Malta, a beautiful European island country, is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning landscapes including clear blue waters, rocky coastlines, rich history, and ancient temples that a lot of people want to see or experience. Moreover, the country located in the central Mediterranean Sea presents picturesque views for the visitors. Another major reason behind Malta’s popularity is its well known residency by investment program named as Malta permanent residence by investment program.
What is the Malta Permanent Residence By Investment Programme?
Although the citizenship by investment program of Malta was abolished by the Government in 2025, still the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) also called the Malta Golden Visa remains a popular choice for global investors seeking permanent residency options in a stable European country like Malta.
The program requires renting a property in Malta for at least €14K a year or purchasing property in Malta for at least €375K with the purpose to bring large foreign direct investments (FDI) in the country and boost its economy. The Malta golden visa program grants non-EU citizens the right to live in Malta and benefit from its lifestyle and business opportunities.
How to Get Permanent Residency in Malta?
Eligibility Criteria
To become eligible for Malta Permanent Residence by Investment Program, the individuals must fulfill the following requirements.
The main applicant must be of 18+ years.
A clean criminal record is required.
Not from the banned countries.
Investment criteria must be met.
Must have good health.
Investment Requirements
Malta residency program investment cost include:
Renting a property in Malta for 5 years for a minimum €14,000 per year or Purchasing a Maltese property for minimum €375,000.
€37,000 contribution to the Maltese government.
€2000 Donation to a Malta based NGO (Non-Governmental Organization).
Application Process & Timeline
Malta permanent residence by investment application process include the following steps:
Initial Assessment
Application Submission
Processing of Application
Approval of Residency
And the typical processing time of Malta residency program is 6+ months.
Residence Requirements & Validity
No strict minimum stay requirement is a requirement for permanent residency in Malta and the Malta permanent residence by investment is valid for lifetime. Hence providing investors with long term stability that is crucial for a secure and prosperous future in today’s world.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme Benefits
In 2025, the Malta government made some changes in the Malta permanent residency program to make it highly appealing. The program opens doors to a world full of opportunities for individuals including business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Some significant advantages the Malta permanent residents can benefit from are:
Right to Reside Permanently
By qualifying for Malta permanent residency the individuals can live in Malta permanently which provides them long term benefits of accessing its healthcare services and good quality education. The country was considered the fastest-growing economy in the European Union in 2025, due to its strong GDP Growth from 4.1% to 4.3% GDP. This rapid growth of Malta’s economy provides a secure and stable future to its residents.
EU Schengen Mobility
The significant Malta permanent residence programme benefits is the global mobility it provides to its golden visa holders with visa free access to Europe’s Schengen area including 29 countries such as Spain, France, Italy and others. The business owners who dream to explore EU business markets or want to expand their business there can do so by getting a Malta permanent residence by investment.
Family Inclusion
The individuals thinking how to get permanent residency in Malta for their family members need not to worry as Malta golden visa allows family inclusion which is also among the major Malta permanent residence programme benefits. It allows the main applicants to include their spouse, dependent parents, dependent children and grandparents in the application.
Strategic Business & Residence Location
Malta is strategically located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea and is a bridge between Africa and Europe. It is a crucial hub for trade into the Middle East and North Africa, creating many opportunities for people. Malta golden visa holders, especially global entrepreneurs, can benefit from significant business and residence opportunities in Malta as it connects them with the EU and beyond.
Pathway to Citizenship
Malta golden visa holders can possibly get citizenship when they apply for it after getting permanent residency in Malta. The condition is that they must meet the eligibility criteria, i.e., tax residency in Malta which means living in Malta for 183 days or more.
Conclusion
Malta permanent residence by investment is the perfect choice for people seeking business opportunities, enhanced lifestyle in a beautiful country, and travel freedom with visa-free access. The program along with providing lifestyle benefits also is a very cost effective program providing an effective EU residency option to people.