Den Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP) allows non-EU nationals to obtain residency in Malta. The island’s mild climate, English-speaking population, and central location with visa-free travel across the Schengen Area make it a practical choice for living, working, or investing. The GRP provides a residence permit with favorable tax treatment while enabling applicants and their families to settle in Malta.
What Is the Global Residence Programme (GRP)?
Malta Global Residence Programme is designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who want to reside on the island while benefiting from a special tax status. Unlike a Golden Visa scheme, the GRP does not automatically lead to citizenship but provides long-term residency with both financial and lifestyle advantages. Key features include a flat 15% tax rate on foreign income remitted to Malta, a minimum annual tax of €15,000, family inclusion options, and the requirement to own or rent qualifying property. Comprehensive health insurance for the applicant and dependents is also mandatory.
Hvem kan ansøge?
Eligible applicants are financially stable non-EU nationals who meet these requirements:
- Third-country national (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)
- Valid travel document and passing the Fit and Proper Test
- Fluent in English or Maltese
- Health insurance covering Malta
- Own or rent qualifying property in Malta or Gozo
- Demonstrate stable income or sufficient financial resources
The global residence programme ensures residents have both financial means and personal stability to live comfortably in Malta while complying with regulatory requirements.
Sådan ansøger du
Den Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP) residence permit is initially applied for through an Authorized Registered Mandatory (ARM), a licensed agent who submits all required documents to the Maltese authorities on behalf of the applicant. Once the initial permit is granted, renewals are handled directly through Identità Malta, and the renewed residence card is valid for two years. Applicants must confirm tax compliance before submitting the renewal application, ensuring that the minimum annual tax of €15,000 has been paid. They must also maintain ownership or rental of a qualifying property in Malta or Gozo, keep comprehensive health insurance for all dependents, and provide any updated documentation requested by the authorities. The current renewal processing fee is €150 per person per year, which has been in effect since August 1, 2025. For detailed guidance and up-to-date requirements, applicants should consult Identità Malta.
The initial process involves:
- Securing qualifying property, either through purchase or rental
- Demonstrating stable financial resources
- Providing necessary documentation, including proof of property, financial statements, and travel documents
- Submitting the application to Identity Malta through the ARM
- Completing due diligence and background checks
- Receiving preliminary approval and finalizing residence card issuance
The entire process typically takes 4 to 6 months from submission to issuance.
Costs and Financial Commitments
Applicants must be prepared for the following expenses:
- Property purchase: €275,000 in Malta or €220,000 in Gozo, or rental: minimum €9,600/year in Malta or €8,750/year in Gozo
- Administrative fee: €6,000 in Malta or €5,500 in Gozo
- Minimum annual tax: €15,000
- Health insurance: Approximately €400 per person, depending on age and health status
- Additional administrative costs: Translation, notary, and other expenses
Renewal Terms and Criteria
The GRP residence permit is initially valid for 1 year. Renewal requires compliance with the following:
- Pay the årlig minimumsskat på 15.000 euro
- Maintain qualifying property ownership or rental
- Keep comprehensive health insurance for all dependents
- Submit updated documentation as required
Renewals of the GRP residence permit can now be submitted online. Identità Malta portal, making the process faster and more convenient.
Benefits of the GRP
Malta Global Residence Programme offers a blend of financial, lifestyle, and mobility advantages. Residents benefit from a flat 15% tax on foreign income remitted to Malta, while foreign capital gains remain exempt. The programme allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area and provides the flexibility to live in Malta without minimum stay requirements. Applicants also gain access to Malta’s healthcare and education systems. Overall, the GRP is ideal for those seeking tax efficiency, family inclusion, and a high quality of life in a Mediterranean setting.
Why the GRP Is Attractive for Non-EU Crypto Investors
Malta is known as the “Blockchain Island” due to its progressive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. For non-EU crypto investors, the Global Residence Programme (GRP) offers several advantages, including tax-efficient treatment of foreign income and exemption of foreign capital gains, legal residency within a stable EU base, and family inclusion for a spouse, children, and dependents with special needs. The programme also aligns property requirements with investment portfolios, provides easier access to local banks, digital banking, and crypto-friendly financial services, and places residents in close proximity to Malta’s regulated crypto ecosystem. This combination makes the GRP particularly attractive for investors managing cryptocurrency and blockchain assets internationally.
Comparing GRP with Malta Permanent Residence
| Feature | Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP) | Malta Permanent Residence (MPR) |
|---|---|---|
| Target Applicants | Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals seeking tax-efficient residency | Non-EU nationals and families seeking long-term/permanent residency |
| Residency Type | Temporary residence, renewable annually | Permanent residence (lifetime) |
| Minimum Stay Requirement | None, but cannot be tax resident elsewhere >183 days/year | No minimum stay requirement |
| Taxation | 15% tax on foreign income remitted; minimum €15,000; foreign capital gains exempt | Subject to standard Maltese taxation; no flat tax benefits |
| Property Requirement | Purchase ≥ €275,000 (€220,000 in Gozo) or rent ≥ €9,600/year (€8,750 in Gozo) | Purchase ≥ €275,000 (€220,000 in Gozo) or rent ≥ €10,000/year (€8,750 in Gozo) |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, minor children, adopted adult children with special needs, parents | Spouse, children, dependent parents |
| Sundhedsforsikring | Mandatory for applicant and dependents | Mandatory for applicant and dependents |
| Ansøgningsproces | Through an ARM | Direct to Identity Malta; guidance recommended |
| Visumfri rejse | Schengen Area up to 90 days in 180 days | Schengen Area up to 90 days in 180 days |
| Ideal For | Tax-efficient residency, flexible lifestyle, crypto investors | Families seeking permanent settlement and stability |
Start Your Life in Malta Today
The Malta Global Residence Programme offers non-EU nationals a flexible, tax-efficient pathway to live in Malta. With professional guidance, applicants can secure residency, benefit from favorable tax treatment, and enjoy Malta’s high-quality lifestyle, Mediterranean climate, and growing business ecosystem.
If you need assistance navigating the GRP application or renewal process, you can contact us and request a free 30-minute consultation with Expatax Malta. We work closely with trusted professionals to guide you every step of the way.
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