Looking for a safe, sunny, and welcoming country with excellent healthcare, world-class education, an English-speaking environment, EU membership, and Schengen access?
That might sound like a dream wish list — but it’s entirely possible in one small Mediterranean island nation: Malta.
This charming EU country offers multiple residency options for families seeking a Plan A or Plan B — from long-term relocation to flexible travel and Schengen access. Here are some of the most popular Malta residency programmes available: the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), the Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP), and The Residence Programme (TRP) for EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.
Wondering which option suits you or your clients best? These key questions will help guide your decision.
Q1. What’s the difference between MPRP, GRP, and TRP?
- MPRP is a Permanent residence programme open to non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. It offers indefinite residence in Malta and Schengen mobility. It requires an investment (real estate lease or purchase), a government contribution, and a donation to charity. It’s ideal for families seeking a long-term, permanent base with flexibility.
- GRP is also for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, but instead of permanent residence, it grants a special tax residency status. It offers a 15% flat rate on foreign income remitted to Malta (min. €15,000/year), also, like MPRP, no minimum stay is required, and it offers the possibility to live in Malta under attractive tax rules.
- TRP is nearly identical to GRP in structure and benefits — but it’s reserved only for EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. It grants tax residence status with the same 15% rate and flexible residence option, without full permanent residency status.
Q2. Can I rent a property instead of buying to qualify?
Yes — all three residency programmes allow long-term rental of a qualifying property instead of purchasing:
- MPRP: You can rent a property for a minimum of €14,000 per year in Malta or Gozo. Notably, you may sublet the property after five years.
- GRP & TRP: minimum €8,750/year in South Malta or Gozo €9,600/year in Central/North Malta. Under GRP/TRP the properties cannot be sublet.
Q3. Can I buy a property and rent it out?
Should one wish to purchase property instead of renting, the qualifying thresholds are as follows:
- MPRP: Minimum purchase value is €375,000 in Malta or Gozo. Owners may lease out their property when not residing in Malta.
- GRP & TRP: Minimum purchase value is €275,000 in Central or North Malta and €220,000 in South Malta or Gozo. The property must be used exclusively by the applicant and dependants — subletting is not allowed.
Q4. Can I include my family members in the application?
Yes. All three programmes are family-friendly.
- MPRP: Includes spouse/partner, minor children, adult children (under 29), parents, and grandparents of both spouses, as long as they are principally dependent on the Main Applicant.
- GRP & TRP: Include spouse/partner, minor children, adult dependent children (under 25), dependent parents/grandparents, and dependent siblings, subject to conditions. Household staff can also be included.
Q5. My passport doesn’t have visa-free Schengen access. Will I and my family get it through these programmes?
Yes —MPRP and GRP grant visa-free access to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This benefit applies to the main applicant and all approved dependants. It’s a significant advantage for families from countries with limited travel freedom.
Q6. Can my children attend local schools in Malta?
Absolutely. As a resident under any of these programmes, your children can enroll in schools in Malta.
Q7. Is Malta well connected to other countries by air?
Yes — Malta International Airport (Luqa) offers excellent flight connectivity to major cities across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. With direct routes to hubs like London, Frankfurt, Rome, Paris, Dubai, and Istanbul, residents enjoy convenient access to the region and beyond.
Whether you’re planning a full relocation or simply securing a foothold in Europe, Malta offers safety, stability, sunshine, and access — with programmes tailored to different profiles.
Feel free to reach out if you’d like to explore which residency programme may suit your family or your clients best.
