Malta has officially revised the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) regulations to enhance its appeal as a top EU residency by investment option. Legal Notice 310 of 2024, published on 19 November 2024, introduces new rules effective 1 January 2025. These updates widen the eligibility criteria while raising investment requirements, aligning the MPRP with current market trends and reinforcing Malta’s status as a premier second residency destination in Europe. Below is an overview of the key changes, as confirmed by the Residency Malta Agency and Maltese government sources.
Revised Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Broader Financial Criteria: Prospective main applicants now have two asset qualification routes. One may qualify by evidencing at least €500,000 in assets (with a minimum of €150,000 in financial assets), or alternatively at least €650,000 in assets (with €75,000 in financial assets). This newly added €650k option provides flexibility for high-net-worth individuals, ensuring the MPRP remains accessible to a wider range of investors.
Dependent Child Age Limit: The regulations now set an upper age limit for dependent children. Unmarried adult children can be included in an application only if they have not yet reached 29 years of age at the time of submission. (Notably, this age cap does not apply to dependants with special needs under separate provisions.)
Higher Qualifying Property Thresholds
To qualify for MPRP, applicants must invest in Maltese real estate at updated minimum values. The minimum purchase price for a qualifying owned property is now €375,000 (up from prior regional thresholds of €300,000–€350,000). Similarly, the minimum lease amount for a qualifying rented property is raised to €14,000 per year (previously €10,000–€12,000 depending on location). These unified thresholds underscore Malta’s commitment to high-quality real estate investment and reflect current property market values.
New Administration and Contribution Fee Structure
The revised regulations introduce higher administrative fees and contributions to support the programme’s robustness :
- Main Applicant Fee: A non-refundable administration fee of €50,000 now applies to the principal applicant (an increase from €40,000). This fee is payable in stages (with an initial €15,000 due at application submission and the balance after approval in principle).
- Dependants’ Fees: For the first time, a fee is levied on each dependant (spouse, children, parents, grandparents). A flat €10,000 per dependant is required, split into a €5,000 admin fee and €5,000 contribution. (Previously, most dependants incurred no extra charge aside from a smaller contribution for parents/grandparents.)
- Government Contribution: The contribution amount payable to the government depends on the property option. Those opting to purchase property must contribute €30,000 (up from €28,000), whereas those renting owe €60,000 (up from €58,000). This contribution is due within 8 months of the approval in principle and is in addition to the property investment itself.
Maintaining a Competitive EU Investment Migration Programme
Despite modest increases in cost, Malta’s programme remains a highly attractive investment migration route in the EU. The Residency Malta Agency emphasizes that these updates will preserve the MPRP’s integrity and value, keeping it “robust and reputable” in the residency by investment landscape. Importantly, the Agency is streamlining application processing to accelerate timelines without compromising thorough due diligence. Prospective applicants can thus be reassured that Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme continues to offer a secure and efficient pathway to second residency in Malta, granting successful families residence in a stable, EU-member country renowned for its quality of life and global connectivity.