The Residency Malta Agency has introduced significant changes to the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), revising its pricing structure, introducing a new temporary residence permit, and offering greater flexibility for property rental under the programme.
The updates, announced today through a Legal Notice, aim to enhance the programme’s investment appeal while streamlining the residency process for applicants.
New Temporary One-Year Residence Permit
A key feature of the revised programme is the introduction of a Temporary One-Year Residence Permit. This permit, issued at the start of the application process following standard background checks, grants applicants temporary residence in Malta for one year.
Applicants must submit all required documentation within the first six months to ensure compliance with MPRP regulations. If the applicant meets all obligations and receives Approval in Principle, the temporary permit will be converted into a Permanent Residency Certificate. If an application is refused, the temporary permit will be revoked within 15 days of the rejection notice.
Updated Pricing Structure
The pricing for the programme has been updated, although the qualifying investment and NGO donation requirements remain unchanged. Some of the revised fees are as follows:
- Non-refundable administration fee for the Main Applicant is €60,000.
- The contribution for dependants has now been decreased from €10,000 to €7,500.
- There is now only one contribution in respect of the main applicant for either purchase or leasing of property of €37,000.
Greater Flexibility in Property Rental
In a further move to enhance investment value, the updated regulations introduce property rental flexibility. Applicants who purchase a qualifying property under the revised rules will now be permitted to lease it to third parties on a temporary basis when they are not residing in Malta, subject to compliance with agency guidelines.
Additionally, those who lease a qualifying property can, with the landlord’s consent, sublet the property after completing the initial five-year lease period.
These new provisions are applicable to all applications submitted under the new regulations from 1 January 2025 onwards.
Strengthening Malta’s Residency Appeal
The reforms are designed to make Malta’s permanent residence programme more competitive and attractive to international investors while ensuring a transparent and structured process for obtaining permanent residency in Malta.
For more information, please contact us.
