Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) Introduction

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is a residency-by-investment programme and is designed for third country nationals. It involves investment in property as well as government contributions. The investment criteria for the MPRP are favorable in comparison to similar European schemes. Investment is required only for the first five years of residency – see more details below.

Successful applicants and their dependents are granted a permanent residency certificate, allowing them to reside in Malta for life. The process typically takes 4 to 6 months from submission of the application and is ideal for individuals and families wishing to make Malta their new home.

Unlike the temporary tax residence offered by the Global Residence Programme (GRP), the MPRP does not offer any specific tax advantages.

The MPRP provides its recipients with a residence card that is valid for five years. Throughout this period, the applicant must maintain their qualifying investments, including the residential property. Once the five years are up, the applicant is no longer required to fulfill the specified conditions, yet they will retain their permanent residency status.

It’s important to note that participation in the MPRP does not result in Maltese citizenship or a Maltese passport.

Benefits of Obtaining the Malta Permanent Residence Programme

There are many exciting benefits associated with the MPRP:

Family Membership

Through this well-established programme, beneficiaries and their registered family members acquire a lifelong permanent residency status in Malta. The MPRP allows the principal applicant to include his/her spouse, children (of any age), parents, in-laws, and grandparents of the applicant or spouse.

They are granted the right to reside permanently in Malta and access all associated privileges, making it a highly attractive option for those looking to relocate their entire family to a safe and culturally rich environment.

Definition of dependents:

• The primary applicant’s spouse in a monogamous marriage or in a similar relationship with a status equivalent to marriage. In the context of the MPRP, the term “spouse” is inclusive of all genders;
• Offspring, whether biological or adopted, of the primary applicant or their spouse who are under 18 years of age at the time of application;
• Unmarried children over 18 years old who rely financially on the primary applicant;
• Adult children with disabilities of the primary applicant or their spouse;
• In order for grandchildren to be considered dependents, the main applicant must be their legal guardian and evidence of this must be provided for the application;
• Elderly parents or grandparents who are financially reliant on the primary applicant or their spouse.

Convenience of Travel in the Schengen Region

Travelling conveniently within the Schengen region is a benefit provided to beneficiaries of the MPRP and their dependents. They can enjoy visa-free and smooth travel across the Schengen Area for a lifetime. This advantage is particularly attractive to those who want to explore Europe without the need for visas or border checks, with the ability to stay in one location for up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe without a visa.

Investment Prospects and Business in Malta

Malta’s strategic position and membership in the EU since 2004 make it an appealing hub for both new ventures and established companies. Malta has evolved into one of the most rapidly expanding economies in the EU, with the introduction of new sectors and market expansions offering a wide range of employment and business opportunities. There are numerous investment possibilities, especially in the real estate sector and applicants have the opportunity to infiltrate this affordable and ever-growing sector.

Efficiency and Ease

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme is known for its simple and fast process, usually resulting in approvals within 4-6 months.

English-Speaking Country

English is an official language in Malta and the Maltese are fluent in English, making it easy for applicants and their families to integrate and communicate.

Cultural and Lifestyle Advantages

Residents of Malta experience a unique lifestyle and enjoy the sunny Mediterranean island that has a diverse historical background. Malta provides a lively but, at the same time, laid-back living environment, a cost-effective lifestyle, and a unique cultural environment that attracts people from all over the world. Malta is one of the safest countries in the world and has a very low crime rate. This together with Malta’s stable political climate makes it an ideal place for a pleasant retirement or for raising a family.

Malta’s crystal-clear sea is often ranked as the world’s second-best diving spot, and Malta also has an impressive three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

High Standard of Education and Health Services

Malta offers top-tier education and healthcare services, with international schools and advanced medical facilities meeting the needs of global residents, making it a perfect choice for families. It is worth mentioning that the World Health Organization (WHO) ranked Malta fifth position amongst over 100 countries.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) Eligibility

Applications to the MPRP undergo a strict due diligence and background check.

The primary applicant must meet the following minimum requirements in order to apply for the MPRP:

• Application through a licensed agent who must perform Tier 1 Due Diligence checks and provide evidence to the Residency Malta Agency that the applicants are fit and proper individuals;
• At least 18 years old;
• A third-country national – not Maltese, non-EU, non-EEA, or non- Swiss nationals;
• Not benefiting from another Maltese program;
• Capital assets totaling at least €500,000, with €150,000 in financial assets;
• Stable and regular financial resources to support self and any dependents;
• Valid travel documents and health insurance covering all risks for Maltese Nationals;
• Fit-and-proper individuals with a clean criminal record, posing zero threat to national security, public policy, public health, or public interest;
• Not from countries that are sanctioned, as periodically declared by the Agency;

Malta Permanent Residence Cost and Regulations

To be eligible for residency under the new Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) regulations, successful candidates must:

Malta Permanent Residence Programme Application Process

Malta Permanent Residence in FIVE simple steps:

Step 1 – Gather essential identification documents such as passport, utility bill for address verification, CV, and all other required forms and supporting papers;

Step 2 – Submit the completed application to Residency Malta Agency for processing, followed by thorough due diligence checks;

Step 3 – Upon successful completion of due diligence, receive a provisional approval;

Step 4 – Travel to Malta with dependents for biometric data collection to obtain the Maltese residency card;

Step 5 – Fulfill investment requirements by acquiring or renting a property, making the government contribution, and donating to a recognized Maltese organization. Once done, the Residency Malta Agency will issue a Maltese residence certificate.

Please note: The application process typically takes four to six months from the submission of a comprehensive and accurate application.

Conclusion

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme provides a compelling option for individuals from non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss backgrounds wishing to make Malta their new home.

With its simple application process and the ability to include family members, the MPRP emerges as a practical and popular selection for those considering a permanent move to Malta.

Whether one is attracted to the benefits of a sunny Mediterranean lifestyle, ease of travel within the Schengen Area or exiting investment, employment and business opportunities, the MPRP presents a distinct chance to experience the advantages of Maltese residency.

Should you require further information or clarification on the MPRP, please contact us.