AT TACS, we play a crucial role in helping you as individuals find the right residence scheme. We assess your specific circumstances, considering factors like employment, investment, wealth management plans, succession, and retirement goals. Utilizing our experts’ knowledge of immigration laws and policies, we can identify suitable residence schemes that align with the individual’s needs. We can guide you through the application process, ensuring compliance with regulations and maximizing the chances of approval. We stay abreast of evolving residency options, providing up-to-date information and facilitating a smooth transition. Our expertise streamlines the complex process, helping you navigate and secure the most fitting residence scheme for you and your family.
There are several residence schemes, namely:
Malta – Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
The MPRP is a residency-by-investment programme based on investments in property and government contributions. It is designed for non-EU, non-EEA, Non-Swiss nationals who wish to reside in Malta indefinitely.
Here are some key features of the MPRP and associated benefits:
Eligibility: The applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria including a thorough due diligence exercise, which makes Malta a prestigious program.
Access to healthcare: Participants in the MPRP are entitled to access to the Maltese healthcare system.
Right to work: Participants in the MPRP are entitled to work in Malta, subject to obtaining the necessary work permits.
Travel to Europe: The participants enjoy Visa-free travel across Schengen, 90 out of 180 days.
Real Estate: The applicant will be able to penetrate Malta’s affordable real estate market.
Family inclusion: The applicant can include up to four generations in the application.
Application process: To apply for the MPRP, individuals must submit the required documents and application forms to the Maltese authorities. The process typically takes around 4-6 months.
Program and Applicant eligibility requirements
The applicant must be non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss.
The applicant must submit the application from via a Malta licensed agent.
The applicant must be a ‘fit and proper person’ that will undergo a thorough due diligence exercise. He must have a clean criminal record and not hailing from any sanctioned countries.
Property investment and management
Purchase of a property for a minimum value of Eur300,000 in the South of Malta/Gozo or EUR350,000 in the rest of Malta.
Rent of a property for a minimum of Eur10k in the South of Malta/Gozo OR Eur12k in the rest of Malta
The applicant must hold the qualifying property for a minimum period of 5 years.
Financial Resources and Assets
Be in receipt of stable and regular financial resources, sufficient to maintain themselves and their dependants, without recourse to the social assistance system of Malta.
show they have capital assets of not less than €500,000, out of which a minimum of €150,000 must be financial assets.
Government contributions and fees
Pay a non-refundable administrative fee of €40,000.
Pay a government contribution of €28,000 if purchasing a property or €58,000 if leasing a property.
Donate €2,000 to a local philanthropic, cultural, scientific, artistic, sport or animal welfare NGO registered with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations.
Inclusion of family members
If the applicant decides to include the family members in the program, he must pay an additional Eur7,500 for each additional adult dependant (except for the spouse).
The applicant and his or her dependants must be represented by an Authorised Registered Mandatory (ARM), who will advise and process the application for the Relevant Residence Programme chosen. TACS is a fully licenced and authorised agent by the Residency Malta Agency under licence reference AKM-TACS.
The Malta Global Residence programme (GRP)
The Global Residence Programme (GRP) is a residency scheme in Malta that is open to non-EU nationals who wish to reside in Malta and enjoy favourable tax benefits. The programme was designed to attract high net worth individuals, retirees, and international entrepreneurs to Malta.
To be eligible for the Global Residence Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Non-EU national: Applicants must be non-EU nationals who are not already in possession of a Maltese residency permit.
Financial resources: Applicants must have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their dependents without recourse to the Maltese social assistance system.
Property rental or purchase: Applicants must either rent or purchase a qualifying property in Malta. Applicants must either purchase a property in Malta for at least €275,000 (€220,000 in Gozo) or rent a property in Malta for at least €9,600 per year (€8,750 per year if the property is in Gozo or the south of Malta).
Health insurance: Applicants must have valid health insurance coverage in Malta.
Clean criminal record: Applicants and their dependents must provide clean police conduct certificate from their country of origin or residence.
Some of the tax benefits of the GRP include:
Flat tax rate: GRP participants are subject to a flat tax rate of 15% on their foreign source income remitted to Malta, with a minimum tax liability of €15,000 per year. This means that they can benefit from a significantly lower tax rate than the standard personal income tax rates in Malta.
No tax on foreign capital gains: GRP participants are not subject to tax on any foreign capital gains, except for those arising from the sale of immovable property situated in Malta.
No inheritance tax: Malta does not impose inheritance or gift tax, which means that GRP participants can pass on their wealth to their heirs without incurring any tax liability.
No wealth tax: Malta does not impose any wealth tax on assets held outside of Malta.
Double tax treaties: Malta has an extensive network of double taxation treaties, which can help GRP participants to reduce their tax liability on foreign income.
These tax benefits, coupled with Malta’s attractive lifestyle, pleasant climate, and strategic location, make the GRP an appealing option for high-net-worth individuals looking to relocate to a tax-friendly jurisdiction. However, it’s important to note that the GRP is subject to certain conditions and requirements, and participants should seek professional advice to ensure that they comply with the relevant rules and regulations.
The Residence Program (TRP)
This program is suitable for EU and EEA nationals who would like to obtain a residence permit in Malta. The conditions and benefits enjoyed by the TRP reflect the same conditions and the GRP (For non-EU) as detailed in the same section. The TRP provides individuals with a certificate of tax residency in Malta, which can be used to prove their tax residency status to other countries and tax authorities.
Eligibility and Requirements
Eligibility: Clean criminal record, Health Insurance, Fit and proper and be able to support themselves without relying on public funds.
Application process: To apply for the TRP, individuals must submit the required documents and application forms to the Maltese authorities. The process typically takes around 3-4 months.
Property: Applicants must either purchase a property in Malta for at least €275,000 (€220,000 in Gozo) or rent a property in Malta for at least €9,600 per year (€8,750 per year if the property is in Gozo or the south of Malta).
Residence requirements: Must not reside in any other single jurisdiction for a period exceeding 183 days.
An annual tax return is also required to be submitted. This annual declaration indicates any material changes that affect the beneficiary’s special tax status.
Key Benefits
Taxation: Participants in the TRP may be eligible for a flat tax rate of 15% on their foreign source income that is remitted to Malta and may be eligible for a tax exemption on capital gains arising from the sale of qualifying assets, subject to a minimum flat rate of tax of €15,000.
Access to healthcare: Participants in the TRP are entitled to access to the Maltese healthcare system, subject to certain conditions.
Right to work: Participants in the TRP are entitled to work in Malta, subject to obtaining the necessary work permits.
The TRP is not a permanent residency or citizenship programme, and participants are not entitled to reside permanently in Malta or to obtain Maltese citizenship or an EU passport. In the event the beneficiary who was granted special tax status in view of The Malta Residence Scheme were to become a permanent resident, the applicant can no longer benefit from the tax treatment and will be taxable on a worldwide basis.
Difference between the TRP and the Ordinary residence:
Under the ordinary residency, the applicant is taxed on income sourced in Malta and/or remitted into Malta. The applicant would not be taxed on any foreign capital even if remitted or received in Malta. The total taxable income would be taxed at the progressive tax rates in Malta up to a maximum of 35% and subject to an annual minimum tax of €5k per year should the applicants worldwide annual income be greater than €35,000.
Malta – Retirement Programme (MRP)
The Malta Retirement Programme (MRP) is a residency programme that is designed for EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who are 55 years of age or older and who are not in employment in Malta. The programme provides retirees with an opportunity to retire in Malta and enjoy various tax benefits.
Here are some of the key features and benefits of the Malta Retirement Programme:
Tax benefits: Retirees who participate in the MRP are subject to a flat tax rate of 15% on their foreign source income remitted to Malta, with a minimum tax liability of €7,500 per year. Retirees are also exempt from tax on any capital gains arising outside Malta.
Property requirements: Participants in the MRP must either purchase or rent a property in Malta. The property purchase must be of a minimum value of €275,000 or if they choose to rent, they must rent a property for a minimum of €9,600 per year.
Health insurance: Participants in the MRP must have health insurance coverage that is valid in Malta.
Minimum income requirements: Retirees must demonstrate that they have a minimum annual income of €24,000, which can be derived from pensions, annuities, investments, or any other regular income source.
Duration of the programme: The MRP is valid for a period of ten years and can be renewed thereafter, subject to certain conditions and requirements.
The applicant must not become domiciled in Malta and must reside in Malta at least 90 days a year averaged over any five-year period. The applicant must not reside in any other jurisdiction for more than 183 days in a calendar year.
The Malta Retirement Programme is an attractive option for retirees who are looking to spend their golden years in a tax-friendly and picturesque country like Malta. However, it’s important to note that the programme is subject to certain conditions and requirements, and retirees should seek professional advice to ensure that they comply with the relevant rules and regulations.
The applicant and his or her dependants must be represented by an Authorised Registered Mandatory (ARM), who will advise and process the application for the Relevant Residence Programme chosen. TACS is a fully licenced and authorised agent by the Residency Malta Agency under licence reference AKM-TACS.
Malta – Highly Qualified Persons Rules (HQPR)
The Highly Qualified Persons Rules (HQPR) is a tax incentive scheme introduced by the Maltese government to attract highly qualified professionals from EU/EEA to work and reside in Malta. The scheme provides eligible individuals with a beneficial tax rate on their income, making Malta an attractive location for highly skilled workers.
Here are some of the key features of the HQPR:
Eligibility: The HQPR is available to individuals who are employed in a qualifying office or employment in Malta, provided they meet certain qualifications and experience requirements. This includes executives, senior management, and professionals in finance, gaming, aviation, and other sectors.
Tax rate: Eligible individuals who are approved under the HQPR can benefit from a beneficial tax rate of 15% on their income derived in Malta, subject to certain conditions and limitations.
Exemption from tax on foreign income: Eligible individuals who are approved under the HQPR are also exempt from tax on foreign-sourced income, except for income arising from a Maltese source which is not related to their employment in Malta.
Duration of the scheme: The HQPR is valid for a period of five years, renewable for a further five years subject to certain conditions.
Additional benefits: Eligible individuals may also benefit from other incentives, such as a reduced rate of stamp duty on the acquisition of immovable property in Malta, as well as a reduced rate of duty on the importation of personal belongings and household effects.
The HQPR is an attractive scheme for highly skilled professionals looking to work and reside in Malta. However, it’s important to note that the scheme is subject to certain conditions and requirements, and applicants should seek professional advice to ensure that they comply with the relevant rules and regulations.
Malta – Digital Nomad Visa Program
Malta has recently introduced a Digital Nomad Visa program that allows remote workers to live and work in Malta for up to one year. The visa program is aimed at non-EU Nationals and is designed to attract digital nomads and remote workers who can work remotely from anywhere in the world.
To be eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa program in Malta, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Must work remotely for a company or provide freelance services to clients outside of Malta.
Must have a minimum monthly income threshold of €2,700 gross of tax.
Must have a valid health insurance policy that covers them while in Malta.
Must provide a clean criminal record certificate from their country of origin or residence.
Must provide evidence of accommodation in Malta.
Once approved, Digital Nomad Visa holders can live and work in Malta for up to one year. The visa is renewable on an annual basis at the discretion of the Resident Malta Agency. It is important to note that the visa does not provide work authorization in Malta, and visa holders are not allowed to work for companies in Malta. It also provides visa free access to the Schengen area.
Malta – Start-up Residency Program
The start-up residency programme in Malta is an initiative designed at attracting non-EU nationals. The scope of this program is to attract and support innovative start-ups to set up their businesses in Malta. The programme is run by Malta Enterprise, which is the government’s agency responsible for promoting and supporting economic development in the country.
The start-up residency programme offers a range of benefits to qualifying start-ups, including:
Office space: Start-ups are provided with a fully equipped office space in a state-of-the-art business centre.
Legal and administrative support: Start-ups are provided with assistance in setting up their business, obtaining necessary permits and licenses, and navigating the regulatory framework in Malta.
Funding: Start-ups may be eligible for financial support through various grant schemes and other funding opportunities.
Networking and mentorship: Start-ups relate to a network of industry experts and mentors who can provide guidance and support.
Eligibility:
To qualify for the start-up residency programme, start-ups must meet certain criteria, including having a scalable and innovative business idea, a dedicated team, and a solid business plan. They must also be willing to relocate to Malta and commit to establishing their business there.
Overall, the start-up residency programme in Malta provides an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs and start-ups to establish themselves in a thriving business environment and benefit from the support of the Maltese government and business community.
Some of the tax benefits available to start-ups in Malta include:
Reduced corporate tax rate: Start-ups that qualify for the programme can benefit from a reduced corporate tax rate of 5% for the first year of operation, and up to 35% thereafter, depending on the level of profits.
Tax credits: Start-ups that invest in research and development (R&D) activities can benefit from tax credits of up to 45% of their qualifying R&D expenditure.
Exemptions on certain taxes and duties: Start-ups may be eligible for exemptions on certain taxes and duties, such as customs duties, stamp duty, and registration tax.
Double tax treaties: Malta has an extensive network of double taxation treaties, which can provide start-ups with access to a global market and help them reduce their tax liability on foreign income.
These tax benefits are designed to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in Malta and help start-ups to grow and thrive in the country. However, it’s important to note that there are certain conditions and requirements that must be met to qualify for these tax benefits, and start-ups should seek professional advice before taking advantage of them.
Finally, Malta also provides the prestigious citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment.
The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment
The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is a citizenship-by-investment program that allows individuals to obtain Maltese citizenship by making a significant contribution to the country’s economy. The program is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs to Malta and encourage them to make direct investments in the country.
Here are some key features of the Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program:
Eligibility: To be eligible for the program, applicants must be at least 18 years old, of good character, and have a clean criminal record. They must also have made a significant contribution to the Maltese economy through direct investment or exceptional services.
Investment requirements: Applicants must make a minimum contribution of €600,000 to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF) established by the Maltese government. They must also invest in approved financial instruments or real estate in Malta, with a minimum value of €700,000 or €350,000 respectively.
Residence requirement: There are 2 routes to obtain citizenship, to be resident for less than 36 months at a higher cost and to be resident for at least 36 months.
Due diligence: Applicants and their dependents will undergo thorough due diligence checks to ensure that they meet the program’s requirements and are of good character.
Processing time: The processing time for the program is approximately 14-16 months.
Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is an attractive option for high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs looking to obtain Maltese citizenship and enjoy the benefits of EU citizenship, such as visa-free travel and access to the EU market. However, it’s important to note that the program is subject to certain conditions and requirements, and applicants should seek professional advice to ensure that they comply with the relevant rules and regulations.
The applicant and his or her dependants must be represented by an Authorised Registered Mandatory (ARM), who will advise and process the application for the Relevant Residence Programme chosen. TACS is a fully licenced and authorised agent by the Residency Malta Agency under licence reference AKM-TACS.
Single work permits for Maltese businesses.
Malta has long experienced a shortage of staff in the industry, consequently attracting the influx of foreign worker in Malta for Maltese businesses. We provide guidance on obtaining single work permits for non-EU nationals in Malta to work with your Maltese business. We navigate the complex process by assisting you and the prospective employees in understanding eligibility criteria and required documentation. We ensure compliance with Maltese immigration regulations, facilitating the submission of accurate and complete applications. By staying updated on policy changes, we provide timely advice on the latest requirements, helping streamline the application process. Our expertise in the intricacies of work permit acquisition contributes to successful outcomes, allowing you to meet their talent needs efficiently.
