Main Steps for Relocating to Malta

Would you like to relocate to Malta and need to know the steps? You may explore this article and find out the information you need. Plus, you can benefit from our online services, provided by our Maltese immigration lawyers.

Quick Facts
Visa required for	Non-EU citizens, but exceptions might apply.
Tourist Schengen Visa	For stays of no more than 90 days
Authority	Central Visa Unit and Expatriates Unit of Identità (Ministry for Home Affairs)
Residency by investment program available in Malta	– Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), – Global Residence Programme (special tax status; replaced by the Individual Tax Programme for new applicants from 1 January 2027)
Investments in exchange for residency in Malta	Buying property worth at least EUR 275,000 (EUR 220,000 in the south of Malta or Gozo) under the GRP, or at least EUR 375,000 under the MPRP
Documents solicited	– valid passport, – proof of income, – health insurance, – proof of domicile, etc.
Validity of an temporary residence permit	1 year
Registration with the municipality (YES/NO)	No municipal register; residence is registered with Identità (residence document / eResidence card)
Residence permit applications	Submitted to Identità, mostly online through its Expatriates portal. We represent our clients in all the legal aspects.
Medical insurance required	Yes, with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000.
Immigration controls for foreigners with Maltese residence permit	Not imposed in Schengen countries
Maltese retirement programs	Malta Retirement Programme (MRP). Applicants can rent or buy a property to join the retirement program; from 1 January 2027 new applicants fall under the Individual Tax Programme Rules (LN 195 of 2026).
Specific conditions for relocation as a US citizen	– no entry visa imposed, – free stay up to 90 days, – possibility to access varied residency programs in Malta
Taxation of foreigners with permanent residency in Malta	Ordinary progressive rates (0-35%) for tax residents; a flat 15% on foreign income remitted to Malta applies only under special programmes (e.g. GRP, MRP). Double taxation treaties can offer tax relief.
Working with our Maltese immigration lawyers	We assist customers in all immigration formalities and represent them to the relevant authorities. Personalized offers are available.

Are there any nationality restrictions on immigrating to Malta?

No. EU, non-EU/EEA, and Swiss citizens can relocate to Malta without restrictions and by fulfilling the requirements imposed.

Who needs a visa to enter Malta?

Non-EU/EEA citizens from countries on the EU visa list (e.g. US, UK, Canadian or Australian citizens are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days in any 180).

What type of visa is required to enter and relocate to Malta?

For short visits, a Schengen (type C) visa if your nationality requires one; to relocate, a national long-stay (type D) visa and/or a residence permit from Identità.

NOTES:

there is no need for a visa if you are coming from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Japan.
this visa is available for 90 days. This means that longer relocation to Malta requires other types of permits.

Here is an infographic about immigration to Malta:

Where is the visa application done in Malta?

At the Central Visa Unit in Malta.

What are the paths for relocation to Malta?

Employment/ self-employment,
Business/investments,
Family reunification,
Studies.

What are the key programs to access for immigration to Malta?

Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) – 18 as minimum age to access the program:

Minimum EUR 14,000 for annual rent or minimum EUR 375,000 for property purchase,
EUR 500,000 – EUR 650,000 as capital assets,
EUR 37,000 as non-refundable government contribution, plus a EUR 60,000 administration fee and a EUR 2,000 donation.

Global Residence Program (GRP):

Minimum EUR 9,600/year rent (EUR 8,750 in the south or Gozo), or minimum EUR 275,000 purchase (EUR 220,000 in the south or Gozo); from 1 January 2027 new applicants fall under the Individual Tax Programme (higher thresholds),
EUR 15,000 annual tax covering the entire family.

NOTE: There is no minimum stay requirement to access MPRP.

You may also explore this video presentation we have prepared on this topic:

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

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

IMPORTANT: All foreign documents must be translated into English or Maltese and then notarized and/or apostilled as the case may be.

Is permanent residency in Malta possible without investments? What are the conditions?

Yes. Here are some of the key prerequisites:

the application can be done with the help of a government-approved agent in Malta. (We can put you in contact with such a licensed agent),
you need to prove legal residency in Malta with the temporary residence permit (TRP),
the application is done at the Expatriates Unit of Identità (online, Form L); a Maltese language test (MQF Level 2) and the 100-hour 'I Belong' course are also required.

Does Malta have a specific program/scheme for retirees?

Yes. Here is an article on this subject.

Is Maltese permanent residency granted for life?

Absolutely.

How can I relocate to Malta for family reunification?

If you come from a non-EU/EEA country and have a family member in Malta who can act as a sponsor. Additional conditions apply.

Is a digital nomad visa available for relocation to Malta?

Yes. We have a dedicated article here.

Can I apply for citizenship in Malta? Are there any accessible schemes?

Yes, you may check here how to obtain Maltese citizenship through existing programs.

Are you ready to start your journey and immigrate to Malta? This is a chance to closely collaborate with our lawyers in Malta with experience in relocation matters. Contact us today and check the benefits of our legal services.