The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is an ideal option for South Africans who are looking to relocate to Europe because it provides a streamlined method for becoming a permanent resident by leveraging government contributions or property investments. This route is perfect for anyone who wants to expedite their goal of moving to Europe permanently because it only takes about four to six months for a complete and correct application to be processed. Whether you’re wanting to make Malta your sole place of residence or you’re planning on making it your home away from home, the MPRP is an optimal solution that should be considered. Here are some facts about the programme’s eligibility requirements and benefits:
Eligibility Requirements for the MPRP
In order to apply for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), you must be a national from a third country – which means not from any country within the European Union or EEA. Swiss nationals are also not qualified for the programme. You also cannot be from any of the sanctioned countries that are listed by the administering agency. Fortunately, if you’re from South Africa you shouldn’t have to worry about any of these initial requirements.
Applicants need to possess adequate financial resources to show that they will not be a burden to the government assistance system of Malta. More specifically, you’ll need to be able to show that you have at least €150,000 worth of financial assets and at least €500,000 worth of capital assets. Furthermore, you’ll need to show that you have no criminal record and that you’re physically and mentally fit enough to avoid having to rely upon additional assistance programmes within Malta. Finally, it should go without saying that the last requirement is that you do not pose any threat to the public policy, national security, or public health or interest of Malta.
Primary Benefits
As the name implies, the main benefit of the MPRP is that it gives you the right to permanently stay in Malta as a resident. You’ll also be able to travel throughout Schengen without a visa for 90 out of 180 days of travel. In addition, it’s worth noting that Malta has highly affordable real estate and is known for having some of the best home prices in the EU, so you’ll be able to purchase beautiful properties for much cheaper than you would in other parts of Europe. Additionally, you can include up to four generations of your descendants in the application, which means your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren can all become permanent residents of Malta upon approval of your application.
How to Apply
The first step in applying for the MPRP is to put in an application with the help of a Licensed Agent. Before you get ready to take that step, please note that there is a one-time admin fee of €40,000, which is non-refundable. Also, as a preliminary step you’ll need to rent a home that has a rent paid price of €12,000 (or €10,000 if it’s in Gozo or the South of Malta). Alternatively, you can buy a home that costs a minimum of €300,000 in the South of Malta or Gozo, or €350,000 in other parts of Malta. You’ll also need to render payment for a government contribution of €28,000 if you’re buying a home, or €58,000 if you’re renting one.
If you have additional adult dependents other than your spouse, then you’ll need to pay another contribution of €7,500 for each adult dependent that will be moving with you. The qualifying property that you’re renting or leasing in Malta should be held for at least five years. You’ll need to have in your possession a valid travel document as well as valid travel insurance to show that you can legally travel throughout Schengen. Your insurance will need to include a sickness insurance policy to cover the physical risk of incurring contagious illnesses while travelling throughout Malta. Finally, you’ll have to make a charitable donation of at least €2,000 to any scientific, cultural, sport, artistic, or animal welfare NGO in Malta – the organisation you submit a donation to must be officially registered by the Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations.
Reasons Why South Africans are Migrating to Malta via the MPRP
Malta offers a number of advantages over South Africa, including lower unemployment and crime rates, status as a member nation of the EU, and visa-free travel for its citizens to visit all Maltese destinations. In fact, crime levels are lower in Malta than in most other European countries, with only 31 crimes per 1,000 inhabitants – well below the EU’s average of 59 crimes per 1,000 inhabitants. To put that into perspective, Malta has been ranked as the second-most crime-free nation in the world and the safest in the EU. Furthermore, Malta is an English-speaking country so there isn’t any communication barrier to get past if you’re relocating from South Africa. As a holder of a Malta passport, you can legally travel to more than 186 destinations without a visa, including the US, Canada, and the UK.
Other Ways South Africans are Becoming Maltese Citizens
Aside from the MPRP, it’s also possible to gain your Maltese citizenship via the Exceptional Services for Direct Investment programme or the Malta Global Residence Programme. Each of the programmes have varying eligibility requirement and application procedures that differ from the process outlined above, so be sure to do your research on each of those if the MPRP doesn’t seem to be an ideal route to residency for you.
