Malta: Residency

Residency in Malta

(Please note: Zugimpex does not provide services to US citizens and to US residents)

Malta enjoys economic growth, and migration is required to overcome demographic challenges and skill shortages. The government constantly tries to provide attractive conditions to foreign employees. There is a need to reduce turnover, because in 2023, 21000 people left Malta, so to keep the economy growing, 42000 new residence permits had to be issued to Third Country Nationals (including UK), and 28000 work permits. There are new regulations about work conditions, temping agencies and the rental conditions to prevent misuse.

Like almost all countries, the Maltese government tries to attract well qualified Third Country Nationals and offers different options to get a beneficial permanent residence permit or even a Maltese citizenship and passport.

The basic regulations can be found in the Immigration Act – chapter 217 of the Laws of Malta and its subsidiary legislation. 2013 the government had established the agency Identità (former name “Identity Malta Agency”) with subsidiary legislation 595.07 which is responsible for the migration processes.

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For registration of employees and work permits, the Jobsplus agency is in charge.

Both Agencies Identità and Jobsplus have online systems for applications, they also publish forms and guidelines. However, desk officers in both agencies are allowed discretion, and similar cases are sometimes treated differently.

Some programs have separate administrations:

Residency Malta Agency (established with Subsidiary Legislation 595.40, Residency Malta Agency (Establishment) Order) administrates programs like the Malta Permanent Residence Programme MPRP, the Nomad Permit and the Startup Programme.

The Commissioner for Revenue administrates programs that have special tax status:  The Residence Programme, The Global Residence Programme, The Malta Retirement Programme and ,The High Net Worth Individuals Rules and The United Nations Pensions Programme.

In addition, some programs are supported by Malta Enterprise and Business First.

Malta Enterprise is the economic development agency and has access to subsidies, grants and EU funding.  The main task is the promotion of investments in Malta in selected industries.

Business First is a one stop shop established by Malta Enterprise and the Chamber of SMEs. The agency runs a website that gives a good overview of licensing requirements in different industries.

Transport Malta is in charge of driver’s licenses and number plates. EU citizens can keep their original driver’s license. This is beneficial for citizens of countries where the drivers license ws issued without time limit.

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Residence Document (ID Card) and work permit for EU/EEA citizens:

EU/EEA citizens who are moving to Malta can easily take a residency in Malta and work in Malta because of their right to free movement within the EU.

Apart from the pleasant lifestyle, the favourable taxation for “residents without domicile” allows that foreign-sourced income that stays outside the country and capital is not taxed. In addition, based on the rules about automatic exchange of information, foreign banks will inform the Maltese tax authorities (and not the tax authorities at their previous residency) of funds kept in their accounts.

  • According to Subsidiary Legislation 460.17, Malta recognizes the right to free movement of EU citizens and treats them equally with its nationals.
  • EU/EEA/Swiss nationals can start working as soon as they sign a work contract, but they need a residence document if they plan to stay beyond 3 months. If the employment lasts less than 3 months, no application for a residence card is required.
  • Family reunification laws state that EU nationals working in Malta may be joined by their family members (spouse, registered partner or dependent children), even if they are Third Country Nationals, but if they want to work, they need to apply for a work permit.
  • There have been cases of EU nationals living in Malta for more than 3 months without a residence document. Since they are members of the EU/EEA/Swiss community, they cannot be deported. Instead, they may be subject to a penalty of around 300€ or a criminal case, should they fail to pay the fine. Therefore, it is advised to apply for the Maltese residence card within 3 months after the arrival: it serves as a proof of residence for both local and foreign banks and it can be presented to the tax authorities of the former residence country.
  • Renewal of the residence card (ID card) is possible 3 months prior to expiry.
  • When leaving Malta, Form ID 21 needs to be submitted to Identità. It can be picked up or requested by email. Lease agreements should be terminated and the housing authority should be informed. Also, contracts for electricity, water, internet and other utilities should be formally terminated and banks need to be informed.

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So you obtain a Maltese ID-Card (“Residence Document”) from Identità:

EU/EEA/Swiss nationals’ applications for a residence card in Malta are handled electronically, they can apply by themselves or engage a service provider. An applicant will need to define the reason for his stay, fill in the respective form, and submit it along with the supporting documents.

To rent an apartment or a house, a long-term property lease agreement shall be concluded in writing. It is important that the landlord gives a copy of his ID, registers the contract online with the Housing Authority which forwards the rental approval letter automatically via email to the landlord and to the tenant. Also, it is reasonable to have utility bills registered under the own name, because later banks require such documents as a proof of residency.

Currently, there are the following forms and procedures for EU/EEA/Swiss nationals willing to establish a Malta residency:

Employment/ EU/EEA/Swiss nationals:

Before applying for the residence card, you will have to arrange a couple of things:

  • Sign an employment contract.
  • Rent a place: see above.
  • Register for a social security number or present such details from another EU state (A1 form). Then the income tax number is automatically issued within 2-3 days, and it is possible to call 153 to ask for it.
  • The employer must have or create an account at the online portal of “Jobsplus” and submit the employment engagement form from the dashboard. A few days later the approval form is ready for download.
  • Apply for the ID Card: download and fill in Form A – Employment / Self Employment, prepare the documents from the checklist and send the application to Identità.

Citizens from EU/EEA/Switzerland who apply for internship or a summer job, do not need to register for social security in Malta.

Citizens from EU/EEA/Switzerland who take a temporary job in Malta up to three months, usually stay taxable in their country of residency.

Before getting started as a private entrepreneur in Malta, EU nationals need to prepare a couple of papers:

  • Rent a place: see above.
  • Proof of the business address (e.g., a commercial rental agreement), often it is not possible or allowed to run a business at a residencial address.
  • Register for a social security number or present such details from another EU state (A1 form). Then the income tax number is automatically issued within 2-3 days, and it is possible to call 153 to ask for it.
  • Submit the Jobsplus engagement form as self-employed.
  • Obtain a business license where applicable.
    • gaming license from Malta Gaming Authority MGA.
    • financial services license from Malta Financial Services Authority MFSA.
    • trade license from the Trade Services Directorate.
    • hospitality licenses from Malta Tourism Authority MTA, health certifications.
    • employment agency license from the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations.)
    • different warrants for professional services like Accountant or Architects.
    • other licenses in the medical sector and in the real estate sector.
  • Apply for a Maltese VAT number.
  • Apply for the ID-card: download and fill in Form A – Employment / Self Employment, prepare the documents from the checklist and send the application to eu.ima@gov.mt.
  • Sometimes the authorities ask for a proof of sufficient means and for evidence that the person spent time in Malta (e.g. bank statements showing ATM withdrawals or local purchases.)

This category covers individuals who can prove sufficient means from income or savings, as well as pensioners. The basic requirements are:

  • Rent a place: see above.
  • Acquire comprehensive insurance for health-related risks with coverage of at least 100.000€ (persons aged over 70 or with prior health issues should consider opting for employment or self-employment). Sometimes a foreign health insurance is not accepted.
  • Provide proof of sufficient resources “not to become a burden on the State”: 14.000€ in capital or an active income of 92.72€ per week (please note that decisions are taken on a case-by-case basis, and it may happen that even applications with a higher income will not qualify.)
  • Apply for the ID-card: download and fill in Form J – Self-Sufficiency, prepare the documents from the checklist and send the application to eu.ima@gov.mt.
  • Evidence that the person really stayed in Malta (e.g. some invoices for purchases plus bank or card statements that show regular ATM withdrawals or payments in Malta.)

This type of residence requires the acceptance letter from a qualified educational institution, health insurance, and proof of sufficient means to sustain oneself temporarily (similar to the Self-Sufficiency scheme.)

  • Apply for the ID-card: download and fill in Form M – Study, prepare the documents from the checklist and send the application to eu.ima@gov.mt.

EU nationals who do not fall under any of the above categories can claim residence based on family ties with another EU national who is already resident in Malta. Applications are accepted from a spouse, from children under 21, from dependent family members (children above 21 – e.g. students; parents, grandparents), but also if there is a partner for at least 2 years.

  • Apply for the ID-card: download and fill in Form F – Family Members, prepare the documents from the checklist and send the application to eu.ima@gov.mt.

Once an applicant receives a confirmation email, it will be sufficient proof of his online registration. Several weeks later, the person will be invited for submitting the biometric data and e-signature at the office of Identità.

. The date of this visit is the date that will be printed on the residence card, which will be ready to pick up another few weeks later.

For the renewal of the ID-card, a similar process is required, using a different application form.

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Schengen Visa.

In most cases the application is for a short stay visa (Type C) which is valid for up to 90 days in every 180 day period. Those who wish to study, work or live in a Schengen country for longer than 90 days (up to 1 year) need to apply for a long stay visa (Type D). In addition, there is a visa (Type A) for airport transit, passengers must wait within the airport for their connecting flight.

An application for a Schengen Visa must be submitted in the consulate or embassy of the country one plans to visit.

If a person visits multiple Schengen countries, he should apply outside the EU or Schengen area at the consulate of the country where he will spend most of the time. It can be done from a country where the person is legally residing, not necessarily the country of nationality. Different destination countries have different rules in place. If the planned time spent in each country is equal, the person can apply at the consulate of the country he will enter first. So it is possible to plan the trip in a smart way in order to shorten or improve the application procedure.

Many countries outsource the visa procedures. They issue 3-5 year tenders and there are private agencies provide services for many countries and runs regional service centres. Worldwide market leader is VFS Global with headquarters in Dubai, serving 67 governments worldwide with almost 3500 application centres in 153 countries. It started as department of the Swiss travel group Kuoni and expanded worldwide. Major shareholders are the US alternative investment fund Blackstone, the Singapore state fund Temasek and a Swiss Kuoni Hugentobler foundation. Other service providers in the visa outsourcing business are TLS Contact from France with 240 visa application centres in 91 countries, BLS International from India with 46 client governments operating in 66 countries and Cibt from USA with a high market share on cruise ships.

For a business, cultural or conference visa to Malta that allows to stay 90 out of 180 days, the following documentation is required:

    1. Visa application form signed by the applicant.
    2. Invitation letter on the company’s letterhead signed and countersigned by a notary or lawyer, showing the dates of the visit and a statement to cover or guarantee for expenses; (if the invited person has an employer, there must be a statement allowing the visit); declaration of proof including a copy of host’s ID card; Memorandum and Articles of Association of host company; Proof of business between applicants and invitee; Proof of business being conducted by the applicant.
    3. Proof of accommodation (e.g. hotel booking).
    4. Medical and Travel insurance valid for the Schengen area and covering medical expenses and repatriation costs of at least 30.000 €.
    5. Passport valid for at least 3 months after expiry of the visa having at least two blank pages, and full passport copy. Sometimes previous passports for the last 7 years are required.
    6. Flight booking details for the complete tour.
    7. Bank Statement; proof of income – payslips or tax declarations.
    8. Passport photo according to ICAO standards Pg14 (3.9.1.5).
    9. Fees to be settled by credit/visa card: Standard Visa Application Fee of €150.

In some cases, the authorities schedule an interview.

For an employment visa, a letter of the employer is required stating among others the position and the salary. The employer needs to show either an employment license from Jobsplus or an approval in principle issued by Identità valid upon application for the visa.

For other categories of visa, like special programs, family reunification or study, there are different requirements.

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Special Programs:

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP).

  • This program is based on the Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations (subsidiary legislation 217.26 laws of Malta). It is administrated by Residency Malta Agency and must be submitted through a licensed agent. Applicants must pass due diligence. It allows to stay permanently in Malta and to travel 90 days within any 180 days period within Schengen. It also allows to include more generations.
  • Applicants must:
    • show capital assets of at least 500.000€, 150.000€ of it in financial assets, rent a property for 12.000€ per year or purchase one for 350.000€ per year (in special areas the required amounts are 10.000€ for rent and 300.000€ for purchase.)
    • have a comprehensive health insurance.

Pay 100.000€ or 70.000€: a donation of 2.000€, a fee of 40.000€ plus a government contribution of 58.000€ if there is a rented property (28.000€ if there is a purchased property.)

The Residence Programme (TRP).

Applicants have to prove that they rent or buy a qualifying property. This program is administrated by the Commissioner for Revenue (CfR) and is useful if a person travels most of the time but receives substantial employment income from an employer in the EU. With a Maltese residency, in most cases, he only pays the minimum tax of 15.000€ per calendar year.

The Malta Retirement Programme.

This program is administrated by the Commissioner for Revenue (CfR), requirements are:

  • Rent a property for a minimum of 9.600€ per annum or purchase a property of at least 275.000€ (8.750€ or 250.000€ for real estates in Gozo or in the south of Malta).
  • Full pension must be received in Malta and shall amount to 75% of the chargeable income.
  • For 5 years, the person shall stay at least 90 days per year in Malta and shall not reside in any other jurisdiction for more than 183 days per year.
  • Taxation: 15% of the pension remitted, minimum tax 7.500€ per year.
  • It is possible to hold a non-executive position in the board of a company in Malta, but not employment is permitted.

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Residence Permit in Malta (with Schengen – Visa) for Third Country Nationals (not EU/EEA/Swiss citizens):

Third Country Nationals can receive a temporary residence permit that can lead to a permanent residence permit after several years.

Depending on the country of origin, third-country nationals can stay 90 days within a period of 180 days in the Schengen area. For longer stay and for citizens from other countries, a visa for Malta is required. A residence permit in Malta offers access to the Schengen area.

Overview: residence permit for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens in Malta:
(detailed description further below):

  • Work permit in Malta (different types): the employer applies for a work permit; this is easier to get this for highly qualified personnel – if the criteria are met and the income is at least 25.000€ annually, there is no need for a labour market test which would show that a candidate cannot be found in EU/EEA.
  • A well-known corporation establishes a subsidiary or a branch. They want to place a key person as a manager of this entity.
  • Third country national students can study in Malta and work up to 20 hours per week during their study periods and full time between the study periods. As they have already an ID card based on the study, it is sufficient to register as an employer of such employees and then just registers the part time worker at Jobsplus.
  • Business: create a company that really invests 500.000€ and employs at least 3 persons. Real implementation is important. For startups endorsed by Malta Enterprise there are different conditions.
  • Self-sufficiency (proof needed).

Work permits in Malta for Third Country Nationals:

Applications need to be submitted by the employer on behalf of their prospective employees. The employer must be a Maltese company or Maltese branch, usually represented by a lawyer or by a service provider. The employee can be in Malta, legally in another state of the EU/EEA/Swiss area or still abroad.

Rental agreements or lease agreements of Third Country Nationals that are part of the residency application must be officially attested by a notary, lawyer or legal procurator. According to Subsidiary Legislation S.L. 604.07 to the Private Residential Leases Act (Chapter 604 Laws of Malta), there are limitations on the number of non-familial residents in a dwelling. A two-bedroom apartment with one bathroom can house no more than four residents, and a three-bedroom apartment can house a maximum of six residents. There is a cap of 10 people per dwelling.

There are several types of work permit:

Single Permit for Third Country Nationals– new application:

The Single Permit according to the Single Permit Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 217.17) is a combined application process for work and residence permit. It is usually granted for one year.

If the applicant is legally in Malta (valid residence permit or visa), Identità issues a confirmation, and the applicant must stay in Malta during the processing time.  Beneficiaries of a protection certificate are not eligible for a Single Permit. After some time, the Third Country National receives an invitation for the biometrics and receives a temporary work permit. Short after, he gets the ID card with the temporary work permit.

If the applicant is still abroad, an application for a visa is required in the country of origin, and this can take long time. For some countries, the procedure is outsourced by the embassy to the private agency VFS Global who provides this service for many Schengen countries and runs regional service centres.

Labor market test: generally, the employer must show that the job cannot be filled by an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen. Exemptions are some industries (IT, banking and finance, healthcare and engineers) and initiatives (Key Employee Initiative and Specialist Employee Initiative).

Although there is the labor market test, business strategy, job description and requirements are defined by the employer. The employers may need to create jobs for which they need TCNs. Of course real activities must meet the job description, this may be checked at renewal.

Before employing anyone, the employer must ensure registration as employer at Jobsplus and have a PE number. Jobsplus requires sometimes that the first registration is for a national of EU/EEA/Switzerland (at least part time) before a Third Country National can be registered.

Then the employer must register at Identità as an employer of TCNs and wait until this is approved.

For the registration of employees at Identità, there is an online process. The employer fills in the online forms and uploads the supporting documents. The following documents are required and should be checked several times to ensure that the data are correct, complete, consistent and properly signed:

  • Application form for the Single Permit: in the online portal there are different steps for new application if the person is in Malta or still abroad.
  • Employment contract, signed by both parties.
  • Position description.
  • Proof of job advertisement (not older than 6 months).
  • Declaration of suitability where the employer must state and sign that he has verified the qualifications and experience of the applicant. It is recommended to verify the qualification carefully, because there are many nice-looking applicants with impressive job application emails who do not have at all the education and experience presented.
  • Copy of the notification letter to Jobsplus about the labor market test (no suitable applicant found).
  • Privacy policy form.
  • Passport copy (pdf with all pages, valid for at least 8 months after application).
  • Signed Europass CV.
  • Accommodation agreement (lease or rental contract) with lease agreement attestation form and approval letter from the Housing Authority.
  • Health insurance policy with minimum coverage 100.000€.
  • Health screening certificate (the government publishes a list of risky countries for Tuberculosis. Exemptions are defined for persons who are not nationals of these countries, did not spend the last six months in any of these countries and apply for some categories of jobs.)
  • In some cases, a proof of qualification is useful or necessary. Applications must be submitted to the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) which recognises qualifications against the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF).
  • Recommended: boarding pass or other evidence for the date of arrival in Malta.

After the documents are checked, the employer and the employee receive a message “in principle approval” with an invitation for the biometrics. Sometimes there are additional requirements.

The employee needs to register for an appointment at Identità, go there physically and present the original documents. Short after, the ID card is issued for one year, it shows the address and the employer.

The Single Permit is issued for one year. For renewals with the same employer and the same job designation, there is a simplified online renewal process. Most of these applications are accepted.  The process can start three months before the ID card expires and application for renewal shall be submitted before expiration. The government publishes criteria when a final health approval certificate is required for renewal.

To change the designation, there is a special procedure in the online platform with different steps for promotion and lateral change. The online system requires to enter the current job title and the new job title. Then the new work contract, the position description, the declaration of suitability form (of Jobsplus) and a new signed application form needs to be uploaded.

For change of employer, a new Single Permit is required from the new employer. The process in the online portal is similar to the new application for the Single Permit.

There are two procedures: application while still employed and application after termination.

An application while still employed reduces risk for the employee, however, when the “in principle approval” is granted, the applicant needs to motivate the previous employer to submit a termination letter.

Jobsplus here also performs a labor market test, which may be critical in low skill industries with no need for additional Third Country National employees (like couriers). In some cases, the Third Country National can receive a temporary residence and work permit (“blue paper”) valid for two months, until the case is finalized, and then he gets the new ID card.

If the employment has already been terminated, an application must be submitted within 10 days by a new employer or the employee must leave the EU/Schengen area.

This initiative targets managers or technical specialists with a gross salary of at least 35.000€ annually, certified copies about required qualifications, warrants or proof of adequate experience must be submitted.

There is also an option for innovators involved in startup projects endorsed by Malta Enterprise. They also need a declaration form stamped by Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

The online application process is basically the same as for the Single Permit.

The processing time is five working days after all requested documents have been submitted and he application fee has been paid.

First, a residence permit for one year is issued, the subsequent periods may be up to three years.

For renewal, the employment contract plus the original annual tax declaration form stamped by the Inland Revenue Department is required.

This possibility applies for persons with relevant academic, vocational or technical skills directly related for the employment offer.

Required income is at least 25.000€ per year, and there are requirements for either an education level according to the Malta Qualification Framework of MFQ 6 (bachelor degree) or higher, directly related to the offered position.

However, the applicant can also have a lower qualification directly related to the job position together with evidence of three years of experience in a related position. To show this, previous employment contracts (signed by employer and employee), a certified officially employment history document issued by an authority in the country of employment, or reference letters (showing begin, end and tasks, but also address, phone and email) must be presented.

The processing time is fifteen working days after all requested documents have been submitted and he application fee has been paid.

People residing legally and continuously for five years in Malta can apply for long term (permanent) residency. According to Subsidiary legislation 217.05 they need a proper accommodation, stable and regular finances, and a course of 100 hours about the social, economic, cultural and democratic history and environment of Malta. In addition, they need to attend a course in Maltese with MQF level 2 and pass at the exam with at least 65%.

Formally, the residence permit is issued for five years;

This type of work permit is issued to persons with higher education (recognized in Malta) or with evidence of 10 years relevant experience who show a binding offer from an employer with a duration of at least one year and a salary that is 50% higher than the average annual gross salary in Malta.

The Blue Card is issued for the duration of the employment contract, but not longer than two years, and the renewal period can be up to three years.

The Blue Card is standardized, holders have similar social protection than nationals and it is easier to transfer between EU member states. After termination of a job, there is three months time to find a new employer.

This is issued depending on labour market conditions, allows to stay up to 9 months in the country and is not renewable. In this time, it is however possible to apply for a Single Permit.

This permit can only be granted once and is not renewable. First, there must be an application for an employment license by Jobsplus. After receiving the residence document for that period, an “Application for less than 6 months” must be submitted to cover the term of the employment license.

The temporary posting is possible up to 3 years for managers and specialists, up to one year for trainees who need to have a university degree. The sending entity must be a company or a branch in the EU.

If the employee is transferred from an entity of the employer outside the EU to a Maltese entity, he/she must be already employed in the sending entity between 3 and 12 months. After the termination of the posting, there may be a waiting period of six months before an application for a new period is possible.

Required documents include evidence that the companies belong to the same group, that the previous employment happened there for the required period and that the person can transfer back within the group after termination. Also, there must be documentation about the necessary qualifications and a health insurance.

First, an application for an employment license must be submitted to Jobsplus. There needs to be a detailed business plan, and the applicant must show evidence of experience and of financial stability.

The license is issued for one year and can be renewed up to three years.

Basically, it is required that the self-employed person invests 500.000€ in fixed assets related to the project within half a year. There must be a confirmation letter about the financial capacity from a Maltese bank. If it is not a project specially approved by Malta Enterprise, the company needs to employ at least three EU/EEA/Swiss nationals within 18 months.

This category of residence permits is regulated in Subsidiary Legislation 217.22. Applicants must be accepted for a full-time study of MQF level 5 or higher which may include a preparatory program.

It is possible to apply for a part-time work as sole primary employment if the salary is at least twice the minimum wage and the contractual work time is at least 20 hours per week.

However, many Third Country Nationals look for additional income in a second job in Malta, because this is exempt from social charges and has a lower tax rate up to a certain threshold.

The application for secondary employment must be submitted by the holder of the primary employment and mention a different job designation.

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Special Programs to receive a permanent residence in Malta –

Zugimpex can assist as Authorized Registered Mandatory (ARM):

 Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP).

  • This program is based on the Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations (subsidiary legislation 217.26 laws of Malta). It is administrated by Residency Malta Agency and must be submitted through a licensed agent. Applicants must pass due diligence. It allows to stay permanently in Malta and to travel 90 days within any 180 days period within Schengen. It also allows to include more generations.
  • Applicants must show:
    • Capital assets of at least 500.000€, 150.000€ of it in financial assets, rent a property for 12.000€ per year or purchase one for 350.000€ (in special areas the required amounts are 10.000€ for rent and 300.000€ for purchase.)
    • Comprehensive health insurance.
    • Payment of 100.000€ or 70.000€: a donation of 2.000€, a fee of 40.000€ plus a government contribution of 58.000€ if there is a rented property (28.000€ if there is a purchased property.)

Nomad Residence Permit.

Nomad Residence Permit is administrated by Residency Malta agency and allows individuals from Non-EU/EEA/Swiss countries with a monthly income of at least 3.500€ (gross annual income of at least 42.000€) to move to Malta and perform their activities there.

The applicants must prove their income from:

  • Employment contract with a foreign employer.
  • Freelance or consulting contracts for foreign clients.
  • Activities for a foreign company where he/she is partner/shareholder.

How to apply for the Nomad Residence Permit at Residency Malta Agency:

The first application can be submitted from outside Malta, then an initial National Visa is issued valid for 180 days, so it is possible to travel to the country.

After arrival follows the formal application for the Nomad Residence Permit, which is valid for a year and renewable. The application should be done in time because the authority needs some time to perform a comprehensive background check.

Checklist of the required documents:

  • Application form N1 and N2 (for family) if applicable.
  • GDPR declaration Form N4.
  • Passport.
  • Europass CV (signed).
  • Letter of intent.
  • Proof of sustainable income:
    • Employment contract and tax documentation if applicable or service contract.
    • Documentation if a company in another country is owned.
    • Bank statement in the name of the applicant showing the main sources of income for the last 3 months.
  • Rental or purchase contract for a residence in Malta.
  • Local/ International comprehensive health insurance policy.
  • Health declaration.

Startup Residence Permit.

The Startup Residence Permit is administrated by Residency Malta agency. It targets Third Country Nationals and results in a three year residence permit that can be extended for an additional five years.

  • It must be a new business or existing business younger than seven years (moving to Malta) and needs to operate from Malta. The applicant must have been on board from the beginning.
  • Requirements are a clean police record, health insurance and proof of sufficient financial means. Also, Malta Enterprise needs to approve the project.

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The Global Residence Programme.

This program is regulated in subsidiary legislation 123.148 and administrated by the Commissioner for Revenue (CfR). Requirements are:

  • Rent a property for a minimum of 9.600€ per annum or buying a property of at least 275.000€ (8.750€ or 220.000€ for real estates in Gozo or in the south of Malta).
  • An applicant shall not reside in any other jurisdiction for more than 183 days per year.
  • Taxation:
    • Income and capital gains in Malta: 35%.
    • Income arising outside Malta and remitted: 15%.
    • minimum tax 15.000€ per year.
  • Work permit is not excluded.
  • Application process with strict Due Diligence.
  • Yearly renewal.

High Qualified Persons Rules.

This program is also administrated by the Commissioner for Revenue (CfR) based on subsidiary legislation 123.126.

  • Qualifying contract of employment (special positions with a licensed company in certain sectors like financial services, gaming services, aviation, and assisted reproductive technology sector).
  • Income at least around 98.436€ per year in 2024 (indexed).
  • Taxation: 15% up to an income of 5.000.000€, the rest is exempt from tax.

The Malta Retirement Programme.

See above.

 Malta Citizenship by Investment.

Malta offers a passport scheme which offers a high appreciated status symbol and all the benefits of a Schengen nationality. The Maltese government requires that applicants pass a strict due diligence process and make substantial investments.

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