Meta Description
The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) 
grants permanent residency in the EU within 6–8 months and a path to citizenship in 5 years. Learn requirements, costs, and benefits.
Introduction
The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), introduced in 2021, replaced the earlier MRVP and has quickly become one of Europe’s most attractive residency-by-investment schemes.
Unlike many EU programs, the MPRP grants permanent residency immediately upon approval (within 6–8 months) and provides a clear path to Maltese and EU citizenship in just 5 years, provided applicants establish genuine residence in Malta.
With relatively modest financial thresholds, flexible property options, and the ability to include multi-generational family members, the MPRP appeals to investors seeking both security and long-term European integration.
Program at a Glance
- Program Type: Golden Visa / Permanent Residency by Investment
- Minimum Outlay: €100,000 (excluding property purchase/lease)
- Time to Permanent Residency: 6–8 months
- Time to Citizenship: 5 years (with physical residence)
- Physical Presence Requirement: None for PR (residence required for citizenship)
- Application Processing Time: 6–8 months
- Visa-Free Travel (Citizenship): ~187 destinations (Schengen + US, UK, etc.)
- Contribution Types: Property purchase/lease + government contribution + administration fee
Financial & Property Requirements
Asset Thresholds
- At least €500,000 total assets, of which €150,000 must be financial assets.
- OR, reduced threshold: €650,000 total assets with at least €75,000 financial assets.
Property Options
- Purchase: Minimum value €375,000 (nationwide). Property can be leased for rental income immediately.
- Lease: Annual rent of at least €14,000. Subletting allowed after 5 years (not to other MPRP applicants).
Mandatory Contributions
- €37,000 government contribution (unified, regardless of property option).
- Dependent fees: €7,500 per adult dependent (18+); spouses and minors free.
Administration Fee
- €60,000 total, split into: €15,000 upfront (application stage). €45,000 upon approval.
Residency & Citizenship Pathway
- Immediate Residency: Applicants receive a temporary renewable one-year card upon submitting their application and paying €15,000 upfront, allowing relocation without waiting for full approval.
- Permanent Residency: Granted within 6–8 months of submission.
- Citizenship (after 5 years): Applicants must reside at least 4 of the previous 6 years in Malta, Cannot spend more than 6 consecutive months or 10 total months outside Malta, Must complete 12 uninterrupted months in Malta immediately before applying, Need Maltese nationals as referees, Must pass a language test (English or Maltese), Take the Oath of Allegiance and receive a Certificate of Naturalization.
Program Benefits
- Permanent EU Residency within 6–8 months.
- Path to EU Citizenship in 5 years, faster than many EU alternatives.
- No Physical Presence Required for permanent residency renewal.
- Visa-Free Travel to 187 destinations with Maltese citizenship.
- Family-Friendly – include spouse, children, parents, and even grandparents.
- Tax-Friendly – Malta applies a remittance-based tax system for residents.
- Quality of Life – English is an official language; Malta offers a warm climate, safety, and excellent healthcare.
Program Authority
- Administered by: Residency Malta Agency
- Legal Basis: Immigration Act (Sec. 7A & 36) and Malta Permanent Residence Program Regulations (LN 121 of 2021)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How fast can I obtain Maltese residency?
A: Within 6–8 months, permanent residency is granted.
Q2: Do I need to live in Malta full-time?
A: No. Residency status can be maintained without full-time physical presence. However, citizenship requires physical residence.
Q3: What is the minimum property requirement?
A: €375,000 for purchase or €14,000/year lease.
Q4: How soon can I apply for citizenship?
A: After 5 years of genuine residence in Malta.
Q5: Does Malta allow dual citizenship?
A: Yes, Malta recognizes and permits dual/multiple citizenship.
User Comments
Elena – Investor from Russia
Malta’s MPRP gave me EU residency in under a year. The property lease option kept the cost manageable.
Michael – Entrepreneur from South Africa
The ability to include parents and children under one application made this program stand out.
Sophie – Lawyer from Canada
Malta’s English-speaking environment and EU access were deciding factors for my family.
Ahmed – Businessman from UAE
Compared to Portugal and Greece, Malta’s path to citizenship in 5 years is faster, though it requires more real residence.
Editor’s Note
The MPRP is one of the most efficient residency-by-investment programs in Europe, offering permanent residency upfront and a citizenship option in just 5 years—faster than most EU counterparts.
It is particularly appealing for families seeking multi-generational inclusion and investors looking for a secure EU base with lower costs than traditional golden visas.
However, serious applicants should note that citizenship requires real residence, unlike the residency-only schemes of Portugal or Greece.
Tags
Malta Permanent Residence | MPRP Malta | EU Citizenship by Investment | Residency Malta | Golden Visa Europe | Malta PR Program
