The Malta Permanent Residence Programme grants permanent residence to nationals from outside the EU who meet property, contribution and asset requirements. This page explains how South African nationals can approach it and where to verify the rules.
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 programme is designed for nationals from outside the European Union, which includes South African nationals. Applicants must be in good standing, pass due diligence and show the required assets.
Because this is a residence route rather than a second citizenship, the South African rule on losing citizenship when voluntarily acquiring another citizenship does not apply. Even so, confirm your own position with the South African authorities before acting.
Applicants either buy a qualifying property or rent one, and in both cases pay a government contribution and an administrative fee. A reformed framework also introduced a renewable temporary residence permit that lets applicants relocate while the file is processed.
Asset thresholds differ depending on whether you buy or rent. Confirm which combination fits your situation with the official authority.
Processing depends on due diligence and document readiness. The Residency Malta Agency reviews whether conditions are met, and it rechecks the property and asset position each year for the first five years. Confirm the current timeline with the official authority.
Costs include a government contribution, an administrative fee paid in stages, the property purchase or rent, plus per person fees for certain dependants. Indicative figures are below and must be confirmed before acting.
| Item | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Property purchase or rent | Buy from EUR 375,000, or rent from EUR 14,000 per year | Minimum levels reported under the current framework. Confirm with the official authority |
| Government contribution | EUR 37,000 | Reported standard figure whether buying or renting. Confirm with the official authority |
| Administrative fee | EUR 60,000 | Reported as EUR 15,000 on submission and EUR 45,000 after approval. Confirm with the official authority |
| Asset requirement | EUR 500,000 or EUR 650,000 | With a minimum share held as financial assets. Confirm with the official authority |
| Additional dependants | EUR 7,500 each | Certain close dependants are reported as exempt. Confirm with the official authority |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Residency Malta Agency publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
No. It grants permanent residence, not citizenship. Treat residence and citizenship as separate questions and confirm both with the relevant authorities.
This is a residence route, so the South African rule on losing citizenship by voluntarily acquiring another citizenship is not engaged. Confirm your own position with the South African authorities before acting.
The agency rechecks the property and asset conditions each year for the first five years. Confirm the current physical presence and condition rules with the official authority.
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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