Malta Golden Visa 2025 Requirements How to Apply August Update

Launched in 2021, the Malta Golden Visa replaced the older MRVP and has welcomed thousands of investors. In 2025, the program comes with higher fees and stricter checks, effective from January 1, as announced by the Residency Malta Agency. Despite the end of Malta’s citizenship-by-investment program in April 2025 due to an EU ruling, the Golden Visa for residency is stronger than ever. A new digital application system has cut processing times, and you can include up to four generations in one application!

Investment Options

• Property Purchase: Buy a property worth €375,000 in Malta or €300,000 in South Malta/Gozo, held for 5 years.
• Property Rental: Rent a property for €14,000/year in Malta or €10,000/year in South Malta/Gozo, also for 5 years.
• Government Contribution: Pay €37,000 if buying property or €60,000 if renting.
• Charity Donation: Donate €2,000 to a Maltese NGO focused on culture, sports, or community welfare.

Benefits

• Visa-Free Travel: Move freely across 29 Schengen countries (like France, Germany, Italy) for up to 90 days in 180 days, no ETIAS or EES checks needed.
• Permanent Residency: Live, work, and study in Malta forever, with no minimum stay requirement.
• Family Inclusion: Include your spouse, kids under 18, dependent adult children (18–28, unmarried), and parents/grandparents in one application.
• Tax Benefits: Malta’s remittance-based tax system means no tax on foreign income not brought to Malta, plus no inheritance tax.
• Business Opportunities: Start a business in Malta’s growing economy, ideal for Pakistani entrepreneurs in tech or tourism.
• Path to Citizenship: After five years of residency, apply for Maltese citizenship, granting an EU passport with visa-free access to 190 countries.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Malta Golden Visa 2025, you must meet these requirements:

• Citizenship: Be a non-EU citizen (Pakistanis are eligible).
• Age: At least 18 years old.
• Financial Status: Have capital assets of €500,000, including €150,000 in financial assets (like bank savings or stocks), or €650,000 total with €75,000 in financial assets.
• Clean Record: No criminal history or ties to sanctioned countries (e.g., Afghanistan, North Korea).
• Health Insurance: Hold insurance covering all risks in Malta and Europe.

Requirements and Documents

Here’s what you need to apply:

• Valid Passport: Valid for at least 6 months for you and all family members.
• Proof of Assets: Bank statements or investment records showing €500,000+ in capital.
• Criminal Record: Certified clean record from Pakistan (cost: $20–$50).
• Health Insurance: Coverage for Malta and Schengen countries ($500–$1,000/year).
• Proof of Address: Utility bill or rental agreement from Pakistan.
• Investment Proof: Property purchase/rental agreement or bank transfer for government contribution.
• Translated Documents: All documents translated into English and notarized ($50–$100 each).
• Administrative Fee: €60,000, paid in two parts (€10,000 at application, €50,000 after approval).

How to Apply: Easy Steps

1. Pick Your Investment: Choose property purchase (€300,000–€375,000), rental (€10,000–€14,000/year), or a mix with government and charity contributions. Work with firms like CSB Group for trusted options.
2. Get a Bank Account: Open a Maltese bank account remotely (takes 2–3 days, $50–$100).
3. Prepare Documents: Collect passport, criminal record, insurance, and investment proof. Get them translated and certified.
4. Submit Application: Use the Residency Malta Agency’s portal at www.residencymalta.gov.mt. Pay the initial €10,000 fee.
5. Biometric Visit: Travel to Malta within 12 months for fingerprints and photos. You can book a slot online.
6. Receive Residency: Get your permanent residence card in 4–8 months, valid for life if you maintain a Maltese address.

Challenges to Watch

• Higher Fees: 2025 brings a €23,000–€30,000 increase in government contributions, so apply by December 2024 to lock in lower costs.
• Processing Delays: Despite improvements, some applications take 8 months due to strict due diligence checks.
• Property Commitment: You must hold the property (bought or rented) for 5 years, or maintain a Maltese address afterward.
• No Direct Citizenship: The citizenship-by-investment program ended in April 2025, so you’ll need five years of residency for citizenship.

Tips for Success

• Apply Early: Submit by December 2024 to avoid higher 2025 fees. Contact firms like Henley & Partners for help.
• Choose Wisely: Renting (€10,000/year) is cheaper upfront but ongoing; buying (€300,000+) builds wealth.
• Stay Informed: Check www.residencymalta.gov.mt for updates and deadlines.
• Budget Extra: Save $5,000–$8,000 for legal fees, translations, and travel to Malta.
• Share the Opportunity: Spread this news on WhatsApp to help friends and family plan their European future.

What’s Next?

The Malta Golden Visa is booming, with 3,000 new approvals in 2024, up 60% from 2023. Pakistanis can enjoy Malta’s safe streets, top schools, and sunny beaches while building a future in Europe. The Residency Malta Agency’s new digital tools promise approvals as fast as 4 months by 2026.