Amicorp Malta - Residence Programs

Maltese immigration law provides several citizen options and offers several residence programs to benefit both EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and non-EU nationals. The programs allow individuals and families to relocate to Malta or to hold residency status in Malta.

THE BENEFITS

Situated in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta offers the perfect balance between business and pleasure. With Maltese and English being the two official languages and flight connections to almost every major city in Europe and beyond, with a plethora of leisure activities and its reputation as a European financial services hub, Malta is a popular destination for those looking to take up residence in a safe European country.

Residence offers several advantages to individuals seeking to acquire residence on the island. Besides that, Malta enjoys a rich cultural and social life. Benefits of a Malta residence include:

• A mild climate, with 300 days of sunshine a year
• Comparatively low cost of living overall when compared with other European jurisdictions
• A good standard of living and political stability
• A solid and stable financial and banking system
• With agreements currently in more than 65 countries, Malta presents a sound network of treaty agreements

RESIDENCE PROGRAMS

EU NATIONALS

EU, EEA, and Swiss Nationals and their family members enjoy the right of free movement in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals may thus reside in Malta as workers, self-employed persons, economically self-sufficient persons, or students without obtaining a permit. EU and EEA nationals who reside in Malta for more than three months must apply for a registration certificate, while non-EU family members must apply for a residence card.

EMPLOYMENT/SELF-EMPLOYMENT

EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals may reside in Malta based on employment or self-employed without obtaining a license. This effectively allows EU and EEA nationals to seek employment in Malta freely, work as an employee or as self-employed, and start up a business enterprise.

ECONOMICALLY SELF-SUFFICIENT PERSONS

EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals may reside in Malta based on economic self-sufficiency. Such persons must possess sufficient funds and assets to support themselves and their family members accompanying them in Malta without reliance on Malta’s social security system. Currently, a minimum capital of EUR 14,000 or a weekly income of EUR 92.72 is required for single persons or EUR 23,300 or a weekly income of EUR 105.93 per married couple, with an extra EUR 8.15 per week for each dependent. A comprehensive sickness insurance policy must also be in place.

STUDENTS

EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals may reside in Malta if they will be studying in Malta. Eligible EU and EEA nationals include those following an educational course, including vocational training, who are enrolled in a recognized educational institution. However, such persons must possess sufficient resources to support themselves and their family members without relying on Malta’s social security system and must have a comprehensive sickness insurance policy.

FAMILY MEMBERS

Family members of EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals residing in Malta based on employment, self-employment, economic self-sufficiency, or studies may accompany such persons in Malta. In the context of an EU/EEA/Swiss nationals residing in Malta based on employment, self-employment, or economic self-sufficiency, family members include the spouse, children, or grandchildren (including those of the spouse) under 21 years of age or who are dependent on the EU/EEA/Swiss national (or the spouse), and dependent parents or grandparents of the EU/EEA/Swiss national (or of the spouse). In the case of students, only the spouse or dependent children are entitled to reside in Malta.

LONG-TERM RESIDENCE

Long-term residence is granted to Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals that have resided legally and continuously in Malta for five years immediately before applying. If eligible, this grants its beneficiary several advantages such as a residence card with a validity period of 5 years and exemption from the onerous self-employed requirements if the third-country national is seeking to set up a business in Malta, albeit an employment license is required, nonetheless.

NON-EU NATIONALS

Third-country nationals may obtain a residence permit in relation to several employment-related cases, such as the single permit, self-employment, highly qualified employment, intra-corporate transferees, seasonal workers, and posted workers. Third-country nationals who obtain a short-stay visa may only reside in the Schengen area for 90 days in any 180 days.

Malta offers other residence programs which are designed to attract individuals who are not permanent residents of Malta. Should you wish to learn more about the programs, please contact our Amicorp Malta office for more information.

Amicorp Malta Limited is authorised by the Malta Financial Services Authority to act as a Trustee or Co-Trustee to provide Fiduciary Services in terms of the Trusts and Trustees Act and to act as administrators of Private Foundations in terms of Article 43(12)b of the Trusts and Trustees Act.

For more information:

Colin Gregory, Managing Director (Amicorp Malta) - c.gregory@amicorp.com Mark Scicluna, Director – Legal and Corporate Services (Amicorp Malta) - m.scicluna@amicorp.com Alex Du Cane, Senior Account Manager (Amicorp Malta) - a.ducane@amicorp.com