Malta MPRP 2025 Changes: Streamlined Residency Costs, Faster Residence Permits, and Greater Rental Flexibility
July 31, 2025 · Malta · 15 min read
After Malta officially ended its citizenship by investment program, the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) has become the main option for international investors who want to settle in this Mediterranean country. On July 22, 2025, the Government of Malta announced a set of important changes to the program. These Malta MPRP 2025 changes include a temporary residence card issued as soon as an application is filed, greater flexibility to rent out property, and reduced fees for dependents.
The changes are designed to make the program more attractive and more accessible to international investors, particularly families seeking long-term stability in Europe. The new rules not only shorten waiting times but also improve cost efficiency and may generate rental income from an early stage of the investment. The move is seen as a strategic shift that makes Malta a highly competitive residency destination at a time when other European countries are tightening their Golden Visa rules.
MPRP temporary residence permit available from the filing stage
One of the most significant changes is that applicants can now apply for a temporary residence permit valid for 1 year (renewable) once they have submitted a complete application and paid the initial administrative fee of €15,000 (approximately US$17,000). This temporary permit allows investors to settle in Malta early while their main application is under review.
Applications are prepared and filed through licensed agents, who receive the documents and submit the complete application to the Residency Malta Agency (RMA), which then reviews and processes the application and issues the residence card.
The new policy responds to growing demand from families who want to settle in Malta sooner, giving them time to explore the education system and choose a property before receiving their permanent residence card. With a temporary residence permit available early in the process, they can begin their new life in Malta without having to wait.
Renting out property after purchase: generating rental income and improving investment efficiency
Applicants who choose the purchase option may now rent out the property from the date of purchase, subject to guidelines issued by the Residency Malta Agency, rather than waiting for a period as before. This brings Malta closer to the Golden Visa programs of Greece and Cyprus, which already allow investors to earn rental income from qualifying property right away.
This flexibility makes the program more attractive to investors, reduces idle holding costs while an application is pending, and lets investors earn rental income as soon as the purchase is complete.
More flexibility for the lease option: sub-leasing allowed after 5 years
For applicants who choose the lease option, the new rules allow the property to be sub-leased after 5 years, provided the sub-tenant is not an MPRP applicant. This creates a way to draw long-term value from the lease and improve the return profile of the lease option.
In addition, the updated rules may allow applicants to take long-term leases on properties that owners currently let as short-term rentals, further widening the choice in the rental market.
Revised government fees make Malta more competitive with other EU programs
The Government of Malta has revised the MPRP fee schedule, particularly for the lease option. The key changes are:
- Unified contribution: The contribution is now set at €37,000 for both the purchase and lease options. Previously, applicants who leased paid as much as €60,000, while those who purchased paid €30,000. Investors who choose to lease therefore save €23,000 compared with the previous contribution.
- Lower costs for dependents: Malta has also fully waived the €10,000 in fees and contributions previously payable for each accompanying spouse and minor child. For adult dependents (aged 18 and over), the fee has been reduced from €10,000 to €7,500. This significantly lowers the overall cost for families applying to the program.
Administrative fee update: The administrative fee is now set at €60,000, payable in two installments:
- €15,000 upon filing
- €45,000 after the Letter of Approval in Principle is issued
New fee schedule under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
Fee
Previous amount
New amount
Fees and contribution per accompanying spouse or minor child
€10,000
Waived
Fee per adult dependent (other than a spouse)
€10,000
€7,500
Fee per additional dependent added after the permanent residence certificate is issued
€7,500
€7,500
Administrative fee
€50,000
€60,000
Government contribution, for both the purchase and lease options
- €60,000 (lease)
- €30,000 (purchase)
€37,000
(applies to both lease and purchase)
With these changes, the total cost for a family to obtain permanent residence in Malta is around €100,000 (approximately US$112,000), excluding the cost of leasing or purchasing property.
The government expects the changes to encourage more families to invest in Malta, settle their children there, and build a long-term foundation in education, property, and residence.
Key benefits of Malta permanent residence
With a Malta permanent residence card, you and your family gain the following key benefits:
- Permanent residence in Malta. The residence card is valid for 5 years and is renewable every 5 years. There is no minimum stay requirement for you or your family to maintain permanent residence.
- Visa-free travel across the 29 countries of the Schengen Area (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
- The freedom to live, study, and work in Malta, with access to healthcare and quality education built to European standards. Malta’s education system follows the British model, is recognized worldwide, and comes at a reasonable cost, while its modern healthcare system, built to European standards, is free of charge for citizens and permanent residents.
- Up to 4 generations of your family can be included in one application: grandparents, parents on both sides of the family, your spouse, and your children.
- No upper age limit for accompanying children, provided they are unmarried and financially dependent.
- No minimum stay requirement.
- No upper age limit, and no education, work experience, or English language requirements for the main applicant.
- Processing typically takes around 8–10 months.
- You make the investment only after your application receives approval in principle.
IMM Group: a strategic partner for your long-term residency journey
The global investment migration landscape is constantly shifting and increasingly complex. Investors need an advisory partner who not only helps them build a strong application but also gives their family peace of mind about the future. For the Malta Permanent Residence Programme and all of our global investment migration solutions, IMM Group stands out as a strategic advisory partner, supporting you with experience and integrity.
As a pioneering, long-established firm with more than 21 years of hands-on experience in Vietnam, IMM Group is not a sales agent, and we do more than advise: we design global investment migration solutions built on:
- Rigorous due diligence and risk management: Our experience successfully handling hundreds of cases, including complex ones, enables us to conduct multi-layered project due diligence and protect investors’ interests rigorously, even during market crises.
- In-depth professional consulting and full transparency: Every IMM Group advisor and case manager is certified in investment migration advisory by the Investment Migration Council (IMC). Our team analyzes benefits and risks in full, so you can make decisions based on complete and accurate information. We put our clients’ long-term interests first.
- Integrity and commitment every step of the way: Guided by our philosophy, “Serving with Authentic Values,” IMM Group stays with you from the first step until you have settled in your new country. Integrity is our foundation, reflected in our readiness to stand up for clients’ interests and to proactively refund service fees when risks beyond the client’s control arise, as set out in the contract.
- Receiving and giving back: Since 2025, IMM Group has operated as a nonprofit enterprise, committing at least 50% of its annual profits to the Be Better Fund. By choosing IMM Group, you also help hundreds of students facing exceptional hardship gain a chance to change their lives.
If you are considering the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, contact IMM Group or leave your details below. Our experienced advisors will provide detailed guidance and help assess whether your case meets the program requirements. We will keep your personal data confidential and use the information you provide only to advise on your family’s case.
IMM Group
- Tags:
- Malta residency by investment
- permanent residence by investment
- European permanent residence
- Malta permanent residence
Was this article helpful?
