Residency Malta Agency formally launched key legal and administrative amendments to the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) under Legal Notice 146 of 2025, which the Government Gazette published on 22 July 2025. These MPRP changes 2025 show the Agency’s commitment to making the programme more cost-effective, investor-friendly, and procedurally transparent for third-country nationals and their dependent family members. For detailed guidance on Malta’s residence schemes, including insights tailored for specific nationalities such as Americans, see our comprehensive guide: Malta Residency for Americans.
Introduction of a One-Year Temporary Residence Permit
One of the most significant MPRP changes in 2025 is the introduction of a one-year temporary residence permit. Specifically, this permit allows applicants to live lawfully in Malta while their permanent residence status is being finalised. Under the updated framework, the Residency Malta Agency issues the permit after applicants successfully complete initial background screening. At this early stage, the screening forms part of the MPRP application process.
This temporary residence permit allows applicants and their eligible family members to live legally in Malta for up to twelve months. During this period, they can complete the remaining programme obligations. As part of the MPRP changes 2025, applicants must submit all outstanding documentation within the first six months of the permit’s validity. As a result, they can move forward smoothly toward permanent residence.
Once applicants satisfy all due diligence checks and compliance requirements, they may obtain an Approval in Principle. Following this, Residency Malta converts the temporary status into a Permanent Residence Certificate. However, if an application fails to meet the statutory criteria, the MPRP changes 2025 require revocation of the temporary residence permit within fifteen days of formal notification. As a result, this mechanism improves procedural clarity, strengthens regulatory efficiency, and enhances legal certainty under Malta’s revised permanent residence framework.
Financial Contribution System Under the MPRP Changes 2025
The MPRP changes 2025 introduce a simplified and more predictable contribution structure for all applicants. Legal Notice 146/25 officially removes the previous dual-pricing system that differentiated between rental properties and purchased properties. Instead, a standardised contribution fee of €37,000 now applies to every main applicant, whether they choose to lease or acquire a qualifying property in Malta.
Additional Fees Under the MPRP Changes 2025
- A non-refundable administration fee of €60,000 still applies to each application.
- Every adult dependent (excluding the spouse) is subject to a €7,500 fee.
- Any dependent added after the issuance of the residence certificate also incurs a €7,500 charge per person.
These MPRP changes 2025 ensure greater clarity for global investors by providing a transparent, unified cost structure. This updated pricing model makes long-term planning easier for applicants who wish to secure permanent residency in Malta and benefit from the programme’s enhanced compliance and investment rules.
Property Leasing and Subletting Flexibility Under MPRP Changes 2025
Moreover, the recent law changes enhance the usefulness of real estate investments under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP). In particular, the updated rules now allow third-party leasing and subletting under specific conditions.
- The applicants that purchase a qualifying property may lease it out to third parties when they are not physically in Malta, according to the Residency Malta guidelines.
- Tenants who lease a qualifying property can, after an initial five-year rental term, sublet the property—provided they obtain the landlord’s explicit consent.
These amendments enable the double benefit of residency and rental income, making Malta’s programme more attractive for property-focused investors. For an overview of the Golden Visa options and recent regulatory updates, refer to Exploring the Malta Golden Visa for Saudi Arabians. The MPRP changes 2025 have improved investment flexibility and income opportunities.
Licensed agents must keep records of all clients renting or subletting properties under these rules. Residency Malta reserves the right to demand access to such records for monitoring and compliance purposes.
Licensing Authority Transfer as Part of MPRP Changes 2025
In line with Legal Notice 146/25, the responsibility of licensing agents is officially transferred to Residency Malta Agency. Licences issued under Subsidiary Legislation 188.05 by Agenzija Komunitá Malta will remain valid until 31 December 2025. New forms and further procedural details will be issued in the coming weeks.
Note: This is the official translation of the document, which applicants and agents should consult in full here: Legal Notice 146 of 2025.
Promotion and Brand Adherence Duties Under MPRP Changes 2025
The authorised agents and their representatives shall adhere strictly to the Agency’s Brand Guidelines when marketing or promoting the MPRP. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary or penal action, as Residency Malta reserves all rights of enforcement.
Applicants and agents should consult Legal Notice 146 of 2025 and Subsidiary Legislation 217.26 for legal purposes. In all cases, these instruments take precedence if any discrepancies arise.
Conclusion: A More Streamlined and Flexible Malta Permanent Residence Programme Thanks to MPRP Changes 2025
Malta will be an excellent option for global investors and families who want to settle long term in the EU. This follows the introduction of a temporary residence pathway, a redesigned contribution system, and a property leasing alternative. The MPRP changes 2025 reaffirm the programme’s commitment to legal certainty, investor value, and operational transparency. At the same time, they strengthen the programme within a secure regulatory framework.
