The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) offers third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals) the opportunity to obtain a stable residency in Malta on a long-term basis, under certain qualifying conditions. This program is attractive for individuals seeking stability in Malta, without necessarily pursuing citizenship, and it is based on property rental or investment. The 2025 revamped Malta Permanent Residence Programme is a very popular programme in Europe as it’s now one of the simplest in terms of application procedures and the fastest way to obtain permanent residency in the UE. The permanent certificate of the MPRP never expires.
The main benefits of the MPRP are that the programme grants permanent residency in Malta, allowing applicants and their family members to live in Malta indefinitely. Applicants can include their spouse or partner, children, parents and grandparents from both sides, in the application, accommodating these generations in one application. The MPRP allows Schengen-Area visa-free travel and has no minimum physical stay requirement in Malta.
Within weeks of applying, a Temporary Residence Permit is issued which offers immediate temporary residency rights in Malta, together with travel access across Schengen Area countries, all whilst the file is being processed.
The costs consist mainly of an administrative (non-refundable) fee of €60,000 for the main applicant, with €15,000 payable upon submission of file, and the remaining €45,000 due within two months from the receipt of the Approval in Principle. The contribution cost is that of €37,000, fixed across property types, making the total base cost €97,000. In addition, there is a philanthropic donation of €2,000 supporting local causes. The additional cost per dependant (except for the spouse) is €7,500 (for those aged 18+). When it comes to property in Malta or Gozo, the options are either renting at a minimum annual rent of €14,000 or purchase a property at a minimum value of €375,000. The biometric residence card is €100 per year, and is issued for a validity of 5 years.
As part of the eligibility process, the main applicant must present evidence of possession of assets having a value of not less than €500,000, out of which a minimum of €150,000 shall be in the form of financial assets, or having a value of not less than €650,000, out of which a minimum of €75,000 shall be in the form of financial assets.
The application processing time may vary per application, but generally runs between 6 to 12 months, and requires a number of due diligence documents, including clean criminal records, health insurance, and supporting documentation. Beneficiaries of the MPRP may also apply for a work permit, or consider setting up businesses and investments in Malta.
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme presents an attractive, flexible pathway to securing long-term residence in Malta for individuals and families from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. With its benefits of visa-free travel within the Schengen area and family inclusivity, the MPRP opens doors to a stable and enriching lifestyle in Malta. By partnering with experienced legal professionals like Sciberras Advocates, applicants can ensure a smooth and compliant process, ultimately achieving permanent residency and all the lifestyle advantages it brings in the heart of the Mediterranean.
Dr Adrian Sciberras of Sciberras Advocates holds an Agent’s Licence with Residency Malta Agency, with license number: RES-SCIB.