Why Malta’s golden visa is becoming a popular choice for Indians

Malta’s Golden Visa programme has become one of the most popular choices for Indian nationals seeking residency in the European Union (EU).

Nationalities that rank among the highest in seeking the programme include Chinese, Vietnamese, Indians, South Africans, and Turks.

Moneycontrol and Firstpost bring you a series on global golden visas. After the UAE Golden Visa and Canada’s investor visa, we look at the Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP), which is among the top residency-by-investment visas, as per the 2025 Global Residence Program Index by Henley & Partners, an investment migration consultancy.

Residency by investment, or golden visa, is a way to secure immigration, permanent residency or eventually citizenship in another country. These visas provide wealthy individuals the opportunity to effectively “purchase” residency rights.

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What’s the lure of Malta’s visa programme?

The MPRP is appealing to applicants for several key reasons. First, it offers EU residency as Malta is a member state, granting residents the ability to travel freely across the Schengen Area, which includes 27 European countries.

According to Rohit Bhardwaj, country head – India, Henley & Partners, Malta is strategically located in the centre of the Mediterranean, making it the hidden jewel of the Mediterranean, best known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and beaches.

The MPRP offers permanent residence with the possibility of naturalisation after five years. It is a clearly structured residency-by-investment programme based on investments in property and government contributions.

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Further, Malta is a former British colony that gained independence in 1964 and became a member of the Commonwealth, maintaining a special relationship with the UK, including cultural, legal, and economic ties.

“Many UK businesses have relocated to Malta, particularly after Brexit, seeking access to the EU market and a business-friendly environment. Malta’s strong financial services sector, i-gaming industry, and lower cost of living compared to the UK also contribute to its appeal,” Bhardwaj said.

The MPRP also has a low physical presence requirement, allowing applicants to maintain residency with only a minimal amount of time spent in Malta each year, providing flexibility for those with global commitments. The programme is particularly attractive to families as it permits applicants to include their spouse, children, and dependent parents or grandparents.

What do Indian investors typically look for in Malta?

“MPRP is highly popular among Indian nationals due to its numerous advantages for those seeking EU residency. As an EU member state, Malta grants Schengen Area access, allowing visa-free travel across 27 European countries, which is beneficial for both business and leisure,” said Gaurav Nalawade, country-head at RIF Trust.

The benefits of the country’s golden visa programme include a favourable tax structure, investment opportunities, stability and security, a high quality of life, an English-speaking environment and a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.

What are the eligibility criteria and requirements?

The main applicant must be at least 18 years of age to qualify and must provide an affidavit declaring that from the date of the application they have in their possession capital of no less than €500,000 (Rs 4.7 crore) (€150,000 (Rs 1.4 crore) of which should be in financial assets).

For a single applicant application, the following requirements must be met to qualify for the programme:

1. A property purchase of €375,000 (Rs 3.53 crore) or a property lease of €14,000 (Rs 13.2 lakh) per annum plus lease related costs (which include property search, security deposit, property management & other charges, etc).

2. A non-refundable contribution of €60,000 (Rs 56 lakh) to the Maltese economy if the property is leased.

3. A donation of €2,000 (Rs 1.8 lakh) to a non-governmental organisation.

4. A non-refundable administration fee of €50,000 (Rs 47 lakh).

How does Malta’s visa compare to other European countries?

Many countries in the European Union bloc offer golden visas, including Portugal, Greece, and Spain. The visas differ in terms of investment requirements and the nature of investment.

Malta’s minimum investment is lower than that of Spain but slightly higher than Greece and Portugal. However, it offers more investment flexibility.

Malta and Greece have no mandatory stay requirement, making them attractive for busy investors. Spain requires a longer stay.

The affordable investment requirements — which include real estate investment, government contributions, and charitable donations — make the program more cost-effective compared to other European residency options.

What is the taxation structure of Malta’s golden visa?

“Malta also offers a favourable tax environment, including a flat 15 per cent tax rate on foreign income, which is attractive for investors. Furthermore, Malta has several double taxation treaties, which helps Indian nationals avoid double taxation, making it a tax-efficient choice,” said RIF Trust’s Nalawade.

While there are many positives to Malta’s visa programme, keep in mind that unlike other EU programs that allow full real estate or business investment, Malta requires a non-refundable donation to the government. Further, investors must rent or buy property, but Malta’s real estate prices are high and rising.

Malta is ideal for wealthy investors seeking immediate permanent residency, no mandatory stay obligations, and tax benefits.

Abhinav Kaul is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol