2025 Legal Amendments to Malta Permanent Residence
The Maltese Government has amended the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), marking a strategic shift in the legal and financial framework of Malta’s residence by investment offering.
In a significant regulatory update, the Maltese Government has amended the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) through Legal Notice 146 of 2025, marking a strategic shift in the legal and financial framework of Malta’s residence by investment offering. These changes aim to enhance the programme’s accessibility, reduce costs for families, and align its features more closely with investor expectations.
Introduction of Temporary Residence Status at Application Stage
One of the most impactful amendments is the introduction of an optional temporary, one-year renewable residence card for main applicants and their family members, issued shortly after the submission of a complete application file.
This temporary permit is granted once the initial due diligence checks are completed and an upfront payment of €15,000 is made. It allows applicants to relocate to Malta during the processing phase, offering early access to education and housing opportunities. In the event of a refusal, the temporary permit is revoked within 15 days of the issuance of the refusal notice.
Reformed Financial Structure: Contribution and Fees
Legal Notice 146 of 2025 introduces a unified contribution requirement of €37,000 for the main applicant, irrespective of whether the applicant purchases or leases qualifying property. This change eliminates the previous distinction between rental and purchase options, effectively reducing the financial threshold for many applicants.
The administration fee has been increased to €60,000, now payable in two instalments:
- €15,000 which is to be paid within 1 months from the submission of the application
- €45,000 which is to be paid within 2 months from the issuance of the Letter of Approval in Principle
Family inclusivity has also been improved. Spouses and minor children are no longer subject to additional contribution fees, and the fee for adult dependants (excluding spouses) has been reduced from €10,000 to €7,500. The same fee applies to additional dependants added after the issuance of the Certificate.
These updates result in a significantly lower overall cost for families, particularly those opting for the rental route.
Property Use and Flexibility Provisions
To enhance the investment appeal of the programme, the amended regulations introduce greater flexibility in the use of qualifying property:
- Applicants who purchase property under the programme may lease it out immediately, even during the application process.
- Applicants who rent qualifying property may sublet it after the initial five-year lease period, subject to landlord consent and provided the sub-tenant is not another MPRP applicant.
Licensed agents are required to maintain detailed records of such leasing arrangements. Additionally, the Residency Malta Agency (RMA) has been granted the authority to issue guidelines governing the use of qualifying property while beneficiaries are temporarily abroad.
Shift in Regulatory Oversight of Agents
Legal Notice 146 of 2025 also brings about an institutional change. Licensing responsibility for accredited agents has been transferred from Aġenzija Komunità Malta to the Residency Malta Agency (RMA). This centralisation aims to streamline compliance and oversight.
Existing licences issued under Subsidiary Legislation 188.05 will remain valid until 31 December 2025, after which new licensing requirements, to be issued by the RMA, will take effect.
These 2025 amendments underscore Malta’s continued commitment to offering a structured, credible, and investor-friendly residence programme, while ensuring regulatory integrity and long-term socioeconomic alignment.