Malta: citizenship, residence and tax status, explained honestly
Malta closed citizenship by investment on 24 July 2025. What remains are permanent residence, a nomad permit and a tax regime, which are easy to confuse. This guide separates them, with costs, family rules and sources for every figure.
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Malta in 2026: Citizenship, Permanent Residence, Nomad Visa and Tax Residency. The Complete Guide
What still works in Malta in 2026: the closed citizenship by investment scheme, MPRP permanent residence from €375,000, the Nomad Residence Permit at €42,000 a year and the GRP tax status at 15%.
Malta Citizenship by Investment Is Closed: What Happened and Which Routes Remain
Why Malta ended citizenship by investment on 24 July 2025, what the EU Court said in Case C-181/23, what happens to earlier files, and the routes that remain: naturalisation, descent, marriage and dual citizenship.
Malta Permanent Residence (MPRP) in 2026: Cost, Property, Family and Process
How the Malta Permanent Residence Programme works in 2026: purchase from €375,000 or rent from €14,000 a year, the €37,000 contribution, €60,000 fee, asset test, family members, due diligence and a 6 to 8 month timeline.
Malta Nomad Residence Permit 2026: €42,000 Income, Family and Extensions
Requirements for Malta's Nomad Residence Permit in 2026: €42,000 gross income a year, three employment categories, insurance and housing, family members, four years in total and five months of presence for extensions.
Malta Tax Residency Under the GRP: 15% on Remitted Income and the €15,000 Minimum
How Malta's Global Residence Programme works in 2026: 15% on foreign income remitted to Malta, a €15,000 minimum tax, housing from €8,750 or €220,000, the 183-day rule, family and when the regime does not pay off.
The Maltese Passport in 2026: Visa-Free Countries and EU Rights
What a Maltese passport gives in 2026: EU citizenship and free movement, rank 7 of 199 in the BRIDGES Passport Index with 184 destinations without a prior visa, and where a visa is still needed.
The four statuses at a glance
| What it gives | Entry point | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citizenship by investment | closed | none | ended 24 July 2025 |
| MPRP | permanent residence | property €375,000 or rent €14,000 a year | plus contribution and fees |
| Nomad permit | residence up to 4 years | income €42,000 a year | no path to PR |
| GRP | 15% tax regime | minimum tax €15,000 a year | non-EU nationals |
Compiled from the BRIDGES MPRP page, the nomad page, the GRP page and Case C-181/23, checked 31 October 2026. See the complete guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still get Maltese citizenship by investment?
No. The scheme ended on 24 July 2025 and new applications are not accepted.
What is the cheapest residence route?
For remote workers, the Nomad Residence Permit with €42,000 of yearly income. For a permanent status, the MPRP with a lease from €14,000 a year plus fees.
Can parents join the MPRP?
Yes, parents and grandparents of both spouses if they are dependent.
Is the GRP worth it?
Only with a substantial foreign income: the minimum tax is €15,000 a year.
Does Malta allow dual citizenship?
Yes, since 2000.