Malta golden visa: Guide for UK residents

A Golden Visa is a type of residency-by-investment programme which allows foreign nationals to receive a residency permit in exchange for making a financial investment in the host country. In Malta, the visa is given out to those who buy, rent or lease out property, plus make extra governmental and philanthropic contributions.¹

This comprehensive guide breaks down what’s unique about Malta’s Golden Visa programme, how to apply for one step-by-step, and the benefits of being a Golden Visa holder. We also address some of the most commonly asked questions about the Malta Golden Visa.

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Key programme details: Malta Golden Visa

• Through the Malta Golden Visa programme, successful applicants and their dependents receive permanent residency in the island nation.
• Applicants will need to either purchase a property for at least €375,000, or rent one for a minimum annual amount of €14,000.
• The typical processing time for an application is between 4-6 months.
• The programme does not require Malta Golden Visa holders to be in the country a certain number of days per year in order to maintain the permit.
• Malta offers an excellent quality of life, with strong education, health care and English widely spoken.

What is Malta’s Golden Visa?¹

Malta’s Golden Visa programme (officially the Malta Permanent Residency Programme or MPRP) allows non-EU citizens to obtain permanent residency in Malta - and in turn visa-free access to the Schengen Area in exchange for a property purchase and contribution to the Maltese economy.

Unlike most other EU Golden Visa programmes, it grants investors and their family the right to reside permanently in Malta. That means that they’ll be able to live, work and study indefinitely in the Mediterranean island nation known for its high standard of living and great transportation links.

Note that the current programme differs from ‘Malta Citizenship by Investment’, which was closed in April 2025. It was replaced by a Citizenship by Merit programme for those who make outstanding humanitarian and scientific contributions to the country, in some cases including donations.²

Benefits of the Malta Golden Visa

Permanent residency advantages

Successful applicants gain permanent residency in Malta from the outset, meaning they and their families can live, work, and study indefinitely there. There is also no strict minimum stay requirement to maintain the permit.

Business and tax advantages

Malta Golden Visa holders can access the EU single market environment and set up business in Malta. There is only a 15 percent flat tax on foreign income remitted to Malta, and a 35 percent rate on Maltese income. There are also no inheritance or wealth taxes.³

English-speaking country

Malta is officially bilingual in Maltese and English, with the latter widely spoken.

Healthcare

Malta’s health care system and infrastructure are well-regarded, and residents have access to the island nation’s public health services.

Educational opportunities

Malta’s education system provides schooling that’s either in English, or bilingual in Maltese. As a resident, you can enrol your children in the school system there.

Quality of life

Living in Malta means year-round access to beaches, a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, and a safe environment. Many families also find living in its smaller-scale, close-knit society appealing.

📚Read: Moving to Malta

Eligibility Criteria for Malta Golden Visa: Who qualifies?

The Malta Golden Visa is open to all non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who are at least 18 years old, have no criminal record, and have no outstanding tax liabilities worldwide.

You’ll also need to have assets of at least €500,000, at least €150,000 of which needs to be financial assets (for example, liquid assets or publicly traded shares). Alternatively, applicants can present a capital of €650,000, with a minimum of €75,000 in the form of financial assets.⁴

Applicants will also need to make a qualifying property or rental commitment in Malta for at least 5 years. We’ll get into the details of that below.

Malta Golden Visa Requirements⁵

The following is a core list of the documents you’ll need in order to apply for the Malta Golden Visa. Official documents are all accepted in the English language.

• Identification documents such as passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.
• Police certificate proving no criminal record
• Proof of legal source of funds (for example, bank statements and income documentation).
• Bank statements showing sufficient funds to meet investment and maintenance requirements.
• Property lease or purchase agreement for qualifying Maltese property (minimum 5-year term or qualifying purchase).
• Due diligence documentation as required by the Residency Malta Agency.

Investment Options and Pathways to Maltese Residency

Types of Eligible Investments⁵

To qualify for the Malta Golden Visa, you’ll have to either buy or rent property.

• For a property purchase: you’ll need to buy property in either Malta or Gozo for a minimum price tag of €375,000.
• Rental/lease option: you’ll need to rent or lease a property for a minimum annual rent of €14,000.

The property investment, whether a purchase or lease, will need to be kept for a minimum of five years. Previously, these figures varied based on the island (Malta or Gozo) but were standardised to the same amount in January 2025.

Malta Golden Visa Costs and Fees⁶

In addition to a property purchase or rental/lease, there are additional fees you’ll need to commit to as the main applicant.

• A non-refundable administrative fee of €60,000 for your application. Of this amount, €15,000 is payable within one month of application submission, with the remaining €45,000 due within two months of receiving the letter of approval.
• A direct government contribution of €37,000 for the main applicant, regardless of whether they purchase or rent the qualifying property.
• A philanthropic donation to a Maltese NGO of your choice (for example, cultural, scientific or for animal welfare) of €2,000.
• An extra €7,500 per adult dependent (for example, adult children, parents or grandparents) is also required. Spouses, minor children and adult children with disabilities are exempt from this fee.

How to Apply for Malta Golden Visa

If you’re putting in all of the effort (not to mention funds) to qualify for a Malta Golden Visa, you’ll want to make sure that your application is as strong as possible.

Below we break down the steps to applying for the visa, and shed some light on how to prepare a successful application.

Step-by-Step Application Process⁷

While the individual application process will vary for everyone, we give a general breakdown of what you can expect.

1. Choose your investment route based on your personal finances, long-term goals and how involved you’d like to be.
2. Appoint a licensed/registered agent, who you can find on the Register Malta register. The agents act as a liaison and submit your entire application on your behalf.
3. Prepare all of your documentation, including contracts for property purchase or rentals. Your agent will let you know which documents need to be certified or notarised.
4. Make all of your financial commitments. Conclude the property transaction (or secure rental contract) and prepare to pay the required government contribution, administrative fees and the required donation to an approved NGO. Some fees are payable right off the bat, whereas others are due on final approval.
5. Submit the application via your agent. Your agent will compile the dossier and submit it to the Residency Malta Agency. Expect to pay a non-refundable application or due-diligence fee as part of this step.
6. Undergo all of your due diligence checks. The Agency will conduct a comprehensive due diligence process (with criminal checks, vetting the source of funds, and reputational checks). This is thorough and can take several weeks to months.
7. Wait for your final approval. If due diligence and documents are satisfactory, the Agency issues either your approval or ‘approval in principle’, if you need to complete any remaining payments such as registration of property or final admin costs.
8. Collect your certificate and move to Malta. Congrats: if you’ve successfully completed all of these steps, you and any included family members can collect your residency permits, register yourself in Malta, and begin using your residency rights.

Tips for a Successful Application

• From the very beginning of the process, start with the Residency Malta Agency site. They publish the register of agents and the Malta Golden Visa regulations, which are subject to change.
• Use a registered and licensed agent. Not only is this a good idea, it’s mandatory. They’ll handle your dossier of application materials and communicate with the Agency.
• Verify exact costs and deadlines with your agent and the Agency before signing purchase contracts or transferring funds.
• Be ready for a thorough due diligence check. You’ll need to prove that your funds come from “clean” sources, and have all of your paperwork ready for comprehensive background checks.
• Consider hiring a legal or financial consultant familiar with Maltese law for an extra layer of security. Even though you will be assigned an agent to help you with the application process, an expert can help you assess your goals and make sure your ducks are in order in order to have the most seamless process possible.

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FAQs on Malta Golden Visa

What are the particularly unique features of the Malta Golden Visa programme?

The Malta Golden Visa stands out for granting permanent EU residence from the start, rather than requiring renewal after a few years. It offers lifetime residency rights for the investor and their family, with the ability to live, work, and study in Malta and travel freely within the Schengen Zone. Unlike many other EU Golden Visa programmes, it allows for either property purchase or rental, giving applicants more flexibility. Malta’s process is also known for its robust due diligence process, which helps maintain the program’s credibility within the EU.

Does it make the most sense to buy or rent property in Malta to qualify for the Golden Visa?

Whether to buy or rent property for the Malta Golden Visa depends on what you envision for yourself and your family in the long-term. Buying makes more sense if you plan to live in Malta or hold the investment long term, since the minimum purchase value (€375,000 as of 2025) can appreciate and be resold after five years. Renting, with a minimum annual lease of €14,000, is better suited for applicants who want flexibility or don’t see a permanent relocation in the cards.

Do I need to live in Malta to maintain the visa?

No. There is no minimum stay requirement, but you do have to maintain your qualifying investment and meet due diligence standards.

Can my family be included in my application?

Yes. The program not only covers immediate family such as spouses and dependent children, but also parents and grandparents if they are financially dependent on the main applicant.

How long does the application process usually take?

Processing usually takes 4 to 6 months, depending on due diligence and how complete your documents are. Working with a law firm familiar with Maltese immigration law could speed up this process.

Does the Malta Golden Visa lead to Maltese citizenship or an EU passport?

No, the visa grants permanent residency, not citizenship. However, at least a year of residency, applicants may apply separately for naturalisation, subject to strict eligibility criteria.⁸

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Sources used:

1. Henley and Partners - Malta Residency by Investment
2. Henley and Partners - Malta Citizenship by Investment
3. No More Tax EU - Relocation to Malta
4. ACC Immigration - Requirements for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme
5. Global Residence Index - Malta Residency by Investment
6. Zenturo Immigration by Investment - MPRP - Fees and Property Thresholds (2025)
7. ResidencyMalta.gov - 2025 Permanent Residency by Investment Updated Guidelines
8. Immigrant X - How to get Malta Citizenship after residency

Sources last checked on date: 02-Nov-2025