Malta Property Answers

Legal Guide

Can I get Malta residency by buying property?

Updated April 2026

Direct Answer

Yes — Malta's Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP) grants EU residency rights to non-EU nationals who purchase qualifying Malta property (€300,000–€350,000 depending on location) and meet other requirements. The Global Residence Programme offers tax benefits but not full residency status.

Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP)

The MPRP grants permanent residency to non-EU nationals. Requirements include: property purchase of at least €300,000 (€270,000 in south Malta and Gozo), a government contribution of €28,000–€58,000, and a philanthropic donation of €2,000. MPRP residents can live and work in Malta and travel within Schengen without a visa.

Global Residence Programme (GRP)

The GRP provides a special tax status (15% flat rate on foreign income remitted to Malta) rather than full residency. Property must be purchased (minimum €275,000 in Malta, €220,000 in Gozo) or rented (€9,600/year). GRP holders do not have automatic work rights in Malta.

EU Residency — What It Means

MPRP grants permanent residency in Malta, an EU member state. This allows visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Zone (26 countries) and right of abode in Malta. It is not an EU passport — that requires naturalisation after meeting long-term residency requirements.

Which Programme to Choose

Choose MPRP if: you want to live in Malta, you want visa-free Schengen access, you want the right to work in Malta. Choose GRP if: you want Malta tax benefits but plan to maintain residency elsewhere, you won't work in Malta, and your foreign income is the focus.

More Questions

How long does the MPRP application take?

The MPRP typically takes 4–6 months from complete application submission to approval. Applications are processed by Residency Malta Agency.

Can my family be included in my Malta residency application?

Yes — spouse, minor children, and adult dependent children can be included in an MPRP application. Additional government contributions apply for dependants.

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