When assessing the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, one of the first questions high-net-worth individuals ask is straightforward: “What is the cost of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme?” Our team has guided hundreds of applicants through this critical stage of financial planning, and the answer depends significantly on your personal circumstances and how you structure your existing wealth.
What Is the Malta Permanent Residence Programme?
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is an investment-based residency programme administered by the Residency Malta Agency. It provides third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA citizens) with the opportunity to obtain permanent residence in Malta by making a financial investment in the country.
The programme requires four core investments: a government contribution fee (€37,000+), an administration fee (€60,000), acquisition or rental of a qualifying residential property (€375,000+ purchase or €14,000/year rent), and proof of capital holdings (€500,000 or €650,000 depending on your chosen tier). There’s also an annual health insurance requirement and a mandatory €2,000 donation to a charitable organisation.
What makes the MPRP distinctive is its flexibility when it comes to the investment in real estate as the applicant can rent instead of buy.
Understanding Your Capital Options
The Residency Malta Agency provides flexibility in meeting capital requirements, offering two distinct options. This tiered approach allows applicants to optimise their financial structures based on their asset composition.
The first option requires €500,000 in total capital with a minimum of €150,000 held in liquid financial assets, while the remaining €350,000 can be held in any combination of real estate, investments, or additional cash.
The second option requires €650,000 in total capital but with a lower financial asset requirement of €75,000, meaning the remaining €575,000 can be diversified across real estate, business interests, and other approved assets.
What the Residency Malta Agency Accepts as Financial Assets
The Residency Malta Agency maintains strict definitions of acceptable financial assets. Acceptable liquid financial assets include bank deposits and savings accounts, publicly traded stocks and shares, bonds, mutual funds, and investment funds listed on regulated exchanges.
Critically, certain asset types are explicitly excluded. Cryptocurrency and virtual currencies are not permitted, regardless of their market value or volatility. Cash holdings even substantial sums do not qualify as financial assets unless held in bank accounts with proper documentation.
The remaining capital portion whether €350,000 or €575,000, depending on the option chose can be sourced from several asset categories. Real estate located anywhere, represents the most common non-financial asset in our client base. Properties you own outright, valued through independent architect’s valuation reports, count fully toward your capital requirement. This includes your primary residence, investment properties, or inherited real estate.
Business ownership is another acceptable asset category. Shares in companies the applicant owns either partially or entirely—are valued based on official company registries and audited financial statements. The agency requires additional documentation if your shareholding exceeds 10% in a publicly listed company, so transparency is essential during this stage.
Documentation and Verification Process
Simply declaring your capital is insufficient. The agency requires documented proof through Form MPRP2, known as the Statement of Source of Funds and Wealth. This form demands comprehensive evidence of your asset holdings.
For financial assets, you’ll provide three-month bank statements from your primary account, brokerage statements detailing your securities holdings, fund statements, and investment account records. These documents must clearly demonstrate current balances and ownership. For real estate, the agency requires property deeds or ownership certificates, architect’s valuation reports (particularly if the property was purchased before 2015), and utility bills dated within the last six months confirming your connection to the property address.
Business ownership documentation is equally rigorous. The agency prefers an official extract from the relevant national company registry, which should contain all pertinent details including incorporation information, shareholder lists, registered capital, paid capital, and directorships. If such an official extract isn’t available, you’ll provide certified true copies of the certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, share register, and register of directors.
The 5-Year Monitoring Requirement
The agency monitors this ‘minimum wealth test’ annually for the first 5 years through Form MPRP5 (Official Compliance Form). Each year, the applicant must still maintain the required capital either through updated bank statements, property valuations, or business documentation. What This Means is that the applicant must maintain the minimum threshold throughout the 5-year period.
Using a Benefactor or a Sponsor
If the applicant does not personally have €500,000 or €650,000, a benefactor or a sponsor can help. However, the rules are strict.
A benefactor is someone who:
- Legally transfers funds to you (via deed of gift or bank transfer)
- Undergoes full due diligence screening
- Provides documentation proving their source of funds
Our Malta Permanent Residence Services
At ACC, we work closely with clients to evidence their capital and wealth within the agency’s requirements. If your wealth is distributed across multiple jurisdictions or currencies, we coordinate documentation and translations to satisfy the agency’s verification standards.
We also liaise with your tax advisors and legal representatives to ensure your capital structure reflects your broader wealth management strategy, not just the MPRP requirements.
It is important to also note that the capital requirement is separate from your total investment in the programme since the applicant must also also need funds for the government fees (€97,000+), property acquisition or rental (€375,000+ or €14,000 annually) and health insurance.
ACC is a licensed Maltese immigration firm (Licence No. AKM-ACCA) specialising in the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. For over 20 years, our team has assisted hundreds of high-net-worth individuals and families seeking to secure permanent residence in Malta through investment.
Our Malta Permanent Residence Programme specialists provide comprehensive guidance throughout the entire application process, from initial eligibility assessments and due diligence preparation to property selection and submission of the residence application. We advise clients on the legal, tax, and practical aspects of relocating to Malta, ensuring a smooth transition for applicants and their families.
In addition to managing the MPRP application process, we offer tailored relocation support, including assistance with accommodation, healthcare, insurance, education, and settling into life in Malta. Our experienced team will guide you through the programme requirements, expected timelines, and ongoing obligations, providing clear and professional advice at every stage of your journey to obtaining Maltese permanent residence.
