In our current era, when the world is rapidly globalizing, individuals are thinking about mobility, stability, and opportunity in the wider world. If you wish to move to Malta to enhance your quality of life, access quality healthcare, develop your business, or build a future for your family, it is a smart choice.
Thanks to its EU status, English-speaking citizens, Mediterranean way of life, and very developed legal system, Malta has transformed into a decent destination for investors, retirees, remote workers, and entrepreneurs in general.
Here below we concisely present the most sought-after and secure Malta residence and citizenship-by-investment programs so you may choose the best one according to your requirements.
Move to Malta Through Residence Programmes: Global Residence Programme (GRP)
If you want to move to Malta for tax planning, lifestyle improvement, or flexible EU access, the Global Residence Programme (GRP) is one of the most efficient ways to establish legal residence without relocating full-time. Designed for non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals, the GRP provides a favourable tax status, making it especially attractive for individuals with foreign-sourced income who plan to move to Malta for financial optimization.
Key Benefits of Choosing the GRP to Move to Malta
- Attractive Tax System: GRP beneficiaries pay a flat 15% tax on foreign income remitted to Malta, with a minimum annual tax of €15,000 ideal for those who want to move to Malta to benefit from its competitive tax environment.
- Flexible Property Requirements: Applicants may lease property for at least €8,750/year in Gozo or the south, or €9,600/year elsewhere in Malta. Alternatively, they can purchase qualifying property valued at €220,000–€275,000 depending on location.
- Proof of Financial Stability: To move to Malta under the GRP, applicants must show stable finances and valid health insurance covering themselves and dependents.
- Family Inclusion: The programme allows dependents spouses, children, and qualifying relatives to join the same application, making it easier for families planning to move to Malta together.
If you’re already a resident, you can follow this step by step Malta Golden Visa renewal guide.
Who Should Move to Malta via the GRP?
The Global Residence Programme is particularly well suited to Hong Kong Business Professionals who wish to move to Malta for tax efficiency, lifestyle security, and flexible European access without committing to permanent residence or citizenship.
For Hong Kong Business Professionals managing cross-border businesses, investment portfolios, or international income streams, the GRP provides a stable EU tax residency framework while preserving global mobility. It is an effective solution for professionals, investors, and families seeking a strategic European base that complements their existing operations in Hong Kong and other international markets.
Move to Malta with the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is a large residency-by-investment program in Europe. It grants permanent residence to eligible applicants and their dependants from day one.
Key Features:
- Investment Structure:
- Make a non-refundable national contribution of €60,000 (if leasing) or €30,000 (if purchasing property).
- Let a property for a minimum of €14,000 in Malta and Gozo.
- Donate €2,000 to an NGO registered in Malta.
- Permanent Residency from Day One: There is no trial period as in other EU residency programs. Your residency, if approved, is for life.
- Family Inclusion: The spouse, children (including dependent adults), parents, and grandparents can be included in one application.
- Schengen Mobility: Travel within Schengen countries freely for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
- No Physical Stay Required: There is no residency requirement, so it is suitable for frequent travelers.
MPRP is most ideal for high-net-worth individuals and families who would rather have a permanent base in the EU and move to Malta without relinquishing their current nationality.
Malta Retirement Programme: A Peaceful Way to Move to Malta
Additionally, the Malta Retirement Programme (MRP) offers retirees the chance to enjoy the island’s tranquility, pleasant weather, and well-developed public amenities.
Programme Overview:
- Eligibility: EU, EEA, Swiss, and third-country nationals with a main income from a pension.
- Minimum Stay Requirement: The recipients are required to stay in Malta for a minimum of 90 days during each calendar year and a maximum of 183 days in any other jurisdiction.
- Property Requirement: Lease or buy qualifying immovable property—a minimum lease of €9,600 per year in Malta or €8,750 in Gozo/south Malta and qualified owned property needs to be at least €275,000.
- Taxation: In the same manner, GRP, Maltese pension income is taxed at 15% flat rate with a minimum tax payment of €7,500 per year.
The MRP is an excellent choice for retirees who seek a quiet, inexpensive, and secure area to retire within the European Union and move to Malta.
Move to Malta as a Remote Worker or Business Owner
Malta Nomad Residence Permit
Launched in 2021, the Nomad Residence Permit targets location-independent workers who utilize technology to perform remote work. Additionally, it is one of the tools Malta is utilizing to attract mobile workers and digital entrepreneurs.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Minimum Income Threshold: Applicants must earn at least €42,000 annually from remote work.
- Employment Structure: You could be working for a foreign company, a self-employed individual with foreign clientele, or a freelancer.
- Private Insurance and Housing: Evidence of private health insurance and a rental agreement or deed of ownership of a property is necessary.
- Period and Extension: The permit shall be valid for twelve months and may be renewed on ongoing eligibility.
This pathway suits freelancers, startup founders, and professionals who want to move to Malta while maintaining international clients. U.S. citizens can explore how to move to Malta from the US in this detailed guide.
Malta Startup Residence Programme
The Startup Residence Programme provides third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) with the possibility of setting up innovative startups in Malta’s economy. Malta Enterprise and Residency Malta run the programme.
Programme Highlights:
- Duration: Remain for the initial 3 years, extended by up to 5 further years for successful entrepreneurs.
- Eligibility: The founders must have a solid business plan and demonstrate the startup’s potential. The startup must be less than 7 years old and be innovative in tech, AI, blockchain, health, and sustainability.
- Local Presence: Founders and key personnel must reside and pay taxes in Malta.
- Family Benefits: Applicants may include their spouse and dependent children on the same application.
This programme is ideal for persons who would wish to set up or expand their business in Europe and move to Malta through entrepreneurial innovation.
Citizenship Routes to Move to Malta
Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (MEIN)
Malta provided a citizenship-by-investment program through exceptional services law, known as the MEIN (Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation) process. It was among the limited EU programs providing citizenship by investment legally.
Process Information:
- Residency Requirement: The candidates must obtain Maltese residency initially and retain it for 12 or 36 months depending upon the investment level they opt for.
- Financial Contribution: €600,000 for a 36-month route or €750,000 for a 12-month route, payable into the National Development and Social Fund.
- Real Estate Investment: Has to lease property with a minimum of €16,000/year or buy property with at least €700,000 value, held for 5 years.
- Philanthropic Contribution: A philanthropic contribution of €10,000 to a registered NGO is required.
- Due Diligence: There is a rigorous four-step screening process to accept only credible applicants.
As a result, successful applicants receive full Maltese citizenship, including an EU passport, the right to live and work in the EU, and visa-free access to over 180 countries—making it one of the most secure ways to move to Malta long-term.
To review your options, visit all Golden Visa investment options in Malta.
Alternative Citizenship Options If You Don’t Move to Malta
Alternate Citizenship by Investment Programmes
Apart from Malta, the rest of the citizenship by investment programs offer faster and more affordable options for global citizens.
Popular Programs Are:
- Dominica: 3–6 months’ citizenship for $100,000.
- St. Lucia: Travel visa-free to 145+ nations with an investment of $100,000.
- Grenada & Antigua: Family appeal, including educational benefits and tax exemption.
These options suit businesspersons and investors who desire greater mobility, security, and lifestyle flexibility outside of the European continent.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Move to Malta
1. What is the main difference between MPRP and GRP?
The GRP is a lower finance, lower requirements tax-residency programme, but only providing temporary residence. The MPRP provides permanent residence from day one and has greater family inclusion and security over the long term.
2. What do I need to invest in to be eligible for Malta Permanent Residency?
For the MPRP, the overall investment is between €120,000 and €150,000, either in owned or leased property. This is inclusive of government contribution, property, and charitable donation.
3. Can digital nomads get Malta residency without needing to change jobs?
Yes. The Nomad Residence Permit allows digital nomads working for companies outside Malta to legally live in the country while continuing remote work abroad, provided they meet the minimum income and other criteria.
4. Can I apply with my entire family?
Yes. Most Malta programs permit applicants to include spouses, children, and grandparents or parents who are dependents.
