Malta Retirement Programme (MRP)

Beneficiaries of the Malta Retirement Programme will receive a residence permit that grants them the authority to reside in Malta for the duration of their tax residency. This programme is specifically designed to attract nationals from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland who are not engaged in employment and primarily rely on a pension as their primary source of income. By offering this residency option, Malta aims to create a welcoming environment for retirees looking for a tranquil lifestyle in a stunning Mediterranean setting.

The programme not only allows retirees to enjoy Malta’s warm climate, rich culture, and vibrant community but also facilitates access to essential services and amenities. It provides an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to spend their golden years in a picturesque location while taking advantage of Malta’s favourable tax regulations for retirees.

Download the Malta Retirement Programme (MRP) PDF here.

Eligibility

An individual shall be entitled to apply for special tax status under the programme, if the following precepts are abided:

• must be a EU, EEA or Swiss national;
• applicant must hold a qualifying immovable property in Malta;
• payment of an Administration Fee of €2,500;
• purchase a health insurance policy which covers the main applicant and his dependents in respect of all risks across the European Union;
• must be deemed to be a “fit and proper person” and satisfy all due diligence checks carried out by the International Tax Unit (ITU);
• must not benefit from any other special tax status in Malta;
• be in possession of a valid travel document;
• in receipt of a pension that is remitted to Malta and constitutes 75% of the  beneficiaries chargeable income.

Qualifying Property

The main applicant must purchase an immovable property in Malta for a minimum value of € 275,000 (or in Gozo for a value of not less than € 250,000);

or

Lease an immovable property in Malta for not less than € 9,600 per annum, (or in Gozo for an annual rent of not less than € 8,750).

The qualifying property must be retained and not shared with any persons not listed as a dependent on the certificate.

Tax Treatment

The applicant must contribute a minimum tax of €7,500 every year and a further five hundred euro (€500) in relation to every dependent included on the certificate;

All income originating from overseas that has been remitted to Malta shall be taxable at a fixed tax rate of 15%, with the option of claiming double tax relief on such income;

Income generated in Malta would be taxable at 35%. This must not surpass 25% of the total chargeable income earned by the beneficiary;

Income generated outside of Malta and not remitted to Malta would not be taxable in Malta;

A beneficiary and his spouse cannot opt for a separate tax computation.

Continuous Obligations

An individual who has been given special tax status under the Malta Retirement Programme must be in accordance with the following conditions on a yearly basis:

1. The Qualified Property Holding must be retained (or replaced with another property that meets the minimum requirements of the programme);
2. The applicant must not reside in any other jurisdiction for a period exceeding 183 days and must reside in Malta for a minimum period of ninety (90) days a year.
3. The health insurance policy must be retained.
4. must not become domiciled in Malta;
5. Pay his annual tax
6. Beneficiary must not take up employment in Malta
7. Submit an annual tax return, together with an annual declaration confirming that all conditions of the programme have been complied with.

Application Process

1. Application documents are submitted to the International Tax Unit of Malta (ITU) on behalf of the client, together with a receipt confirming that the administration fee has been paid.
2. Upon receiving the documents ITU the will issue an acknowledgment letter and a six-week due diligence process will commence.
3. If approved, a letter of approval in principle will be issued and the main applicant would be invited to attend an introductory meeting at ITU.
4. Applicant will then be required to submit an agreement for the Qualifying Property and settle his first tax payment.
5. A confirmation of tax residence will be issued shortly afterwards.

Authorised Mandatory

According to Maltese law, all applicants must appoint an Authorised Registered Mandatory (ARM) or 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.