Introduction

Every MPRP applicant has to satisfy a qualifying property requirement – but the programme gives you two ways to do it: buy, or rent. Both routes are fully valid, and the choice comes down to what fits your circumstances. Here’s exactly what each option involves.

The Two Qualifying Property Routes

  • Purchase option: buy a qualifying property in Malta or Gozo for at least €375,000, and hold it for a minimum of 5 years.
  • Rent option: lease a qualifying property for a minimum annual rent of €14,000, also for a minimum of 5 years.

Both routes count equally toward MPRP eligibility – there’s no advantage in the eyes of the Residency Malta Agency for choosing one over the other.

What You Pay, Either Way

The government’s direct contribution is €37,000 in respect of the Main Applicant, whether you buy or rent – a change from the previous system, where buyers paid €30,000 and renters paid €60,000. Renters in particular now pay significantly less than before, a €23,000 drop.

On top of that contribution, both routes carry the same additional costs: a €60,000 non-refundable administration fee (€15,000 due within one month of submission, €45,000 due within two months of the Letter of Approval in Principle), €7,500 for each qualifying dependant – such as adult children, parents, and grandparents – though this does not apply to the spouse, minor children, or disabled adult children, and a €2,000 donation to a registered Maltese NGO.

The 5-Year Holding Period, and What Happens After

Whichever route you choose, the qualifying property must be held for a minimum of 5 years. You may be able to change your qualifying property during that period – this is understood to require Agency approval, and the process may differ depending on whether the property is owned or leased, so this is worth confirming directly with your advisor before assuming a straightforward switch. Once the initial 5 years have passed, you must hold a residential property in Malta or Gozo, whether owned or leased, to renew your residency card – though at that stage, there are no minimum value or rent requirements attached to it.

Can the Property Earn You Income?

Yes, under certain conditions, for both routes:

  • If you bought your property, you may be able to lease it to third parties once your Approval in Principle has been issued – though this currently applies only to certain designated property zones, and only to applicants who applied from 1 January 2025 onward. Worth confirming your specific property’s eligibility with your advisor before counting on this as a source of income.
  • If you’re renting your property, you may sublet it with your landlord’s consent, but only after your initial 5-year lease period has elapsed – this applies whether you applied before or after 2025. One restriction applies to both routes: you cannot sub-lease to another MPRP applicant or beneficiary.

The Paperwork Differs Depending on Your Route

Whichever option you go with, the required documentation differs, though the Agency may request additional documents depending on your circumstances – some of the typical documents required are:

  • Buying: a purchase agreement, plus a utility bill no older than 6 months.
  • Renting: a lease agreement covering the full residency card period, a rent receipt, a utility bill no older than 6 months, Housing Authority approval, and a signed declaration from your landlord.

Which Route Is Right for You?

There’s no universally “better” option – it depends on your plans. Buying ties up more capital upfront but gives you an asset you can later rent out for income, or hold as a long-term base in Malta. Renting requires a smaller initial outlay and more flexibility if your plans might change within the 5-year window. Either way, the programme requirements are identical in terms of what’s expected of you as an applicant.

Why Malta, Beyond the Programme

Malta has been a member of the European Union since 2004, part of the Schengen area since 2007, and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations since 1964. MPRP holders benefit from visa-free travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period – this is not the same as the free movement rights EU citizens hold since the MPRP is a Malta residence permit rather than an EU-wide right to live or work in other member states.

Malta is also considered one of the safest countries in the world according to the World Risk Report, and is an economically stable country with an A+ credit rating and one of the highest economic growth rates among EU countries.

There’s no obligation to reside in Malta for any minimum number of days each year, giving MPRP holders genuine flexibility in how they use their residency.

Conclusion

DZ Advisory is a licensed agent of the Residency Malta Agency, helping clients from around the world navigate Malta’s residency and citizenship programmes. Our team supports applicants at every stage, from initial eligibility through to settling in Malta.

For the full breakdown of MPRP eligibility, fees, and the application process, see our Malta Permanent Residence Programme guide, or get in touch to talk through which property route makes sense for your situation.