Long-Term Residence in Malta

If you’ve lived in Malta for four to five years and wish to make it your permanent home, the Long-Term Residence Permit in Malta is designed to support you. This permit is available to both EU and non-EU nationals, allowing holders to enjoy nearly the same rights as Maltese citizens, including access to employment, education, and public services.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To apply for Long-Term Residence in Malta, applicants must demonstrate a stable, five-year residency and meet criteria related to financial self-sufficiency, housing, insurance, and community integration:

• Legal Residence: A record of continuous, five-year legal residence in Malta must be provided.
• Absence Limits: Absences should not exceed six consecutive months and must total less than ten months across five years.
• Economic Self-Sufficiency: Applicants must show they can support themselves and any dependents without public assistance.
• Suitable Accommodation: Applicants need housing that meets the standards set by the Malta Housing Authority, appropriate for a family in Malta.
• Health Insurance: Adequate EU-wide health insurance, either public or private, is required.
• Proof of Residence: A documented history of Malta residence is necessary, showing dates of arrival, departure, and past addresses.
• Integration Measures: Applicants need to complete a 100-hour integration course (with a minimum pass of 75%) and demonstrate basic Maltese language proficiency at MQF Level 2 (with a 65% pass rate).

FAMILY MEMBERS OF LONG-TERM RESIDENTS

Third-country nationals (TCNs) residing in Malta for at least two years can request long-term residence for close family members if they meet financial and accommodation requirements. Eligible family members include spouses (aged 21 or older) and minor unmarried children. Applicants must demonstrate income equivalent to the average wage in Malta, with an additional 20% per family member. Once approved, family members can work and study, and after five years, may apply for their own independent residence permit.

LONG-TERM RESIDENCE FOR FOREIGN PARTNERS OF MALTESE CITIZENS

Foreign partners of Maltese citizens can apply for Long-Term Residence in Malta if they have been in a stable relationship for at least two years and earn an annual income of at least €8,885. Those in relationships of five years or longer may be eligible for a three-year residence permit.

TAX TREATMENT

Long-term residents in Malta are subject to specific tax rules primarily based on their residency status and whether they are domiciled in Malta. Generally, Malta applies a progressive tax rate on income for all residents, reaching up to 35% on the highest income brackets.

There is no wealth, inheritance, or annual property tax in Malta, further benefiting long-term residents and retirees. However, property-related taxes do apply, such as a 5% stamp duty on property purchases and potential capital gains tax on property sales, with specific exemptions for principal residences if held for at least three year

For foreign income that is remitted to Malta, double taxation relief mechanisms are available, which means residents do not pay tax twice on the same income. This relief is typically achieved through Malta’s network of double-taxation treaties with numerous countries worldwide, or through other domestic relief methods when no treaty is available

These tax benefits make long-term residence in Malta an attractive option for many expats, especially those with foreign income sources.

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER IN MALTA

With over 55 years of experience since 1969, Frank Salt Real Estate has built a trusted reputation for guiding clients through Malta’s residence and citizenship programs to find the perfect fit for their needs. We offer Malta’s largest selection of properties for sale and rent, and our team is highly experienced in assisting foreign clients looking to relocate or invest. From tailored residency guidance to exceptional real estate options, Frank Salt Real Estate is your reliable partner for a seamless transition to life in Malta.