Malta Golden Visa (MPRP)
Permanent residency in the Schengen zone through a combination of property, economic contribution, and charitable donation.
For: Strategic investors and their families.Estimated Timeline
6-8 months
The Application Process
Step by step, from start to approval.
Agent Onboarding
MPRP applications can only be filed through a licensed registered agent in Malta. The agent acts on your behalf throughout: file preparation, agency liaison, due-diligence coordination, and post-approval follow-up.
- Choose an agent with experience in MPRP files: the list is published by Residency Malta Agency.
- The agent runs an initial screening of your profile (background, source of wealth, dependents) before formal filing.
- Engagement letter sets out fees and scope; total agent fees typically run €15,000 to €30,000 for a single applicant file.
- A power of attorney lets the agent submit, respond to queries, and represent you at the agency.
Agency Submission
Your agent submits the formal application to Residency Malta Agency along with the first €15,000 administrative fee. The agency runs a four-tier due-diligence process that's the most rigorous of any Southern European programme.
- Tier 1: in-house screening on identity, basic background, and document completeness.
- Tiers 2 to 4: outsourced to international due-diligence firms covering criminal, financial, and PEP/sanctions exposure.
- Source-of-wealth and source-of-funds documentation is the most common cause of delay: budget several months for the agency's iterative requests.
- Decisions on the file are typically issued 4 to 6 months after submission, longer in complex cases.
Investment Phase
Once you receive the Letter of Approval in Principle, you have 8 months to complete the qualifying steps: secure the property, pay the contributions and donations, and obtain the rental contract or deed. The remaining €35,000 admin fee is due during this window.
- Property: buy a freehold of at least €375,000 (€350,000 in south Malta or Gozo) or sign a lease of at least €14,000/year (€12,000 in south Malta or Gozo). The 5-year holding period starts when the deed or lease is registered.
- Government contribution: €30,000 if you purchase, €60,000 if you rent. Paid in a single transfer to the Maltese government.
- Charity donation: €2,000 to a registered Maltese NGO of your choice.
- Family members eligible: spouse, children up to age 29 if dependent, parents, and grandparents, all subject to additional fees per dependent (around €7,500 each beyond the spouse and minor children).
Permanent Residency
Once all investments are confirmed and biometrics are taken in Malta, you receive a Permanent Residence Certificate. The certificate is for life, conditional on maintaining the property and a clean record.
- Visit Malta at least once during the first 5 years and once every 5 years thereafter, with no minimum stay requirement.
- Permanent Residence does not lead automatically to Maltese citizenship: that's a separate naturalisation track requiring 5 years of residence (or longer).
- Family members listed on the original file enjoy the same lifelong status, with the same maintenance conditions.
- After 5 years, you can sell the property and end the rental: residency status remains intact provided you continue to comply with the maintenance rules in force at the time.
Core Requirements
What you need to qualify for this visa.
Property purchase of at least €375,000 (€350,000 in south Malta or Gozo) or rental of at least €14,000/year (€12,000 in south Malta or Gozo), held for 5 years
Government contribution of €30,000 (purchase route) or €60,000 (rental route), non-refundable
Administrative fee of €50,000 paid in two stages (€15,000 within 1 month of submission, €35,000 within 8 months of approval in principle)
Charitable donation of €2,000 to a registered Maltese NGO
Clean criminal record, clear origin-of-funds documentation, and at least €500,000 in capital (with €150,000 of that in financial assets)
Do You Qualify?
Answer a few quick questions to see if you meet the key requirements for this visa.
Can you invest in the Malta Permanent Residency Program (government contribution + property)?
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