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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 residency‑by‑investment immigration pathway designed for non‑EU, non‑EEA, and non‑Swiss nationals and their families, granting the right to live indefinitely in Malta or Gozo.
Key Benefits
Permanent residency in Malta with no minimum stay
Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area (90/180 days)
Access to high-quality healthcare and education
Safe, stable, and family-friendly environment
Include eligible family members in a single application
Fast processing time (approx. 4–6 months)
Key Requirements
Financial Requirements (Choose one):
€500,000 net worth (of which €150,000 must be in financial assets), or
€650,000 net worth (of which €75,000 must be in financial assets)
Fees & Contributions:
Government Contribution: €37,000
Government Administration Fee: €60,000
€15,000 (non-refundable, on submission)
€45,000 (after approval in principle)
Donation to Maltese NGO: €2,000
Additional dependants: €7,500 per adult (e.g. adult children, parents)
Residency card fee: €100 per person
Processing & Logistics:
Processing time: 4–6 months
Biometrics required once
Temporary residence permit issued for 1 year (optional)
Eligibility criteria;
Applicants must:
Be over 18 years of age
Be a third-country national (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)
Have a clean criminal record
Not benefit from other Maltese residence or citizenship schemes
Possess stable financial resources to support themselves and dependants
Hold valid travel documents
Pass a strict 4-tier due diligence process
Eligible Dependants Include:
Spouse or long-term partner
Children under 18
Unmarried, financially dependent adult children
Dependent parents and grandparents (of main applicant or spouse)
Adult children with certified disabilities
CITIZENSHIP
The Citizenship by Merit route allows distinguished individuals to obtain Maltese citizenship through exceptional contribution to Malta or humanity, as outlined under Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act.
Applicants must submit a detailed proposal via an approved agent (e.g., immVest International), showcasing their background, achievements, and how they plan to continue contributing after naturalisation. Eligible dependants (spouse and children) can be included.
Proposals undergo a rigorous evaluation by an independent board, including a due diligence process. The board then recommends approval or rejection to the Minister, who makes the final decision.
If approved in principle, applicants must:
Reside in Malta for at least 8 months
Lease or purchase suitable property
Demonstrate continued exceptional service or contribution
Take the Oath of Allegiance
Final approval is granted upon satisfying all requirements, at which point citizenship is officially conferred.
Who Is It For?
This route is suited to individuals who are recognised as outstanding or highly promising in their fields, including:
Scientists
Researchers
Athletes and sports persons
Artists and cultural performers
Entrepreneurs
Philanthropists
Technologists
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
Feel free to send us a message