How to Relocate to Malta

Moving To Malta from An EU Country

If you’re considering relocating to Malta from an EU member state, you’re in luck. The process for EU citizens moving to Malta is relatively straightforward, thanks to the principles of freedom of movement and residence within the European Union. As a citizen of an EU Member State, you have the right to reside, work, and live in any other EU member state, including Malta. However, there are some important steps to follow depending on how long you plan to stay and the purpose of your move.

Short-Term Stay (Less than 3 Months)

If your stay in Malta is for a short duration, typically less than three months, you can do so without any specific residence documentation. You will only need:

A valid passport or national ID card as proof of identity and citizenship.
Sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
Health insurance coverage (the European Health Insurance Card, EHIC, is often sufficient).

During this period, you can visit Malta for tourism, business meetings, or any other short-term activities. However, you must not engage in employment or establish long-term residency during this time.

Long-Term Stay (More than 3 Months)

For a stay exceeding three months, you will need to register your presence in Malta and complete certain administrative formalities:

Residence Certificate: Apply for a residence certificate at the Department for Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs (Identity Malta) within the first three months of your arrival. This certificate confirms your right to reside in Malta as an EU citizen.
Proof of employment or self-sufficiency: If you are employed or can prove self-sufficiency, provide relevant documentation.
Health insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive health insurance coverage for your entire stay.
Proof of address: You will need to demonstrate where you are residing in Malta.

Moving To Malta From A Non-EU Country

Relocating to Malta from a non-EU country is a bit more complex compared to moving within the European Union. However, Malta offers various residency opportunities for individuals seeking to make the Mediterranean archipelago their new home. Depending on your circumstances, including employment, financial means, or investments, you can explore several residency programs and incentives.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) offers a unique opportunity for individuals and families to establish permanent residency in Malta. This program, designed to attract investors and individuals of high net worth, provides the right to settle, stay, and live in Malta indefinitely. To qualify for the MPRP, applicants must meet specific investment criteria, including:

Applicants are required to invest in a qualifying property in Malta with a minimum value of EUR 300,000 if the property is located in Gozo or the south of Malta, or EUR 350,000 if it is situated elsewhere in Malta. The property must be held for at least five years.
Applicants must make non-refundable contributions to the Maltese government. These contributions vary based on the number of applicants and are EUR 68,000 for the main applicant, EUR 25,000 for a spouse and each minor child, and EUR 50,000 for each adult dependent.

once all requirements are met, successful applicants and their eligible family members will be granted a residence permit, allowing them to settle in Malta indefinitely.

Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP)

The Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP) is a sought-after residency scheme designed to attract individuals and families from around the world to make Malta their second home. This program offers various avenues for obtaining residency, including employment with a Maltese company, self-sufficiency, and property investment.

Application Process for Malta Ordinary Residence

If you are applying for Ordinary Residence under Employment or Self-Sufficiency, here are additional steps:

Employment Grounds: Sign an employment agreement with a Maltese company.
Self-Sufficiency Grounds: Spend a minimum of three months in Malta, demonstrating your ability to support yourself financially.
Property Investment: Find a residential property through Malta Sotheby’s International Realty (MSIR) and sign a lease or purchase agreement.
Compile all the necessary supporting documentation as per the official checklists provided by CSB Group, a reputable professional service provider in Malta.
Attend a biometric appointment at the Identity Malta Agency, where your biometric data will be recorded.
Collect your Maltese Residency Card after approximately two to three weeks, finalizing your status as a resident in Malta.

Malta Ordinary Residence

Malta Ordinary Residence is a status granted to individuals who are nationals of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, allowing them to reside in Malta for an extended period. This status is governed by local legislation outlined in the Free Movement of European Union Nationals and their Family Members Order 2007, which incorporates the provisions of the European Union Council Directive 2004/38.

Eligibility Requirements for Ordinary Residence in Malta

To qualify for Malta Ordinary Residence, EU/EEA/Swiss nationals must meet certain criteria and provide supporting documentation. There are various grounds on which individuals can become ordinarily resident in Malta:

Economic Self-Sufficiency

Valid EEA/EU/Swiss Passport.
Bank statements demonstrating a minimum balance of €14,000 and at least three months of residence in Malta before application. For married couples, the minimum bank balance is €23,000.
Health insurance coverage valid in Malta.
Documentation related to property, such as a rental or purchase agreement in Malta.

Employment-Based Residency

Valid foreign ID card/passport.
A signed employment contract or a Jobsplus registration certificate issued by Jobsplus.
Lease or purchase agreement related to accommodation in Malta.

Family Members of EU Nationals

Valid foreign ID card/passport.
Birth/marriage certificates proving the relationship to the EU national.
Any certificates presented must be in English and apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the country where the certificates were registered.
Documentation demonstrating dependency, if applicable.
In the case of partners, evidence of a durable relationship for the two years preceding the application.

Application Process

The application process for Malta Ordinary Residence involves the following steps:

Eligibility Assessment: Applicants must determine their eligibility based on their specific grounds for application.
Gather Documentation: Gather all necessary documentation, including passports, bank statements, health insurance proof, property agreements, employment contracts, and relationship-related documents.
Submission: Submit the application and supporting documents to the relevant Maltese authorities, which may vary depending on the type of residency sought.
Assessment: Authorities assess the application, checking that all requirements are met.
Residence Card: Upon approval, successful applicants receive an e-residence card, granting them the right to reside in Malta and access various services.

Conclusion

Malta, with its stunning landscapes, pleasant climate, cultural richness, and strong economy, has much to offer to those willing to embark on this exciting journey of relocation. it’s essential to follow the application procedures diligently, gather the necessary documentation, and, when needed, seek the assistance of experienced professionals who can guide you through the process.