Key facts
- Permanent residence (non-EU)
- MPRP
- 15% flat tax (non-EU)
- Global Residence Programme
- Pensioners
- Malta Retirement Programme
- Remote workers
- Nomad Residence Permit
- EU citizens
- Register with Identità
- Citizenship by investment
- Ruled contrary to EU law (2025)
Malta attracts international residents for reasons that go beyond tax: English is an official language, the island is an EU and Schengen member using the euro, and it offers a safe, sunny Mediterranean life with good connections to Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. How you become resident depends on your nationality and your goals.
The options at a glance
| Route | For | Property | Headline cost / tax | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPRP | Non-EU families seeking permanence | Buy ≥ €375,000 or rent ≥ €14,000/yr | €60,000 fee + €37,000 contribution + €2,000 donation | Permanent residence |
| Global Residence Programme | Non-EU individuals with foreign income | Buy ≥ €275,000 (€220,000 South/Gozo) or rent ≥ €9,600 (€8,750) | 15% on remitted foreign income, min €15,000/yr | Residence with special tax status |
| Malta Retirement Programme | Pensioners of any nationality (not Maltese) | Buy ≥ €275,000 (€220,000 South/Gozo) or rent ≥ €9,600 (€8,750) | 15% on foreign income received, min €7,500/yr | Special tax status |
| Nomad Residence Permit | Remote workers (non-EU) earning ≥ €42,000 | Rented or owned home | Remote income exempt for 12 months, then 10% | 1-year permit, renewable |
| EU registration | EU, EEA and Swiss citizens | Proof of address | Normal or non-dom tax rules | eResidence document |
Choosing the right route
- You want a permanent, secure base in Europe for your family — the MPRP gives permanent residence for the main applicant and qualifying family members, with no minimum stay.
- Your priority is a flat tax rate on foreign income — the GRP (non-EU nationals) offers 15% on income remitted to Malta, with a €15,000 minimum.
- You are retired and live on a pension — the Retirement Programme offers 15% with a lower €7,500 minimum.
- You work remotely for foreign clients or employers — the Nomad Residence Permit is designed for you.
- You are an EU citizen — you simply register; your tax position follows the general non-dom rules.
Many families combine routes over time — for example living under a nomad permit first, then applying for the MPRP once they have found the right home. Read MPRP vs GRP for the most common decision.
What happened to citizenship by investment?
On 29 April 2025, the Grand Chamber of the Court of Justice of the European Union held in Commission v Malta (Case C-181/23) that Malta’s investor citizenship scheme — granting nationality in exchange for predetermined payments or investments — was contrary to EU law. The case concerned citizenship. Residence permits such as the MPRP and GRP were not its subject, but anyone considering a route to citizenship should take up-to-date legal advice.
The property step
Every programme except EU registration requires a qualifying property, bought or rented, that meets a minimum value and is your residence in Malta. Our advisors match programme rules to properties every week — and because rules are enforced strictly, we confirm eligibility with your licensed agent before you sign anything. Book a residency consultation, or read our guides in 简体中文, 繁體中文 and Tiếng Việt.
