The Malta Golden Visa cost is an essential consideration for international investors seeking residency in one of Europe’s most attractive destinations. Malta offers an exceptional residency-by-investment program called the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP). This program provides a unique opportunity to secure permanent residency in Malta.
Additionally, it grants visa-free access to the EU and Schengen Area. However, understanding the full cost is critical before applying. Consequently, this helps avoid any surprises. In this guide, we’ll break down the Malta Golden Visa cost. Moreover, we’ll provide everything you need to know for 2025.
Malta Golden Visa Cost Breakdown
When considering the Malta Golden Visa, it’s important to understand the different types of expenses involved. The Malta Golden Visa cost includes several components. Firstly, it involves a property investment.
Secondly, it requires contributions to the government. Additionally, a charitable donation is part of the cost. The total cost may vary depending on the applicant’s property choice. Moreover, it can change based on their family situation. Consequently, understanding these factors is essential for accurate planning.
Property Investment
The first major Malta Golden Visa cost is the property investment requirement. Applicants can either purchase or lease a property in Malta or Gozo. If you decide to buy property, the minimum investment required is €375,000.
Alternatively, if you prefer renting, the annual lease must be at least €14,000. Once you acquire the property, you must retain it for a minimum of five years. Consequently, this ensures your investment remains valid throughout your residency.
Government Contribution
In addition to the property cost, applicants must contribute to the Maltese government. The government contribution depends on the type of property investment chosen. If you purchase property, the contribution is €30,000.
However, if you opt for leasing, the contribution rises to €60,000. Furthermore, including dependents in your application requires an additional €10,000 per dependent. Consequently, it is important to factor in family members when calculating the total Malta Golden Visa cost.
Charitable Donation
A one-time donation is also part of the Malta Golden Visa cost. You must make this donation to a local NGO registered with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations. The required donation is €10,000, which supports various causes such as culture, sports, and animal welfare in Malta.
Additional Costs and Fees
Besides the core costs mentioned above, applicants may incur additional expenses throughout the application process. These include:
- Due Diligence Fees: Applicants must undergo a thorough background check, which may involve additional administrative fees.
- Legal and Agent Fees: Hiring an immigration consultant or lawyer to guide you through the application process can cost anywhere between €5,000 to €10,000, depending on the complexity of the case.
- Biometric Fees: After the approval of your application, you will need to travel to Malta to provide biometric data. This can add to your expenses.
Malta Golden Visa Cost for Family Members
An attractive feature of the Malta Golden Visa is the inclusion of family members in the application. This includes the spouse or partner and children under 18. Additionally, you can include financially dependent adult children.
Moreover, parents or grandparents are eligible if they are financially dependent. However, the costs for dependents can add up quickly. Specifically, each dependent increases the government contribution by €10,000. Consequently, you must consider this when calculating the total cost.
Benefits of the Malta Golden Visa
While the Malta Golden Visa cost may seem substantial, the benefits it offers make it a valuable investment. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Visa-Free Travel: Holders of the Malta Golden Visa enjoy visa-free travel across the EU and Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180 days.
- Permanent Residency: The program grants permanent residency status, allowing you and your family to settle and live in Malta indefinitely.
- Quality of Life: Malta offers a high standard of living, world-class healthcare, and excellent education options. It also boasts a low crime rate and a robust economy.
- Tax Benefits: Malta offers a favorable tax system for residents, which can be highly advantageous for investors.
- Global Mobility: As part of the EU, Malta allows access to one of the most stable political and economic zones in the world.
Eligibility for the Malta Golden Visa
The Malta Golden Visa is available to third-country nationals (non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens). To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Financial Capacity: Applicants must have at least €500,000 in capital assets, with a minimum of €150,000 in financial assets. Alternatively, you can demonstrate capital assets of €650,000, with €75,000 in financial assets.
- Clean Criminal Record: Applicants must have a clean criminal record and be deemed fit to apply.
- Health Insurance: Applicants must have a health insurance policy that covers them in Malta and other European countries.
- Dependents: You can include your spouse, children, and dependent parents or grandparents in the application, as long as they meet the requirements.
Application Process for the Malta Golden Visa
The Malta Golden Visa application process involves several steps. Once you have gathered the required documents and decided on your investment, you must submit your application to Residency Malta. After this, due diligence checks are conducted, which can take about 16 weeks. If your application is successful, you’ll receive approval in principle.
The next step is to travel to Malta to provide biometric data. Once you complete this, you must make the necessary investments, including purchasing or renting property, making the government contribution, and donating to a registered charity. After these steps, you will receive your residency card.
Renewal of the Malta Golden Visa
After five years, the Malta Golden Visa residency cards must be renewed. The renewal process requires applicants to resubmit their biometric data. A renewal fee of €27.50 per year applies. It’s important to note that if a dependent turns 14 or 18 during the five years, their residency card will expire on their birthday, requiring renewal.
Conclusion
The Malta Golden Visa cost is an investment in both your future and that of your family. The Malta Golden Visa offers attractive benefits. Firstly, it provides visa-free travel across Europe. Additionally, it ensures high-quality living standards. Moreover, it includes a favorable tax regime.
Consequently, it offers great value for those seeking residency. Furthermore, Malta is one of Europe’s most desirable locations. If you’re ready to apply, ensure you fully understand the investment requirements and costs before taking the next step.
FAQ
What is the Malta Golden Visa cost?
The Malta Golden Visa cost includes a property investment, government contributions, and a charitable donation. These costs vary depending on your choice of investment and number of dependents.
Can I include my family members in the Malta Golden Visa application?
Yes, you can include your spouse, children, and financially dependent parents or grandparents. Each dependent increases the government contribution by €10,000.
What is the minimum property investment required for the Malta Golden Visa?
The minimum property investment for purchasing is €375,000, or €14,000 per year if leasing a property.
Are there any additional fees involved in the Malta Golden Visa?
Yes, additional fees include due diligence fees, legal fees, agent fees, and biometric fees. These can add up to several thousand euros.
How long does it take to get the Malta Golden Visa?
The application process typically takes around 4 to 6 months, depending on how quickly the required documentation is processed.
