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A Smart Future
Malta offers an enviable lifestyle with some of the best residency schemes and citizenship by investment programmes’ in Europe – without additional hidden costs.
The benefits of alternative Residency Programmes:
M. Mobility is easier with visa-free travel in EU and Schengen areas.
A. A lifestyle envied by many.
R. Realise the power of opening opportunities.
T. Tactical planning to leverage personal or business finances.
The process normally includes the purchase or renting of qualifying property and differs depending on where it is situated. Applicants will need to qualify with relevant health insurance, resources, clean criminal record and after satisfying a “fit and proper test” can apply for the residency card. Other aspects include government levies payable and the purchase of government bonds.
THE MALTA PERMANENT RESIDENCE PROGRAMME (MPRP)
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is a well-designed residency-by-investment initiative that combines property investments with government contributions. Its appeal lies in the comprehensive benefits it offers to individuals and families seeking to make Malta their second home.
Key
Benefits
As an MPRP beneficiary, you will:
- Secure the right to settle, stay, and reside permanently in Malta.
- Enjoy visa-free travel across the Schengen Area for 90 days within
a 180-day period.
- Have the flexibility to lease property instead of purchasing it.
- Include up to four generations in a single application, ensuring family unity.
Other
advantages:
Property Usage Flexibility*
- Owners may lease property whilst abroad.
- Tenants may sub lease after 5 years (with Landlords permission)
* Not to other MPRP – Terms & Conditions subject to criteria as set by authorities.
Temporary
Residency Permit valid 1 Year
- A one-year Temporary Residence Permit granted at the outset after
background checks
Cost of application:
Main Applicant to pay a non-refundable administrative fee of €60,000 incl Spouse and a further €7,500 for each and every dependant of the Main Applicant.
Government
once-off contribution of €37,000.
A donation of €2,000 is to be made to a local registered NGO.
Property may be leased or purchased and must be retained for a
minimum of 5 years according to the following minimum values;
- A minimum rent of €14,000
- Or, purchase a property having a minimum value of € 375,00
A donation
of €2,000 is to be made to a local registered NGO.
Eligibility criteria;
The
applicant possesses a minimum capital of €500,000; of which €150,000 should be
financial assets or show they have capital assets of not less than
€650,000, of which a minimum of €75,000 must be in the form of financial
assets.
CITIZENSHIP
Following the recent ruling of the European Commission of justice against Malta’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, Malta Government has announced its plans to replace its citizenship by investment offering with a reformed Citizenship-by-Merit opportunity. Although new terms and conditions will be put in force, the opportunity to become European/Maltese Citizens is still available.
Home Affairs Minister, Byron Camilleri, said the changes to the Citizenship Act would eliminate any transactional elements, meaning that citizenship can no longer be acquired solely through financial investment (donation). Instead, Maltese citizenship will be granted on the basis of ‘exceptional services by merit,’ which includes significant achievements in fields such as science, entrepreneurship, sports, culture, philanthropy, and job creation.
The Citizenship-by-Merit opportunity will be aimed at attracting individuals who demonstrate exceptional talent or contribution to the country therefore creating a better link with Malta.
An evaluation board will be set up by Government, which will review applications and consult experts before making recommendations to the Minister.
The government maintains that this shift respects national sovereignty while aligning with European legal obligations, following the judgment by the ECJ in April this year. Existing citizenships granted under the previous Citizenship by Investment offering, remain unaffected. The Citizenship-by-Merit has existed in some form since 2017, offering non-Maltese nationals a route to citizenship through exceptional contributions or services.
Under the newly proposed amendments to the Citizenship Act, the opportunity will be expanded, making philanthropists and technologists eligible to apply.
Legal amendments to the Citizenship Act have been tabled in parliament, with further debate expected. Updates on the new programme will be provided here when announced.
Taxation
Malta has traditionally offered attractive taxation solutions together with protection from double taxation within a network of global treaties.
Property rental income is subject to a minimum of 15% income tax. There are no local council rates or taxes payable on residential property.
Company taxes are variable and can be as little as 5% depending on structure and types of industries. It is worth noting that there is no inheritance tax in Malta. In the case of immovable assets these are subject to 5% duty.
Different taxation options are available and individuals whose stay in Malta exceeds 183 days are deemed to be tax payers.
A Diversified Portfolio
Malta offers a modern financial hub in financial services; tourism; aviation; boating registration, and online industries, as well as IT; pharmaceuticals; creation and innovation, and filming to mention a few, all generating regular, attractive returns. Malta’s fiscal policy, that complies with EU and UK standards, ranks amongst the highest in the world, offering wealth protection.
Retire in Malta
Malta’s safe environment, competitive cost of living and English-speaking population, makes it an idyllic retirement destination.
This programme is open to EU and Non-EU applicants who qualify according to their financial means, property acquisition or rental, and medical insurance.
JOIN OUR GROWING SAFFAS COMMUNITY
The SAFFA Community in Malta is a group of South African expatriates who have made Malta their home. It is a vibrant and welcoming group, offering support and friendship to South Africans in Malta. We often engage in discussions about our shared heritage, culture, and experiences of living abroad as well as organise regular events and meet-ups to socialize and connect with one another.
*If you do not have a Facebook group, fill out our contact form here, or get in touch on our WhatsApp (+27) 82 574 4661.
More Reasons to Stay in Malta
• Schengen Zone Member
• Conveniently located in the Mediterranean
• Well connected
• English speaking
• Moderate climate
• Easily accessible
• Primarily Christian
• Comparative low-cost of living
• European lifestyle
• Robust economy
• Stringent fiscal and corporate regulations
• Innovative environment
• Low unemployment rates
• State-of-the-art medical care
• High standards of education
• Reliable municipal services
• Friendly community for foreigners.
• Good IT Connectivity
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