Program Quick Facts
Investment Amount
€220,000
Fees and Expenses
From €250,700
Income Requirement
€24,000/year
Residency (Visa) Length
1 year
Time to Obtain
4-6 months
Complexity
Complex
The Malta Global Residence Programme offers temporary residency to non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who meet specific financial and residency requirements.
Applicants must invest a minimum of €220,000 in Maltese real estate or enter into a qualifying rental agreement. Additional fees, including government and legal costs, amount to approximately €250,700.
An annual income of at least €24,000 from outside Malta is required to qualify. Residents must also submit annual compliance reports.
To maintain residency, applicants must reside in Malta for a minimum of 183 days per year. Dependents can be included under the same application.
According to the law after five years of legal residence, applicants may apply for permanent residency, and after the same period, they become eligible for Maltese citizenship. In practice, Maltese citizenship will take more than 10-15 years to obtain through naturalization.
The processing time for residency approval is approximately 120-160 days. While documents can be prepared remotely, applicants must be physically present in Malta to purchase property or finalize a rental agreement.
The program is designed for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), investors, entrepreneurs, retirees, and persons of independent means seeking EU residency.
Who can apply for Malta GRP Visa?
Eligibility and requirements for the main applicant and family members.
Main Applicant Requirements
- Must show proof of property investment: €220,000 for properties in southern Malta or Gozo, €275,000 for properties in northern Malta or the main island, or demonstrate rental agreement for a minimum annual rent of €8,750 for southern Malta or Gozo, €9,600 for other areas of Malta.
- Must contribute €30,000 non-refundable if purchasing a property or €60,000 if renting a property.
- Must show an annual income of at least €24,000 from outside Malta.
- Must have at least €50,000 in liquid assets.
- Must secure private health insurance that covers both Malta and the EU.
- Must submit proof of property purchase or rental agreement, income, and assets.
- Must submit valid passport and completed visa application form.
Spouse/Partner Requirements
- Must show an additional €5,220 in financial proof (50% of the main applicant’s required amount).
- Must have private health insurance covering both Malta and the EU.
- Must provide proof of accommodation along with the main applicant.
Children Requirements
Under 18:
- Must show an additional €3,120 in financial proof (30% of the main applicant’s required amount).
- Must have private health insurance covering both Malta and the EU.
- Must provide proof of accommodation along with the main applicant.
Over 18:
- Must show an additional €3,120 in financial proof if financially dependent.
- Must have private health insurance covering both Malta and the EU.
- Must provide proof of accommodation along with the main applicant.
Special Cases (Any Age):
- —
Program Options, Fees and Requirements
Option 1: Property Investment Option
The Malta Global Residence Programme requires purchasing property worth €220,000 in Gozo/South Malta or €275,000 elsewhere in Malta. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate an annual income of at least €24,000 from outside Malta.
Feature: Potential capital appreciationRequirements:
Property Investment
Purchase property worth €220,000 in Gozo/South Malta or €275,000 elsewhere in Malta.
Amount: €220,000
Government Contribution
One-time government contribution of €30,000.
Amount: €30,000
Annual Income Requirement
Demonstrate annual income of at least €24,000 from outside Malta.
Amount: €24,000
Fees:
Application Fee
Government processing fee.
Amount: €5,500
Residence Card
Biometric residence card fee per person.
Amount: €250
Legal Fees
Professional service fees for application assistance.
Amount: €3,000
Option 2: Property Rental Option
The Malta Global Residence Programme allows applicants to qualify by renting a property for at least €8,750 per year in Gozo/South Malta or €9,600 elsewhere in Malta. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate an annual income of at least €24,000 from outside Malta.
Feature: Less ExpensiveFeature: FasterRequirements:
Property Rental
Annual rent of €8,750 in Gozo/South Malta or €9,600 elsewhere in Malta.
Amount: €8,750
Government Contribution
One-time government contribution of €30,000.
Amount: €30,000
Annual Income Requirement
Demonstrate annual income of at least €24,000 from outside Malta.
Amount: €24,000
Fees:
Application Fee
Government processing fee.
Amount: €5,500
Residence Card
Biometric residence card fee per person.
Amount: €250
Legal Fees
Professional service fees for application assistance.
Amount: €3,000
The Malta Global Residence Programme requires purchasing property worth €220,000 in Gozo/South Malta or €275,000 elsewhere in Malta. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate an annual income of at least €24,000 from outside Malta.
Main Applicant | Spouse (additional) | Child (additional) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirements | |||
Property Investment | €220,000 | €0 | €0 |
Government Contribution | €30,000 | €0 | €0 |
Annual Income Requirement* | €24,000 (not included in total) | €0 (not included in total) | €0 (not included in total) |
| Fees and Expenses | |||
Application Fee | €5,500 | €500 | €500 |
Residence Card | €250 | €250 | €250 |
Legal Fees | €3,000 | €500 | €500 |
| Total Cost | €258,750 for main applicant | €260,000 for married couple | €261,250 for family of 3 |
| * Items marked with an asterisk are not included in the total cost calculation | |||
Benefits & Restrictions
Benefits | Restrictions and Drawbacks |
|---|---|
Warm ClimateMalta enjoys a Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine annually, providing a pleasant environment for residents who appreciate mild winters and warm summers. | Not Available for EU CitizensThis residency program is exclusively for non-EU nationals, meaning EU citizens must explore alternative routes to obtain Maltese residency. |
High Quality of LifeWith a strong economy, excellent healthcare, and a low crime rate, Malta offers a stable and comfortable lifestyle, making it an attractive destination for expats and investors. | Annual Submissions RequiredResidents must submit annual declarations proving they continue to meet the financial and property requirements to maintain their residency status. |
EU Schengen AccessHolding residency in Malta grants visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone, making it easier to conduct business, travel, or explore Europe without bureaucratic hurdles. | |
Freedom to Work or Start a BusinessThis program allows residents to work, establish, or invest in businesses within Malta, providing unique opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to expand in the EU market. | |
Tax IncentivesThe Global Residence Programme offers tax advantages such as exemptions on foreign income not remitted to Malta, making it an appealing choice for tax-conscious expatriates. | |
Low Tax JurisdictionMalta's territorial tax system ensures that only locally generated income is taxed, offering substantial tax-saving opportunities for international residents and businesses. | |
Low Income TaxWith competitive personal tax rates and various exemptions available, Malta remains a top choice for individuals seeking to optimize their tax obligations while residing in the EU. |
GRP Visa vs other programs in Malta
| Criteria | Global Residence Programme | Citizenship by Investment> |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Amount | €220,000 | €690,000 |
| Residency Type | Temporary Residency | Fast Track Naturalization |
| Application Fees | €250,700 | €22,000 |
| Annual Income Requirement | €24,000 | €0 |
| Annual Presence Requirement | 183 days | 183 days |
| Key Perks | EU Schengen AccessTerritorial Tax Country | Instant Permanent ResidencyFast-Track NaturalizationEU Schengen AccessTerritorial Tax Country |
| Ideal For | HNWIInvestorsEntrepreneursRetireesPerson of independent means | HNWI |
How to apply for GRP Visa - Timeline
Application Submission & Due Diligence
Submit the application and required documents, including proof of property purchase or rental, financial means, and health insurance. Due diligence checks are performed by the authorities to ensure compliance, typically taking 30 to 60 days.
Property Purchase or Rental Process
The time required for purchasing property or securing a rental agreement can vary. Generally, this process takes 30 to 60 days, depending on property availability and negotiation. Proof of property purchase/rental agreement must be submitted as part of the application.
Residence Permit Issuance
Once the application is approved, the residence permit is issued within 14 to 30 days. You will need to be physically present in Malta to complete residency formalities, including biometrics and receiving the permit.
Total Processing Time
The full process, from application submission to residence permit issuance, typically takes between 120 and 180 days, depending on the speed of document processing, due diligence, and property finalization.
Malta Taxation at a glance
Key Information
Taxation Type: Territorial tax system
Special Regime: Non-Domiciled (Non-Dom) Regime
Normal Tax Residency: 183 days
Special Residency:
Income Tax Rate: 35
Program specific tax incentives:
The Malta Global Residence Programme provides significant tax incentives, particularly for non-domiciled residents, retirees, and business owners. With favorable foreign income tax treatment, a flat 15% tax on pensions, and the absence of wealth and inheritance taxes, Malta offers a tax-efficient environment for individuals looking to relocate to Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Programs in Other Countries
CyprusPermanent Residency
Best For:
Cyprus Fast Track Permanent Residency allows you to obtain Permanent Residency by investing 300,000+ in the country.
PortugalGolden Visa
Best For:
Portugal Golden Visa allows you to obtain Permanent Residency by investing EUR 500,000+ in the country.
