Malta Upgrades Permanent Residence Programme: More Affordable and Flexible

In July 2025, the Government of Malta issued Subsidiary Legislation L.N. 146/2025,officially amending and upgrading the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), one of the most reputable European residency pathways today.

The new improvements focus on granting a one-year temporary residence card immediately after submitting the application.hi granting a one-year temporary residence card immediately after submitting the application..

These reforms not only help families save significant costsbut also shorten the time for legalizing residency, , simplify legal procedures, and strengthen Malta’s position as a leading residency destination in Europe.

Temporary Residence Card Issued Upon Application Submission

According to the new regulations, the Maltese Government will issue a one-year (renewable) temporary residence card immediately after submission of the application and payment of €15,000 — part of the €60,000 administrative fee under the MPRP (effective from 01/01/2025).

Key Benefits:

• Immediate Residency:Families can relocate to Malta without waiting for official Permanent Residence (PR) approval.
• Family Planning Convenience:Parents can quickly enroll children in schools, choose suitable housing, and settle down.
• Time Savings for Investors:Provides flexibility for urgent relocation or preparation before obtaining PR.

Real Estate Leasing Regulations

1. For Property Buyers:
   • Short-term rentals are allowed immediately after completing the property purchase.
   • This enables investors to generate cash flow promptly, similar to policies in Portugal and Cyprus.
2. For Property Renters:
   • After 5 years of residence, tenants are allowed to sublet the property, provided they do not sublet it to their programme sponsor.
   • The new regulations also allow long-term lease agreements to be used forshort letsmaximizing flexibility and rental value.

Fee Structure Changes – Significant Cost Savings for Families

The Maltese Government has introduced a new fee structure for the MPRP, aimed at optimizing costs for investors, particularly those with multiple dependents.

Impact:

• With the new structure, the total cost for a family of four (couple + 2 children under 18) is around €100.000 (excluding real estate costs).
• This represents a highly competitive investment level compared with other current European residency programmes, especially in terms of residency benefits and maintenance costs.

Streamlined Process – Centralized Management

From 2025, Residency Malta Agency (RMA) will be the sole authority to receive and process all MPRP applications, replacing the previous Agenzija Komunita Malta.

A key improvement is that biometric procedures (fingerprints, photographs, and identity verification) will be carried outat the time of temporary residence application, significantly reducing the approval time for permanent residence cards.

At the same time, the Maltese Government is developing a new legal framework for immigration consultancy licensing, to standardize practices,enhance transparency, and improve service quality for investors.

Why Choose Malta Residency in 2025?

Malta stands out not only for its transparent and stable residency-by-investment policybut also as an ideal destination for long-term living and growth in Europe:

• Official language is English – easy integration, convenient for education and business.
• Mild Mediterranean climate– 300 days of sunshine annually, ideal for families and seniors.
• Stable politics, safety,, and competitive tax system..
• Strong real estate growth:5–7% annual price increase.
• UK-standard education systemwith a wide choice of prestigious international schools.
• High-quality public healthcareand a well-developed social welfare system.
• EU and Schengen membership – freedom to travel, reside, and work in 29 European countries.
  

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