Malta, a beautiful Mediterranean island, offers several pathways for non-EU citizens to obtain permanent residency. Whether you seek to invest, work, retire, or study, Malta has structured programmes to accommodate different needs. Here’s a comprehensive look at the options available for those interested in moving to Malta permanently.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
Overview
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is a prime choice for non-EU nationals looking for a straightforward route to permanent residence in Malta. This programme is particularly attractive due to its clear requirements and benefits, allowing investors to obtain permanent residence in Malta through financial commitment.
Requirements
To qualify for the MPRP, applicants must meet several financial and property-related criteria:
- Financial Stability: Applicants must demonstrate proof of capital assets amounting to at least €500,000. Out of this, €150,000 must be in financial assets such as stocks or bonds.
- Property Investment: Applicants have two options:
- Property Purchase: Buy real estate in Malta worth at least €350,000. If the property is located in Gozo or the south of Malta, the minimum investment is reduced to €300,000.
- Property Rent: Lease a property for a minimum of €12,000 per year. In Gozo or the south of Malta, the annual rent requirement drops to €10,000.
- Government Contribution: A non-refundable government fee is required, amounting to €68,000 for property purchase or €98,000 for leasing a property.
- Donation to Local NGO: A donation of €2,000 must be made to a registered Maltese non-governmental organisation.
- Health Insurance: Applicants must have valid health insurance coverage for risks in Malta and across Schengen countries.
Benefits
The MPRP provides several significant advantages:
- Visa-Free Travel: Permanent residents can travel visa-free to Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Indefinite Residency: The residency permit is valid for life and must be renewed every five years.
- Family Inclusion: Family members, including spouses and dependent children, can be included in the application process.
Malta Work Visa
Overview
For non-EU citizens who have a job offer in Malta, the Malta Work Visa is the most suitable option. This pathway is ideal for skilled professionals who have secured employment with a Maltese company.
Requirements
- To be eligible for a Malta Work Visa, applicants must fulfil the following conditions:
- Job Offer: A confirmed job offer from a Maltese employer is mandatory.
- Salary Threshold: The position must have an annual salary of at least €30,000.
Benefits
Residence Permit: The work visa grants a residence permit valid for an initial term of one year, which can be renewed if the employment continues.
Digital Nomad Visa
Overview
The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers who wish to live in Malta while working for a foreign employer. This option caters to the growing number of digital nomads who seek to combine work with travel.
Requirements
To qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Income: Applicants must earn a minimum of €32,400 annually. This ensures that digital nomads have sufficient income to support themselves while living in Malta.
- Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance is required to cover any medical expenses during the stay in Malta.
Benefits
Temporary Residency: The visa provides a residency permit for one year, with the possibility of extension. This flexibility allows digital nomads to experience life in Malta without committing to long-term residency.
Malta Retirement Programme
Overview
The Malta Retirement Programme (MRP) is ideal for non-EU retirees who wish to spend their retirement years in Malta. It provides a structured path for retirees to enjoy a high quality of life in a peaceful Mediterranean environment. The programme is specifically tailored to those who can demonstrate a stable income primarily derived from pensions.
Requirements
Applicants must meet the following conditions to qualify for the Malta Retirement Programme:
- Income Source: At least 75% of the applicant’s income must come from pensions. This requirement ensures that the retiree has a consistent and reliable source of funds to support their lifestyle in Malta.
- Property Requirement: Applicants must either own or rent property in Malta. The programme does not specify a minimum value for the property, offering flexibility depending on the retiree’s financial situation and preferences.
Benefits
The Malta Retirement Programme offers several key benefits:
- Five-Year Visa: The programme grants a residence permit valid for five years, which is renewable upon meeting the programme’s conditions.
- Lifestyle: Malta provides a warm climate, excellent healthcare, and a safe environment, making it an attractive destination for retirees.
Family Reunification
Overview
Family Reunification in Malta allows family members of existing residents to join them in Malta. This pathway is crucial for maintaining family unity and supporting dependents.
Requirements
To qualify for family reunification, applicants must provide:
Relationship Proof: The applicant must be a spouse or a dependent child of a Maltese resident. Proper documentation, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates, is necessary to verify the relationship.
Benefits
Family reunification offers several advantages:
Residency Permit: Family members receive a renewable one-year visa, allowing them to reside in Malta as long as the familial relationship remains valid. This permits families to stay together and supports dependents in Malta.
Malta Study Visa
Overview
The Malta Study Visa is designed for non-EU students who want to pursue their education in Malta. The visa allows students to experience life in Malta while attending accredited educational institutions.
Requirements
Applicants must meet specific criteria to obtain a Malta Study Visa:
- Enrollment: Students must be enrolled in a recognised Maltese educational institution. Enrollment in a full-time course is required for the duration of the study visa.
- Work Allowance: The study visa allows students to work up to 20 hours per week while studying. This provides an opportunity for students to gain work experience and support themselves financially.
Benefits
The Malta Study Visa includes several benefits:
Residence Permit: The study visa grants a residence permit for the duration of the academic programme. Students can live in Malta for the entirety of their studies and gain valuable international experience.
Obtaining Maltese Citizenship through Investment
Overview
Obtaining Maltese citizenship through investment is a viable option for those who want to gain European citizenship by investment. This pathway provides significant benefits, including enhanced travel freedom, residency rights in any EU country, and access to Malta’s favourable business environment.
Benefits
Acquiring Maltese citizenship through investment includes several notable advantages:
- Visa-Free Travel: Maltese citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries. Key destinations include the United States, Canada, and Australia, making the Maltese passport one of the strongest globally in terms of travel freedom.
- EU Residency and Work Rights: As an EU member, Malta allows its citizens to live, work, and study in any EU country without additional visas or permits. This opens up a wide range of opportunities across Europe for personal and professional growth.
- High Quality of Life: Malta offers a high standard of living, recognised for its safety, political stability, and quality healthcare. These factors make Malta an attractive location for families and individuals alike.
- Family Inclusion: The citizenship programme allows investors to include their families, such as spouses, children, and dependent parents, ensuring the benefits extend to loved ones.
- Dual Citizenship: Malta permits dual or multiple citizenships. This flexibility allows individuals to retain their original nationality while enjoying the benefits of Maltese citizenship.
- Business Opportunities: Maltese citizenship provides the ability to establish and operate businesses within Malta and other EU countries. Malta’s favourable tax regime and growing economy present numerous opportunities, particularly in sectors like finance and technology.
- Education and Healthcare Access: Maltese citizens benefit from free healthcare and access to high-quality education, including top-rated schools and universities across Malta and the EU. This significantly reduces the financial burden on families seeking quality education for their children.
- Investment Security: Malta’s economy is stable and growing, with a strong real estate market. Investing in Malta not only grants citizenship but also offers a secure investment opportunity that can appreciate over time.
- Right to Reside in Malta: Maltese citizens have the right to live in Malta indefinitely. They can return at any time, even during border closures, providing a safe haven in times of political or economic instability elsewhere.
- Cultural Integration: English is one of Malta’s official languages, which makes integration easier for new citizens. Malta’s rich history and multicultural environment further enhance the living experience, making it a welcoming place for newcomers.
How to Get European Citizenship by Investment
While the above options provide residency, those interested in obtaining citizenship can consider Malta’s citizenship by investment programme. By investing a substantial amount in Malta’s economy, individuals can eventually get European citizenship by investment, opening doors to numerous benefits, including the right to live and work in any EU country.