How to Obtain Malta Permanent Residence: Requirements

Are you interested in obtaining permanent residency in Malta? This article is for you because we have gathered the main requirements to get this status. Explore this page and then get in touch with our immigration lawyers in Malta for extra details and legal guidance.

Quick Facts
Temporary residence permit types	– single permit (employment), – other residence permits (studies, family reunification, self-sufficiency, digital nomads); long-term residence is a permanent status
Time needed to obtain the temporary residence permit (approx.)	Around 3 months
Temporary residence permit validity	Usually 1 year, renewable (e.g. the single permit)
Documents for obtaining temporary residence	– valid passport, – proof of domicile, – health insurance, – proof of personal funds
Mandatory registrations with state authorities (i.e. with the population/municipality register)	With Identità (residence permit / eResidence card); Malta has no municipal population register
Dependents can join the temporary permit holder (Yes/No)	Yes
Temporary or permanent residency for investment purposes	It needs capital assets of at least EUR 500,000
Type of investments available for residency purposes	Malta Permanent Residence Programme
Minimum investment amount	EUR 375,000 property purchase (or EUR 14,000/year rent), plus EUR 99,000 in government fees, contribution and donation (MPRP)
Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence	At least 5 years of living in Malta
Residency for individuals married to a citizen of Malta	Through spouse residency application
Documents for obtaining permanent residence	– proof of sufficient funds, – proof of domicile, – health insurance, – clear criminal record
Naturalization requirements	Citizenship by investment was abolished in July 2025; ordinary naturalisation requires 5 years' residence (12 months immediately before the application + 4 years in the preceding 6) and adequate Maltese or English, or the merit route
Citizenship after permanent residence	After at least 5 years of residence (12 months immediately before + 4 of the preceding 6 years), at the Minister's discretion
Dual citizenship permitted (Yes/No)	Yes

Who can apply for permanent residency in Malta?

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals wanting to access permanent residency through investments in Malta.

What is the governmental program to get PR in Malta?

The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP).

What are the requirements to access MPRP?

at least EUR 500,000 in capital assets (EUR 150,000 in liquidity), or EUR 650,000 (EUR 75,000 in liquidity),
purchase a property of at least EUR 375,000 (same threshold everywhere since 2025) or rent one for at least EUR 14,000/year (anywhere in Malta or Gozo),
pay a non-refundable government contribution of EUR 37,000 and an administration fee of EUR 60,000,
make a charitable donation of EUR 2,000 to a local NGO.

What are the documents required to join the permanent residency program in Malta?

ID/Passport in original and copy forms,
Application form P,
Completed GDPR form,
Health insurance,
Clear criminal record, etc.

NOTE! All foreign documents must be translated into English or Maltese and presented in a notarized form.

You can also discover the following infographic:

Is a police certificate required when applying for permanent residence in Malta?

Yes. This document can be issued from the country of origin.

Can family members join the PR program in Malta?

Yes, spouses and minor children are covered by the main fees; an EUR 7,500 fee for each additional adult dependant (e.g. parents) accessing the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) applies (rules in force since 1 January 2025).

What is the minimum age required to access MPRP?

18.

Is permanent residency in Malta possible without investments?

Absolutely. Check here some of the conditions:

the application is done at the Expatriates Unit of Identità Malta,
must prove legal residency in Malta with a temporary residence permit,
no licensed agent is required (agents are mandatory only for the MPRP); the application is filed online with Identità using Form L. (We can put you in contact with such an agent).

How long do I have to live in Malta before applying for permanent residency without investments?

5 years. Applicants must prove they stayed in Malta legally and continuously, with no single absence over 6 months and no more than 10 months abroad in total during those 5 years.

Is Maltese permanent residency granted for life?

Yes.

Are there minimum stay requirements to access MPRP?

No.

What is the time frame to get permanent residency in Malta?

About 4 to 6 months.

Is the online application for PR in Malta available?

Yes, alongside presenting all documentation at a local immigration office. In both cases, it is best to hire the services of an experienced immigration lawyer in Malta, such as our specialists.

Are there any other requirements to get permanent residency in Malta in 2026?

Yes, for long-term residence, applicants must pass a Maltese language test (MQF Level 2, at least 65%) and complete the 100-hour 'I Belong' course on Malta's culture and history (no such test applies to the MPRP).

Can I freely travel within the Schengen countries?

Yes, this is an important benefit offered to citizens who obtain Malta permanent residence.

What are the benefits of PR in Malta?

access to education and healthcare services,
English-speaking country,
one of the safest countries in the world,
various business opportunities,
high quality of life,
access to labor,
great tax system, etc.

Would you like to explore more about the ways permanent residence can be obtained in Malta in 2026? Legal advice and support can be offered by our immigration lawyers in Malta. We are at your disposal if you are interested in Malta citizenship by investment. Please contact us today and ask for a free case evaluation first.