The Malta Golden Visa (Malta Permanent Residence Programme) is the most attractive option for high net worth individuals from India looking to obtain security in Europe. As we move into 2026, the Malta Golden Visa program provides families with an excellent way to obtain permanent residency in an English-speaking economic power house (the EU) that has excellent safety standards.
Here’s everything that you need to know about the Malta Golden Visa, including the current investment thresholds and processing times for 2026, along with additional benefits for Indian investors.
What is the Malta Golden Visa?
The Malta Golden Visa is an investment-based residency program that operates as an alternative to traditional forms of residency for people living outside of Europe, including non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Unlike most other European residency programs that require an individual to reside in the country in order to be eligible for residency, MPRP has no minimum residency requirements. Therefore, MPRP is an ideal option for many Indian nationals seeking to support and grow their businesses in India while still maintaining a European residency status.
The MPRP allows successful applicants to obtain a Malta residency permit based on their investment in the country and gives access to visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days every 180 days. The MPRP also allows for the inclusion of up to four generations of family members in a single application. This means that the main applicant, their spouse and children, and the applicant’s parents and grandparents may all be included in one application for MPRP.
Key Benefits of the Malta Golden Visa Program
Becoming a Malta Residence by Investment affords you many advantages in the area of Lifestyle & Business; including:
Schengen Mobility – Travel across 29 Schengen Zone Member Countries (for example, France, Germany & Switzerland) with no visa required.
Safety & Stability – As one of the safest countries in the world with political stability, Malta is an ideal place to live.
English Friendly Environment – English remains an official language; therefore, this will help you avoid some of the language barriers that can exist in some EU countries.
Family Security – As long as you meet the requirements of the programme, you will have your Permanent Residence granted for life.
Education – There are excellent British Curriculum Schools and the University of Malta available to you.
Eligibility Requirements for 2026
To qualify for the Malta Golden Visa, the main applicant must be at least 18 years of age and a third-country national. You must demonstrate that you are a “fit and proper” person with a clean criminal record and pass a rigorous four-tier due diligence process.
Financially, you must prove you have sufficient capital assets. The 2026 requirements mandate:
Total Assets: A minimum of €500,000.
Liquid Financial Assets: Out of the total €500,000, at least €150,000 must be in liquid financial assets (stocks, bonds, deposits).
Alternatively, you can show €650,000 in total assets with €75,000 in financial assets.
Malta Golden Visa Cost & Investment Options for 2026
The Malta Golden Visa cost structure was updated recently to streamline the process. As of 2026, the distinction between “North” and “South” property prices has been removed, and a unified threshold applies nationwide.
To obtain the Malta residence permit by investment, you must fulfill ALL of the following financial requirements:
Government Administrative Fee: A non-refundable fee of €40,000.
Government Contribution:
€28,000 if purchasing a property.
€58,000 if renting a property.
Property Investment (Must be held for 5 years):
Purchase: Buy a residential property anywhere in Malta for a minimum of €350,000 (or €300,000 in the South of Malta/Gozo).
Rent: Lease a residential property for a minimum of €12,000 per annum (or €10,000 in the South of Malta/Gozo).
Charitable Donation: A donation of €2,000 to a registered Maltese NGO.
Application Process & Timeline
The Malta Golden Visa processing time is generally efficient compared to other EU nations. The entire process from submission to receiving your residence card typically takes 4 to 6 months.
Registration: Signing of a power of attorney with the licensed agent (mandatory).
Application Paperwork: The Licensed Agent will submit your application paperwork along with your initial Government administration fee.
Due Diligence: The residency Malta agency will conduct a comprehensive background check (approximately 3-4 months).
Approval in Principal: You will receive an official letter of Approval once your application has been approved.
Investment Completion: You have up to eight months from the date of your letter of approval to make your balance government contribution, make your donation and purchase or lease your residence.
Biometrics and Residence Card: You will need to travel to Malta for your biometric data collection. Your residence card will be issued to you shortly after.
As of the 2025-2026 cycle, a new Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) has been created to assist individuals in residing in Malta as soon as possible while awaiting their permanent application decision.
Why the Malta Golden Visa is Perfect for Indians
The Malta Golden Visa benefits offer an excellent opportunity for Indian investors as they provide a unique mix of freedom and familiarity.
No language barrier: Many investors find the language barriers encountered in other European destinations (e.g., Portugal and Greece) to be very frustrating. Malta’s use of the English language as its primary official language eliminates this barrier and allows them to conduct their regular daily lives, bank, and do business without any problems.
Connectivity for business: Malta is an international hub for iGaming, Financial Services, and Technology. The country has an excellent connection to the remaining European markets.
Commonwealth Heritage: India and Malta have a long-standing Commonwealth relationship, with many similarities in their respective legal and administrative frameworks.
Global Mobility: Maltese residence through the Malta Golden Visa allows Indian passport holders to experience a new level of global mobility, as they can now travel throughout the Schengen Zone visa-free, a significant enhancement from the strict visa requirements they currently experience.
Start Your Journey to Europe Today
Are you ready to secure your family’s future with a Malta residence permit by investment? Navigating the 2026 regulations requires expert guidance to ensure a smooth and successful application. Contact FRR immigration now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the total Malta Golden Visa cost for a family of four?
A: The cost varies depending on whether you rent or buy property. Roughly, if you choose the rental option, the initial government fees and contributions (excluding rent) total approximately €100,000 – €110,000. If you purchase property, the contribution is lower, but the capital outlay for the real estate is higher.
Q. What is the Malta Golden Visa processing time in 2026?
A: The standard processing time is between 4 to 6 months from the date of submission to the issuance of the residence certificate.
Q. Can I work in Malta with the Golden Visa?
A: The Malta Golden Visa does not automatically grant an employment license. However, permanent residents can apply for a work permit through the normal channels if they wish to be employed in Malta.
Q.Is the Malta Golden Visa permanent?
A: Yes, the residency status is permanent for life, provided you continue to meet the program’s requirements (e.g., maintaining a residential address and health insurance) and renew your residence card every 5 years.
Q. Does the Malta Golden Visa lead to citizenship?
A: The MPRP is a residency program, not a citizenship program. While it is theoretically possible to apply for citizenship after 5 years of residing in Malta, it is not guaranteed and requires meeting strict physical stay and language requirements. Malta has a separate Direct Citizenship by Naturalisation route for Exceptional Services, which has much higher investment thresholds.
