Malta is often the first name on the list for many American families hoping to have a secure future, access global mobility and experience a world-class European lifestyle. With Malta permanent residency programs in place, and Malta being an official English-language country with a stable and controlled economy located in the heart of the EU, it provides a great opportunity for those looking to broaden their horizons. This guide aims to give you an overview of everything you need to know to immigrate to Malta regarding investment amounts, long-term benefits of living in Malta for US, and the program outline for 2026.
Why Malta is Attractive: Benefits and Global Accessibility
Selecting a second home is a key decision which has ramifications for educational, business and financial goals. Malta is a major attraction not only for its beautiful sun-drenched climate and cultural heritage but for the actual benefits it delivers to residents:
Schengen Mobility: Malta’s position as a full member of the European Union (EU) and Schengen Area is potentially its biggest benefit. Once you are granted Malta permanent residency, you and your family can travel visa-free to 29 Schengen countries for 90 days in any 180-day period. This unparalleled freedom will facilitate closer travel for business, entertaining and vacations throughout Europe.
A Secure and Stable Base: The island is politically and economically stable, one of the most secure jurisdictions in the world. The security aspect is a primary concern by families/migrants considering an investment in a European base.
English-Speaking Environment: English is one of two official languages as a Commonwealth country. This makes daily life, functioning in business, and educational integration much easier for American applicants as well as a smooth process for a US citizen to immigrate to Malta.
What You Should Know About the Malta Residence by Investment Program (MPRP)
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is the official route for non-EU investors to gain long-term residency in Malta. Commonly called Malta’s Golden Visa, the MPRP is popular because it provides permanent residency rights effective immediately, and includes long-term certainty for you and your family. The MPRP is the best option for attaining Malta residence from the US.
MPRP Financial Requirements (2026)
In order to qualify for malta permanent residence, an applicant must meet four primary financial requirements:
Administrative Fee: A non-refundable fee of €40,000 is paid upon submission.
Government Contribution (Non-Refundable): This is the main contribution and depends on your property decision:
If you purchase a property: Contribution of €28,000 (after deducting the $€12,000$ initial fee paid with the application).
If you lease a property: Contribution of €58,000 (after deducting the $€12,000$ initial fee paid with the application).
Property Investment (Held for 5 Years): You must commit to either purchasing or leasing a qualifying property for a minimum of five years:
Purchase Option: Minimum value of €350,000 in Malta (or €300,000 in Gozo or the South of Malta).
Lease Option: Minimum annual rent of €12,000 in Malta (or €10,000 in Gozo or the South of Malta).
Philanthropic Donation (Non-Refundable): A minimum donation of €2,000 to a local Maltese Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
Capital Assets: The main applicant must prove they hold capital assets of not less than €500,000, with at least €150,000 of this amount being in liquid financial assets.
Calculating the Cost to Immigrate to Malta
For a typical applicant looking for the minimum entry point, the cost to immigrate to Malta via the MPRP can be clearly quantified using the leasing option.
Note: The cost of the lease (€50,000) is a required expense over five years, while the other costs are non-recoverable contributions/fees.
This streamlined approach minimizes the initial capital outlay compared to the property purchase route, making Malta residence by investment an accessible European option.
Moving to Malta from the USA: Unique Benefits of the Program for American Clients
Why does a US citizen immigrate to Malta? Because Malta offers unique, attractive benefits that make the program a strong alternative to EU Residence programs.
The major financial benefit to immigrate to Malta from the US is based on the bilateral tax agreement the two countries share.
The other major benefits of living in Malta for US citizens is lifestyle in Malta, including travel to and from the US, which are enhanced by the U.S.-Malta Double Taxation Treaty. While US citizens must still file an annual federal tax return on worldwide income (because the US is the only country that bases taxation on citizenship), the treaty and tools like the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) greatly reduce or even eliminate double taxation of US citizen income earned and taxed in Malta.
Malta does not have wealth, inheritance, or estate taxes, making it a great place for US families to time wealth planning across generations, which adds financial security, in addition to travel potential, and English-speaking environment, all of which serve to enhance the overall benefits of moving to Malta as a US citizen. For this reason, obtaining Malta permanent residence is frequently seen as an excellent valuation for American investors.
Choose FRR Immigration to Guarantee Your European Residency
The application procedure for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme is complex and must be submitted via an accredited agent. As your hands-on advisory partner, FRR Immigration is committed to ensuring that your application to Immigrate to Malta is dealt with the utmost detail and professionalism. We take care of the entire process so you may focus on your family’s future. Here is how FRR Immigration simplifies your pathway to Malta permanent residence.
Pre-Due Diligence Review: An initial review of your financial position and your background to confirm that your required €.500,000 in capital assets is documented in order to comply with Residency Malta Agency’s due-diligence four-tier standard.
Financial Optimisation for Investment: We provide clear guidance on the optimal financial route (lease vs. purchase) to minimize the cost to immigrate to Malta while maximizing the program’s benefits for your family composition. We advise on meeting the contribution, donation, and property obligations.
Efficient Compilation of Your Documents: Our technical writing team will carry out the thorough and often lengthy task of compiling, translating, and legalizing all supporting documents while fully complying with Maltese Immigration by-laws for applicants seeking to get Malta residency from the US.
Liaison with the Government: We are your sole liaison while submitting your application and working with the Residency Malta Agency, following up on your application, and responding to any questions once the agency starts taking decisions.
Post-Approval Compliance and Issuance of the Card: After the Letter of Approval in Principle is granted, we will walk you through the next steps to comply with the laws to conclude your transaction, and make your travel arrangements for the biometric capture, which is a final step to to issue the Malta Permanent Residence Cards.
Ready to secure your lifelong access to Europe?
Contact FRR Immigration today for a confidential consultation to begin your Malta residence by investment application and start planning your future as an EU resident.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long will it take to process my application to immigrate to Malta?
A: The MPRP process, from submission to the Letter of Approval in Principle, generally takes 4 to 6 months. Following approval, you have an 8-month period to fulfill the investment requirements.
Q2: Can my adult children and parents be included in the Malta permanent residence application?
A: Yes, the MPRP is family-friendly. You can include your spouse, unmarried children up to age 29, and financially dependent parents and grandparents of both the main applicant and the spouse.
Q3: Do I need to live in Malta to keep my Malta residence by investment status?
A: No, the MPRP does not require you to have a minimum stay in Malta. You only need to visit for administrative purposes, such as biometric capture and maintaining your qualifying property for five years.
Q4: Is the cost to immigrate to Malta significantly different for US citizens?
A: The required investment amounts and contributions are the same for all non-EU nationals. However, the special tax arrangement in place means the overall financial benefits of living in Malta for US citizens are exceptionally strong due to reduced risk of double taxation.
Q5: Can I work in other EU countries after getting Malta permanent residence?
A: The MPRP grants the right to live, settle, and stay indefinitely in Malta. While you have the right to travel across the Schengen Area, the right to work in other EU countries is generally subject to the work permit rules of that specific member state.
