Malta Retirement Visa

The Malta Retirement Visa allows third-country nationals to reside in Malta if they meet specific eligibility criteria, including receiving a qualifying pension that makes up at least 75% of their income and owning or renting a qualifying property.

The property must meet minimum values, such as €275,000 for owned property in Malta or €9,600 annually for rented property.

Applicants must also demonstrate financial self-sufficiency and maintain health insurance. The program offers favorable tax treatment, with a minimum annual tax of €7,500 for the main applicant and €500 for dependents or household staff.

The Malta Retirement Visa is available to non-Maltese nationals who meet the following criteria:

Pension Income: Receive a qualifying pension constituting at least 75% of chargeable income, paid in Malta with proof.

No Other Tax Benefits: Must not benefit from other tax regimes (e.g., Global Residence Programme) and must renounce them if applicable.

Property: Own or rent qualifying property:

• Owned: €275,000 (Malta) / €220,000 (Gozo or south).

• Rented: €9,600/year (Malta) / €8,750/year (Gozo or south).

Financial Stability: Show enough resources to avoid social assistance.

Travel Document: Submit a valid travel document.

Health Insurance: Hold comprehensive EU-wide health insurance.

Non-Domicile: Declare no intent to establish domicile in Malta within five years.

Language: Must communicate in one of Malta’s official languages, Maltese or English.

Background Check: Provide a police certificate and confirm no ongoing legal issues.

Tax Obligation: A minimum annual tax of €7,500 applies for the main applicant, plus €500 for each dependent or household staff member.

• Freedom of movement (but not settlement) within Schengen
• Lower taxes
• Lower cost of living
• Safety and security
• Warm climate
• Enhanced business access to large economies
• English as official language

The Malta Retirement Visa program is designed to grant residency rights but does not provide a direct path to citizenship. While residents under this program can enjoy living in Malta and benefit from its favorable tax regime, they will not qualify for citizenship solely through participation in this scheme.

Individuals seeking Maltese citizenship would need to meet separate requirements, such as those under Malta’s naturalization process, which typically involves a longer period of residence (at least 5 to 6 years) and additional criteria.

The program is focused on providing a stable and attractive environment for retirees, without extending automatic citizenship rights.

Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.

Applications for this program may be directed to Office of The Commissioner for Revenue, Malta.

Legislation upon which this program is based Malta Retirement Programme Rules (LN 317 of 2012), as amended by LN 269 of 2014.