Why Malta’s Golden Visa is gaining traction as a gateway to Europe

What’s the lure of Malta’s visa program?

The MPRP is appealing to applicants for several key reasons. First, it offers EU residency as Malta is a member state, granting residents the ability to travel freely across the Schengen Area, which includes 27 European countries.

According to Rohit Bhardwaj, Country Head – India, Henley & Partners, Malta is strategically located in the centre of the Mediterranean, making it the hidden jewel of the Mediterranean, best known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and beaches.

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The MPRP offers permanent residence with the possibility of naturalisation after five years. It is a clearly structured residency-by-investment programme based on investments in property and government contributions.

Further, Malta is a former British colony that gained independence in 1964 and became a member of the Commonwealth, maintaining a special relationship with the UK, including cultural, legal, and economic ties.

“Many UK businesses have relocated to Malta, particularly after Brexit, seeking access to the EU market and a business-friendly environment. Malta's strong financial services sector, i-gaming industry, and lower cost of living compared to the UK also contribute to its appeal,” Bhardwaj said.

The MPRP also has a low physical presence requirement, allowing applicants to maintain residency with only a minimal amount of time spent in Malta each year, providing flexibility for those with global commitments. The program is particularly attractive to families as it permits applicants to include their spouse, children, and dependent parents or grandparents.

What do Indian investors typically look for in Malta?

“MPRP is highly popular among Indian nationals due to its numerous advantages for those seeking EU residency. As an EU member state, Malta grants Schengen Area access, allowing visa-free travel across 27 European countries, which is beneficial for both business and leisure,” said Gaurav Nalawade, Country-Head at RIF Trust.

The benefits of the country’s golden visa program include a favourable tax structure, investment opportunities, stability and security, a high quality of life, an English-speaking environment and a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.

What are the eligibility criteria and requirements?

The main applicant must be at least 18 years of age to qualify and must provide an affidavit declaring that from the date of the application they have in their possession capital of no less than EUR 500,000 (EUR 150,000 of which should be in financial assets). EUR 500,000 is about Rs 4.7 crore.

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For a single applicant application, the following requirements must be met to qualify for the program:

1. A property purchase of EUR 375,000 or a property lease of EUR 14,000 per annum plus lease related costs (which include property search, security deposit, property management & other charges, etc).

2. A non-refundable contribution of EUR 60,000 to the Maltese economy if the property is leased.

3. A donation of EUR 2,000 to a non-governmental organisation.

4. A non-refundable administration fee of EUR 50,000.

How does Malta’s visa compare to other European countries?

Many countries in the European Union bloc offer golden visas, including Portugal, Greece, and Spain. The visas differ in terms of investment requirements and the nature of investment.

Malta's minimum investment is lower than that of Spain but slightly higher than Greece and Portugal. However, it offers more investment flexibility.

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Malta and Greece have no mandatory stay requirement, making them attractive for busy investors. Spain requires a longer stay.

The affordable investment requirements—which include real estate investment, government contributions, and charitable donations—make the program more cost-effective compared to other European residency options.

What is the taxation structure of Malta’s golden visa?

“Malta also offers a favourable tax environment, including a flat 15 percent tax rate on foreign income, which is attractive for investors. Furthermore, Malta has several double taxation treaties, which helps Indian nationals avoid double taxation, making it a tax-efficient choice,” said RIF Trust’s Nalawade.

While there are many positives to Malta’s visa program, keep in mind that unlike other EU programs that allow full real estate or business investment, Malta requires a non-refundable donation to the government. Further, investors must rent or buy property, but Malta’s real estate prices are high and rising.

Malta is ideal for wealthy investors seeking immediate permanent residency, no mandatory stay obligations, and tax benefits.

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