Malta's residency-by-investment program is undergoing significant changes

Malta's residency-by-investment program is undergoing significant changes starting January. This highly popular initiative, offering direct access to permanent residency, will see several modifications by year-end, many of which are less advantageous.

Currently, the total cost, including government fees and contributions, is approximately €150,000 for those choosing the five-year rental option. However, upcoming changes include higher investment or rental thresholds, a new age limit of 29 for dependent children, and additional fees for including family members in the application.

Here’s a summary of the changes which come into effect from the 1st of January 2025:

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants will now have two options to meet the financial requirements of self-sufficiency:

• Option 1: Hold assets of at least €500,000, including €150,000 in financial investments.

• Option 2: Hold assets of €650,000, with at least €75,000 in financial investments.

Inclusion of Dependant Children

Unmarried children, principally dependent on the main applicant, can now be included in the MPRP application up to the age of 29. Currently there is no age limits when it comes to the inclusion of children.

Qualifying Property Requirements

The minimum values for property investment will be increased as follows:

• Purchase: Minimum value increased to €375,000 (from €300,000)

• Rent: Annual lease increased to €14,000 (from €10,000)

Updated Administrative Fees and Contributions

• Main Applicant Administration Fee: €50,000

• Dependant Fees: €10,000 per dependant (non-refundable)

• Additional Government Contributions:

• €30,000 if purchasing property.

• €60,000 if renting property.

Act Before 2025!

Applications submitted before 1st January 2025 will be subject to the current regulations. We strongly encourage interested applicants to act now and submit their applications by the end of 2024. The full MPRP application pack must then be completed by Friday 28th March 2025.