Malta’s Permanent Residency Programme Revamped: Temporary Residence, Flexible Property Use, and Family-Friendly Costs
On 22 July 2025, Malta announced sweeping reforms to its Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP), streamlining applications and reducing...
A New Chapter for Malta’s MPRP
Malta’s Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP) has long been a preferred pathway for high-net-worth families aiming to combine EU access with a stable, business-friendly environment. On 22 July 2025, through Legal Notice 146/25, the Maltese government introduced reforms that significantly enhance the programme’s flexibility and cost-efficiency.
The changes centre on three pillars: the introduction of a Temporary Residence Card, more adaptable property usage rules, and a revised fee structure favouring multi-generational applications. Together, these updates mark a decisive step in making Malta’s residency route more accessible, practical, and financially appealing.
1. Temporary Residence Card: Enter Malta Before Completing All Steps
Perhaps the most notable reform is the Temporary Residence Card — valid for one year — issued once applicants pass an initial background check.
Previously, entry to Malta was only possible after submitting all required documents and finalising the investment. Now, applicants can enter the country earlier, secure accommodation, and begin settling their families while finalising outstanding requirements.
Key features include:
6-month grace period to provide remaining documents and complete the investment.
Ideal for large families or those juggling cross-border asset transfers.
Preserves legal safeguards: if the full application is later refused, the temporary status automatically expires within 15 days.
This “start now, finalise later” approach addresses the common challenge of tight document deadlines, offering breathing room without compromising regulatory integrity.
2. Flexible Property Usage: Maximising Investment Returns
Real estate is a cornerstone of many MPRP applications, and Malta has responded to market realities by liberalising usage rights.
For property owners: When the property is not occupied by the applicant, it can now be legally rented out on a short-term basis, unlocking a valuable revenue stream.
For renters: After meeting the mandatory five-year minimum lease term and with the landlord’s consent, applicants can sublet the property from year six onwards.
These changes enhance liquidity in the local rental market and allow investors to optimise their holdings without breaching programme requirements. For example, a family purchasing a seaside apartment could now rent it to tourists outside of their visits, offsetting maintenance costs.
3. A Smarter, Family-Friendly Fee Structure
The revised cost model reflects Malta’s pragmatic and family-oriented approach to attracting quality residents.
Administrative fee: €60,000 (unchanged).
Fee for adult dependants (excluding spouses) lowered from €9,000 to €7,500.
Post-approval dependants added later also pay €7,500.
Donation requirement: €37,000, regardless of whether the applicant rents or purchases property.
Exemptions: Spouses, minor children, and financially dependent parents or grandparents are exempt from the €7,500 dependant fee — a significant saving for multi-generational households.
For a three-generation application, these adjustments can result in savings of tens of thousands of euros, making the programme even more competitive compared to similar EU residency schemes.
Why These Reforms Matter
The 2025 MPRP updates send a clear signal: Malta intends to strengthen its role as a gateway to the EU while catering to the real-world needs of global families.
Process: Faster entry, reduced paperwork stress.
Investment returns: Expanded rental options and subletting permissions.
Affordability: Reduced costs for larger family units, aligning with cultural values of intergenerational living.
In a market where other EU countries are tightening entry requirements, Malta’s reforms position it as a flexible, investor-friendly alternative without sacrificing due diligence standards.
Conclusion: A More Accessible Path to EU Residency
Malta’s latest MPRP enhancements are more than administrative tweaks — they reflect a strategic shift towards efficiency, inclusivity, and economic adaptability. For families seeking EU residency without the typical hurdles of long waiting periods, rigid property rules, or prohibitive costs, Malta now offers a more open and practical route.
Whether your goal is educational opportunity, asset diversification, or family security, the reformed MPRP ensures that Malta remains a compelling choice for building a future in Europe’s Mediterranean heart.
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