Migration, Residency & Citizenship

MaltaResidency By Investment

malta-residency-by-investment

Overview

Overview

Malta Start-Up Residency Programme (MSRP) and Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) are two official investment-based schemes allowing foreign investors to obtain Maltese residency with a clear path to citizenship.

MALTA START-UP RESIDENCY PROGRAMME (MSRP)

To qualify for Malta’s Startup Residence Programme, applicants must demonstrate a clear intention to develop or expand their business in Malta. They must be founders, co-founders, or core employees of a startup registered for no more than seven years globally. The startup must not have taken over the activity of another enterprise or been formed through a merger. The startup must place a tangible investment or have paid-up share capital in Malta. The mandatory business plan must be approved by the Malta Enterprise agency.

Residency requirement

Founders and co-founders must have a physical presence in Malta, reside there, conduct business, and pay taxes locally. They must also have valid health insurance and proof of sufficient financial funds.

MSRP Permit Duration

The residence permit is initially issued for three years, contingent on approval by Malta Enterprise and Residency Malta. It can be renewed for an additional five years if the startup remains operational and the founder or co-founder continues to meet the program’s eligibility criteria. Permanent Residency can be obtained after five years.

MALTA PERMANENT RESIDENCE PROGRAMME (MPRP)

To be eligible for the MPRP applicants must have capital assets of at least €500,000, with a minimum of €150,000 in financial assets, or €650,000, with €75,000 in financial assets. MPRP applications are submitted via a licensed agent. Applicants are required to cover an administrative fee and rent or buy a property in Malta. They must also pay a government contribution and donate to a local NGO.

MPRP Permit Duration

Residency obtained through the MPRP is granted for life. However, ID cards must be renewed every five years. Applicants are requested to retake their biometric data after the first five years of residence, requiring them to visit Malta.

Other Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the Maltese RBI programs must be fit-and-proper individuals with a clean criminal record and not pose any potential threat to national security or public interest. These programs are designed for non-EU/EEA nationals, not hail from countries under international sanctions, and do not benefit under other pertinent regulations and schemes. They must have stable and regular financial resources to maintain themselves and their dependents without recourse to Malta’s social assistance system. Individuals who have previously had applications for residence or citizenship rejected by Maltese authorities or other partner countries of Malta are not eligible.

Family Inclusion

Malta residency by investment programs are available to couples/partners, their children, and parents and grandparents of any age on both sides of the family. Other dependents can be added at a later stage of application.

Citizenship

After holding permanent residency in Malta for five years, it is possible to apply for Maltese citizenship by naturalization, provided the applicant has basic knowledge of either Maltese or English and passed the due diligence.

Benefits

Visa-free travel

Visa free access to Schengen Zone for three (3) months within a 6-months period.

Healthcare & Education

Access to premium healthcare and education throughout the EU after obtaining a residence permit in Malta.

Safe Haven

Acquire the indefinite right to live, work, and conduct business in Malta, known for its secure environment and stability.

High Living Standards

Maltese people enjoy secure environment and high-quality lifestyle.

Family Inclusion

Four generation of family can be included in the Malta ‘Golden Visa; application, including a investor and a spouse, children, parents and grand-parents.

Tax Residency

Opportunity to establish tax residency in Malta after physically residing in the country for more than 183 days per year.

Investment & Donation Options

Required Investments & Contributions

Malta Start-Up Residency Programme

A startup Investor in Malta must make a tangible investment or have a paid-up share capital of at least €25,000. If more than four co-founders apply for the Startup Residence Permit, an additional €10,000 is required for each person. The program allows a maximum of six co-founders to qualify. If applied to a core employee the minimum gross salary must be at least EUR 30,000 annually. Core employees will be granted a three-year residence permit, renewable for an additional three years upon successful completion.

Applicable fees

Application Fee for each adult applicant/dependent EUR 750
Residence Card Issuance Fee to Identity Malta Agency for a residence card valid for three years EUR 82.5
Residence Card Renewal Fee after the initial three years valid for five years EUR 137.50
Employment Licence Fee for three years EUR 690
Employment Licence Renewal Fee for five years EUR 1,150

Malta Permanent Residence Programme

MPRP applicants must show a total capital of at least EUR 500,000, with a minimum of EUR 150,000 in financial holdings, or alternatively, a total of EUR 650,000, including EUR 75,000 in financial assets.

Investment

Minimum annual rental price for property in Malta EUR 14,000
Minimum value for purchasing Maltese real estate EUR 375,000

Investment must be kept for at least five years.

Mandatory Donations

A minimum contribution to Maltese NGO registered with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations is EUR 2,000.

Fees

Government Contribution: EUR 30,000 if purchasing property, or EUR 60,000 if renting.

Administrative Fee: EUR 50,000

The initial non-refundable fee of EUR 15,000 must be paid within one month of applying. The remaining EUR 35,000 is due within two months of receiving the Letter of Approval in Principle.

Fee for each family member of the investor: EUR 10,000

Applicants must cover medical insurance and other legal and processing fees (translations, notary services, etc.) associated with the application.

Application Process

Bayat Legal Services’ compliance team will conduct an internal due diligence check, which entails a background security screening of the applicant, Preparation of KYC (Know Your Client) and a qualification assessment.
Bayat Legal Services will meticulously analyze the client's application. Once this is done, the client will proceed to sign a retainer agreement with the firm. Subsequently, Bayat Group will curate a customized list of necessary documents – recognizing that each client's situation is unique – to facilitate the application preparation process.
The application for the Malta Golden Visa, along with all the necessary documentation, will be submitted to the Residence Malta Agency.
The Residence Malta Agency and other Maltese authorities perform due diligence and background checks.
After getting approval-in-principle, applicants must make their qualified investment and open a bank account in Malta to streamline future financial transactions related to the application.
The processing time for the Malta Golden Visa applications can vary, but generally lasts 2-3 months. Successful applicants will be issued the permanent residency certificate and ID cards. Visit to Malta is necessary to give the biometrics information.
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