Want To Settle In Europe? Malta’s Golden Visa Lets Indians Live, Work & Travel In Months | World News
Malta’s Golden Visa: For Indians dreaming of an address in Europe, Malta is a hidden gem. The Mediterranean island offers more than natural harbors and historic streets. It offers a legal way to live in Europe.
The program is one of Europe’s most sought-after investment-based residence routes. It provides long-term security and allows travel in the Schengen Area. It covers families and does not oblige applicants to live in Malta full-time.
The process is simple. Demonstrate financial viability, invest in property or rental, contribute to the Maltese government and complete due diligence checks. Then you can call Europe home.
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What Does the Program Offer?
The golden visa grants permanent residence to non-EU citizens, including Indians, within six to eight months. Successful applicants can live in Malta indefinitely. They can travel freely within the Schengen Area. Includes spouses, children and dependent parents.
Applicants can even obtain a temporary one-year residence card at the beginning of the process. Allows relocation while reviewing the main file.
Who Can Apply?
Indians aged 18 and above with clean criminal records are eligible to apply. Applicants must prove a minimum of €500,000 (approximately Rs 6.6 crore) in total assets. Must have at least €150,000 (approximately Rs 1.5 crore) in financial assets. Some rules allow assets of €50,000 (around Rs 5.9 billion) along with financial assets of €75,000 (around Rs 76 lakh).
The Malta Residence Agency carries out a stringent four-stage due diligence check. The source of the money must be legitimate.
Financial Commitment
From 2025 the contribution has been simplified. The combined government contribution is 37,000 Euros (approximately Rs 37.88 lakh). There is an administrative fee of €60,000 (approximately Rs 61.4 lakh) for the main applicant. The first €15,000 is paid at the time of application. The remaining €45,000 is after approval.
Adult dependents, excluding spouses, pay €7,500 each. Spouses and minor children are exempt. A donation of 2,000 Euros to a Maltese NGO is mandatory. Health insurance covering Malta and the European Union is mandatory.
Property Options
Applicants must purchase or rent property in Malta or Gozo and maintain it for five years.
- Purchase: Minimum €375,000
- Rent: Minimum €14,000 per year
Recent updates allow buyers to rent out their properties. Tenants can sublease within the framework of the rules.
The program is family friendly. Spouses, minor children, adult dependents, and dependent parents or grandparents can participate. Adult dependents (excluding spouses) pay €7,500 each.
How to Apply
- Appoint a licensed Maltese agent – All applications go through an approved local agent for KYC checks.
- Prepare documents – Include passports, police clearances, bank statements, proof of wealth, property documents and health insurance.
- Submit application and pay €15,000 – Temporary residence card may be issued.
- Approval in Principle – Pay remaining €45,000 after background checks. Includes €37,000 contribution, property commitment, €2,000 NGO donation and valid health insurance.
- Final Residence Certificate – Issued after eligibility checks. Retain property and liabilities for five years.
Post-Approval Obligations
Protect the property for five years. Have valid health insurance. Report any major changes in family or financial matters to the Maltese authorities.
Tips to Keep in Mind
Police clearance must cover any country of residence for more than six months. Names must match in Indian documents. ITRs, CA returns and business financials are needed to prove source of wealth.
Start your property search early. Only finalize after approval in principle has been received.
Malta also offers a Nomad Residence Permit for remote workers working outside the country.
Fast, Simple, Family Friendly
For Indians looking to gain a foothold in Europe, Malta’s Golden Visa is one of the fastest routes. No language exams and mandatory physical stay are required. Processing time is less than eight months. It combines convenience with European opportunity.
