Why are foreign citizens attracted to the prospect of taking up residency in Malta?

There is a demand among high-net-worth third-country nationals for a second residency in a safe and stable jurisdiction that offers them and their families a comfortable lifestyle with access to good educational opportunities and reputable healthcare. Malta ticks these boxes and more, providing new residents with the opportunity to offer their children a better quality of life.

Second residencies are also considered as a ‘Plan B’ – a form of insurance they can rely on if their home country faces geopolitical strife or an economic downturn. Once again, Malta stands out among competitor countries offering similar residency programmes, boasting a safe, family-friendly and English-speaking society.

What are the top questions applicants ask about Residency Malta’s programmes?

Prospective clients typically inquire about the reputation of our programme, the value it will bring them and the level of service they can expect. However, the most common questions focus on the educational opportunities that Malta offers and the quality of its healthcare. Since the pandemic, healthcare has become even more important to almost every individual seeking residency abroad. Malta’s appeal as a jurisdiction remains the major draw, rather than the specific programmes themselves.

“The most common questions from applicants focus on the educational opportunities that Malta offers and the quality of its healthcare.”

Have there been any changes to Residency Malta’s programmes over the last year?

There have been negligible material changes to the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, but the Nomad Residence Permit has undergone more significant updates. Applicants now need to meet new eligibility criteria, primarily a higher annual income threshold. Additionally, permit holders who continue to meet the programme’s requirements can now renew their permits up to three times, allowing for a maximum four-year stay. We’ve also made the entire Nomad Residence Permit application process available online, ensuring a smoother user experience.

What I would like to highlight is what has remained unchanged – our commitment to the highest standards of scrutiny so that only persons of good conduct are granted Maltese residency. We also continue to streamline processes and invest in the technologies and people that help us deliver service excellence.

What one key piece of advice would you give prospective applicants to Malta’s residency programmes?

We advise applicants to submit complete and accurate applications, providing all the information requested with full disclosure. This prevents delays caused by the agency having to request further clarification, making the process smoother for all stakeholders involved.