Malta's Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is an attractive option for those seeking permanent residency in a European Union country. Launched to attract non-EU nationals, the MPRP offers a streamlined process to gain residency through investment. This programme not only provides a gateway to the Schengen Area but also promises a high quality of life, robust healthcare, and educational opportunities. The MPRP is designed to be accessible and beneficial for families, retirees, and investors looking to establish a foothold in Malta.
Navigating the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) can be complex, but these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) aims to answer the most commonly asked questions. This comprehensive guide addresses common queries about eligibility, application procedures, investment requirements, and benefits of the programme. It offers clarity on crucial aspects such as processing times, dependents' inclusion, and compliance obligations, providing potential applicants with the essential information needed to make informed decisions.
MPRP - Eligibility
Who can be included in an MPRP application?
A Maltese PR application can include up to four generations. This includes the main applicant, spouse, financially dependent unmarried children of any age, dependant parents and grand parents.
Does the main applicant achieve PR first and then add the dependants?
No, all the family members submit one joint application and everyone achieves the PR status together on application approval.
Are there any nationalities which are restricted from applying under the MPRP?
Yes, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals are not eligible to apply. In addition, nationals of sanctioned countries are also ineligible. These included nationals of Afghanistan, Belarus, North Korea, Iran, Russia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Venezuela.
Physical Stay in Malta
Will we have the privilege to reside in Malta on a permanent basis?
Yes, the residence status under the MPRP allows all the family members to relocate to Malta and live permanently in Malta, if they wish.
Does the Permanent Residence Programme impose a minimum stay?
No, the MPRP programme does not require the applicants to spend any minimum number of days per year in Malta, in order to keep the PR status.
Benefits of Malta PR Permit
Do Malta PR permit holders receive any travel benefits?
Yes, Malta PR permit holders benefit from visa free travel within the Schengen Zone. They can spend a maximum of 90 days within a 180 day period in the Schengen Zone.
Does the PR status expire?
The Maltese permanent residency status is granted for life and does not expire as long as all obligations are adhered to. Children included in the application retain their permanent residence even if after the approval they no longer remain financially dependent on the main applicant or get married.
Financial Requirements
Is there any official application fee to be paid?
Yes, each family needs to pay a non-refundable administrative fee of €40,000 to the authorities in Malta. A non-refundable initial fee of €10,000 should be paid to the Residency Agency within 1 month of submission of the application. The remaining balance of €30,000 is required to be settled within 2 months from the issue of the Letter of Approval in Principle.
What are the contribution payments due?
Separately from the €40,000 a Government Contribution per family applies:
• €28,000 if purchasing a property or
• €58,000 if renting a property
For parents and grandparents of the main applicant and spouse, an additional fee of €7,500 each applies.
Are there any other conditions apart from the investment in property and the government contribution & administrative fee?
Yes, each family also needs to make a donation of €2,000 to a local philanthropic, cultural, scientific, artistic, sport or animal welfare NGO registered with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations in Malta.
Property Requirements
Does an applicant need to own or rent a property before the submission of the application?
No, the applicant is only required to rent or purchase a property within 8 months from the date of issue of the Letter of Approval in Principle.
What are the property requirements?
The applicant shall either purchase or rent a property in Malta:
Should the applicant opt for the rental option, he must rent a property for:
- €10,000 per year for the South of Malta/Gozo or €12,000 per year for the rest of Malta
- Should the applicant opt for the purchase option, he must buy a property for:
- €300,000 in the South of Malta/Gozo or €350,000 for the rest of Malta.
How long do we need to keep the property?
The applicants need to hold the qualifying property for a period of five years after which a residential address is required in order for the residence card to be renewed.
Application Process for Granting Malta Permanent Residency
Can the applicants submit their MPRP application directly?
No, an MPRP application can only be submitted via a Licensed Agent.
Do the applicants need to be in Malta before or while the application is being submitted and processed?
An application under The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) may only be submitted to the Residency Malta Agency through the services of a licensed agent.
Proof of Assets
Is the applicant required to show any proof of assets to be eligible under the MPRP?
Yes, an applicant is required to show evidence of at least €150,000 in the form of liquid assets and €350,000 in the form of capital. Monitoring of beneficiary’s €500,000 in assets, out of which a minimum of €150,000 need to be financial assets will be made yearly for the first 5 years.
Submission of the Application - MPRP
Would the main applicant need to be in Malta when the application is submitted to the Agency?
No, the licenced agent appointed by the applicant will submit the application.
How would the initial non-refundable fee of €10,000 be settled?
The non-refundable fee has to be transferred via an electronic bank transfer to the Agency. At the time the application pack is accepted by the Agency, a request for payment is handed over to the agent, who will instruct the main applicant to effect payment within 1 month directly from the bank account specified in the application form.
How shall the other payments to the agency be settled?
All payments to the government agency are to be strictly made via bank transfer.
Will the residence certificate and the residence card have expiry dates?
As long as all requirements stipulated in the legislation continue to be met, the residence certificate will not have an expiry date. The residence card, however, is initially valid for a period of 5 years, but is renewable every 5 years.
Will there be a language test during the application?
No language tests are required in order to apply for Maltese permanent residency.
Upon renewal of the residence card after 5 years, do other fees apply?
Each individual has to pay €27.50 per year for the renewal of the residence card. Residence cards can only be renewed by visiting Malta. Residence cards cannot be renewed through Maltese embassies.
Is a health insurance policy required to apply for the MPRP?
Yes, applicants must be covered by a health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of €30,000 per annum.
Would a minor dependant of a beneficiary be entitled to free education whilst residing in Malta?
Minors under the MPRP are not entitled to free education as this applies only to Maltese citizens. Nonetheless, if the main applicant or the spouse acquires a work permit in Malta, the children can apply for an exemption of fees under the applicable single work permit legislation and the Education Act.
Malta's Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is an attractive option for those seeking permanent residency in a European Union country. Launched to attract non-EU nationals, the MPRP offers a streamlined process to gain residency through investment. This programme not only provides a gateway to the Schengen Area but also promises a high quality of life, robust healthcare, and educational opportunities. The MPRP is designed to be accessible and beneficial for families, retirees, and investors looking to establish a foothold in Malta.
Navigating the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) can be complex, but these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) aims to answer the most commonly asked questions. This comprehensive guide addresses common queries about eligibility, application procedures, investment requirements, and benefits of the programme. It offers clarity on crucial aspects such as processing times, dependents' inclusion, and compliance obligations, providing potential applicants with the essential information needed to make informed decisions.
MPRP - Eligibility
Who can be included in an MPRP application?
A Maltese PR application can include up to four generations. This includes the main applicant, spouse, financially dependent unmarried children of any age, dependant parents and grand parents.
Does the main applicant achieve PR first and then add the dependants?
No, all the family members submit one joint application and everyone achieves the PR status together on application approval.
Are there any nationalities which are restricted from applying under the MPRP?
Yes, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals are not eligible to apply. In addition, nationals of sanctioned countries are also ineligible. These included nationals of Afghanistan, Belarus, North Korea, Iran, Russia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Venezuela.
Physical Stay in Malta
Will we have the privilege to reside in Malta on a permanent basis?
Yes, the residence status under the MPRP allows all the family members to relocate to Malta and live permanently in Malta, if they wish.
Does the Permanent Residence Programme impose a minimum stay?
No, the MPRP programme does not require the applicants to spend any minimum number of days per year in Malta, in order to keep the PR status.
Benefits of Malta PR Permit
Do Malta PR permit holders receive any travel benefits?
Yes, Malta PR permit holders benefit from visa free travel within the Schengen Zone. They can spend a maximum of 90 days within a 180 day period in the Schengen Zone.
Does the PR status expire?
The Maltese permanent residency status is granted for life and does not expire as long as all obligations are adhered to. Children included in the application retain their permanent residence even if after the approval they no longer remain financially dependent on the main applicant or get married.
Financial Requirements
Is there any official application fee to be paid?
Yes, each family needs to pay a non-refundable administrative fee of €40,000 to the authorities in Malta. A non-refundable initial fee of €10,000 should be paid to the Residency Agency within 1 month of submission of the application. The remaining balance of €30,000 is required to be settled within 2 months from the issue of the Letter of Approval in Principle.
What are the contribution payments due?
Separately from the €40,000 a Government Contribution per family applies:
• €28,000 if purchasing a property or
• €58,000 if renting a property
For parents and grandparents of the main applicant and spouse, an additional fee of €7,500 each applies.
Are there any other conditions apart from the investment in property and the government contribution & administrative fee?
Yes, each family also needs to make a donation of €2,000 to a local philanthropic, cultural, scientific, artistic, sport or animal welfare NGO registered with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations in Malta.
Property Requirements
Does an applicant need to own or rent a property before the submission of the application?
No, the applicant is only required to rent or purchase a property within 8 months from the date of issue of the Letter of Approval in Principle.
What are the property requirements?
The applicant shall either purchase or rent a property in Malta:
Should the applicant opt for the rental option, he must rent a property for:
- €10,000 per year for the South of Malta/Gozo or €12,000 per year for the rest of Malta
- Should the applicant opt for the purchase option, he must buy a property for:
- €300,000 in the South of Malta/Gozo or €350,000 for the rest of Malta.
How long do we need to keep the property?
The applicants need to hold the qualifying property for a period of five years after which a residential address is required in order for the residence card to be renewed.
Application Process for Granting Malta Permanent Residency
Can the applicants submit their MPRP application directly?
No, an MPRP application can only be submitted via a Licensed Agent.
Do the applicants need to be in Malta before or while the application is being submitted and processed?
An application under The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) may only be submitted to the Residency Malta Agency through the services of a licensed agent.
Proof of Assets
Is the applicant required to show any proof of assets to be eligible under the MPRP?
Yes, an applicant is required to show evidence of at least €150,000 in the form of liquid assets and €350,000 in the form of capital. Monitoring of beneficiary’s €500,000 in assets, out of which a minimum of €150,000 need to be financial assets will be made yearly for the first 5 years.
Submission of the Application - MPRP
Would the main applicant need to be in Malta when the application is submitted to the Agency?
No, the licenced agent appointed by the applicant will submit the application.
How would the initial non-refundable fee of €10,000 be settled?
The non-refundable fee has to be transferred via an electronic bank transfer to the Agency. At the time the application pack is accepted by the Agency, a request for payment is handed over to the agent, who will instruct the main applicant to effect payment within 1 month directly from the bank account specified in the application form.
How shall the other payments to the agency be settled?
All payments to the government agency are to be strictly made via bank transfer.
Will the residence certificate and the residence card have expiry dates?
As long as all requirements stipulated in the legislation continue to be met, the residence certificate will not have an expiry date. The residence card, however, is initially valid for a period of 5 years, but is renewable every 5 years.
Will there be a language test during the application?
No language tests are required in order to apply for Maltese permanent residency.
Upon renewal of the residence card after 5 years, do other fees apply?
Each individual has to pay €27.50 per year for the renewal of the residence card. Residence cards can only be renewed by visiting Malta. Residence cards cannot be renewed through Maltese embassies.
Is a health insurance policy required to apply for the MPRP?
Yes, applicants must be covered by a health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of €30,000 per annum.
Would a minor dependant of a beneficiary be entitled to free education whilst residing in Malta?
Minors under the MPRP are not entitled to free education as this applies only to Maltese citizens. Nonetheless, if the main applicant or the spouse acquires a work permit in Malta, the children can apply for an exemption of fees under the applicable single work permit legislation and the Education Act.