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Malta Permanent Residence Programme

Malta Permanent Residence Programme

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  • Immigration

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6 minutes
The MPRP offers a streamlined path to Permanent Residency in Malta, a thriving economy in Europe. The program allows eligible applicants and family members to apply in a single application and reside in Malta indefinitely, thereby securing their residency status and access to all Schengen countries for life.

Unlike other programs, the MPRP grants Permanent Residency from the outset, eliminating the need for frequent renewals.

Additionally, there are no mandatory physical stay requirements in Malta.

Applicants can choose between two investment options: purchasing or renting property in Malta.
The program offers all-round value and is cost-effective as will be demonstrated in the Fee Components section below.

Applicants for the MPRP should have:

  • The right to live in Malta indefinitely;
  • The ability to add close family members, such as parents, spouses or direct dependents (whether born or unborn at the time of application), to the application, subject to additional due diligence checks;
  • Visa-free travel within the Schengen area;
  • The opportunity to apply for a Malta work permit;
  • A potential path to Maltese citizenship, subject to conditions;
  • Access to quality education systems and healthcare, including national
    healthcare options after receiving permanent residency.

Applicants for the MPRP should:

  • Be third country nationals, non-EEA or non-Swiss individuals;
  • Have stable, sufficient and regular financial resources, able to maintain themselves and their dependents, without recourse to the social assistance system of Malta;
  • Have a clean criminal conduct and considered to be fit and proper individuals;
  • Not be nationals of sanctioned countries (as updated from time to time);
  • Not pose any potential threats to national security or, public policy, public health or public interest;
  • Not be applicants or beneficiaries of other schemes or regulations.

Why Malta?

  • Member of the European Union (EU);
  • Member of the Schengen Area;
  • Member of the Commonwealth;
  • A fast-growing and stable economy in the EU rated A+ by Fitch (March 2024) and A2 by Moody’s (May 2024);
  • Political and Social stability with good quality of life;
  • Excellent business and investment opportunities;
  • English is an official language and language used for doing business;
  • Euro (€) currency;
  • Top 10 safest European countries (World Risk Index 2024);
  • Repeatedly voted as having the best climate in the world;
  • Multiple excellent air and sea connections.

EU long-term residency status and beyond

Non-EU nationals may be granted long-term resident status after they have lived legally in an
EU country for at least five years. Such non-EU national must provide evidence supporting this, such as a valid registration certificate issued upon arrival in the EU country, utility bills or rental contracts evidencing residency, and evidence of employment, self-employment or self-sufficiency, through payslips, and bank statements for example. Once granted, the long-term resident status does not expire and can be renewed every five years. The key advantage to seeking such status is the enjoyment of rights that are similar to those enjoyed by EU nationals, such as:

  • The right to live, work, and study in the EU country where they obtained the residency.
  • Freedom of movement in other EU member states, under certain conditions.
  • Access to employment, education and vocational training, and social benefits.
  • Opportunities for family reunification by bringing family members to the EU.

Finally, the EU long-term resident status simplifies the pathway to obtaining citizenship for non-EU nationals seeking stability and opportunities within the EU.

Fee Components

Non-Refundable Administrative Fee: €50,000
€5,000 for each and every Dependant
For main applicant, €15,000 must be settled within 1 month of submission of application and the remaining €35,000 is to be settled within 2 months from the issuance of the Letter of Approval in Principle.

For dependant, €5,000 must be settled within 2 months from the issuance of the Letter of Approval in Principle.
Property Investment Choice
Rental
Minimum of €14,000 per annum for a property situated in Malta or Gozo 		Acquisition
Minimum of €375,000 for property situated in Malta or Gozo
Government Contribution
Rental
€60,000 in respect of the main applicant where the necessary title to a qualifying property is a qualifying rented property payable within 8 months from the issuance of the Letter of Approval in Principle. 		Acquisition
€30,000 in respect of the main applicant where the necessary title to a qualifying property is a qualifying owned property payable within 8 months from the issuance of the Letter of Approval in Principle.
Donation to a Voluntary Organisation: €2,000
Health insurance: covering risks in Malta only main applicant and all dependents

Key points

  • The Residency Malta Agency (RMA) take the due diligence process very seriously and expect full transparency;
  • Capital assets totalling at least €500,000, with a minimum of €150,000; invested in financial assets, must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years from the date of certificate issuance;
  • The property shall be held for a minimum of 5 years, after which a residential property is required;
  • The applicant must have health insurance and ensure that they have stable and sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their dependants, without recourse to Malta’s social assistance system;
  • The status will be withdrawn if the beneficiary infringes any of the rules set out in the regulations.

How we can help?

  • Offering advice and assistance with your decision on which program is right for you.
  • Acting as the authorised accredited agent.
  • Assisting with the preparation and submission of relevant documentation and liaising with the RMA on your behalf.
  • Providing any other ancillary support and assistance as may be required.
Engagement
Initial due diligence checks Letter of engagement Optional background verification report
Engagement Stage Costs
Initial professional fees Variable Variable
Compilation & Submission
Collection of documents Preparation of forms Submission of application to RMA
Compilation & Submission Stage Costs
RMA Submission Fees €10,000
Non-refundable administrative fee €1,000
Professional Fees Variable
RMA Processing
State of RMA due diligence Independent due diligence review Possibility of clarification request
Approval
Letter of Approval in Principle issued Payment of contribution and RMA fees Fulfilment of purchase or rental commitment
Approval Stage Costs
Non-Refundable Administrative Fee (per applicant) €50,000
Non-Refundable Administrative Fee for each Dependant €5,000
Government Contribution €60,000 (Rental)
€30,000 (Acquisition)
Donation (to a voluntary NGO) €2,000
Qualifying Property €375,000 (purchase)
€14,000 (rental p.a.)
Health Insurance (covering risks in Malta) Variable
Permanent Residency
Certificate Cards Multi-entry visa
EU Long-term Residency
Lived in Malta for five years Proof of stable & regular income Completed integration measure

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Yanika Ciantar-Barbara

Lawyer

Dr. Ciantar-Barbara is an experienced lawyer specialising in corporate and commercial law. She graduated with a Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Malta in 2012 and went on to obtain a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Corporate and Commercial Law from Queen Mary, University of London in 2014.

With over a decade of experience at a leading Big Four firm, Dr Ciantar-Barbara has advised a wide range of local and international clients on complex company law matters. Her practice covers all stages of a company’s lifecycle, including formation, continuation, restructuring, cross-border mergers and divisions, acquisitions, and liquidations. She also assists clients with their day-to-day corporate governance and compliance obligations, including beneficial ownership requirements and statutory reporting.

In addition to her core focus on corporate law, Dr Ciantar-Barbara has handled various employment law matters, offering guidance on issues such as employment contracts and
workplace policies.

Proud member of the Chamber of Advocates and the Institute of Financial Services Practitioners.

Yanika Ciantar-Barbara

Legal Consultant

Dr. Ciantar-Barbara is an experienced lawyer specialising in corporate and commercial law. She graduated with a Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Malta in 2012 and went on to obtain a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Corporate and Commercial Law from Queen Mary, University of London in 2014.

With over a decade of experience at a leading Big Four firm, Dr. Ciantar-Barbara has advised a wide range of local and international clients on complex company law matters. Her practice covers all stages of a company’s lifecycle, including formation, continuation, restructuring, cross-border mergers and divisions, acquisitions, and liquidations. She also assists clients with their day-to-day corporate governance and compliance obligations, including beneficial ownership requirements and statutory reporting.

In addition to her core focus on corporate law, Dr Ciantar-Barbara has handled various employment law matters, offering guidance on issues such as employment contracts and workplace policies.

Proud member of the Chamber of Advocates and the Institute of Financial Services Practitioners.

Valeriia Simutina

Valeriia Simutina

Office Administrator

As the Office Administrator at Vaia Legal, Valeriia ensures that the firm’s operations run smoothly and efficiently. She specializes in administrative coordination, office management, and business support, allowing the legal team to focus on delivering top-tier services to clients.

Holding a degree in Marketing from Kyiv University, she brings strong organizational and communication skills to her role. Since moving to Malta in 2022, she has been actively involved in office administration, supporting the firm with structured processes and strategic planning. Her ability to anticipate operational needs and implement effective solutions makes her an invaluable part of the Vaia Legal team.

Giovana Cauchioli

Legal Administrator

Giovana Cauchioli joined Vaia Legal as a Legal Administrator, bringing a strong background in legal operations and compliance. She graduated with a Bachelor of Law degree from Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie in 2019 and was admitted to the Brazilian bar in the same year. With several years of experience in litigation and general contracts, Giovana has developed a solid understanding of legal frameworks and regulatory processes.

Her professional experience covers various legal sectors, allowing her to provide valuable support in legal administration, contract management, and compliance-related matters. Throughout her career, she has refined her ability to assist in structuring efficient legal processes and ensuring that regulatory requirements are met.

At Vaia Legal, Giovana plays a key role in facilitating legal operations, ensuring that the firm’s work is carried out smoothly and efficiently. Her analytical approach, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence contribute to the firm’s ability to deliver high-quality legal services to its clients.

Dr. Katrina Abela

Founder

Seasoned Lawyer, specializing in Maritime and Aviation Law, having graduated from the University of Malta in 2013. Experienced in yacht and aircraft sale and purchase transactions as well as ownership structures, customs importations, and registration. Successfully assisted several companies in acquiring a Maltese Air Operator’s Certificate, as the key link between the applicant and local authorities, while also consulting on regulatory matters.


Specialties: Commercial Agreements, Sale and Purchase Transactions for Vessels and Aircrafts, Regulation of Aircraft Customs and VAT Status, Importation and Registration matters, AOC applications, Ownership structures and others



Proud member of the Chamber of Advocates, Malta Business Aviation Association, Malta Maritime Law Association and the Advocacy Committee of the European Business Aviation Association.