Malta Residency Permit
Why Malta
Malta offers a relaxing climate, a safe environment, and an English-speaking population, as well as a range of benefits to individuals seeking to acquire residence on the island, given its beneficial tax regime and competitive cost of living. Any EU/EEA or third-country national who resides in Malta for more than three months has to acquire a permit from the local authorities which are granted on the basis of meeting certain requirements.
A key attraction for non-EU nationals is Malta is part of the Schengen Zone. This means that non-EU citizens, upon becoming Malta residents, will obtain a Residence Permit enabling them to travel throughout the Schengen Zone without the requirement of a visa for at least three months.
Eligibility for Ordinary Residence in Malta for EU/EEA Nationals
- Individuals need to show that they are economically self-sufficient and that they can provide for themselves and for their accompanying dependants without the need for any financial support from the Maltese government;
- Evidence of a physical address by purchasing or renting a property in Malta. This needs to be available at the time of filing the application. There is no minimum value property requirement;
- Individuals need to be in possession of a valid health care plan;
- An applicant must have physically lived in Malta for at least 3 months. He/she is obliged to apply for an e-Residence card with the Department for Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs.
Eligibility for Ordinary Residence in Malta for Third Country Nationals
- Financial independence and evidence of a physical address (same criteria as for EU/EEA nationals);
- Employment, Self-Employment or holding a company in Malta;
- In case of employment an employment licence is required in order for non-EU/EEA nationals to work in Malta;
- In the case of Self-Employment, a third-country national must meet one or more of the following requirements:
- Be the sole representative of an overseas company (with a solid reputation and established for at least three years abroad) wishing to open a branch in Malta;
- An investment in Malta capital expenditure of at least €500,000. The capital expenditure shall solely consist of fixed assets (such as immovable property, plant, and machinery) used for business purposes as reflected in the business plan submitted with the application. Rental contracts do not qualify;
- Be a person leading a project that has been formally approved by Malta Enterprise.
How Zeta Can Help
- Assistance with completing the necessary application documentation;
- Accompanying applicants to all meeting with the local authorities;
- Finding suitable accommodation that meets the requirements for the application;
- Finding a suitable health care plan that meets the requirements for the application.