5 changes making Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme more appealing in 2025

Applicants are eligible to receive a temporary residence permit, valid for one year after completing initial background checks. This allows investors and their family members to reside in Malta while completing the full application process.

The complete application must be submitted within six months of the permit’s issuance. If the application is refused, the permit will be revoked within 15 days.

To obtain the temporary residence permit, the applicant must pay an administrative fee of €15,000, along with an additional fee of €27.50 per residence card.

A flat €37,000 contribution now applies, regardless of whether the investor purchases or rents property. The non-refundable administrative fee is set at €60,000, increased from the previous €50,000.

A €7,500 fee applies to each principally dependent adult included in the application, excluding the spouse. The same amount is charged for any dependants added after the residence certificate is issued.

The minimum investment amount has not changed. Applicants who choose to buy property in Malta must invest at least €375,000, with additional fees amounting to about 7% of the property’s value. The minimum rental price is €14,000 per annum.

Investors gain flexibility in using their qualifying property. Real estate owners can now temporarily lease their qualifying property during periods they are not in Malta.

Investors who rent property in Malta are allowed to sublet their leased property after the initial 5-year period, with the landlord’s consent.

Biometric data is now collected at the beginning of the process. Under the new timeline, applicants provide their fingerprints and submit all required documents when applying for the temporary residence permit, instead of waiting for initial approval.

During the biometric appointment, applicants submit:

• cover letter;

• power of attorney;

• passport copies;

• insurance certificate;

• property documents;

• bank statements;

• Due Diligence letter.

Biometric appointments are booked through the Residency Malta online system.

All administrative authority is now consolidated under one agency. Licensing and oversight of agents will now be handled exclusively by the Residency Malta Agency. Existing licences issued by Agenzija Komunitá Malta will remain valid until December 31st, 2025.

The unified structure is expected to reduce confusion, speed up document processing, and simplify communication with government authorities.

The latest changes to Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme make the process clearer and easier for investors. The rules are now simpler to follow, with more predictable fees and more streamlined application flow.

Property rules have also been updated, giving investors more flexibility in how they manage their assets.

The updated rules make the programme a strong choice for those looking for long-term residence in Europe, along with greater mobility and security for their families.