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Getting residence in Malta

Malta combines EU access, nomad permits, residence programmes and investor routes. Temporary and permanent process detail.

How to read the paths

Each card combines a category (how you qualify), an outcome (what you get) and duration (renewable title or permanent). RBI ≠ CBI: the first grants residence, the second a passport.

  • EU free movement — EU/EEA citizens: registration, not a classic consular visa.
  • Work / employment — Status tied to a local employer or qualifying contract.
  • Entrepreneur / company — Activity or company setup: the visa follows the project, not a passport.
  • Passive income / retirement — Stable income (pension, dividends, rent) without local employment.
  • Nomad / remote — Remote work for an employer or clients outside the country.
  • Residence by investment — Investment or financial threshold → residence (not a passport).
  • Citizenship by investment — Investment or contribution → passport (programmes often restricted).
  • Naturalisation / long stay — After years of legal stay: PR, ILR, C permit, etc.
  • Other — Visit, transit or routes outside the frames above.

Paths by category

Indicative thresholds, timelines and fees — verify with official sources and local counsel.

EU free movement

EU citizen: registration

EU free movement Residence permit Temporary
Who it fits
EU citizen with job or means
Outcome
Registration certificate
Typical timeline
1–2 months
Indicative cost
$50–$300

Process steps

  1. Housing
  2. Proof of means
  3. Identity Malta / expatriates unit
  4. Card

Sources: identitymalta.com

Nomad / remote

Nomad Residence Permit

Nomad / remote Residence permit Temporary
Who it fits
Remote for employer/clients outside Malta, minimum income
Outcome
1-year renewable permit
Typical timeline
2–4 months
Indicative cost
$300–$1,500

Process steps

  1. Remote income proof
  2. Insurance
  3. File Residency Malta Agency
  4. Card

Sources: residencymalta.gov.mt

Residence by investment

Malta Permanent Residence Programme

Residence by investment Permanent residence Permanent
Who it fits
Minimum investment/lease + government contributions (high thresholds)
Outcome
Permanent residence (not citizenship)
Typical timeline
6–12 months
Indicative cost
$150,000–$400,000

Process steps

  1. Licensed agent
  2. Due diligence
  3. Investment/lease
  4. Approval
  5. Family cards

Sources: residencymalta.gov.mt

Citizenship by investment

Citizenship by investment (IIP — closed)

Citizenship by investment Citizenship / passport Permanent

Clear split: MPRP = permanent residence; legacy citizenship IIP is closed. Verify any “Malta passport” offer with Residency Malta Agency.

Who it fits
Historical: major contributions + investment; individual programme closed to new files
Outcome
Maltese (EU) passport — not available via legacy IIP for new applicants
Typical timeline
12–24 months
Indicative cost
$600,000–$1,200,000

Historical orders of magnitude — do not plan on a closed programme.

Process steps

  1. Verify programmes still open (MPRP ≠ citizenship)
  2. Due diligence via licensed agent only
  3. Do not confuse permanent residence and passport

Sources: residencymalta.gov.mt

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