How to obtain a residence permit for real estate in Malta in 2025: conditions, deadlines, and benefits

In 2025, the island state remains one of the most stable and convenient jurisdictions for obtaining residency status through property acquisition. Thanks to its location in the center of the Mediterranean, a favorable tax regime, as well as access to the Schengen Area and the European Union, obtaining residency through property investment in Malta has become a sought-after option for investors, entrepreneurs, and families seeking a legal way for long-term stay in Europe.

Key advantages of the program and types of properties

The main advantage of the Maltese scheme is stability. The legislation in the field of investment migration is characterized by transparency and predictability. Acquiring apartments, villas, penthouses, or townhouses not only grants the right to reside but also provides access to the country’s infrastructure, including healthcare, education, and the ability to open a bank account in the EU. Additional benefits for applicants include:

• legal status without the need to reside on the island permanently;
• possibility of extension and subsequent citizenship application;
• no tax on global income if the center of interests is outside the country;
• simplified entry into the Schengen Zone.

These conditions make Maltese residency through property purchase a relevant choice for international investors, freelancers, digital nomads, and retirees seeking legal security and comfortable living.

Conditions for residency in Malta through property purchase: cost, duration, restrictions

To participate in the MPRP, several requirements must be met. The main criterion is the acquisition of property on the island in approved regions and at a value that complies with legislative requirements. In 2025, the following rules apply:

• minimum purchase amount is €300,000 for properties in the south and Gozo, €350,000 for northern regions;
• long-term lease option ranging from €10,000 to €12,000 per year, depending on location;
• mandatory contribution of €28,000 (for purchase) or €58,000 (for lease) to the national fund;
• registration fee of €40,000 one-time;
• confirmation of assets ownership amounting to at least €500,000, of which a minimum of €150,000 must be liquid.

To apply, one must have a legal source of income, medical insurance policy, and a clean criminal record. All candidates undergo a thorough multi-stage due diligence process aimed at assessing reputation and transparency of fund sources. This approach makes Maltese residency through property purchase not only an accessible but also a secure option for those planning long-term residence and investment in a country with stable legal standards.

Types of properties suitable for the program

Program participants can choose properties from the primary and secondary markets, including apartments, houses, villas, and penthouses. The main requirement is compliance with the minimum property value and absence of legal restrictions for residency.

Recommended property types include apartments in gated residential complexes with infrastructure, villas with land plots on the coast, houses in the suburbs of Valletta or on the coast of Sliema, penthouses in multi-story complexes with terraces and sea views, and townhouses in sparsely populated areas of Gozo.

Such properties most often meet the program requirements and have investment potential.

Residency applicant requirements and renewal rules

Obtaining Maltese residency through property purchase is possible by meeting several personal conditions. The applicant must be over 18 years old, have a confirmed stable income, and not violate the country’s laws. Also, a clean visa record in other Schengen countries is mandatory. Criteria for applicant compliance include:

• valid passport valid for more than 18 months;
• confirmed income from employment, business, or passive investments;
• no immigration issues in other countries;
• funds in the account of at least €500,000;
• biometrics and legal checks clearance.

Residency is granted for a period of 5 years with the possibility of renewal if all requirements stipulated by the program’s legislation are met. Continuous residence and compliance may lead to citizenship in as soon as 5–6 years. This path makes Maltese residency through property purchase an attractive solution for those considering not only changing tax jurisdiction but also obtaining a second passport through a transparent naturalization process.

Expenses, property maintenance, and tax implications

The cost of participating in the program consists of several mandatory expenses. In addition to the property purchase, regular contributions and administrative fees are required. Alongside registration taxes and notarial services, the buyer must pay for the annual maintenance of the property. Typical expense items include:

• stamp duty — 5% of the purchase amount;
• notarial and legal services — starting from €2,500;
• government fee — €40,000 for the initial application;
• insurance — from €250 per person per year;
• annual property tax — exempt for residents.

It is important to note that by complying with Maltese residency rules, no tax is levied on foreign income if the funds do not enter the country. This makes the island particularly attractive for global investors and owners of international businesses.

Comparison with other EU programs

Compared to similar schemes in Spain, Portugal, or Greece, Maltese residency through property investment stands out for its stricter criteria, but it compensates with a high level of investor protection.

The transparency of the process, legislative stability, access to major EU banks, and the ability to open a euro account make the program one of the most reliable in Europe. It allows including all family members, including parents, and the application processing time is only 4 to 6 months. After meeting the established requirements, the path to naturalization and citizenship opens up.

This format enhances trust from international institutions and major private investors.

Maltese Residency through Property Investment: Key Points

Obtaining Maltese residency through property investment in 2025 remains one of the most reliable and effective ways of legalization in the EU. With proper preparation, smart property selection, and meeting all formal requirements, investors gain a stable legal status, tax privileges, and a high quality of life on one of the sunniest islands in Europe.

The Maltese program is an investment not only in real estate but also in a secure future for the family within the Schengen Zone and the European Union.