Malta Residence and Citizenship Programme

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Experience the allure of Malta, where a sun-soaked Mediterranean lifestyle meets a thriving and business-friendly environment, making it an ideal destination to relocate your family and/or your business. A Maltese passport offers freedom of movement within the Schengen Area, along with extensive visa-free travel to over 160 countries worldwide, unlocking truly global opportunities.

At Grant Thornton, we are authorised and regulated by the Government of Malta to handle and submit applications for both citizenship and residence permits under Malta’s various residency programmes. Our dedicated Residence and Citizenship Planning team combines extensive expertise with a strong track record in navigating the complexities of residency and citizenship planning, while addressing the legal and tax considerations essential for structuring personal wealth and international business interests.

Through our multidisciplinary approach, we support clients at every stage of their relocation journey, from securing the most suitable residency or citizenship route to optimising wealth management and business structuring strategies. Our tailored solutions are designed to align with each client’s unique circumstances, ensuring a seamless and efficient transition to life in Malta.

Discover the opportunities Malta has to offer and take the next step towards establishing your future with confidence.

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Our Residency Services

Citizenship by naturalisation

The Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap 188) establishes who may become a citizen of Malta by naturalisation, provided that the applicant satisfies the relative provisions.

Acquisition of citizenship by registration

The Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap 188) establishes who can register as a citizens of Malta. The Act was amended on 1st August 2007, this making it possible for second and subsequent generations born abroad to acquire Maltese citizenship by registration.

Global residence programme

The Global Residence Programme Rules (the “Rules”), enacted by Legal Notice 267 of 2014, provides for a Malta Special Tax Status which can be availed of by Third Country Nationals.

Malta retirement programme

The Malta Retirement Programme Rules (the “Rules”), enacted by Legal Notice 317 of 2012, provides for a Malta Special Tax Status which can be availed of by all EU/EEA/Swiss individual pensioners.

Qualifying Employment in Aviation Rule

Malta provides qualified persons employed in the field of aviation with an opportunity to enjoy a 15% flat personal tax rate on income generated from their direct employment in Malta. For a candidate to qualify, their annual income must exceed €45,000. This does not include the value of fringe benefits and applies to the derived income received from an eligible office.

Qualifying Employment in Maritime and Offshore Oil & Gas Industry Rule

Malta provides qualified persons employed in the field of aviation, with an opportunity to enjoy a 15% flat personal tax rate on income generated from their direct employment in Malta.

Programmes

Grant Thornton is authorised and regulated by the Government of Malta to handle and submit applications for both citizenship applications as well as residence permits under the various residence programmes available in terms of Maltese law.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme

The MPRP, launched in 2021, is a programme open to non-EU national investors and their dependents who would like to acquire the right to reside, settle or stay indefinitely in Malta.

Malta residence programme

The Malta Residence Programme Rules (the “Rules”), enacted by Legal Notice 270 of 2014, provides for a Malta Special Tax Status which can be availed of by all EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.

Ordinary residency in Malta

Any EU, EEA or third country national who resides in Malta for more than 3 months is obliged to apply for a Residence Permit. There are various grounds upon which an applicant may apply to require a residence permit, including: Self-Sufficiency, Employment or Self-Employment, Family Members, Permanent Residence, Study Purposes.

Qualifying Employment in Innovation and Creativity (Personal Tax) (Amendment) Rules, 2019

These Rules allows persons employed in a role directly engaged in carrying out, or management of research, development, design, analytical or innovation activities, to enjoy a 15% flat personal tax rate on income generated from their direct employment in Malta.

Nomad Residence Permit

Specialised Nomad Residence Permit services in Malta, supporting digital nomads, remote workers and entrepreneurs with immigration, tax advisory, applications and ongoing compliance.