The largest of three islands, Malta, is situated some miles off the coast of Sicily in the Mediterranean. Home to sailing, canoeing, diving and kayaking, with a warm climate, an excellent healthcare system, and friendly citizens, Malta has grown to be a tourist destination. Despite being the least populated country in Europe, it has so much to offer. Spectacular cultural events, glamorous nightlife, plethoric leisure activities, successful industries, and an affordable, rich standard of living.
Immigrants who move to the island have been known to develop a feeling of attraction to the natural scenery, architectural jewels and the Mediterranean joie de vivre that brings life to the island. The flourishing industries such as the gaming industry and financial services have attracted many to the Island.
Migrating to this island encircled by blue Mediterranean Sea and inundated in ancient history is quite easy. As one of the countries under the Schengen area, movement of people to and from Malta via other countries in the area requires a Schengen visa only.
Anyone can immigrate to Malta through any of the following means:
Schengen Visa Entry
The visa issued to Third country nationals looking to travel to the Schengen area for tourism. Issue for a stay of 90 days of stay, it may be a Single or Multiple entry visa. Under unforeseen circumstances, a person who wish to stay longer may request for an extension.
Ordinary Residence Permit
Specifically for EU member states citizens immigrating to Malta. As a resident, payment of tax is mandatory. Usually, a tax of up to 35% is deducted from the resident’s income. However, the amount earned each month and the marital status of the resident determine the tax deductible. This type of permit must be renewed after five years.
Permanent Residence Permit
The permanent residence permit is for non-EU nationals. Anyone intending to relocate to Malta for employment, study, business, or vacation should apply for this permit. Those with permanent residence permit are expected to pay 15% tax on their income. One benefit of this is the freedom to choose when to live on the island.
Malta Global Residency Program
This program was recently introduced by the government to provide special conditions to third country citizens in Malta, in the form of a special tax status. Applying for this program requires certain criteria to be satisfied. For example, renting or purchasing a property in Malta or Gozo as well as paying a yearly tax liability on income received in Malta.
Tip: when applying for a Residency permit, you will have to submit the application in Valletta. This can be sent via post or by someone else. Applying via post requires sending copies of authenticated international passports, which you must also provide before collecting the residence card after it is issued.
