Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), designed to provide residency to non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals through investment, has undergone significant changes effective January 1, 2025, as per Legal Notice 310 of 2024. These amendments redefine eligibility criteria, increase costs, and revise property requirements for all new applications.
Eligibility Criteria
Financial Asset Requirements:
Previous Rules: Applicants needed to demonstrate asset ownership of €500,000, including €150,000 in financial assets.
New Rules (2025): Applicants now have two options:
1. Maintain the previous requirement of €500,000 in assets (with €150,000 in financial assets).
2. Alternatively, prove asset ownership of €650,000, including at least €75,000 in financial assets.
Dependants:
Previous Rules: Dependant children were eligible if they were unmarried, financially dependent on the applicant, with no upper age limit.
New Rules (2025): Dependant children must be under 29 years old at the time of application. The age limit does not apply to children certified as having a disability under the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act.
Property Requirements
Owned Property:
Previous Rules: Properties required a minimum purchase value of €300,000 in Gozo or southern Malta, or €350,000 elsewhere.
New Rules (2025): A uniform minimum purchase value of €375,000 applies for properties across Malta and Gozo.
Rented Property:
Previous Rules: Properties required a minimum annual rent of €10,000 in Gozo or southern Malta, or €12,000 elsewhere.
New Rules (2025): The minimum annual rent is now €14,000 across all of Malta and Gozo.
Cost Adjustments
Administrative Fees:
Previous Fee: €40,000.
New Fee (2025): €50,000.
Main Applicant Contributions:
Previous Fees:
• €28,000 for owned property.
• €58,000 for rented property.
New Fees (2025):
• €30,000 for owned property.
• €60,000 for rented property.
Dependants:
Previous Rules: No additional fees for dependants.
New Rules (2025): €10,000 per dependant, comprising a €5,000 non-refundable administrative fee and a €5,000 financial contribution.
Application Deadlines and Transitional Arrangements
Applicants who began the process under the previous rules had until December 31, 2024, to submit a minimum set of required documentation. Complete applications must be finalized by March 28, 2025. Failure to meet these deadlines results in the application being considered withdrawn. Applicants must then reapply under the 2025 regulations.
Financial Impact of the Changes
The updated regulations have significantly increased costs:
– For a sole main applicant: The cost has risen by at least €32,000, from €150,000 to €182,000.
– For a family of four: Costs have increased by at least €62,000, from €150,000 to €212,000.
Apart from administrative fees, contributions, and property-related expenses, applicants must indefinitely maintain private health insurance and account for:
• Licensed agent professional fees.
• Translation, certification, and legalisation of documents.
• Third-party services such as medical, notarial, or real estate assistance.
• Travel and logistical expenses.
Ensuring a Successful Application
With the new rules now in effect, professional assistance is critical to navigate the updated requirements, assess eligibility, and ensure a successful MPRP application.
Schedule a consultation to explore your options and begin the process under the new regulations!
