How to Get a Malta Golden Visa?

If you are looking for a way to live in a sunny European paradise, we have a great opportunity for you. The Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP), also called the Malta Golden Visa, might be your golden ticket. This program gives non-EU nationals the chance to live, work, and thrive in Malta. Don’t waste any time, and keep reading.

What is the Malta Golden Visa?

The Malta Golden Visa, officially called the Malta Permanent Residency Program, began in 2021. It allows non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals to secure permanent residency in Malta. This visa is valid indefinitely. So, there’s no Malta golden visa renewal if you meet all the program requirements for at least five years. You don’t need to renew it annually, which makes life simpler.

Malta’s government designed this program to attract investors while maintaining high standards. Applicants must pass a detailed due diligence process to qualify. The program covers the main applicant, their spouse, children, and even dependent parents. It’s ideal for those seeking a secure residency status in Europe.

Investment Options

To qualify, you need to make specific investments. Here’s what you need to know:

Buy Property

• Spend at least €300,000 on a property in the south of Malta or Gozo.
• Spend at least €350,000 on a property in other areas.

Rent Property

• Rent a home for at least €10,000 annually in the south of Malta or Gozo.
• Rent a home for at least €12,000 annually in other regions.

Government Contribution

• Pay €28,000 if you buy the property.
• Pay €58,000 if you rent the property.

Charitable Donation

• Donate €2,000 to a registered charity in Malta.

Note:

• These combined investments and contributions are designed to support Malta’s economic and social development while granting you and your family the right to reside in Malta indefinitely.
• You can mix these options to meet the requirements. The flexibility makes it easier to find what works for your budget.
• You need to maintain the property investment (whether purchased or leased) and the qualifying financial assets for a minimum of five years to comply with the program’s requirements.

Who is Eligible for the Malta Golden Visa?

You need to meet specific criteria to qualify for a Malta golden passport:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Show proof of assets totaling €500,000 using bank statements or investment reports. At least €150,000 must be in cash or liquid investments.
• Have health insurance that covers you in Malta and the EU.
• Spouses, kids, and even dependent parents or grandparents can be included—if they rely on you financially.

Other rules to keep in mind:

• Be from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. If you already live in Europe, this isn’t the program for you.
• Prove your resources. Show that you can support yourself and your family without needing Malta’s social assistance.
• Be a “fit and proper” person. This means you shouldn’t pose any risks to Malta’s security or reputation.

Malta Golden Visa Requirements

The Malta residency by investment requires careful preparation of your documents. It’s similar to the Spain golden visa. Here’s everything you need to gather:

• Provide valid passports for all applicants.
• Complete the official application forms accurately.
• Show official documents for your property purchase or rental agreement. These must clearly outline the value and location of the property.
• Submit receipts or contracts to confirm your government contribution and charitable donation.
• Get a clean police record from your home country, and anywhere you’ve lived for more than 12 months in the past decade.
• Fill out forms about your personal background. Include details about your work, education, and any financial history.
• Submit certified copies for you and all dependents. These confirm your identity and relationship.
• If you’re applying with your spouse, provide a certified marriage certificate.
• Show documents proving your children or parents rely on you financially. These might include school enrollment records or medical reports.
• Submit recent passport-sized photos for all applicants.

How to Get the Malta Golden Visa?

Applying for the Malta Golden Visa might be challenging, but breaking it into steps makes it manageable. Here’s how you get a Malta investment visa:

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

You need to gather documents required for Malta visas. We mentioned earlier in the previous sections. Remember to triple-check everything. Missing documents can delay your dream of Mediterranean sunsets.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

Download the official application form from the Malta Golden Visa official website (Residency Malta website). Fill the form out completely. Leave no blank spaces. Write clearly and double-check your answers. Remment to be honest. Malta’s officials are thorough, and inconsistencies could cause trouble.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

You need to send your completed application and documents to the Residency Malta Agency. You’ll also need to pay the initial processing fee of €10,000, part of the total €40,000 administrative fee. Wait for confirmation that your file is under review. The agency reviews applications in about 4–6 months.

Step 4: Wait for Due Diligence Checks

The agency performs background checks on you and your dependents. These checks ensure no surprises, like undeclared assets or a hidden criminal record. Use this time to prepare for the next steps, like arranging your investment funds. Once the checks are complete, the agency will notify you of conditional approval. This means you’ve passed the main hurdles.

Step 5: Make the Required Investments

• Buy or rent a qualifying property. If buying, make sure it meets the minimum price (€300,000 in the south or Gozo, €350,000 elsewhere). If renting, confirm the annual lease amount (€10,000 in the south or €12,000 elsewhere).
• Pay the government contribution (€28,000 if buying, €58,000 if renting).
• Donate €2,000 to a registered Maltese charity.
• Money-Saving Tip: Keep all receipts and paperwork. You’ll need them to prove your investments.

Step 6: Final Approval

Submit proof of your investments to the Residency Malta Agency. They’ll review and confirm everything is in order. Once everything checks out, you’ll get your Malta residency permit. This document allows you and your family to live in Malta. Congratulations! You’re officially a Malta resident!

How Much is Malta’s Golden Visa?

The Malta golden passport cost depends on your investment choice. Buying property or renting has different price points. Including all contributions, expect to invest between €40,000 and €70,000, not counting property costs.

The total cost varies based on your investment choice. You can pay the fees and contributions through bank transfers. Make sure to use a reputable bank for secure payments. Keep receipts for every transaction as proof. If buying property, work directly with a Maltese bank or your seller’s bank. For government contributions and donations, follow the payment instructions given by the Residency Malta Agency.

Visa-Free Destinations with the Malta Permanent Residency Program

Malta golden visa allows visa-free travel across the Schengen Area. Here’s the full list of 26 countries you can visit without a visa:

Benefits of the Malta Golden Visa

This program offers plenty of perks:

• Permanent residency in a safe, EU country.
• Access to world-class healthcare and education.
• Visa-free travel in the Schengen Zone.
• A stable economy with plenty of business opportunities.
• A beautiful environment with Mediterranean charm.
• Living in Malta combines quality of life with excellent benefits.

Malta Citizenship by Investment

Malta golden visa citizenship through residency is possible, but it’s not an automatic upgrade. The process takes time, effort, and commitment. To apply for citizenship, you must:

• Hold residency for at least five years. Stay in Malta and maintain your residency permit during this period.
• Keep your property purchase or lease active and ensure your financial contributions stay compliant with program rules.
• Show a genuine connection to Malta, such as language skills, community involvement, or frequent visits.
• Maintain good conduct throughout the residency period, with no criminal activity or violations.
• Pass due diligence checks. Expect a thorough review of your background and financial history.

Steps to Obtain Citizenship Through a Malta Golden Visa

1. Start by fulfilling all conditions of the Golden Visa program. Maintain your property investment, government contributions, and charitable donations. Ensure your residency permit remains valid and active during this time.
2. Gather updated documents, including proof of residency, property agreements, and financial statements. Submit evidence of your ties to Malta. This might include community activities, Maltese language courses, or local memberships.
3. Apply for citizenship through the Maltese Citizenship Unit. Include all required documents and pay the application fee.
4. The government reviews your application thoroughly (Due Diligence Checks). Background checks will cover your criminal history, finances, and connections to Malta.
5. Await approval, which may take several months. Stay patient and keep communication lines open to ensure you don’t miss updates or requests for additional information.
6. Once approved, attend a citizenship ceremony in Malta. Take an oath to uphold the country’s laws and values.
7. After the ceremony, you officially become a Maltese citizen. Your new passport allows you to live, work, and travel freely across the European Union.

Dual Citizenship in Malta

Malta allows dual citizenship. You can keep your current nationality while becoming Maltese. It’s like having two passports and double the perks! Benefits include:

• Visa-free access to over 180 countries, including the EU.
• Ability to work, live, and do business in both nations.
• Ability to pass Maltese citizenship to your kids.
• Enjoying Malta’s stable economy and tax benefits.
• Having access to great healthcare, education, and sunny beaches.

Restrictions:

• Some countries allow dual citizenship, but not all. Nations like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom accept it. Others, like China and India, don’t permit dual citizenship. Always check your country’s specific laws before applying.
• You might owe taxes in both countries.
• Meet all investment and residency requirements.

Financial and Tax Advisory

Investors in the Malta Golden Visa enjoy favorable tax rules. Here’s the breakdown:

• Personal income tax in Malta ranges from 0% to 35%, with the highest rate applying only to top earners.
• Malta does not charge wealth tax, so your net worth remains untouched.
• There is no inheritance tax in Malta, allowing you to pass on assets without extra fees.
• The estate tax is not applied in Malta, so your estate is safe from additional taxation.
• Corporate tax is set at 35%, but refunds can lower it to as little as 5% for foreign investors.
• Foreign income is taxed only if you bring it into Malta, while income kept abroad remains untaxed.

The Bottom Line on Malta Golden Visa

The Malta Golden Visa is your gateway to a better life. With permanent residency, investment flexibility, and a beautiful home base, it’s an opportunity worth exploring. Want to know more? The Visa Library can help you. You are in luck. You can get expert help today with our FREE consultation!

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