Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) now allows applicants and eligible dependants to apply for a one-year temporary residence permit while their permanent residence application is being processed. The option was introduced by Legal Notice 146 of 2025 and can make relocation planning more flexible, particularly for families who want to organise housing or schooling before final approval.

Residency Malta Agency guidance states that the temporary permit is issued following standard background checks. It can be renewed for additional one-year periods at the Agency’s discretion, provided the required MPRP documentation is submitted within the prescribed six-month period.

How the process works

Stage	What happens
MPRP application	Application is submitted through a licensed agent
Temporary permit	Applicant and eligible dependants may apply for a one-year permit
Documentation	Required application information must be completed within six months
Approval in Principle	Agency confirms the applicant is approved in principle
Programme obligations	Remaining fees, property, contribution, donation and insurance requirements are completed
Permanent residence	Residence-by-Investment Certificate can then be issued

The temporary permit is therefore a bridge while the main application is processed, rather than an alternative to completing the MPRP requirements. The Agency’s 2025 circular also states that, following a refusal, the temporary permit is revoked within 15 days of the rejection notice.

Our MPRP step by step process explains the wider application sequence.

What are the current MPRP costs?

The main applicant’s non-refundable administration fee is €60,000. €15,000 must be paid within one month of submitting the application, with the remaining €45,000 due within two months of the Letter of Approval in Principle.

A €7,500 administration fee applies to certain dependants, including qualifying adult children aged 18 to 28 and dependent parents or grandparents. Spouses, minor children and qualifying adult children with a disability are exempt from that dependant fee.

Applicants must also make a €37,000 contribution and a €2,000 donation to an eligible organisation.

See our guide to MPRP costs for families for the wider budget.

Property and asset requirements

Applicants can purchase qualifying residential property worth at least €375,000 or rent qualifying property for at least €14,000 per year. The qualifying property must generally be retained for at least five years.

Applicants must also demonstrate either:

• assets of at least €500,000, including at least €150,000 in financial assets; or

• assets of at least €650,000, including at least €75,000 in financial assets.

Our guide to qualifying property choices explains the purchase-versus-rental considerations.

Prepare the evidence before relocating

The temporary permit does not reduce the programme’s due-diligence requirements. Applicants should have their financial and personal documentation well organised before starting the process. See Malta MPRP due diligence and our guide to proving source of funds.

Families planning around education can also review international school and university planning and education planning for mobile families.

The MPRP does not itself provide an automatic right to employment in Malta. A separate work authorisation may be required. Residence under the programme also does not, by itself, determine tax residence, so consider day counting and tax residency before relocating.

Frequently asked questions

Can the temporary MPRP permit be renewed?

Yes. Residency Malta Agency may renew it for further one-year periods, subject to its discretion and compliance with the application requirements.

Is the €15,000 initial administration payment refundable?

No. The administration fee is expressly non-refundable.

Can dependants obtain temporary residence permits too?

Yes. Eligible dependants included in the MPRP application may also apply for temporary permits.

Is the temporary residence permit permanent residence?

No. It provides temporary lawful residence while the MPRP application progresses. Permanent residence is granted only once the programme requirements have been satisfied.

Applicants comparing alternatives can review the Hungary golden visa, Italy investor visa, Greek residence routes and our comparison of Greece, Hungary and Malta.

Full programme rules are available from the Residency Malta Agency. For individual planning, Speak to our Malta residency solicitors.