Malta’s New Visa Offers a Fast Track to European Residency

Malta’s New Visa Offers a Fast Track to European Residency
Malta’s new visa opens doors to fast-track residency and island life in the EU.|©iStock/travellaggio

Well, I’ll say one thing for the Maltese: they don’t waste time.

After the European Union forced the Mediterranean island nation to end its citizenship-by-investment program, the government in Valletta has come up with a new program to attract economic migrants.

In some ways, it's better than the old citizenship program.

The Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN) program typically required more than 1 million euros of investment and a waiting period of 12 to 36 months before citizenship. Applicants were subject to intensive vetting by the Maltese government to ward off criticism from the EU. More than one applicant applied, made expensive investments, and then failed to qualify.

The updated Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) now offers immediate, renewable one-year residency on application. Properties purchased as part of the application can be rented out immediately. People who rent Maltese property to qualify can now sublet that property. Fees for dependents have been reduced by 25%.

The total cost to apply for the new MPRP is around €100,000. In addition, applicants must buy a property worth a minimum of €300,000 or rent one for at least €12,000. Allowing applicants to rent or sublet such properties immediately means they aren’t out of pocket while waiting for their application to be approved.

Although applicants receive Maltese permanent residency under the MPRP, it doesn’t equate to an EU long-term residence permit, which allows full residency, work, study, and business rights in most of the rest of the EU. That requires five years of actual residency in Malta.

Alternatively, immigrants living under MPRP status can apply for citizenship five years after their initial approval. The major difference between permanent residency and citizenship is that you must integrate into Maltese society to qualify for the latter. Because Malta is English-speaking, there is no native language requirement.

It's important to understand the difference between the Maltese MPRP and golden visa programs in other European countries. Golden visas give you a five-year renewable temporary residency. That can be converted to permanent residency after the first five-year cycle, but in Malta’s case, permanent residency is immediate. That means the pathway to long-term European residency or citizenship is short.

Malta offers a blend of Mediterranean charm, cultural richness, and practical advantages that appeal to a wide range of residents, from retirees to digital nomads. One of the most notable is the island’s warm climate, with over 300 days of sunshine per year. This allows for an active, outdoor lifestyle with easy access to beaches, hiking trails, and water sports.

The cost of living in Malta is relatively affordable compared to major Western European cities, and the healthcare system is highly rated and accessible to residents. Malta also offers a favorable tax regime for foreigners. Non-citizen residents are not taxed on foreign income unless it is brought into Malta. Capital gains aren’t taxed. There’s no wealth, inheritance, or gift tax.

Malta’s strategic location in the heart of the Mediterranean provides easy travel links to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. English is an official language alongside Maltese, which simplifies integration for English-speaking expatriates and ensures widespread access to services, education, and business opportunities.

So, if Mediterranean island life sounds appealing to you, give me a call, and let’s work out a way to get you to Malta!

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