For discerning individuals and families seeking to expand their global footprint, securing residency or citizenship in a stable, EU member state like Malta, offers unparalleled benefits. With exclusive access to European markets, visa-free travel opportunities, and a stable, politically neutral environment, Malta’s residency and citizenship programs are some of the most sought after in the world. But what about the timelines? How long does it take to navigate these programs and secure residency or citizenship in Malta?
In this article, we explore the timelines we have observed for two of Malta's flagship programs: the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) and the Maltese Citizenship by Investment (ESDI). Whether you’re looking for visa-free travel within Europe, or global mobility through citizenship, Malta’s well-structured programs offer solutions that cater to HNWIs and UHNWI families alike.
1. MALTA PERMANENT RESIDENCE PROGRAMME (MPRP)
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is an ideal option for those looking for an efficient process to establish residency in an EU member state. It provides the opportunity to live in Malta permanently, while also offering visa-free travel across the Schengen area.
Key Steps in the Application Process:
Document Collection: The first step involves the preparation of statutory forms and the gathering of necessary documents, including evidence of the origin of the applicant's wealth, sources of income, and police clearance certificates, amongst other documentation.
Submission: Once the documents are compiled, the formal submission of the application takes place, and a non-refundable deposit is paid.
Due Diligence: A thorough due diligence process is conducted by Residency Malta Agency (RMA) to ensure applicants meet the program's high standards. This is often the most time-consuming part, accounting for much of the processing time.
Approval: After successful due diligence, the application is approved in principle, and the applicant is invited to complete the requirements of the program. Once this has been done, the applicant needs to visit Malta for the registration of biometric data, and the subsequent issuance of the residence card (valid for 5 years).
Current Processing Times: 8 to 10 months
Based on our internal estimates, the current processing time for MPRP applications is between 8 to 10 months from the submission of a complete application. Several factors influence this timeline, including the typical clarifications requested by the agency. Residency Malta Agency, have been making additional investments in resources, automation and streamlining of processes to improve output, without compromising the thoroughness of due diligence checks. As a result, applicants can expect faster response times.
Case study: Husband, wife and a minor
An initial enquiry was made in the beginning of May 2024, and on-boarding was completed within one week. Working around the client's availability, and factoring aspects such as travelling times, and courier services, the application was completed by the end of June 2024.
The application was submitted to Residency Malta Agency on the 1st of July. Some clarifications were requested by the agency within 20 working days - this is a typical intervention which aims to ensure a clear understanding of some of the documents submitted to the agency. We worked with the client in obtaining the required clarifications and supporting documentation, and submitted the response, within 15 working days.
The approximate decision date for this application currently stands as May 2025.
This case study shows that from the submission of the response - and thus, the stage where the application is deemed as complete - until the anticipated decision, there is a period of 9 months.
Why MPRP?
For investors, the MPRP provides permanent residency with the flexibility of renting or buying a property, and significant lifestyle benefits. Some of the most notable advantages include:
- Visa-free travel across the Schengen zone (90 days within a 180-day period).
- Access to a stable and high-quality lifestyle in Malta.
- Residency that extends to the applicant’s family, including children and dependents.
This program is ideal for those looking to establish a base in Europe.
2. MALTESE CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT (ESDI)
The Maltese Citizenship by Investment (ESDI) is one of the most sought-after programs in the world, and currently the only citizenship by investment option offered by a European Union member state, which has received further acclaim after prevailing in European Courts, and withstanding the EU Commission's scrutiny. Citizenship is granted through a combination of maintaining a legal residence status, making an investment, a philanthropic element, and successfully clearing a due diligence process. This program is perfect for those looking for global mobility, with visa-free travel to over 180 countries, including the USA, UK, and Canada.
Key Steps in the Application Process:
Residence Application: The first step involves securing residence in Malta and requires a one to two day visit to the island, for the capturing of biometric data at Community Malta Agency (CMA), which is the agency that manages the program. 5 to 10 working days later, the residence card is issued.
Eligibility Application: The licenced agent prepares the statutory forms, and the required supporting documentation. Upon submission, CMA requests payment for due diligence fees and other administrative fees. Once paid, a thorough due diligence process starts. This is the most time-consuming part, accounting for much of the processing time, however, it conveniently takes place during the minimum 12-month residence period - which is the exceptional option, but also the more popular one, with the alternative being a three-year period.
During this time, all applicants must also visit Malta for a minimum period. The conclusion of this stage is the issuance of an approval in principle for eligibility.
Citizenship Application: 1 year from the issue date of the residence card, the citizenship application may be submitted. This requires the presentation of additional statutory forms and documents to evidence that no significant changes have taken place in the interim, or otherwise. Upon evaluation of this information, Community Malta Agency asks the applicant to finalise the commitments required by the program, including completing the investment, evidencing the holding of a title deed, and medical insurance cover.
Passport Application: After successfully meeting the commitments, the government reviews the evidentiary documentation, and invites the applicants for the oath of allegiance; the ceremony which effectively bestows citizenship upon the applicants. Shortly after, a visit is made to the passport office for the submission of the passport application, and in as little as 4 hours, the new Maltese passport for all applicants is issued.
Current Processing Times: 16 to 18 months
Unlike the MPRP, the ESDI process is more involved and processing times of 17 months are commonly observed. This timeframe includes a residence requirement of 12 months, during which the core due diligence process takes place. Several factors influence this timeline, including the provision of detailed documentation to support sources of wealth and income, and the availability of the applicants to travel to Malta a minimum of 3 times.
Case study: Husband, wife and three minor children
An initial enquiry was made in the beginning of September, and on-boarding was completed within one week. Having identified an adequate property rental, and completed all the required documentation for the submission of the residence application, an appointment was made towards the end of October for the client to visit Malta. The residence card was issued within 15 working days.
Work on the eligibility application was completed in February of the following year, taking into consideration the complexity of the applicant's corporate structure. This stage is the core application process, and includes the preparation of statutory forms, a detailed account of sources of wealth and income, and several other documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and police clearance certificates, amongst others. In Mid-March, the agency requested some clarifications, and by September an approval in principle for eligibility was issued, paving the way for the actual citizenship application.
The applicants visited Malta for the Oath of Allegiance, and were granted citizenship, and on the same day issued with their new Maltese passports in January of the following year.
This case study shows that from the initial enquiry until the issuance of the passport, it took approximately 16 months.
Why ESDI?
The benefits of the Maltese Citizenship by Investment program are extensive, including:
- Visa-free access to over 180 countries, including key business hubs like the UK, USA, and Canada.
- Malta is known for its stable political environment and robust financial systems.
- Maltese citizenship offers the right to live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU countries.
- Citizenship can be passed on to future generations.
For HNWIs and UHNWIs, the ESDI program offers a gateway to Europe and the world, making it a prime choice for global citizens.
3. COMPARING PROCESSING TIMES AND STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS
For those seeking immediate access to European residency, the MPRP is a faster and more straightforward option, ideal for families looking to relocate or secure a second home in Europe within a few months.
On the other hand, for individuals and families seeking global mobility, the ESDI program provides unparalleled access to travel and business opportunities worldwide. While the process takes longer, the investment is well worth the citizenship and the benefits it confers.
PLANNING FOR SUCCESS
Given the complexities and timeframes associated with both programs, early planning is essential. Whether you are looking for a permanent European residence or the prestige of Maltese citizenship, starting your journey early ensures a smooth and stress-free process.
At Yakof Agius & Associates, we specialise in guiding clients through these exclusive programs. Our dedicated team carefully plans the entire process, ensuring that every step of the process is handled with care and professionalism, helping you achieve your residency or citizenship goals on time and without hassle.
Curious about which program is right for you? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you in achieving your global mobility ambitions.