Malta’s Golden Visa, officially referred to as Malta’s Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP), is built around three pillars: a qualifying real estate investment, a government contribution, and a charitable donation. Of these, the real estate component is often the most strategically important — it determines both the financial scale of the application and the investor’s long-term footprint in Malta.

Two Real Estate Options
1. Property Purchase

• Minimum acquisition value: €375,000 anywhere in Malta or Gozo.
• The property must be acquired within 8 months of receiving the Letter of Approval in Principle.
• Owners may lease the property to third parties when not residing in Malta, within limits set by the Residency Malta Agency.

2. Property Rental

• Minimum annual rent: €14,000 anywhere in Malta.
• Subletting is not permitted during the first 5 years; after that, subletting becomes possible subject to the landlord’s consent.

The Five-Year Holding Rule

Whichever route is chosen, the qualifying property must be retained for at least 5 years. During this period:
• The property must remain at the disposal of the main applicant and registered dependants.
• An applicant who rents may switch to a purchased property, but the reverse is not allowed — an applicant who purchases cannot downgrade to a rental within the initial 5-year window.
• Compliance is monitored annually, with the applicant submitting an Official Compliance Form through their licensed agent.

After Year Five

Once the 5-year period elapses, the minimum value and rent thresholds no longer apply — but the applicant must continue to hold a residential address in Malta to keep the residence card. The property may be downsized, sold, or replaced, provided continuity of residence is preserved.

Related Costs to Factor In

The real estate investment is only one element of the total financial commitment. Applicants should also budget for:

• Government administration fee: €60,000 per family (€15,000 within one month of submission; the balance of €45,000 within two months of approval).
• Government contribution: €37,000, payable within 8 months of the Letter of Approval — regardless of whether the property is purchased or rented.
• NGO donation: €2,000 to a registered Maltese non-governmental organisation.
• Dependant fee: €7,500 per adult dependant (excluding spouse and minor or disabled children).
• Standard transaction costs on a purchase (stamp duty, notary fees, agency commission)

Other Considerations

For Turkish investors weighing the two routes, the choice usually turns on capital deployment versus long-term commitment. Renting requires significantly lower upfront capital and offers flexibility for those uncertain about a permanent move. Purchasing, by contrast, locks in a tangible Maltese asset that may appreciate, can generate rental income while the investor is absent from the island, and — after the initial 5 years — can be repositioned within a broader investment portfolio.

Contact us for more information.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.