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The Malta Permanent Residence Programme
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is a government-regulated, investment-based programme, designed for non-EU nationals seeking permanent residence in Malta. Introduced under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations of 2021 and later updated through Legal Notices 57 of 2024, 310 of 2024, and 146 of 2025, the programme is administered by Residency Malta Agency and is available exclusively to non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens.
Who Can Apply
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is tailored for investors, retirees, families, and globally mobile individuals looking to establish a long-term residence within a secure and well-regulated EU jurisdiction.
To qualify, applicants must be non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals, demonstrate good character and reputation, and provide a clean criminal record through a recent police conduct certificate. Applicants are also required to hold comprehensive health insurance coverage and must not present any risk to national security, public policy, or public health.
Please note that individuals who are citizens of, or maintain close connections with, Afghanistan, Belarus, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Venezuela, or Yemen are currently ineligible to apply under the programme.
Malta Permanent Residence - Application Timeline
The MPRP follows a clear, staged process. While timelines can vary depending on the complexity of an application, the following gives a reliable overview of what to expect:
Months 1–2 Preparation and Submission
We conduct preliminary due diligence, gather all required documentation, and submit the formal application to Residency Malta Agency. The initial €15,000 portion of the administrative fee is paid at this stage. Applicants who wish to begin travelling within the Schengen Area immediately may also apply at this point for a Temporary Residence Card, which requires a brief visit to Malta for biometrics and the presentation of a lease agreement.
Months 2–6 Government Due Diligence
Residency Malta Agency conducts a rigorous four-tier review, including KYC checks, police clearance verification, Interpol and Europol screening, and international background checks on the applicant and any associated individuals or entities. The Agency is committed to a processing target of approximately 6 to 12 months from submission, though straightforward applications are often concluded closer to the six-month mark.
Approval in Principle
Once due diligence is complete and the application is approved, the applicant receives a letter of Approval in Principle. This triggers the obligation to fulfil the investment requirements: the remaining government administrative fee is settled, the government contribution of €37,000 is paid (within eight months of this letter), the qualifying property is acquired or leased, and the philanthropic donation of €2,000 is made.
Final Stage — Biometrics and Card Issuance
Applicants visit Malta for biometrics, after which the permanent residence card is issued. The entire process from submission to card in hand typically takes between four and nine months.
How Andersen Malta Can Assist You
At Andersen in Malta, we specialise in comprehensive support for individuals and families navigating the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. Our team combines deep expertise in Maltese immigration law with broader private client advisory services — including tax planning, wealth structuring, and property coordination allowing us to offer genuinely end-to-end guidance.
From the initial consultation, we assess your eligibility, advise on the most suitable asset route, and coordinate the preparation and vetting of all required documentation. We manage the submission process with Residency Malta Agency and keep you informed at every stage. Where relevant, we also coordinate with tax advisers and notaries to ensure that your residency planning is aligned with your broader financial and personal circumstances.
The Managing Director of Andersen Malta holds a licence issued by Residency Malta Agency to submit MPRP applications (Licence RES-ACCA), giving clients the assurance that their application is handled by a fully authorised agent.
