Welcome to Your Journey Towards Global Residence Programme
Having worked closely with numerous individuals and families who have successfully obtained their residency in Malta, I understand that this process is not just about fulfilling requirements—it’s about building a new chapter in your life. That’s why I am committed to being more than just a consultant; I am here to be your partner, ensuring that every aspect of your application is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
Together, we will navigate the intricacies of the GRP, from understanding eligibility criteria to gathering necessary documentation, and ultimately, securing your residency in this beautiful Mediterranean country. My approach is personal and tailored, focusing on your unique needs and goals, so you can move forward with confidence.
Overview of Malta’s Global Residence Programme
In June 2013, the Maltese Government introduced the Global Residence Programme, a residency and tax initiative offering attractive tax benefits to non-EU nationals who choose to reside in Malta.
This Programme enables non-EU nationals to live with their families in a property that they can either purchase or rent in Malta or Gozo, along with the added advantage of obtaining a tax residency permit.
Holders of the Global Residence permit are not obligated to fulfill minimum stay requirements, though they cannot spend more than 183 days in another jurisdiction.
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Eligibility
To apply for residency under this Programme, the following conditions must be met:
- The applicant must not be:
- An EU national (excluding Maltese nationals);
A national of Iceland, Norway, or Liechtenstein;
A national of Switzerland.
An applicant holding dual citizenship, i.e., citizenship of one of the above countries and another country, is not eligible to apply.
- The applicant must own or rent a qualifying property that they occupy as their primary residence worldwide. The property values must meet the following criteria:
- For properties in the North or Central area of Malta, the minimum purchase value is €275,000; for properties in the South of Malta or Gozo, the minimum value is €220,000.
- If opting to rent, the property must have a minimum annual rental value of €9,600 (€800 per month) in the North or Central area of Malta; or €8,750 (€730 per month) in the South of Malta or Gozo.
Important Points
- No person other than the beneficiary and their dependents may reside in the qualifying property at any time.
- The qualifying property cannot be rented or sublet.
- GRP holders will be subject to an annual flat tax rate of 15% on any foreign income received in Malta, with a minimum tax of €15,000 payable to the Inland Revenue Department each year in advance. Any income generated in Malta will be taxed at 35%.
- The GRP applicant must possess health insurance that covers themselves and their dependents for all risks across the entire EU, similar to what is provided for Maltese nationals.
- The applicant must have stable and regular resources sufficient to support themselves and their dependents without relying on Malta’s social assistance system.
- The applicant must be a fit and proper person. A police conduct certificate, issued no more than six months before the application date, must be submitted to confirm that the applicant is not involved in any ongoing civil or criminal proceedings. If such proceedings exist, they must be declared in a separate, originally signed declaration by the individual.
- Additionally, GRP holders can work or set up a business in Malta, provided they meet the necessary conditions for obtaining a work permit.
Upon application, a standard registration fee applies:
- €5,500 if the property is purchased or rented in Gozo or the south of Malta;
- €6,000 if the property is purchased or rented in all other areas of Malta.
The following documents are required and submitted to the Tax Unit:
- Application Form
- Questionnaire
- Supporting documents
- Bank draft
The Tax Unit conducts a vetting and due diligence process. A face-to-face interview is conducted with:
- The applicant
- A Tax officer
- An ARQ Representative
The €15,000 payment is processed, and the Tax Unit issues a letter confirming the grant of special tax status. The completion and submission of documents to the Department of Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs (DCEA) for the issuance of a residency card. The DCEA conducts due diligence, and the residency card is issued.
Beneficiaries granted special tax status under the Global Residence Programme must pay a minimum tax of fifteen thousand euros (€15,000) annually. This minimum tax covers income of the beneficiary and their dependents that arises outside Malta and is received in Malta, excluding income generated within Malta.
Beneficiaries retain the right to claim relief from double taxation (if applicable), provided that the minimum tax payable is as stipulated above. Other income that is taxable in Malta under the Income Tax Acts, which is not taxed separately at the aforementioned rate, will be taxed at a rate of thirty-five cents (0.35) on every euro.
This may include bank interest received from local sources or dividends from companies registered in Malta.
Income that is taxable in Malta under the Income Tax Acts for the following dependents will be taxed separately at the applicable rates found in Article 56 of the Income Tax Act. These dependents must be registered for income tax purposes with the Commissioner for Revenue under a separate procedure.
These dependents include:
- The person with whom the beneficiary is in a stable and durable relationship;
- Children over the age of 18 but under the age of 25, including adopted children and children in the care and custody of the beneficiary, the beneficiary’s spouse, or the person with whom the beneficiary is in a stable and durable relationship, who are not economically active;
- Brothers, sisters, and direct relatives in the ascending line of the beneficiary, the beneficiary’s spouse, or the person with whom the beneficiary is in a stable and durable relationship.
Conclusion: Start Your Journey with Confidence
Choosing to apply for Malta’s Global Residence Programme is a monumental decision that can open doors to numerous opportunities for you and your family. As your dedicated partner, I am here to ensure that this process is not only successful but also