunities through Malta’s remittance system (with the caveat about PR status noted). Each individual or family’s scenario is unique – professional tax planning is highly recommended to optimize outcomes and ensure compliance in all relevant countries. For more detailed information on Malta’s personal tax system, you can refer to our dedicated guide “Introduction to Malta’s Personal Taxation”, or contact our tax advisory team for personalized advice. Tax can be a complex pillar of the relocation decision, but with the right guidance, Malta can be extremely tax-efficient for many investors.
Navigating a residency-by-investment application can be daunting – but you don’t have to do it alone. Endevio is a leading advisory firm specializing in Malta’s residency and citizenship programs, with a team of experts in immigration law, real estate, and tax. We are here to guide you through every step of the MPRP process, from the initial eligibility assessment to the day you receive your residence cards (and beyond).
Our services include: initial consultation to tailor the best investment route for your family, assistance with property search and purchase (as licensed real estate agents ourselves and leveraging our network of reputable agents, whilst working directly with the biggest developers, we ensure you get the right property at the right price with no buyer commission), preparation and submission of all government forms and supporting documents, coordination with Maltese authorities for due diligence, and concierge support for your move to Malta (opening bank accounts, finding schools, etc.). We also help clients compare Malta with other programs – if you’re undecided, we’ll provide honest, expert comparisons (many on our team have firsthand experience with Portugal, Greece, and Cyprus programs as well). Our goal is to ensure you make an informed decision that meets your objectives.
Capturing the Opportunity: Despite tightening EU regulations on golden visas, Malta has kept its program active, competitive, and now more flexible with the 2025 enhancements. The window is open for investors who act prudently. With Malta’s economy on an upswing and real estate continuing to appreciate, securing your family’s European base in Malta can be both a lifestyle upgrade and a smart investment. If you’re interested in the Malta Permanent Residence Program, we encourage you to reach out for a personalized consultation.
Contact Endevio: Ready to take the next step? Our experienced advisors are available to answer your questions confidentially. Schedule a call or send us an inquiry through our website – we’ll provide a free initial assessment and a transparent quote of fees and timelines. Let Endevio’s proven expertise turn your Malta residency plans into reality – with professionalism, compliance, and efficiency at every stage.
Embarking on this journey can unlock a world of opportunities for you and your family. Malta’s door is open – Endevio is here to help you walk through it.
Sources:
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[2] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/schengen-area_en
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Malta PRP Changes: Cheaper for Families, New Instant Residency, and Leasing Rights
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In January 2021, the Malta Residency and Visa Agency announced the launch of a new residency program called the Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP). This program replaced the Malta Residency and Visa Programme (MRVP), which closed at the end of March 2021.
Like its predecessor, the MPRP offers foreign nationals an opportunity to get a second residency in Malta. All it requires is for an accredited (agent with Maltese authorities) to submit all applications for it.
The requirements include a minimum real estate investment of €700,000 or annual rent for €16,000. Applicants need to hold such investments for a minimum of five years.
Learn more about the MPRP financial options.
The requirements for Malta Permanent Residency depend on the investor's choice of option: Full Contribution or Reduced Contribution. Both options require government contribution, mandatory charitable donation to a Maltese registered NGO, and real estate investment.
Learn more about the MPRP requirements.
It takes less than a year to become a resident of Malta through investment. A relocation could be available in as quickly as four months.
Learn more about the MPRP process.
No, but you have to make the required investments and purchase or lease property.
Learn more about the MPRP process.
Yes, you may add your spouse and children to the application at an additional cost.
Learn more about the MPRP multi-generational application.
Our team of experts at Endevio can help you stay updated with the latest regulations.