MPRP 2025: New Pathways, Lower Costs, Greater Flexibility
The Maltese Government, through the Residency Malta Agency (RMA), has introduced a strategic reform to the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), announced via Legal Notice 146/25 on 21 July 2025. These changes include a revised pricing structure, the launch of a new Temporary Residence Permit, and enhanced flexibility in property rental rules. Designed to increase accessibility and reduce costs for families, the reforms aim to streamline the application process while reinforcing Malta’s position as a leading destination for global investors seeking EU residency.
These changes apply to all applications submitted as of 1 January 2025.
Initial Temporary One-Year Residence Permit
One of the most important features of the revised programme is the option to apply for a Temporary One-Year Residence Permit, granted at the start of the application process following successful background checks and payment of an administrative fee. The permit grants applicants and their families temporary residence in Malta for one year. They can start enjoying life in Malta even before final approval, experiencing its Mediterranean lifestyle while their application is being processed—well before permanent residency status is formally approved.
At the same time, family members included in the application can enjoy visa-free travel across the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, in addition to the right to reside in Malta with no limitation on the number of days each calendar year.
Q: Can I apply for the Temporary Residence Permit before submitting the full MPRP application?
Yes. Applicants have the option to begin by applying for a temporary residence permit valid for one year, against a non-refundable government fee of €15,000. This fee is part of the €60,000 administration fee under new MPRP rules.
Q: How long do I have to submit the MPRP application after getting the temporary permit?
The MPRP application must be submitted within six months from the date of submission of the temporary residence permit application. If needed, the temporary permit may be renewed for additional periods of one (1) year each.
Q: What happens after I submit my MPRP application?
The government will conduct its due diligence and assess the eligibility of the applicant and their family based on the submitted documentation. A final decision will then be issued. In the event of an Approval in Principle, the applicant must comply with all outstanding requirements, after which a certificate of permanent residency will be issued. If the application is rejected, the temporary permit will be revoked within 15 days of the rejection notice.
Family-Friendly Pricing Enhancements
The MPRP fee schedule was amended by the Government of Malta to make it more attractive for families—especially larger families and those choosing the rental route.
Q: What is the new pricing structure under the revised MPRP?
While the qualifying investment and NGO donation requirements remain unchanged, the government fees have been updated as follows to lower the cost for the family:
- €60,000 total administration fee (includes main applicant, spouse, and minor children)
- €15,000 payable within 1 month from file submission. This amount also serves as the administrative fee for the optional Temporary Residence Permit for families who choose to start with it.
- €45,000 payable within 2 months from the issuance of the Approval in Principle.
- Malta has eliminated the previous €10,000 administration fee for spouses and minor children, making it more affordable for families. The administration fees are now as follows: €7,500 fee for adult children, parents, and grandparents, payable upon Approval in Principle. No additional administration fees are due for spouses, minor children, the adult children with disabilities.
- €37,000 contribution (regardless of whether the qualifying property is rented or purchased, payable within 8 months from Approval in Principle). Under the previous rules, applicants who rented paid €60,000 contribution, while those who purchased paid €30,000—giving property renters a saving of €23,000.
- €2,000 donation to a local NGO – remains as before
These changes significantly ease the overall financial cost for families applying under the MPRP programme.
Q: Has eligibility for family members changed?
Yes. Under the updated rules, parents and grandparents of the main applicant or their spouse continue to qualify as dependants if they are principally dependent on the main applicant, as was the case under the previous regulations. The update introduces an additional condition: they must not be in full-time employment.
Letting and Subletting Now Permitted
Applicants pursuing either the property purchase route (minimum investment of €375,000) or the rental route under the MPRP, can now benefit from newly introduced letting and subletting rights. These changes enable MPRP families to derive added value from their property investment or leasehold.
Q: How can I use my qualifying property now?
The new rules introduce greater flexibility, now allowing for the properties to be rented out:
- Applicants who purchase a qualifying property may lease it to third parties on a temporary basis when not residing in Malta, subject to compliance with guidelines issued by the agency. This update brings Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme in line with other European Residency-by-investment programmes, such as those in Cyprus and Greece, which also allow qualifying investment properties to be rented out, enabling investors to benefit from residency while generating financial returns.
- Applicants who lease a qualifying property rather than purchase, can, with the landlord’s consent, sublet the property after completing the initial five-year lease period.
Sustainable, Streamlined, and Investor-Focused
The reforms aim to enhance the global competitiveness of Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme by making it more appealing to international investors, while also ensuring a transparent, streamlined, and well-structured application process. With improvements in speed, flexibility, and affordability, the updated framework lays a solid foundation for the long-term sustainability of the programme.
For more information get in touch: info@valtd.com.
