American nationals can apply to the Malta Permanent Residence Programme as third country nationals. This page sets out who qualifies, the route and where to confirm the figures.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme is open to people who are not citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland. American nationals fall within that group, so they are eligible in principle. Applicants must be at least 18, hold a clean record, be in good health and not be subject to sanctions or a pending prosecution.
Applicants must also show stable financial means. The published requirement is assets of at least 500,000 euros, of which at least 150,000 euros are financial assets. You can only apply through a licensed agent, so confirm your eligibility and the current asset rules before committing.
This is a residence programme, not a citizenship route. It grants permanent residence for the applicant and qualifying family members. The route combines a government contribution, an administrative fee, a charitable donation and a property commitment, either a qualifying lease or a qualifying purchase.
On the property side, the published thresholds are a purchase of at least 375,000 euros, or 300,000 euros in the south of Malta or on Gozo, or a lease of at least 14,000 euros a year, or 10,000 euros a year in the south of Malta or on Gozo, with the property held for at least five years. A charitable donation of 2,000 euros to an approved Maltese organisation is also required. Confirm the current government contribution and administrative fees with the official authority.
Processing is handled by the Residency Malta Agency after a licensed agent submits the file. Timelines move with due diligence and the completeness of the application, so treat any quoted period as indicative and confirm it with the official authority.
The cost is built from a government contribution that differs depending on whether you lease or buy, an administrative fee with additional amounts per dependant, the 2,000 euro charitable donation, the property cost, due diligence fees and licensed agent fees. Because several of these change, the table gives the structure and routes the specific figures to the official authority.
Permanent residence under this programme does not by itself make you a Maltese or European Union citizen, and it does not change your United States tax position. American citizens remain subject to United States tax reporting on worldwide income wherever they live. Take licensed tax advice before acting.
| Item | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government contribution | Confirm the current figure with the official authority | Differs for lease versus purchase |
| Administrative fee | Confirm the current figure with the official authority | Additional amount per adult dependant |
| Charitable donation | 2,000 euros | To an approved Maltese organisation |
| Property, purchase | From 375,000 euros, or 300,000 euros south or Gozo | Held at least five years |
| Property, lease | From 14,000 euros a year, or 10,000 euros south or Gozo | Held at least five years |
| Financial standing | Assets of at least 500,000 euros, including 150,000 euros financial | Verified by the agency |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Residency Malta Agency publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
Yes. It is open to nationals from outside the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland, which includes American citizens, provided they meet the financial, character and health requirements. You must apply through a licensed agent.
No. It grants permanent residence, not citizenship. Maltese citizenship is a separate matter with its own rules. Confirm the current position with the official authority.
Not by itself. United States citizens remain subject to United States tax reporting on worldwide income regardless of where they live. Take licensed tax advice.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
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