On July 22, 2025, Malta published significant updates to its Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) under Legal Notice 146/2025, marking a strategic shift toward greater accessibility, streamlined residence processing, and increased investment flexibility. These changes are now in effect and apply to all applications submitted on or after January 1, 2025.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments and what they mean for global investors, families, and advisors in the residency-by-investment space.
Immediate Issuance of Temporary Residence Cards
One of the most anticipated updates is the introduction of a 1-year Temporary Residence Permit, issued shortly after the application process begins and following standard background checks. This allows applicants and their dependents to reside legally in Malta while the full application is being processed.
The temporary card:
- Is valid for 12 months
- Is issued once the biometric appointment and initial documents are submitted
- Can be converted into permanent residency upon final approval
- Is revoked within 15 days in case of application rejection
This change reduces administrative uncertainty and enables faster relocation for families and investors, especially those with school-aged children or business timelines.
Expanded Flexibility for Property Ownership and Rental
In a move to increase investment value and reduce friction, Malta has officially amended its MPRP property rules:
1. Property Owners Can Now Rent Out Their Properties
Applicants who choose to purchase real estate as part of the program may now lease out their property for temporary periods, provided they are not residing in Malta at the time. This marks a reversal of the previous restriction on renting qualifying property during the five-year holding period.
2. Subletting Rights for Rental Applicants After 5 Years
For those leasing property under the MPRP, a new provision allows applicants to sublet their rented property after five years, provided the landlord consents and Residency Malta’s guidelines are followed.
Both updates are intended to support applicants who want to optimize property use while maintaining compliance with program regulations.
Revised Fee Structure Effective from January 1, 2025
While the core investment thresholds remain unchanged, several administrative and contribution fees have increased:
- Administrative Fee (non-refundable): €60,000
- Main Applicant Contribution (regardless of rent or purchase): €37,000
- Adult Dependent Fee (excluding spouse): €7,500
- Each Additional Dependent Added Later: €7,500
Notably, this structure removes the pricing distinction between renting and buying — making the contribution amount identical regardless of the real estate path chosen.
These fee changes apply only to applications submitted on or after January 1, 2025. Applications submitted before this date remain governed by the previous structure.
Licensing Authority Now Fully Under Residency Malta
Another institutional change introduced in Legal Notice 146/2025 is the formal transfer of licensing authority to the Residency Malta Agency. Previously issued licenses by Agenzija Komunità Malta under Subsidiary Legislation 188.05 will remain valid until December 31, 2025.
This move streamlines program oversight under a single agency and is expected to enhance service delivery, agent compliance, and brand standardization.
No Official Reduction to €170,000
Contrary to circulating industry rumors, the updated regulations do not include a total cost reduction to €170,000 for families. In fact, the administrative and contribution fees have increased under the 2025 revisions. Any references to significantly lower costs are currently unsubstantiated and not reflected in official legislation.
What This Means for Investors
The 2025 changes reflect Malta’s broader goal of staying competitive in an increasingly regulated European investment migration market. The combination of:
- Immediate legal residency
- Greater property flexibility
- Clearer compliance mechanisms
- Streamlined application procedures
makes the MPRP more appealing to serious investors, particularly those seeking family-friendly EU relocation options or secondary residence as a hedge against geopolitical instability.
However, with higher administrative fees and increased scrutiny on property compliance, applicants and advisors must carefully assess the total cost and long-term obligations under the new framework.
Final Thoughts
Malta’s latest MPRP reforms reaffirm its commitment to maintaining a robust, transparent, and investor-responsive residence program. As other EU nations tighten their golden visa offerings or pause programs altogether, Malta continues to adapt offering both certainty and access in one of the EU’s most stable jurisdictions.
At Outbound Investment, we’ll continue to monitor and analyze every update impacting global investment migration.
Source:
Legal Notice 146/2025: residencymalta.gov.mt
Circular No. RMA 72 – 2025: Residency Malta
