Malta – Permanent Residence
Introduction
Malta is a Mediterranean island off the coast of Italy with a significant historical and cultural legacy spanning over 7,000 years. The country has been a member of the EU since 2004 and the Schengen Area since 2007. Malta enjoys both political and economic stability.
An archipelago with many high-level educational institutions, and with 300 days of annual sunshine, Malta is an attractive country for residence.
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) offers many advantages to individuals and families seeking to operate throughout the European Schengen Area. The Maltese Government has created a business-friendly environment that is thriving and contributing to making the economy one of Europe’s fastest growing.
Maltese authorities have made it straightforward to establish a company in Malta with favourable legislation and competitive tax systems amongst the most beneficial in Europe.
In addition to Maltese, English is a co-official language in Malta and is commonly used. English translations are readily available for government documents, road signs, restaurant menus, and other essential materials.
Requirements
You must be at least 18 years of age to qualify for the MPRP. Access to at least EUR 500,000 in capital assets is essential, of which, EUR 150,000 must be available as liquid assets.
Applications can include all minor children up to the age of 18. You may also include unmarried dependant adult children, along with dependant parents or grandparents. All dependants over the age of 18 require an affidavit of support for inclusion within the application.
You and your dependants must have a clean personal background with no criminal record. All of you must be in good health and have a suitable health insurance covering your stay in Malta.
Investment
Option 1
Contribute EUR 68,000 to the Government and purchase a property with a minimum value of EUR 300,000 in the South of Malta and Gozo or EUR 350,000 in any other area of the country
Option 2
Contribute EUR 98,000 to the Government and rent a residential property in Malta for a minimum annual lease of EUR 10,000 in the South of Malta and Gozo or EUR 12,000 elsewhere in the country
You can add parents or grandparents to both options for an additional contribution of EUR 7,500 each.
Regardless of whether you choose to purchase or lease a property, it must be held for a minimum of five years. Additionally, a mandatory donation of EUR 2,000 to a charity of the applicant’s choice is also required.
Qualifying Dependants
You can add your spouse or partner as a dependant. Like you, they must be over 18 years of age, not be an EU citizen, and not have a criminal record. You can also include dependent children of any age, dependant parents or grandparents.
Process Overview
We submit each application to Residency Malta Agency, the government agency responsible for overseeing the MPRP.
Following due diligence checks, successful applicants fulfil the required investments and receive a Maltese Residence Certificate and residency card. This is valid for five years and renewable every five years thereafter.
Taxation
If you are considered a resident in Malta but not domiciled, you only pay tax on income earned within or remitted to Malta. Make Malta your primary place of residence and you will be taxed on your worldwide income with a personal tax rate up to 35%.
The country does not levy estate or gift taxes. It does collect a capital gains tax on a variety of assets and the standard VAT in Malta is set at 18%. While the corporate tax rate is 35%, certain tax exemptions exist for non-resident companies.
Summary of Key Advantages
Enjoy visa-free travel in the 27 European Schengen Area countries
Spend as little or as much time in Malta as you like
Include dependants such as spouse, children under 18, unmarried and non-economically active adult children over 18 years, as well as parents and grandparents who are financially dependent on the main applicant
Make a low capital outlay compared to other EU residency programmes
Application Process
Month 1
Prepare application and supporting documents.Submit Residency Application and initial contribution deposit of EUR 10,000.
Months 2-3
Government application processing and due diligence.
Months 7-8
Application approved in principle.Second contribution payment due of EUR 30,000.
Month 8
Lease / Purchase PropertyHealth InsuranceCharity DonationSubmit proof requirements satisfiedThird and final contribution paymentResidence cards issued