The Independent Means Visa in Malta, also known as the Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP), offers residency to qualified non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals who can demonstrate substantial financial resources and a stable income from foreign sources.
MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT
The Independent Means Visa program in Malta, officially called the Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP), provides a pathway to residency for financially self-sufficient individuals. This program is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals looking to establish residency in a Mediterranean EU country with a favorable tax regime, warm climate, and rich cultural heritage.
Overview
A pathway to residency for qualified individuals with substantial financial means in Malta
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals with sufficient foreign income and resources
Anchor Ancestor restrictions
Months to citizenship
Length of Visa
Indefinite, subject to annual renewal
Months to Visa
3-4 months
Physical Presence Requirement
No minimum stay required
Availability
Medium
Family Allowance
Spouse and children
Overview
Submit application through an Authorised Registered Mandatory (ARM) who will liaise with the Maltese authorities on your behalf.
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa (GRP) application?
Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa (GRP) application?
What types of income qualify for the Independent Means Visa (GRP)?
How often do I need to renew my residency permit?
Can Independent Means Visa (GRP) holders apply for Maltese citizenship?
benefits
The program offers numerous advantages for individuals looking to establish their presence in Malta's Mediterranean environment.
Mediterranean lifestyle
EU membership
Favorable tax regime
Fast Processing Time
Path to citizenship allowed after 5 years of permanent residence
.svg)
Online Submission Allowed
Visa-Free Travel Countries
157
Passport Validity
10 years, 5 years for children
Overview
Malta offers a high quality of life, favorable tax regime, and a Mediterranean lifestyle for foreign residents.
Benefits:
Advantages:
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa (GRP) application?
Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa (GRP) application?
What types of income qualify for the Independent Means Visa (GRP)?
How often do I need to renew my residency permit?
Can Independent Means Visa (GRP) holders apply for Maltese citizenship?
REQUIREMENTS
Check if you qualify based on your family history
Not applicable
Minimum Income or Savings: Pensions, Investments, Rental income+Regular Income Stream: Monthly pension payments, Annuities, Proof of Financial Independence
Not applicable
Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is required
REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for the Independent Means Visa (GRP), applicants must meet specific criteria demonstrating their financial stability and self-sufficiency.
PROCESS
Initial Assessment
• Verify passive income sources
• Confirm income thresholds
• Review healthcare requirements
• Complete financial documentation
Selection Phase
• Choose destination country
• Review residency requirements
• Assess tax implications
• Select optimal visa category
Application Preparation
• Gather proof of income
• Obtain health insurance
• Prepare bank statements
• Complete background verification
Submission
• Submit residency application
• Pay visa fees
• Schedule interview (if required)
• Provide biometric data
Residency Setup
• Receive residency permit
• Register with local authorities
• Set up banking/utilities
• Complete residency registration
PROCESS
DOCUMENTS
Passport
Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)
Proof of property purchase or long-term lease agreement in Malta
A clean criminal record is required, confirmed through police clearance certificates from the applicant's country of origin and any country of residence in the past 5 years
Proof of Income or Wealth: Bank statements for the last 12 months+Proof of pension, investments, rental income, or other passive income sources+Tax returns from the previous year
DOCUMENTS
Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences
Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization
Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services
Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees
Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing
Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing
Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates
Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)
Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests
Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees
Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services
Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services
Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates
Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees
Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees
Rankings
76
Overall Rank
Cost
Based on application fee
Residency Requirements
Based on residency requirements
.svg)
Residency Privileges Length
Based on programs’s term
.svg)
Processing Speed
Based on estimated processing time
.svg)
Eligibility Requirements
Based on entry requirements
.svg)
Program Stability
Based on years of activity
.svg)
Time to Permanent Residency
Based on permanent residency timeline
.svg)
Rankings
Safety
Cost of Living
31
Quality of Life
.svg)
Healthcare Quality
27
Internet Speed
41
.svg)
Human Freedom
25
IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS
Explore alternative pathways to live and work
Need help?
get started
.svg)
.svg)
.webp)
