How to Get the Malta Golden Visa Step by Step (2025 Guide)

Malta, a Mediterranean island nation known for its rich history, stable economy, and EU
membership, has become an attractive destination for non-EU investors seeking European
residency. The Malta Golden Visa, officially known as the Malta Permanent Residence
Programme (MPRP), offers foreign nationals the opportunity to obtain residency in Malta by
making a financial investment.

This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process on how to obtain the Malta Golden Visa in 2025.

We will cover the eligibility criteria, required investments, benefits, costs, processing
time, required documents, and potential pitfalls to help you navigate the process smoothly.

What Is the Malta Golden Visa?

The Malta Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that grants foreign nationals
permanent residence in Malta in exchange for an investment in the country’s economy. The
program is designed to attract individuals and families who wish to establish a base in Europe,
enjoy visa-free travel in the Schengen Zone, and benefit from Malta’s tax advantages and high
quality of life.

Unlike some other EU residency programs, the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
does not lead directly to citizenship. However, after several years of residence, applicants may
qualify for Maltese citizenship through naturalization.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain the Malta Golden Visa

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Before applying, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements set by the Maltese
government. To qualify, applicants must:

Be a non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss national.
Have a clean criminal record. Applicants must pass thorough due diligence checks conducted by
the Maltese government.

Demonstrate a stable and legal source of income. You must prove that you have sufficient
financial resources to support yourself and your family without relying on Malta’s social welfare
system.
Have at least €500,000 in assets, out of which €150,000 must be in financial assets (such as
bank deposits, stocks, bonds, or investment funds).
If you meet these criteria, you can proceed with your application.

Step 2: Choose an Authorized Agent

The Maltese government requires that all applicants go through a licensed agent who is
registered with the Malta Residency Agency. You cannot apply directly; instead, you must work
with an authorized company that specializes in Golden Visa applications.

Your agent will:

• Help you gather all necessary documents.
• Ensure your application is filled out correctly.
• Submit your application on your behalf.
• Act as your liaison with the Maltese authorities.
• At this stage, you will sign a contract with the agent and pay an initial non-refundable administrative fee of €10,000.

Step 3: Make the Required Investments

To qualify for the Malta Golden Visa, you must complete three financial requirements:

Government Contribution

Pay a non-refundable government contribution of €28,000 (if purchasing property) or €58,000
(if renting property).

Real Estate Investment (Choose one of the following):

Purchase a property worth at least €350,000 (€300,000 in Gozo or the south of Malta).
Rent a property with a minimum annual rental cost of €12,000 (€10,000 in Gozo or the south of
Malta) for at least 5 years.
Philanthropic Donation

Donate €2,000 to a registered Maltese NGO.
These investments must be maintained for at least five years. After five years, you can sell the
property or stop renting while keeping your residency.

Step 4: Submit the Application and Documents

Once you have completed the investment requirements, your authorized agent will submit your
application to the Malta Residency Agency. You will need to provide the following documents:

Valid passport (for you and any dependents).
Proof of financial assets (bank statements, investment portfolio, etc.).
Proof of income (tax returns, salary slips, or business financial statements).
Property purchase or rental agreement in Malta.
Health insurance policy that covers Malta and the Schengen Zone.
Police clearance certificate from your home country.
Birth and marriage certificates (if applying with family members).
Medical examination report proving you are in good health.
After submission, the government will conduct a thorough due diligence check to verify the
authenticity of your application.

Step 5: Approval and Residence Card Issuance

If your application is approved, you will receive a Letter of Approval in Principle from the Malta
Residency Agency. You must then:

Complete any remaining payments (such as the final government contribution).
Travel to Malta to submit biometric data (fingerprints and photos) at the Identity Malta office.
Within a few weeks, you will receive your residence card, which grants you permanent
residency in Malta and the right to live in the country indefinitely.

Benefits of the Malta Golden Visa

By obtaining the Malta Golden Visa, you and your family can enjoy numerous benefits:

✔ Permanent Residency in Malta – Live in Malta indefinitely with no need for renewals.
✔ Visa-Free Travel – Enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Zone (27 European countries).
✔ No Physical Stay Requirement – Unlike some EU residency programs, you don’t have to live
in Malta full-time to maintain your residency.
✔ Family Inclusion – You can include spouses, children, parents, and grandparents in the same
application.
✔ Tax Advantages – Malta has an attractive tax system with no wealth or inheritance tax.
✔ High Quality of Life – Malta offers a safe environment, excellent healthcare, English-speaking
locals, and a warm climate.