Malta Makes Permanent Residency Easier and Cheaper for Families

Q: How quickly can I get residency in Malta under the new rules?

Applicants now receive a one-year temporary residence card immediately after submitting their application and paying the €15,000 fee. This allows families to relocate and settle in Malta without waiting for the full permanent residency approval.

Q: How much does the Malta Permanent Residency Programme cost for a family?

The main costs include: €37,000 contribution (flat rate, whether you rent or buy property) €60,000 administration fee (split into €15,000 upfront and €45,000 after approval) €7,500 for each dependent aged 18 or over In total, most families can expect government-related fees to start around €100,000 , not including property purchase or rental.

Q: What are the main benefits of Malta’s Permanent Residency Programme?

Key benefits include: Fast-track residency through the new temporary card Lower costs for families with dependents Access to visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone Option to generate rental income from property A safe, English-speaking country with strong healthcare and education systems

Q: Who manages the Malta residency programme now?

The Residency Malta Agency (RMA) is now responsible for licensing and overseeing the programme. This ensures a more streamlined and transparent process. The full transition to RMA control will be completed by December 2025 .

Permanent Residency

Published Date: 31.07.2025

Malta has long been a favorite for investors and families seeking stability in Europe. With its Mediterranean lifestyle, excellent education system, and access to the Schengen Zone, it has been one of the most attractive residency-by-investment destinations.
Now, things are getting even better. The Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP) has been updated to make it more affordable, faster, and more flexible—especially for families.

Instant Residency: Move to Malta Without the Wait

One of the biggest changes is the introduction of instant temporary residency.

Instead of waiting months for a permanent card, applicants now receive a one-year temporary residence permit right away once they pay a €15,000 fee and file their application.

This is a game-changer for families who want to:

Relocate quickly and get children enrolled in schools
Explore neighborhoods and find the right home
Begin enjoying Malta’s lifestyle without delays

It removes the uncertainty of waiting and allows families to feel settled much faster.

Lower Fees, Bigger Savings for Families

The new pricing structure is designed with families in mind. In the past, contribution amounts depended on whether you were buying or renting property. That has now been simplified into a single, flat contribution.

Here’s how it works today:

€37,000 contribution (flat rate, whether buying or renting property)
€60,000 administration fee (paid in two parts: €15,000 upfront and €45,000 after approval)
Dependents over 18: now cost €7,500 each instead of €10,000—a 25% discount

This simplification not only lowers costs for many families but also makes the process easier to understand.

For a typical family applying together, the total government fees now start around €100,000 (excluding property costs). That’s a significant improvement compared to the old rules, where rental applicants had to pay €60,000 just for the contribution alone.

New Rental and Leasing Flexibility

Beyond cost savings, Malta has also made the MPRP more attractive for investors who want their property to work for them.

If you buy a property: you can start renting it out immediately and earn income right away.
If you lease a property: after five years, you’re allowed to sublet the property (with the restriction that you cannot rent it out to other MPRP applicants).

This is a smart change because it turns residency properties into more practical investments, instead of purely long-term obligations. Families can now plan better, knowing their assets can generate returns.

A Smoother Application Process

Another improvement is the shift of licensing responsibilities to the Residency Malta Agency (RMA).
Licensed agents now go through the RMA, which manages the onboarding of applicants and ensures smoother processing. This will make the system more transparent and efficient. The transition period is already underway and will be completed by December 2025.

Why These Changes Matter

These updates show that Malta is listening to the needs of families and investors.

Faster access with the temporary residency card means less waiting and more certainty.
Lower costs and reduced dependent fees make the programme more family-friendly.
Flexibility in renting and leasing helps families see real financial value in their investment.
Streamlined processes with the RMA reduce bureaucracy and confusion.

For families planning a move to Europe, Malta now offers one of the most balanced residency programmes—affordable, efficient, and practical.

Old vs New: A Quick Comparison

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Conclusion

Malta’s Permanent Residency Programme has always been attractive, but these latest reforms make it stand out even more. Families now benefit from lower costs, faster residency, and the chance to turn property into an income source.

For investors looking for both security and opportunity in Europe, Malta is positioning itself as one of the top choices in the Mediterranean.

If you’ve been considering residency in Malta, there has never been a better time to start the process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can I get residency in Malta under the new rules?

Applicants now receive a one-year temporary residence card immediately after submitting their application and paying the €15,000 fee. This allows families to relocate and settle in Malta without waiting for the full permanent residency approval.

How much does the Malta Permanent Residency Programme cost for a family?

The main costs include:
€37,000 contribution (flat rate, whether you rent or buy property)
€60,000 administration fee (split into €15,000 upfront and €45,000 after approval)
€7,500 for each dependent aged 18 or over
In total, most families can expect government-related fees to start around €100,000, not including property purchase or rental.

Can I rent out my property if I buy one under the MPRP?

Yes. Under the new rules, if you purchase property, you can rent it out immediately and begin earning rental income. If you lease a property, you may sublet it after five years, but not to other MPRP applicants.

What are the main benefits of Malta’s Permanent Residency Programme?

Key benefits include:
Fast-track residency through the new temporary card
Lower costs for families with dependents
Access to visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone
Option to generate rental income from property
A safe, English-speaking country with strong healthcare and education systems

Who manages the Malta residency programme now?

The Residency Malta Agency (RMA) is now responsible for licensing and overseeing the programme. This ensures a more streamlined and transparent process. The full transition to RMA control will be completed by December 2025.