Program Overview

Malta
Citizenship by Merit
& Permanent Residency (MPRP)

Discover more about Malta with La Vida

Your Trusted Partner for Securing Maltese Citizenship by Merit or Permanent Residency by Investment

At La Vida we guide you every step of the way in securing Maltese residency and citizenship by merit. With over a decade of experience and a global client base spanning 160+ countries our dedicated team offers personalised advice to help you select the best investment route, aligned with your long-term goals for a golden visa and citizenship within Europe. This is your gateway to the EU – let experienced advisors help you secure your future. Reach out today and take the next step.

Your Freedom, Your Future, Your Global Advantage.

With La Vida, your second residency or citizenship is more than just a backup plan – it’s a strategy for life.

Malta Citizenship by Merit

Malta offers citizenship through a merit-based framework under the amended Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188). Citizenship may be granted at the Minister’s discretion to individuals whose exceptional contributions – in areas such as science, innovation, culture, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, or social impact – are judged to be of “exceptional interest” to Malta or humanity at large. Assessed strictly on a case-by-case basis, this provision has formed part of Maltese law since 2017.

There is no mandatory contribution threshold, real-estate purchase, rental commitment, or charitable donation required under this merit route. Instead, the applicant must submit a compelling proposal demonstrating value creation or strategic benefit to Malta and pass enhanced due diligence under an independent evaluation board.

Summary of Citizenship by Merit

A path based on merit and genuine contribution – not transactional investment – aligning with the latest EU compliance standards.
A framework for high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, innovators, philanthropists or professionals whose expertise or endeavours deliver lasting benefit to Malta or humanity at large.
Strict due diligence vetting applies – which ensures only the highest quality of successful applicants.
If approved – Citizens of Malta have the ability to live, work and study anywhere within the European Union, providing greater global access.

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Malta Golden Visa: Permanent Residency Program (MPRP)

The Maltese Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) grants permanent residency rights to international investors through a combination of property investment and government contributions.

Property Investment

Purchase a residential property valued at a minimum of €375,000; or
Lease a property for at least €14,000 per annum for five years.

Contribution to the Maltese Economy

A contribution of €37,000 to the Maltese economy, covering Spouse and Children.

Donation

€2,000 to a Maltese-registered non-governmental organisation.

Non-Refundable Administration Fee

€60,000;
€7,500 for each adult dependent (children up to age 29, parents, or grandparents).

This program provides a stable, low-risk investment route to gaining permanent residency in an EU Schengen country, with no minimum stay requirement for residency. Additional application and processing fees apply.

All applicants must also hold a valid health insurance policy with a minimum EU-wide coverage of €100,000. Proof is required at final submission stage.

Minimum Investment €99,000 + Real Estate, plus fees

Residency in a European Union Country

Visa-Free Travel Schengen Zone

Includes Dependent Children, Parents and Grandparents

Apply for Citizenship Through Naturalisation. Requirements Apply.

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La Vida operate under the AKM License: AKM-AGEN

Malta Residency by Investment Benefits

Malta’s Permanent Residency by Investment program (MPRP) offers a low-cost permanent residency option for families seeking residency within a European country. It is particularly attractive to investors looking to include several generations under one application. It allows for the main applicant’s spouse along with dependent unmarried children up to 29 years old, as well as parents or grandparents on either side of the family.

Benefits

Low-cost permanent residency within Europe
Full family including children and grandparents
Visa-free travel throughout Europe (90 days, out of 180 days).

Life in Malta

Malta offers a well-established and secure Mediterranean base for investors seeking a blend of cultural familiarity, stability and European living. Residency provides the freedom to spend time on the islands as needed, supported by reliable infrastructure. For many investors, Malta offers a balance of tradition, comfort and European access rarely found in a jurisdiction of its size.

Quality of life

Malta’s lifestyle is shaped by a strong sense of community, steady public services, and a climate that supports outdoor living for most of the year. The islands are compact and easy to navigate, and everyday life is supported by efficient transport links, modern amenities and established residential areas. English is widely spoken, making day-to-day integration simple for global residents.

Healthcare

Malta’s healthcare system is consistently regarded as one of the strongest in the region, with a long history of providing reliable medical care through both public and private providers. Private clinics offer accessible appointments and experienced specialists. This combination of quality and efficiency gives investors confidence that long-term residency includes dependable access to medical support, without the complexity seen in some larger countries.

Education

Malta has a long-standing reputation for education, supported by international schools offering British, IB, and bilingual programs. These institutions attract families from across the world, creating a diverse and familiar community for globally mobile households. The University of Malta, one of the oldest universities in the Commonwealth, anchors the country’s academic reputation.

Malta Residency & Citizenship by Merit FAQs

How much does Malta Citizenship by Merit cost?

Malta now offers citizenship through a merit-based route rather than a fixed-investment, there is no published “price tag” for the Merit pathway.

Instead:

Eligibility depends on exceptional personal, professional, or philanthropic contributions – in fields such as science, technology, culture, entrepreneurship, social impact, or other areas of strategic importance for Malta. The application is assessed case-by-case, based on the quality and impact of the proposed contribution, not on predefined financial thresholds.
In short: Malta Citizenship by Merit is not bought. It must be earned, through real, meaningful value to Malta.

How can I apply for Malta Residency or Citizenship by Investment?

Each application must be processed through a government approved agent. Please contact La Vida’s experts for a free consultation and discover how we can assist.

Can I hold dual citizenship of Malta?

Malta has no restrictions on dual citizenship.

Can you buy property in Malta to get Malta residency?

Yes, under the MPRP, applicants can qualify for residency by purchasing a residential property in Malta valued at a minimum of €375,000. Alternatively, leasing a property for at least €14,000 per annum for five years is also acceptable. This property investment is part of the overall requirements, which also include contributions to the Maltese economy and a donation to a local NGO.

What are the requirements for the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP)?

Aside from the initial contribution of €37,000, government fee of €60,000, charitable donation of €2,000, and either a five-year rental agreement or property purchase, applicants for the Malta Golden Visa will need to pass the Maltese due diligence tests, have a clear criminal record, sufficient funds to support themselves in Malta, and hold a valid health insurance policy.

How long is the process for obtaining citizenship in Malta?

The process to gain Citizenship by Merit typically takes between 14-16 months. With any application the first step is to obtain a residency visa in Malta first which will typically take 4-6 months. For more details on the timeline, contact La Vida’s experts.

Who is eligible to apply for the Malta citizenship by merit program?

The Malta citizenship by merit program is open to non-EU citizens provided they are not citizens of any sanctioned states. Strict due diligence tests apply to all applicants looking to gain citizenship by Merit in Malta. The law and official brief describe merit as exceptional service or contribution that is manifestly superior and clearly advances Malta’s national interest. Illustrative fields include science, research, entrepreneurship and job creation, technology, culture, the arts, sport, and philanthropy.

How strong is the Malta passport for visa-free travel?

For applicants fortunate enough to gain Maltese Citizenship, the Maltese passport is a valuable travel document and one of the most powerful passports in the world for visa-free travel. As a Maltese citizen the passport holder can enjoy easy access to 215 destinations worldwide (157 fully visa-free) including travel throughout the Schengen area. This covers 99.4% of the world’s GDP and 99.6% of worldwide travel. Read more on the Malta Passport.

Will I qualify under Malta’s Citizenship by Merit framework?

La Vida offers a free initial assessment of your eligibility for Malta’s Citizenship by Merit framework, based on our own due diligence pre-screening. This includes checks using two of the most prominent commercially available screening tools to flag potential issues or adverse media before you commit to the process.

Beyond our own screening, applicants must also pass the Maltese government’s own Due Diligence and Anti-Money Laundering checks, which are extensive and carry their own application fees. Under the current framework, you’ll also need to demonstrate a genuine profile of exceptional service or contribution — this typically means a substantiated track record in areas such as science, innovation, culture, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, or social impact, along with a clear proposal for how you intend to continue contributing to Malta going forward. Each case is assessed individually and at the Minister’s discretion, so there is no fixed formula for what qualifies.

Please contact our advisors if you would like your free assessment before proceeding.

Are La Vida licensed to offer Malta’s Investor Visa programs?

Yes, La Vida are operating under the AKM License: AKM-AGEN.

What are the benefits of Malta Permanent Residency?

One of the key benefits of Maltese residency is an EU residence permit that allows freedom to travel visa-free throughout Europe’s Schengen Zone.

Is there a Malta Golden Visa?

Yes, Malta offers the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP), commonly referred to as the “Malta Golden Visa.” This program grants permanent residency to non-EU nationals through a combination of property investment and government contributions. Benefits include the right to reside in Malta and visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.

What’s the difference between Malta Residency By Investment and Malta Citizenship By Merit?

The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) grants permanent residency rights, allowing individuals to live in Malta and travel freely within the Schengen Area. In contrast, Malta Citizenship by Merit, introduced under the amended Maltese Citizenship Act, offers full Maltese Citizenship and an EU passport through exceptional individual contribution rather than financial investment. The citizenship route is assessed on merit and strategic value to Malta and therefore differs fundamentally from the residency-by-investment program, both in structure and qualification criteria.

What are the Pathways to Move to Malta from the USA?

The two main investment routes for U.S. citizens are:

Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP): Grants permanent residency and Schengen access through property investment and contributions.
Malta Citizenship by Merit: Offers full EU citizenship through an exceptional contribution to Malta or humanity, following a period of residency and successful merit-based assessment – not through financial investment.

What is the Malta Retirement Visa?

Malta does offer a specific route for retirees, known as the Malta Retirement Program (MRP), designed for individuals aged 55+ who receive a pension and wish to retire in Malta. While this visa provides favourable tax benefits and residency rights, it is separate from Malta’s more robust investment migration programs.

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Compare Other Golden Visa, Residency and Citizenship Programs

There are several citizenship investment and golden visa programs available in Europe and beyond. Visit the pages below for further options.

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Client Testimonials

Everything went well. The communication was maintained all follow ups were done correctly

Mr Braun, HaitiAugust 2026

In my opinion, Jessica is a true professional. Her patience, kindness, and dedication made the entire process much easier and gave me complete confidence. I believe that a professional team member like Jessica is a reflection of the high standards and professionalism La Vida as an organization. Thanks to their professionalism and integrity, I was able to move forward with complete peace of mind, without stress or uncertainty. My residency process was completed successfully in a very efficient timeframe.

Mr Nasseri, GermanyAugust 2026

Everyone was very responsive and good to work with, especially our client relations executive Lavanya.

Mr Schurle, USAAugust 2026

Daniel Twomey, and especially Lavanya Marya, were an absolute joy to work with. We have worked with other agencies in the past for other golden visas, and these two were by far and away the most competent and diligent I have worked with

Mr Szaro, USAJune 2026

My experience went pretty smooth. Eileen was very helpful and understanding. I just want to say thank you Eileen. You been great.

Mr Iskander, EgyptJune 2026

La Vida team particularly Chelita and Paul were extremely helpful with great sense of responsibility, professionalism, dedication, patience and commitment to achieving our objectives in record time all through the rigorous process.

Ms Ogelle, NigeriaJanuary 2026

Extremely helpful and reassuring. We have been very pleased with both the clarity, promptness, and reassurances along the way with the process including the great intro to potential investment options and to a local law firm.

Mr T, USANovember 2025

Very pleased with advice and guidance I’ve received from Edwina Keyser. She is responsive and informative. She recommended various investment fund alternatives which allowed me to make an informed choice.

Mr Chu, USAOctober 2025

On behalf of the family, I really want to appreciate Jude Clemoes who began the whole process and Lukas Harries who helped see it through to the end. We truly truly appreciate you. Our whole process had lot of curveballs but you guys were able to help sort it. We got a lot of value from La Vida for amount we paid. Thank you so much for the patience and all the efforts.

Mr A, NigeriaNovember 2024

My journey with La Vida began with Edwina, who was my very first point of contact. She warmly welcomed me and opened the door to this process, instantly making me feel at ease. From our initial conversations, Edwina demonstrated a readiness to answer all my questions, providing clarity around every detail, including the specifics of the La Vida registration for trust. Her expertise, patience, and professionalism set the tone for the supportive experience that would follow with the entire team.

R.Cean, USAOctober 2024

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