Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
Beneficiaries of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) will receive a Maltese residence certificate, granting them the right to reside indefinitely in Malta. The programme has undergone significant updates with the introduction of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, which bring forth several key changes to administrative fees, contributions, and application processes.
Upon completing the application process, together with the support from Kyshen International, the Malta Residency Agency will issue a certificate with indefinite validity, along with a five-year e-residence card, which will be automatically renewed every five (5) years thereafter. The e-residence card significantly simplifies the process of obtaining a work permit in Malta and allows the holder to travel within the Schengen Area without the need for additional visa applications.
Key Changes Introduced by the 2025 Amendments
The 2025 amendments to the Malta Permanent Residence Programme introduce several important revisions aimed at streamlining the application process and adjusting financial requirements. These changes are crucial for prospective applicants to understand, as they impact various aspects from initial application to long-term residency. The following sections detail these key updates.
Temporary Residence Permits (Issued on Application)
Under the new regulations, applicants now have the option to apply for a one-year temporary residence permit. This permit is renewable annually and is specifically designed to allow applicants to reside in Malta while their main application for permanent residence is being processed. This provision offers greater flexibility and immediate benefits to individuals awaiting the finalization of their MPRP application.
Administrative Fees
The administrative fee structure has been revised for applications submitted after January 1, 2025. The new fees are as follows:
•Main Applicant: €60,000, payable in two installments:
•€15,000 within one month of application submission.
•€45,000 within two months of receiving approval in principle.
•Dependants: €7,500 for each dependant, with the exception of dependants falling under specific categories who are exempt from these fees. This exemption aims to provide relief for certain family members, making the program more accessible for qualifying households.
Final Contribution
The contribution requirements for obtaining residency have also been updated. Main applicants who secure qualifying owned or rented property in Malta are now required to make a contribution of €37,000. This amount is payable within eight months of receiving approval for their application. This revised contribution simplifies the previous structure, consolidating the property-based contribution into a single, clear payment.
Use of Qualifying Property
New guidelines may be issued concerning the use of qualifying property during temporary absences from Malta. These guidelines will provide clarity on how properties acquired under the MPRP should be managed when applicants are not physically present in Malta, ensuring compliance with the programme’s terms.
Transitory Provisions
It is important to note the transitory provisions of the 2025 amendments. All new fees and contributions will apply to applications submitted after January 1, 2025. This applies even if the application process was initiated but not concluded before the amendments officially took effect. Applicants should therefore be aware of these new financial obligations when planning their submission.
Eligibility
Applicant must:
•be a third country national (TCN) and not a citizen of Malta, the EU, EEA or Switzerland and maintain a health insurance policy;
•be in possession of capital of not less than €500,000, of which a minimum of €150,000 would need to be liquid and readily available.
Process
Phase 1 – Submission of Application
The application would be submitted on behalf of the client. An initial administration fee of €15,000 would need to be paid to the Residency Malta Agency within one month of application submission. This fee covers the costs of the government’s due diligence process.
Phase 2 – Due Diligence
The due diligence process is a four-tier process that typically takes approximately three (3) to six (6) months to complete.
Phase 3 – Investments and Contributions
Upon completion of the due diligence check and receipt of a Letter of Approval in Principle, the applicant will be required to make the remaining payment of the administrative fee and the contribution for residency.
•The second installment of the administrative fee, amounting to €45,000, is due within two months of receiving the Letter of Approval in Principle.
•A contribution of €37,000 is required for main applicants who have secured qualifying owned or rented property. This contribution is payable within eight months of approval.
Acquisition of a Qualifying Property in Malta
In terms of the regulations, a qualifying property is an immovable residential property situated in Malta that is either:
– purchased for a minimum consideration of €375,000.
or
– leased for not less than €14,000 per year.
Donation to a Philanthropic Organisation
The third and final requirement is a donation of €2,000 to any registered Non-Governmental Organisation in Malta.
Phase 4 – Completion and Continuous Obligations
Residency Malta Agency shall issue a certificate of residence once the above investments and contributions have been completed, and the principal applicant will be able to visit Malta to have his biometrics captured.
The residency of the family will be monitored annually for the initial five (5) years, and therefore the agent would need to submit a compliance form confirming that the conditions of the programme continue to be adhered to.
Accredited Agent
According to Maltese law, all applicants must appoint an Accredited Agent to submit their applications on their behalf. Dr. Mark George Hyzler is an accredited agent and ARM and is fully licensed to manage and submit applications efficiently and in compliance with the law.