MALTA
Malta offers a secure, well-regulated gateway to Europe, combining economic stability with a high standard of living. Below you will find an overview of the Malta residency and citizenship options available through Residency Invest, including key information on each route.
1) Malta Citizenship by Merit
A route to naturalisation through contribution
What is Citizenship by Merit in Malta
Malta Citizenship by Merit is a discretionary, EU-compliant pathway that grants citizenship to high-achieving individuals who make exceptional contributions or render services of national importance. This route is aligned with Malta’s Vision 2050 strategy and is intended for those whose work or commitment benefits the public interest in areas such as innovation, culture, philanthropy, education, research, and more.
Key Highlights & Benefits
- Full Maltese citizenship with all rights and responsibilities under Maltese and EU law.
- Visa-free travel to over 190 countries, including EU/EEA states, UK, USA, Canada, China.
- Freedom to live, work, study, and retire anywhere in the EU / EEA.
- Malta’s legal, political, and social stability, excellent healthcare, and English as an official language.
- Citizenship can extend to eligible family members.
- Malta’s strategic position as a hub for finance, technology, business, culture.
Requirements for Citizenship by Merit in Malta
To succeed, contributions must be recognised, measurable, and clearly serve Malta’s national interest.
Eligible fields of service, contribution, or interest could include:
- Scientists, researchers, technologists
- Entrepreneurs and business leaders
- Philanthropists and humanitarian actors
- Artists, cultural performers
- Athletes with distinguished achievements
- Individuals working in public health, innovation, arts, or other fields of national importance
Legal Framework & Eligibility
- Governed by Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188), as amended in 2025, plus the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Merit Regulations, 2025 (Legal Notice 159 of 2025).
- Under Article 10 of the Citizenship Act, the Minister may grant citizenship to individuals who provide exceptional services or contributions, or whose naturalisation is of exceptional interest.
Malta Citizenship by Merit — Estimated Costs
| Applicant Type | Due Diligence & Admin Fees | Residence / Property | Contribution / Donation | Total Estimated Costs* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | €30,000 | €16,000 - €700,000 | €590,000 - €750,000 | €636,000 - €1,496,000+ |
| Couple | €40,000 | €16,000 - €700,000 | €640,000 - €800,000 | €696,000 - €1,540,000+ |
| Family of 4 | €60,000 | €16,000 - €700,000 | €750,000 - €950,000 | €826,000 - €1,710,000+ |
*Figures are indicative; actual costs vary depending on the value of your contribution, property options, family configuration, and government approvals.
2) Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP)
The Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) is a government-backed initiative allowing non-EU nationals and their families to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Malta.
There are three main requirements, which all need to be fulfilled in order to acquire permanent residence in Malta:
- Pay a one-time application fee to the Government of €110,000 when renting a property or €80,000 if purchasing a property. An additional government fee of €10,000 applies for each additional dependant , and
- Rent a property in Malta for €14,000 per year OR purchase a property for €375,000. The property is to be kept for a period of 5 years and
- Pay a donation of €2,000 to a local registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare or artistic NGO.
In addition, the applicant needs to declare and provide evidence that they are in possession of assets having a value of not less than €500,000 out of which a minimum of €150,000 shall be in the form of financial assets.
Alternatively, the applicant may declare that they are in possession of not less than €650,000 out of which a minimum of €75,000 shall be in the form of financial assets.
The main benefits of obtaining residency under the MPRP include:
- Residency for life, for all the family
- All the family can apply together in one application.
- Addition of unmarried and financially dependent children up to the age of 28.
- Addition of financially dependent parents and grandparents
- Children obtaining Malta PR with the main applicant, will not lose their PR status if they get married or start employment after they obtain PR
- Children obtaining Malta PR with the main applicant, can also obtain PR status for their future spouse and children
- Permanent Residence effective on approval
- Visa Free Travel in the Schengen Area
- No minimum physical stay in Malta or language test required
- Investment is only required after approval
Malta Immigration Routes — Comparison Overview
| Feature | Citizenship by Merit | Citizenship by Naturalisation (Standard) | Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outcome | Full Maltese & EU citizenship | Full Maltese & EU citizenship | Permanent residence only |
| Basis | Exceptional merit & contribution | Long-term residence & integration | Property + financial contribution |
| Eligibility | High-achieving individuals, leaders, innovators | Long-term residents (typically 5–7+ years) | Investors & families |
| Minimum Residence | Approx. 8+ months during process | Continuous long-term residence | No physical residence requirement |
| Investment / Contribution | Substantial, case-specific | None (time-based) | Fixed government contribution + property |
| Property Requirement | Rental or purchase | Usually rental or owned home | Rental or purchase (minimum thresholds) |
| Processing Time | 10–14 months (subject to approval) | Several years | 6–9 months |
| Family Inclusion | Yes (subject to approval) | Yes | Yes |
| EU Mobility Rights | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (Malta only) |
| Selectivity Level | Very high (discretionary) | Moderate | Low |
| Best For | Exceptional individuals seeking fast EU citizenship | Residents already living in Malta long term | Investors seeking EU stability without citizenship |
How to Choose the Right Route
- Citizenship by Merit
Best for individuals with exceptional professional, cultural, scientific, or philanthropic profiles seeking recognition, speed, and EU citizenship. - Standard Naturalisation
Suitable for those already living in Malta long term who are willing to wait several years. - Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
Ideal for investors who want stability, Schengen access, and a European base without needing citizenship.
Unsure which Malta route fits you best?
👉 Request a personalised assessment with Residency Invest.
WHY PEOPLE ARE CHOOSING MALTA
Malta isn’t just an investment hub—it’s a fantastic place to live. Whether you’re seeking a thriving business environment, stunning Mediterranean lifestyle, or rich cultural experiences, Malta has it all.
A Business-Friendly Investment Hub
- Only EU Country Offering Citizenship by Direct Investment, providing visa-free access to 180+ countries, including the Schengen Zone & UK.
- Booming economy with low corporate tax rates (effective tax as low as 5%) and a pro-business environment.
- No wealth, inheritance, or annual property tax, making it an attractive destination for high-net-worth individuals.
- Strategic location between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, ideal for global business expansion.
Strong real estate market with high rental yields and increasing property values, making it a smart long-term investment.
Mediterranean Lifestyle & Quality of Life
- Over 300 sunny days a year, with some of the best beaches and crystal-clear waters in Europe.
- Fantastic Mediterranean cuisine, blending Italian, Arabic, and British influences—must-try dishes include pastizzi and fresh seafood.
- A vibrant cultural scene, from traditional village feasts to jazz, arts, and film festivals.
- Island-hopping paradise, with quick ferry rides to Gozo & Comino and plenty of yachting opportunities.
- Rich history with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Valletta and the ancient temples older than the pyramids!
Safe, Welcoming & Easy to Settle In
- English is an official language, making it easy to live, work, and do business.
- One of the safest countries in Europe, with a friendly and welcoming community.
- Excellent international schools and a high-quality healthcare system.
- Great connectivity with direct flights to major European, Middle Eastern, and North African cities.
Never a Dull Moment
- World-class diving & watersports, from exploring sunken WWII wrecks to snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon.
- A lively nightlife and entertainment scene, from beach clubs to historic wine cellars.
- Home to major international events, including the Rolex Middle Sea Race, Malta Jazz Festival, and Isle of MTV.
- A global gaming hub, with a booming iGaming and fintech sector attracting entrepreneurs from all over the world.
Malta is the perfect blend of business opportunity, luxury living, and cultural charm. Whether you’re looking to invest, relocate, or simply enjoy the Mediterranean dream, Malta offers an unmatched quality of life.
MINIMUM REQUIRED INVESTMENT
TOTAL APPLICATIONS 2018-20
MONTHS PROCESSING TIME
SCHENGEN TRAVEL COUNTRIES
VISA FREE TRAVEL TO 26 SHENGEN COUNTRIES
| Austria | Germany | Lithuania | Slovakia |
| Belgium | Greece | Luxembourg | Slovenia |
| Czech Republic | Hungary | Malta | Spain |
| Denmark | Iceland | Netherlands | Sweden |
| Estonia | Italy | Norway | Switzerland |
| Finland | Latvia | Poland | |
| France | Liechtenstein | Portugal |
