An informational review of the current merit-based naturalisation framework.
Route map, corporate transfers, talent and founder routes, family, compliance, timelines and a mobility capital analysis, in one guide with official sources.
Each service area leads to its own programme selection and detailed guidance.
Malta’s merit-based naturalisation provisions concern exceptional service or contribution. Community Malta Agency states that this is not an investment programme or an alternative citizenship-by-investment pathway, and does not permit marketing the legislation.
Explore WG Private ↗Programme guides with eligibility, evidence, steps and a mobility capital analysis.
Explore WG Signature ↗A neutral explanation of Malta’s discretionary naturalisation provisions for exceptional service, contribution or national interest. This is not an investment package, a continuation of the former citizenship-by-investment scheme, or a promise that a payment will secure citizenship.
Information only · discretionary naturalisationRead the legal overviewThe Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) grants third-country nationals and their qualifying dependants the right to reside permanently in Malta on satisfying a non-refundable administrative fee, a contribution, a qualifying property held for five years, a charitable donation and an asset test, after multi-tier due diligence by the Residency Malta Agency. The programme confers residence, with Schengen travel of 90 days in any 180, and is expressly distinct from citizenship. Figures below are those published by the Agency following Legal Notices 310 of 2024 and 146 of 2025.
Established permanent-residence programme for third-country nationalsRequirements, process & FAQsThe Nomad Residence Permit allows a third-country national who works remotely for an employer, company or clients established outside Malta to live in Malta for a year at a time, renewable at the Agency's discretion to a maximum of four years. The income threshold is €42,000 gross a year. Income from the authorised remote work is taxed at 10 per cent under the Nomad Residence Permits (Income Tax) Rules, with the first 12 months exempt where presence in Malta remains casual. The permit does not lead to permanent residence or citizenship and does not permit work for Maltese entities.
Established temporary residence permit; no settlement routeRequirements, process & FAQsThe Startup Residence Programme, administered jointly by the Residency Malta Agency and Malta Enterprise, grants residence to third-country founders and co-founders of a start-up whose business plan Malta Enterprise has approved, and to core employees essential to its launch. Founders receive a three-year permit extendable for a further five years; core employees three years extendable for three. The start-up must be young, innovative and incorporated in Malta, with at least €25,000 of tangible investment or paid-up share capital, and founders are expected to live and pay tax in Malta.
Established residence programme for approved start-upsRequirements, process & FAQsThe Global Residence Programme (GRP, for third-country nationals) and The Residence Programme (TRP, for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals) are rules made under the Income Tax Act that grant a special tax status: foreign-source income received in Malta is taxed at 15 per cent, with a minimum tax of €15,000 a year, provided the beneficiary holds a qualifying property and meets continuing conditions. Neither programme is an immigration permit. A third-country national with GRP status still needs a residence permit from Identità, and the tax status ceases if the person spends more than 183 days in any other single jurisdiction in a calendar year.
Established special tax status; immigration permission is separateRequirements, process & FAQs