Malta offers a unique blend of European lifestyle, political stability, and economic opportunity. With its strategic location, English-speaking population, and investor-friendly approach, the MPRP provides long-term security and flexibility for families looking to establish roots in the EU. They have a variety of residency and citizenship schemes available each offering a different pathway and requirements, time frame and costs.

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Malta Digital Nomad

Malta's Nomad Residence Permit offers non-EU nationals the opportunity to reside in Malta while maintaining their remote employment or business activities based outside the country. This initiative caters to digital nomads seeking a blend of professional productivity and an enriching lifestyle in a European setting.

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Key Benefits:

• Residency in Malta for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal

• Visa-free travel across Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period

• Potential eligibility for Malta's favorable non-domiciled tax status

• Extend residency rights to immediate family members, including spouse and dependents

• Enjoy Malta's rich history, vibrant culture, and pleasant Mediterranean climate

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Eligibility Criteria:

• Be employed by a company registered outside of Malta, conduct business activities for a foreign-registered company in which they are partners or shareholders, or offer freelance or consulting services to clients with permanent establishments outside Malta

• Demonstrate a minimum gross annual income of €42,000

• Be a third-country national (non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss)

• Hold a valid health insurance policy covering risks in Malta

• Provide proof of accommodation in Malta for the duration of the stay

• Possess a clean criminal record and pass a thorough background verification

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Application Process:

1.    Document Preparation

Gather necessary documents, including a valid passport, proof of employment or business ownership, bank statements, health insurance policy, and proof of accommodation.

2.    Submission

Complete and submit the application forms along with supporting documents to the Residency Malta Agency.

3.    Processing

The agency reviews applications, typically within 30 working days, conducting due diligence checks.

4.    Approval

Upon successful evaluation, receive a Letter of Approval in Principle.

5.    Final Requirements

Submit proof of accommodation and health insurance within 30 days of receiving approval.

6.    Residency Issuance

Obtain the Nomad Residence Permit, allowing legal residency in Malta.

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Tax Considerations:

Holders of the Nomad Residence Permit are generally not subject to Maltese income tax on foreign-sourced income, provided this income is not remitted to Malta. However, if an individual spends more than 183 days in Malta within a calendar year, they may be considered a tax resident and could be liable for taxation on a worldwide income basis. It is advisable to consult with a tax professional to understand the specific implications based on individual circumstances.

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Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN)

The Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) process, officially known as ‘Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment’, offers a unique route for individuals and families of the highest global standing to obtain Maltese citizenship through investment, following a period of residency. This route is governed by strict due diligence standards and capped annually, ensuring exclusivity and integrity.

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Key Advantages:

• Full citizenship in a reputable EU Member State

• Visa-free travel to over 180 countries including the USA, UK, and Canada

• Right to live, work, and study in any EU country

• No language, residence, or cultural integration tests required

• Eligibility for citizenship within 12 to 36 months of residency

• Dual citizenship is permitted under Maltese law

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Eligibility & Investment Requirements:

To qualify for MEIN, applicants must meet the following investment and eligibility criteria:

·         Exceptional Direct Investment

Non-refundable contribution to the Maltese government of €600,000 (36-month residency) or €750,000 (12-month residency). An additional €50,000 applies per dependent.

·         Real Estate Commitment

Either purchase a property worth at least €700,000 or rent a property with a minimum annual rent of €16,000. The property must be held for a minimum of five years.

·         Philanthropic Donation

Mandatory donation of €10,000 to a registered Maltese NGO or charitable cause.

·         Clean Criminal Record

Applicants must pass comprehensive due diligence checks with no criminal background or reputational concerns.

·         Global Health Insurance

Health insurance policy covering all applicants worldwide, with sufficient coverage for Malta.

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Application Process & Timeline:

Step 1: Initial Residency Application

Engage an authorised agent to file for Maltese residency under the MEIN framework.

Step 2: Residency Period

Maintain legal residence in Malta for either 12 or 36 months depending on the selected route.

Step 3: Citizenship Eligibility Assessment

Undergo an Eligibility Test by the Community Malta Agency, including deep due diligence.

Step 4: Citizenship Application & Oath

Upon approval, make the required investment and take the Oath of Allegiance in Malta to be granted citizenship.

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Exclusivity and Integrity:

The MEIN route is limited to a maximum of 400 approvals per year, and no more than 1,500 in total, ensuring a selective and prestigious citizenship programme. Each application undergoes a meticulous four-tier due diligence process, reinforcing Malta’s reputation as a secure and transparent jurisdiction.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) offers non-EU nationals a straightforward and efficient route to reside permanently in Malta—a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen Area. The programme is ideal for individuals and families seeking residency rights, mobility across Europe, and access to a stable and secure jurisdiction.

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Key Benefits:

• Permanent residency in Malta for the investor and qualifying family members

• Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period

• Access to Malta’s high-quality healthcare, education, and financial systems

• No language, age, or education requirements

• Residency is granted for life and passed on to future generations (subject to conditions)

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Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

·         Contribution to the Government of Malta

A non-refundable government contribution of €68,000 (if purchasing property) or €98,000 (if renting property)

·         Property Investment

Purchase a residential property with a minimum value of €350,000 (or €300,000 in South Malta/Gozo), or rent for at least €12,000 annually (€10,000 in South Malta/Gozo)

·         Donation

A mandatory donation of €2,000 to a registered Maltese non-governmental organisation (NGO)

·         Proof of Assets

Demonstrate assets of at least €500,000, with €150,000 in financial assets

·         Clean Criminal Record

Applicants must pass a strict four-tier due diligence process and have no criminal record or reputational concerns

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Application Process & Timeline:

Step 1: Preparation & Documentation

Engage a licensed agent, prepare all required documents, and gather proof of financial means

Step 2: Submission & Due Diligence

Submit the application to the Residency Malta Agency, which conducts thorough background checks

Step 3: Letter of Approval in Principle

Upon successful due diligence, the applicant receives an approval letter and proceeds with the qualifying investment

Step 4: Final Compliance & Residency Cards

Once all criteria are fulfilled, residency certificates and biometric cards are issued for the entire family

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Malta Retirement Programme (MRP)

The Malta Retirement Programme offers an attractive opportunity for retirees to establish residency in Malta, enjoying favorable tax benefits and a high quality of life. Designed for individuals whose primary source of income is a pension, the MRP provides a structured pathway to make Malta your home during retirement.

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Key Benefits:

• A flat 15% tax rate on foreign-sourced income remitted to Malta, with a minimum annual tax obligation of €7,500, plus €500 per dependent

• Legal residency status in Malta, allowing for visa-free travel within the Schengen Area

• Extend residency rights to immediate family members, including spouse and dependents

• Enjoy Malta's pleasant Mediterranean climate, rich cultural heritage, and robust healthcare system

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Eligibility Criteria:

• Receive a pension constituting at least 75% of their chargeable income, which must be received in Malta

• Acquire property in Malta valued at a minimum of €275,000; or €220,000 if located in Gozo or the south of Malta

• Lease property with a minimum annual rent of €9,600 in Malta; or €8,750 in Gozo or the south of Malta

• Hold a comprehensive health insurance policy covering themselves and any dependents for risks across the EU

• Spend more than 90 days per year in Malta, averaged over any five-year period

• Not reside in any other single jurisdiction for more than 183 days in a calendar year

• Not be employed in Malta, though holding a non-executive post on the board of a company resident in Malta is permitted

• Possess a clean criminal record and pass a due diligence process

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Application Process:

Step 1: Engage an Authorised Registered Mandatory (ARM)

Applications must be submitted through an ARM, who will assist in preparing and submitting the application.

Step 2: Document Preparation

Gather necessary documentation, including proof of pension, property purchase or rental agreements, health insurance, and a police conduct certificate.

Step 3: Submission and Fee Payment

Submit the application along with a non-refundable administrative fee of €2,500.

Step 4: Due Diligence and Processing

The Maltese authorities will conduct a thorough review and due diligence process, typically taking several weeks.

Step 5: Approval and Compliance

Upon approval, fulfill any remaining obligations, such as finalizing property arrangements and paying the minimum tax.

Step 6: Issuance of Special Tax Status

Receive confirmation of special tax status under the MRP, granting the associated benefits.

Tax Considerations:

• Foreign-sourced income remitted to Malta is taxed at 15%, subject to the minimum annual tax.

• Income generated within Malta is taxed at the standard rate of 35%.

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Why Malta:

• Stable political, legal and economic environment.
• A Mediterranean climate with high living standards and access to free healthcare.
• A global financial centre within the European Union.
• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 186 destinations.
• The right to live, work and study in any of the 26 EU Countries, Iceland, Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein.
• Income is taxable at graduated progressive rates, ranging from 0% to 35%. (35% is annual chargeable income in excess of EUR 60,000).
• Any person who is ordinarily resident in Malta but not domiciled in Malta is taxable only on income arising in Malta and on any foreign income remitted to Malta. Such persons are not taxable in Malta on income arising outside Malta, which is not received in Malta, and on capital gains arising outside Malta, regardless of whether they are received in Malta, or otherwise.
• Non-domiciled residents also benefit from a flat rate tax of 15% on foreign-source income remitted to Malta.
• The general rate of tax for companies in Malta is 35%, however a system of tax refunds and participation exemptions may result in shareholders of a Malta company getting back 6/7 reducing the effective tax rate down to 5%.
• Holding companies may avail themselves of a participating exemption, resulting income from such holdings exempt from tax altogether – 0%.
• No annual property tax, inheritance tax, estate duty, wealth taxes or property ownership tax.
• Flourishing industries, including tourism, construction, fintech, egaming and maritime.
• Access to a transparent and reputable financial centre and a prime jurisdiction for international business.

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