Malta, a picturesque Mediterranean archipelago and member state of the European Union, has emerged as a premier destination for investment migration, offering a diverse array of programmes tailored to meet the unique objectives of global investors.
From citizenship by investment to residency options catering to entrepreneurs and digital nomads, Malta offers a host of benefits. In this article, we will navigate the choices available and compare the key features of each option.
Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment
Malta’s flagship investment migration option, the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations (S.L. 188.05), as per Legal Notice 437 of 2020, allows for, following a period of residency, the granting of citizenship by naturalisation to foreign individuals and their families who contribute to the economic development of Malta.
This is referred to specifically as Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment and may be applied for after 36 months or by exception after a 12 months residence period in Malta. Principally dependant family members of the main applicant may also be included in the application.
There are three forms of investments required for the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, namely a capital transfer, investment or renting of a residential property and a donation to a local voluntary organisation. The capital investment required is €600,000 for applicants who have resided in Malta for a period of 36 months, or by exception, €750,000 for applicants who have resided for a 12 month period. In either case, the applicant must show an investment in a residential property for a minimum value of €700,000 or by renting accommodation for a minimum of €16,000 per year. Both types of investment properties must kept for a period of five years. The third form of investment required is a donation for a minimum of €10,000 to a registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare, or artistic non-governmental organisation or society.
This option follows a stringent due diligence process, including a background verification report and a fit and proper test. Successful applicants gain Maltese citizenship, granting them the right to live, work, and study in Malta.
Benefits:
- Citizenship with the right to live, work, and study in Malta, a member of the EU
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries
- Access to high-quality education and healthcare systems
Best suited for:
- High-net-worth individuals and families seeking citizenship solutions
- Those seeking visa-free travel to a large number of countries
- Individuals desiring the right to live, work, and study in Malta, a member of the EU
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
For investors seeking a more affordable route to permanent residency, the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) offers an attractive solution. Starting at the beginning of 2025, the new investment requirements are as follows:
Applicants must invest €375,000 in qualifying real estate (and hold it for a minimum of five years or enter a property rental contract for at least €14,000 per for a minimum period of five years. Following which a residential address is required, which property need not meet the minimum qualifying investment price.
A government contribution of €30,000 is also a requirement for those who purchase a property, or €60,000 for those who opt to rent.
MPRP applicants must demonstrate assets valued at no less than €500,000, out of which €150,000 must be financial assets, or demonstrate assets with a value of €650,000, out of which a minimum of €75,000 shall be in the form of financial assets. Health insurance coverage and a clean criminal record are also mandatory.
Applicants must also make a donation of €2,000 to a non-governmental organisation and pay a government administrative fee of €50,000 and €10,000 for each dependent.
Successful MPRP applicants gain the right to reside indefinitely in Malta, with visa-free access to the Schengen Area for 90 out of 180 days.
Benefits:
- Permanent residency in Malta, a member of the EU
- Visa-free access to the Schengen Area for 90 out of 180 days
- Access to high-quality, English-speaking education and healthcare systems
- Right to apply for a work permit and set-up a business
Best suited for:
- Investors seeking a more affordable route to long term residency in Malta, an EU country
- Individuals and families desiring visa-free access to the Schengen Area
- Those seeking a stable, safe, and attractive location for retirement or a second home
Malta Nomad Residence Permit (MNRP)
Catering to the growing ranks of digital nomads and remote workers, the Malta Nomad Residence Permit (MNRP) offers a simplified pathway to temporary Maltese residency.
Applicants must prove they can work remotely using telecommunications technology and have a valid work contract or demonstrate self-employment with clients based outside Malta.
MNRP applicants must earn a yearly income of at least €42,000 gross of tax, have valid health insurance coverage, and maintain a clean criminal record. The permit is issued for one year and can be renewed three times, for up to four years, providing the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria.
MNRP holders can reside in Malta while working remotely, enjoying the country’s favorable Mediterranean lifestyle. However, the permit does not grant the right to work in Malta.
Benefits:
- Opportunity to reside in Malta while working remotely
- Access to Malta’s Mediterranean lifestyle and culture
- Possibility to renew the permit for a maximum stay of 4 years.
Best suited for:
- Digital nomads and remote workers
- Freelancers and self-employed professionals with clients based outside Malta
- Those seeking a temporary base in an EU country
- Individuals looking to experience the Mediterranean lifestyle while working remotely
Malta Startup Residence Programme (MSRP)
Designed to attract highly innovative entrepreneurs and startup founders, the Malta Startup Residence Programme (MSRP) offers a two-stage residency path. In the first stage, successful applicants are granted a three-year residence permit, with the possibility to extend it for an additional five years upon meeting certain conditions.
To qualify for the MSRP, applicants must have a viable and highly innovative business plan, demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their dependants, and have health insurance coverage. They must also pass a due diligence process and maintain a clean criminal record.
The newly incorporated startup in Malta is required to place a tangible investment and/or paid up capital of at least €25,000.
In the case where there are more than four co-founders applying for the residence permit, an additional €10,000 in share capital each will need to be added. Business activities must be in at least one of the followings sectors: advanced manufacturing and similar industrial services, software development, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, eco startups in sustainable industries, and innovative economic activities.
MSRP holders can reside in Malta while developing their startup and can bring their spouse and dependent children. After the initial three-year period, MSRP holders can extend their residency for an additional five years once Malta Enterprise and Residency Malta confirm that the start-up is still ongoing and the founders continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
Benefits:
- Supportive environment for launching and scaling a startup in the EU
- Pathway to long-term residency tied to the startup’s success
- Ability to bring spouse and dependent children to Malta
- Access to Malta’s English speaking business networks and resources
Best suited for:
- Highly innovative entrepreneurs and startup founders
- Those seeking a supportive, English speaking environment to launch and scale their business in the EU
- Individuals looking for a pathway to long-term residency tied to their startup’s success
- Entrepreneurs desiring to bring their spouse and dependent children to Malta
Comparing the Options
The choice between Malta’s investment migration programmes depends on the investor’s specific objectives, timelines, and resources. For those seeking citizenship, the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, is a direct path, albeit with a substantial investment requirement.
Investors primarily interested in permanent residency may find the MPRP more suitable, with its lower investment thresholds.
Digital nomads and remote workers, on the other hand, may be best served by the MNRP, which offers a simplified, short-term residency solution tailored to their needs.
Entrepreneurs and startup founders should consider the MSRP, which provides a supportive framework for launching and scaling an innovative business in Malta, with the potential for extended residency tied to the startup’s success.
Regardless of the programme chosen, all applicants must undergo rigorous due diligence and demonstrate a clean criminal record, stable income, and sufficient financial resources.
Engaging the services of a reputable investment migration advisor such as Vertex Alliance can help navigate the complexities of each programme and ensure a smooth application process.
Malta’s investment migration landscape offers a diverse array of options catering to the unique needs of global investors, from high-net-worth individuals and families to entrepreneurs and digital nomads.
By carefully evaluating the requirements, benefits, and implications of each programme, investors can make an informed decision that aligns with their long-term objectives and unlocks the many opportunities that Malta has to offer.
To know more about Malta’s investment migration options, contact Vertex Alliance. To view the article published as appearing on Imidaily, click here.
