Reviewed by Jane Katkova, Founder & Licensed CICC ConsultantKey points
- The MPRP grants permanent residence for life and is not a route to citizenship.
- Malta's investor citizenship scheme was annulled by the CJEU on 29 April 2025.
- Ordinary naturalisation needs years of residence in Malta and ministerial approval.
- Applicants whose goal is an EU passport should consider Portugal or Greece.
Permanent residence, not a passport
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) grants permanent residence for life. It does not lead to a Maltese passport. Malta's investor citizenship scheme was annulled by the Court of Justice of the European Union on 29 April 2025 and replaced by a discretionary merit-based route that is not for sale. Ordinary naturalisation needs years of residence and ministerial approval.
What the MPRP status includes
- A certificate of residence with no expiry; cards are re-issued every five years.
- No minimum stay, no language test and no renewal application.
- Schengen travel for 90 days in 180 on the Maltese residence card; it does not cover the UK, the US or Canada.
- A decision in six to eight months on average from a complete file.
To keep the status you hold a qualifying property for five years, then any residential address in Malta, maintain health insurance covering Malta and Europe, and keep a clean record.
Options when EU citizenship is the goal
If an EU passport is the objective, Portugal or Greece are the routes to consider. Portugal leads to citizenship after ten years of legal residence, and Greece after seven years of actual residence with B1 Greek. Neither gives a passport without meeting its residence rule. We compare the programmes in our European residence by investment overview.
Fees for the MPRP start at €99,500 for a single applicant, plus the property. The programme is described on our Malta residence page. To decide between permanent residence and a citizenship pathway, book a consultation with our team.
People also ask
How much does Malta permanent residence cost for a family of four?
A couple with two minor children pays €101,000 in government fees under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme: a €60,000 administrative fee, €37,000 contribution, €2,000 NGO donation and four €500 residence cards. On top, you rent a property for at least €14,000 a year or buy for at least €375,000, held five years.
How long does it take to get Portuguese citizenship through residence?
Ten years of legal residence, counted from your first residence card, under the Nationality Law in force since 19 May 2026. EU and CPLP nationals qualify after seven years. You also need A2 Portuguese and a clean record. Applications lodged before 19 May 2026 follow the old five-year rule.
Can you still get a Portugal golden visa by buying property?
No. Real estate and real-estate funds were removed from the Portugal golden visa on 7 October 2023. The routes in 2026 are a €500,000 CMVM-registered fund, €500,000 in research, a €250,000 cultural donation (€200,000 in low-density areas) and company or job-creation routes. You may buy a home, but it will not count.
How much does the Greece golden visa cost in 2026?
From €250,000 for an approved commercial-to-residential conversion or listed-building restoration, €400,000 for a standard home in most of Greece, and €800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with more than 3,100 residents. Add about 3.09% transfer tax, 3–4% notary and legal fees, and about €2,000 state fee per adult.
Can you rent out a Greece golden visa property on Airbnb?
No. Long-term lets are allowed, but short-term rental on Airbnb-style platforms is banned for Greece golden visa property. The fine is €50,000 and the residence permit can be revoked. Plan your yield on annual tenancies, not tourist lets, and expect a Greek property tax bill (ENFIA) plus tax on any Greek rental income.