1. Who is eligible to apply?

•    Third-country nationals, excluding those from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, are eligible to apply. Nationals from currently sanctioned countries (or those closely tied to them) such as Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Venezuela are ineligible. Additionally, applicants from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus are currently ineligible. The Agency reserves the right to revise this list of ineligible countries at its discretion.

2. Can parents or grandparents of the main applicant apply as dependants?

•    Yes, a parent or grandparent of the main applicant or their spouse who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Agency that they are principally dependent on the main applicant at the time of application is eligible as a dependant. The main applicant must provide an affidavit confirming support for each parent or grandparent. Proof of the relationship (such as a family tree supported by birth certificates) is required. An additional fee of €7,500 per parent or grandparent applies.

3. Is there a specific age requirement for applying parents or grandparents?

•    No, there is no age threshold.

4. Are household staff eligible as dependants?

•    No, the Malta Permanent Residence Programme is restricted to the main applicant and their family dependants.

5. What constitutes satisfactory proof that an adult dependant is principally dependent on the main applicant?

•    The main applicant must declare this in an affidavit. It is advisable to submit any documentary evidence supporting this declaration along with the application pack.

6. Can an adult dependant who is employed and receiving minimum wage still be considered dependent on the main applicant if the wage is insufficient for self-sufficiency?

•    The dependant must prove they are principally dependent at the time of application submission.

7. If a parent or grandparent receives retirement income, does this affect their eligibility as a dependant?

•    If the retirement income does not negate their dependency on the main applicant, they can still be eligible. The main applicant must affirm in an affidavit that the parent or grandparent remains principally dependent.

8. What is the administration fee for each application?

•    An administration fee of €40,000 applies for each application. A non-refundable initial fee of €10,000 must be paid to the Agency within one month of submitting the application. The remaining €30,000 is due within two months of receiving the Letter of Approval in Principle.

9. What contributions are required for an application covering the entire family?

•    The contribution fee of €28,000 (if purchasing property) or €58,000 (if leasing property) covers the main applicant, spouse, and children who are principally dependent upon submission of the application. For parents and grandparents of the main applicant and spouse, an additional fee of €7,500 each applies.

10. What are the details of the required donation to a voluntary organization?

•     Applicants must make a financial contribution of €2,000 to a local registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare, or artistic NGO approved by the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations or as otherwise approved by the Agency.

11. Is there a fee for the issuance of a residence card by Identity Malta?

•    Yes, there is a processing fee applicable for the issuance or renewal of a residence card. Currently, the fee is €137.50 per person for the initial 5 years and €27.50 per year for renewals.

12. What is the validity period of the residence certificate and the residence card?

•    The residence certificate remains valid indefinitely as long as all Programme obligations are met. The residence card is initially valid for 5 years or until certain age cut-off dates (14 and 18 years), after which renewal is required. Version 2 Last updated: 2nd March 2022 2 Form K, Form ID1A, Form ID2, and the subscriber agreement must be filled out. Biometric data for all beneficiaries listed on the residency certificate will also be collected.

13. Is it possible to add a dependant after the initial application submission?

•    Yes, it is possible to add dependants after the residence certificate is issued. A separate application pack must be submitted, including documents such as MPRP7, signed in the presence of a Commissioner for Oaths, along with forms MPRP2, 3, 4, 4a, 6, and 10. Supporting documentation like KYC evidence, birth certificates, change of name records (if applicable), ID cards or equivalents, marriage/divorce certificates, military records (if applicable), certified true copies of passports, and police certificates (if applicable) must also be provided. The application should be accompanied by the required contribution fee for dependants. Please refer to the Agent Handbook for details on fees and contributions.

14. Are there guidelines on the fees charged by Agents for services related to the Malta Permanent Residence Programme?

•    No, agents have discretion to determine the fees they charge their clients.

15. Does the applicant need to own or lease property in Malta at the application stage?

•    No, ownership or leasing of property must be completed within 8 months from the issuance date of the Letter of Approval in Principle. Property leased or purchased before application submission that meets S.L. 217.26 rules regarding qualifying property is acceptable.

16. Can the beneficiary replace the declared qualifying property with another during the first 5 years?

•    Yes, the beneficiary can sell or cease leasing the qualifying property during the first 5 years and replace it with another qualifying property, provided the qualifying property conditions continue to be met. The beneficiary cannot switch from an owned property to a leased property within the first 5 years. Documentation including a certified true copy of the new purchase/lease agreement and, for leases, a rental declaration form and rent payment receipt must be submitted as evidence.

17. Is it possible for the main applicant to first rent and then buy a property?

•    Yes, this is permissible as long as the property meets the qualifying criteria in both scenarios.

18. Can the beneficiary first buy a property and then rent one?

•    No, this is not allowed during the first five years of the Programme.

19. Would purchasing rooms in a hotel, not accessible to others, qualify as a qualifying property?

•    No, such purchases do not qualify. The main applicant must lease or purchase a residential property.

20. Would significant investment in property renovations meet the criteria for a qualifying property?

•    Yes, if the property was purchased before application and substantial renovations were funded by the client, resulting in a total expenditure exceeding €300,000 for a property in the South of Malta, it may qualify. An independent architect's detailed valuation report, including renovation plans and descriptions of work undertaken, is required. The Agency may appoint an architect to assess the property's value, with access granted as necessary. Ultimately, the Agency determines whether the requirements are met.

Q21: Is an Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit required if the qualifying property is not in a Special Designated Area (SDA)?

• Yes, an Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit is still required.

Q22: Do the minimum property requirements cease to apply after holding a qualifying property for the first 5 years?

• The beneficiary is not required to maintain ownership of the specific qualifying property stipulated in the relevant legal notice. However, to retain the residence permit, they must possess a residential property in Malta or Gozo.

Q23: Can an applicant take a loan to purchase the qualifying property?

• This decision lies within the discretion of the bank.

Q24: During the application stage, does the applicant need to provide an affidavit or a promise of sale/rent agreement to fulfill the obligation to buy or rent property in Malta?

• A declaration (part of Form MPRP1) must be signed before a Commissioner for Oaths.

Q25: If a property is co-owned by the main applicant with their spouse, children, and sometimes grandparents, would this be accepted as evidence of the €500,000 capital?

• Only the spouse's share of the property is considered, and only if the spouse is included in the application.

• Q26: If an applicant possesses assets totaling €500,000 (including €150,000 in financial assets), is this amount applicable only to the main applicant or also to other listed dependants?

• This amount applies solely to the main applicant. It does not vary based on the number of persons included in the application.

• Q27: Are cryptocurrencies considered permissible as financial assets?

• No, cryptocurrencies are not permissible. Acceptable financial assets include stocks, bonds, funds, and bank deposits.

• Q28: Can an applicant qualify with a yearly employment income of €100,000, as required in the previous programme?

• No, applicants must now demonstrate assets totaling €500,000 to be eligible.

• Q29: How long must the beneficiary remain compliant with asset monitoring, and how should declarations be presented to the Agency?

• Asset monitoring of the beneficiary's €500,000 (including €150,000 in financial assets) will occur annually for the first 5 years. Declarations must be submitted using Form MPRP5 (Official Compliance Form), signed by both the beneficiary and the agent.

• Q30: Is the €500,000 capital requirement distinct from the value of property acquired or leased in Malta?

• Yes, these are separate requirements. Applicants must provide proof of €500,000 in capital (with at least €150,000 in financial assets) and either a property valued at €300,000/€350,000 or an annual rent of €10,000/€12,000.

• Q31: What does the Agency expect in a 'statement of source of funds and wealth'?

• The statement, found in Form MPRP2, should include a bank statement from the applicant's primary account for the last 3 months, used for remitting administrative fees and contributions.

• Q32: Many individuals invest in property, securities, or businesses instead of keeping cash in bank accounts. Are these acceptable forms of proof of assets for an applicant?

• Yes, documents such as security/investment portfolios, property appraisals, or company financial statements from reputable entities are acceptable. These should accompany Form MPRP2 and demonstrate the applicant's financial capability to meet programme requirements.

• **Q33: Can an architect's valuation be used as evidence to establish the total net assets if an applicant's assets primarily consist of real estate rather than cash or other liquid assets?

• Yes, an architect's valuation is acceptable, and real estate holdings can contribute to meeting the main applicant's capital requirement.

• Q34: Is a spouse considered a dependant if they possess assets or sources of income?

• While a spouse is considered a dependant, they are not restricted from having their own assets or income.

• Q35: If the main applicant holds shares exceeding 10% of a publicly listed company, must company documents be submitted with the application?

• Yes, in such cases, company documents are required to be included in the application pack.

• Q36: Can the main applicant use a benefactor's assets as proof of their own assets?

• Yes, assets must be in the main applicant's name as specified by the legislation. If assets are transferred from a benefactor, evidence such as a deed of gift, sworn declaration, and bank transfer records must be provided to satisfy this requirement.