Malta closed down its citizenship program this past week as of the day this article was posted, but today we are covering the Malta PR program vs. Spain’s passive income PR program. Although Spain has paused its Golden Visa program, also earlier in April 2025, you can still obtain residency through the passive income residency program, which is what we are comparing head-to-head today against Malta’s Permanent Residency Program, MPRP.
These are the lowest-cost residency programs for both Spain and Malta.
Both countries are located by the Mediterranean, are full EU members, and allow you to reside with your family in these EU countries based on the programs we are covering today.
At INGWE, we have successfully helped thousands of families since 2018, from over 55 countries navigate the complex landscape of business and investment immigration. Connect with us for a personalized assessment – click here.
We will be comparing these 2 programs in this article. For your convenience, we have also posted this comparison in a clear table format below to check each criterion side by side for both Malta and Spain, making it easier for you to make an informed decision.
Let’s start with the minimum required amount you need to have to qualify for both programs: Malta’s PR program and Spain’s passive income residency program, also called the non-lucrative visa, which does not require an investment in Spain.
Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa
For the Spain passive income visa, you will need to prove that you, as the main applicant, have the minimum required monthly passive income.
What Is Passive Income as Per Spanish Regulations?
Passive income means you are not on salary or wages, and you do not need to go to work every day to earn that income. Examples include interest payments from term deposits, investment funds, dividend payments from a company in which you are a passive shareholder, or pension income.
Sometimes rental income can be eligible too, but you would have to prove that you have a full-time property management company handling your rental income since you will not be able to manage it while overseas in Spain.
The key is to make sure the income you are providing as proof to the Spanish embassy is not active income, meaning you do not need to report to work or actively work to earn that money. You can be overseas or sitting at home, and that income will hit your account on a consistent basis. This is the foundation of the Spanish non-lucrative visa, also known as passive income leading to residency.
How Much Do You Need to Become Eligible for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa?
For this program in Spain, a passive income amount of €2,400 per month, approximately CAD $3,063 or USD $2,220, should be proven by the main applicant as per the 2025 Spanish government figures posted.
An additional amount of €600 per month, approximately CAD $897 or USD $555, for each family member should be added to the main applicant’s application. This means that if you and your dependents are 4 persons, you will need to show a minimum income of €4,200 per month, approximately CAD $6,321 or USD $4,581.
Keep in mind that this is the bare minimum income. The higher passive income you can prove, the higher your chances of approval by the Spanish embassy in your current country of residence. Use common sense: if you only have passive income for the past 3-4 months, this would not be sufficient. We recommend closer to at least 12 months of consecutive and consistent proof of passive income into your own account or joint account with your spouse or documented common-law partner.
How Much Do I Need to Apply for the Malta Permanent Residency Program?
On the other hand, Malta’s PR program is a bit different. It is definitely more costly, but unlike the Spain passive-income program, Malta offers permanent residency upfront, and the country is bilingual, English and Maltese.
To qualify financially, you would need to have a net worth of €500,000, which can be in the form of fixed assets, shares, or jointly held assets with your spouse or documented common-law partner, along with €150,000 in liquid funds, which can be part of the original €500,000 net worth.
Alternatively, you can qualify with a net worth of €650,000, with €75,000 of this amount in liquid funds.
Keep in mind that no audit is required, and this is all based on self-declaration as well. You do not need to spend this money, you just need to prove that you are worth that much. The reason for the liquid funds requirement is to be able to pay all the government fees, contributions, and donations as part of the Malta PR program.
What Are the Income and Payment Requirements to Apply for the Malta PR Program, MPRP?
The main applicant has to make an official contribution to the Malta government of €60,000, and a local charity contribution in Malta of €2,000. In addition, a non-refundable administrative fee of €50,000 also needs to be paid by the main applicant to the Malta government.
For each dependent, such as your common-law partner, spouse, or child, you will pay an additional administrative fee of €10,000 per person to the Malta government. If you want to include your parents, each parent would require an additional contribution of €7,500 to the Malta government.
In all, a single adult’s cost for the Malta PR program would be approximately €112,000, in addition to legal fees and PR card issuance fees. This excludes the minimum rental of a property for each family. The minimum acceptable rental amount is €14,000 per year, and a lease for 5 years is required, although in theory it could be paid every year.
A property purchase option is also available at €375,000, but that is outside the scope of this article as we are checking the lowest-cost pathways to these two countries.
As an example, a family of 4, consisting of 1 main applicant, 1 spouse or common-law partner, and 2 children, would be looking at a total combined government fee of approximately €152,050, excluding legal fees, PR issuance fees of €550, and rental fees for a property in Malta to accommodate the family.
Obviously, this is a much bigger cost to the applicant and their family compared to the non-lucrative Spain visa, but there is a reason for this. We will cover the key points you need to know before deciding purely based on the price tag.
Are You Able to Sub-Lease or Rent Out Your Property in Spain or Malta?
The Malta PR program restricts applicants from renting out their main residence in Malta or sub-leasing it. Any kind of short-term or long-term rental is prohibited for the main residence, which is the only tie to the country for applicants receiving their permanent residencies.
Of course, the applicant can rent out other properties they have invested in, but not the primary residence they have rented or purchased for the PR program of Malta.
In Spain, no such restrictions exist. If your landlord approves, you can rent out or sub-lease, since property rental or investment is not part of the non-lucrative visa program in Spain.
What Is the Frequency of Renewals for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa and Malta PR Program?
Under the Spain non-lucrative visa, your initial permit is granted for 1 year, with a possible 2-year renewal followed by another 2-year renewal. Some cities have allowed a third exceptional renewal, though regions like Galicia do not offer this option.
Typically, at the 5-year mark, you have the opportunity to convert to permanent status if you meet the requirements listed below in this article.
A policy change expected in May 2025 for the Spain non-lucrative visa is set to extend the first renewal period to 4 years after the initial 1-year grant. It is still unclear whether the consulates will require proof of funds for the entire 4-year period and whether following extensions will be granted for the same amount of time.
For the Malta PR program, no annual renewal is required. Instead, every 5 years your PR cards should be renewed. In theory, you only need to return to Malta every 5 years if you do not plan to stay in the country while holding the permanent residency card of this EU country.
Temporary Residency vs. Permanent Residency in Spain and Malta
Here are the key differences to note. For the Spain non-lucrative visa, also known as passive income residency, which provides you and your family with temporary residency, you do need to spend 183 days per year in Spain to maintain this residency. This is different from Malta, which issues permanent residency from the very beginning.
This means if you plan to maintain and renew your residency under this specific program in Spain, which is not the Golden Visa option, then you do need to spend half the year in Spain.
This has been successfully challenged in the Supreme Court of Spain before 2025. However, as of May 2025, new stricter regulations have been clearly outlined in the law requiring this minimum residency in Spain to maintain and renew your status after the first year.
For Malta, you receive permanent residency status for 5 years and do not need to renew it or stay in the country during the first 5 years. Your main tie to the country is the property you rent or perhaps purchase later on. There is no residency requirement at all except entering initially to complete your biometrics and collect your PR cards.
No renewals are required until the 5 years of your PR status are completed, at which point you can file to renew if the regulations have not changed by then.
Having permanent residency status in an EU country is significantly different from temporary residency.
Is It Possible to Convert Your Temporary Status to Permanent Status in Spain?
In the Spain program, if you plan to convert your temporary residency to permanent residency, then you need to continuously stay in Spain for 5 years before becoming eligible to apply for permanent residency status.
You are allowed to be absent for a total of 10 months during the 5-year period, unless it is a work-related absence, which would allow you to be absent for 12 months total in 5 years. In no single year can the absence exceed 6 months, meaning the minimum 183-day presence requirement is not negotiable.
After you have converted to permanent residency, the residency requirements are more relaxed, unless you plan for citizenship in Spain, which would take another 5 years as a PR holder.
So far, we have covered that Spain issues temporary residency under this program for 1 year, renewable every 2 years, with planned regulatory changes for a 4-year renewal. This gives you 5 years in the country before becoming eligible to convert to PR. Malta, meanwhile, issues you a 5-year permanent residency from the very beginning.
Do Both Programs in Spain and Malta Lead to Citizenship?
This is a very interesting question now, since Malta just closed its exclusive citizenship investment program this past week, as of the publishing date of this article.
However, the Malta Permanent Residency Program never automatically made applicants eligible for citizenship. We do expect Malta to revamp its programs due to the EU court rulings, potentially creating a new PR-to-citizenship pathway but with higher investment thresholds.
Spain, on the other hand, is more citizenship-friendly. If you convert your temporary residency to permanent status in 5 years and stay a minimum of 9 months per year for the rest of the 5 years, you can become eligible for citizenship in Spain, for a total of 10 years.
Keep in mind that if you were born in an Ibero-American country, in other words, an ex-colony of Spain, you can become eligible for citizenship in Spain within 2 years of residency. This applies to nationals born in Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or individuals of Sephardic origin.
Can You Work in Spain With the Non-Lucrative Visa Status?
This is the biggest difference between the Malta and Spain programs we are covering in this article. As an applicant for the non-lucrative visa in Spain, you are not allowed to work, since the whole foundation of the program is for people and families who have passive income and can support themselves financially without engaging in any type of work or profession in Spain.
Whether you work remotely or not is a different matter and is a gray area in the regulations and laws of Spain. However, declaring remote work could increase refusal risk under this program. We suggest applying as a digital nomad instead of using Spain’s non-lucrative visa if you are actively working remotely.
You could technically own a business in Spain under this visa, but you cannot actively manage it or work on it.
On the other hand, Malta’s program does not automatically authorize a Malta PR holder to work. However, it is legally allowed to apply for a separate work permit from inside Malta based on an offer of employment, and the same is true for the spouse or common-law partner of the main applicant. Therefore, Malta is more flexible in terms of work permit authorizations for PR holders.
Can Your Children Be Included in Your Application to Malta or Spain?
Yes. In Malta, adult children under the age of 29 who are single and 100% financially dependent on you can be included in your PR application.
In Spain, dependents under the age of 18 can be included. It is also possible to include adult children above the age of 18, in their mid-20s, if they are single and 100% financially dependent on the main applicant, meaning the parent, with supporting documentation.
Can Parents Be Added to the Application?
In Spain, this would not be possible during the first 5 years as a temporary resident under the non-lucrative visa.
However, in Malta, it is possible to include parents as additional dependents under the Malta Permanent Residency Program.
Can Dependent Family Members Study and Work in Spain Under the Non-Lucrative Visa?
Under the non-lucrative visa, also known as passive income residency in Spain, the main applicant and dependents are not permitted to engage in any form of employment. However, the non-lucrative residency visa in Spain does allow for study programs and unpaid internships.
In Malta, under the MPRP, free education rights are not automatically available to Malta Permanent Residency holders. If the parent or guardian of the dependent applies for a work permit, under a special exemption, children can obtain free education.
Do Applicants Under the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Have Free Access to Healthcare?
Applicants need to provide their own private health insurance coverage as part of the application process. Free healthcare or insurance is not covered by the Spanish government for temporary residents under this program.
In Malta, the same regulations apply, and private healthcare insurance needs to be obtained by the applicant and their family members for the application eligibility criteria of the MPRP.
Ability to Live and Work in Another EU Country
Unless the applicant becomes a citizen of the country where they obtained residency, they are not permitted to reside and work in any other EU country unless they apply separately for the residency program of that country.
Please refer to the regulations for more information. Long-term EU residency rights apply to the country where the residency is obtained, not any other EU countries, as per this government link: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/legal-migration-resettlement-and-integration/long-term-residents_en
What Are the Tax Implications If You Apply for These Two Programs in Spain or Malta?
An individual is considered to have their habitual residence in Spain for tax purposes when any of the following conditions are met:
- They spend more than 183 days in Spain during a calendar year.
Spain has tax treaties with many countries, which help avoid double taxation. Therefore, being a tax resident in Spain does not automatically mean you will be required to pay taxes there. It is advisable to review the tax treaty between Spain and your country of residence for specific guidance.
Tax treaties here: https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/normativa-criterios-interpretativos/fiscalidad-internacional/convenios-doble-imposicion-firmados-espana.html
Spanish tax residency guidance: https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/en_gb/no-residentes/residencia-personas-fisicas-juridicas/persona-fisica-residente-espana.html
Obtaining permanent residency in Malta through the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, MPRP, does not automatically make you a tax resident. To be considered a tax resident, you must spend more than 183 days in Malta during a calendar year.
Taxation treaties exist with countries such as the USA and other jurisdictions. Malta has very reasonable and flexible global income tax regimes available, more favorable than most other EU countries. Refer to our other articles on our website regarding favorable tax regimes in Europe.
Hopefully, you now have a clear picture of the main differences between these two programs in Spain and Malta, and which program would be more beneficial for you, your family, and potentially your future residency in Europe.
Spain’s program is cheaper, but also more restrictive. Malta’s program has higher initial costs, but it opens up more options to work and study in the country, although citizenship eligibility is a different matter.
The Ultimate Comparison Between Spain vs. Malta Residency Programs
| Criteria | Spain – Non-Lucrative Visa | Malta – MPRP |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal Frequencies | Initially granted for 1 year, with a possible 2-year renewal followed by another 2 years. Some cities have allowed a third exceptional renewal, though regions like Galicia do not offer this option.
A policy change expected in May 2025 is set to extend the first renewal period to 4 years after the initial 1-year grant. It is still unclear whether the consulates will require proof of funds for the entire 4-year period and whether following extensions will be granted for the same amount of time. |
The residence card is valid for 5 years or until cut-off dates at ages 14 and 18, after which the beneficiary should reapply for card renewal with our office.
Note: The Malta Permanent Residence Programme, MPRP, grants permanent residency, meaning you do not need to renew your residency status, but you do need to renew your residence card every 5 years. |
| Residency Requirements for Renewals | Current regulation requires a 180-day stay for renewal. However, the Supreme Court has not upheld this rule, as it conflicts with the right to free movement. As a result, renewals have been approved even with shorter stays.
The new regulation, effective May 2025, sets a minimum stay of 183 days, aligning with tax residency requirements. However, this may also be challenged under the same Supreme Court mandate, potentially rendering it invalid. Note: For long-term permanent residency applications, prolonged absences from the country will negatively impact eligibility. |
Hold real estate during the entire duration of the residency, either through lease or purchase of property in Malta. |
| Permanent or Temporary Residency | Temporary residency. | Permanent residency. |
| Residency Requirements to Convert to PR | Having legally and continuously resided in Spanish territory for five years.
Continuity will not be affected by absences from Spain of up to six consecutive months, provided the total does not exceed ten months within the five-year period. If the absences are due to work-related reasons, they must not exceed a total of one year within the required five years. |
PR is issued initially during the first application.
The beneficiary is not required to maintain ownership of the specific qualifying property outlined in the relevant legal notice after the first 5 years. However, in order to retain the residence permit, they must continue to hold a residential property in Malta or Gozo. |
| Minimum Investment for Family of 2 | The monthly minimum required amount for 2025 is €2,400, approximately CAD $3,589 or USD $2,220. To this amount must be added €600, approximately CAD $897 or USD $555, for each family member in the applicant’s care.
Note: For renewals, some cities may require payment equivalent to a two-year period. |
Estimated at €147,225 for a family of 1 adult and 1 dependent child. This includes government admin fees, application fees, donations, contributions, and legal fees.
No property rental or purchase amount is included in this total estimate. Please add 5 years of property leasing or property purchase to your budget for this program. |
| Leads to Citizenship? | Yes. To do so, it is necessary to have legally and continuously resided in Spain for ten years immediately prior to the application.
A minimum stay of 9 months per year in Spain is typically required to obtain a Spanish passport. While this requirement is not explicitly stated in the law, it is commonly enforced by consulates during the application process. Individuals of Ibero-American descent may apply for citizenship after two years of legal residence in Spain. This applies to nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or individuals of Sephardic origin. https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/santiagodechile/es/ServiciosConsulares/ |
No. |
| Can Rent Out Residence During Absence? | Yes. If any property is rented or purchased, it can be rented out based on permission from the landlord or building. | Not allowed. |
| Main Applicant Has Open Work Authorization | No. You cannot work on a Spanish non-lucrative visa, as it is designed for individuals who can financially support themselves without engaging in any work or professional activity in Spain. Income shown in the application must be passive.
The regulation does not explicitly address remote work, but there is a newer mention that clarifies that employment must not be carried out within Spanish territory. However, this remains a gray area, and declaring that you are working while applying can significantly increase the risk of refusal. Note: Individuals holding this visa are allowed to own businesses in Spain, but they are not permitted to actively manage or operate them. |
Obtaining a work permit is a separate process from the MPRP application. Permanent residency in Malta does not give the right to work to the main applicant or family members. A separate work permit needs to be applied for under separate regulations. The spouse of the main applicant is not entitled to work in Malta unless they apply for a work permit. |
| Can Family Members Be Added to the Application? | Yes, the following family members may also obtain the visa:
|
Yes. Dependent family members and even parents can be added based on specific eligibility and additional fees. The program is very flexible based on the fees that are paid. |
| Dependent Family Can Study and Work? | The main applicant and dependents are not permitted to engage in any form of employment.
However, the non-lucrative residency visa in Spain does allow for study programs and unpaid internships. |
Free education rights are not automatically available to Malta Permanent Residency holders. If the parent or guardian of the dependent applies for a work permit, under a special exemption, children can obtain free education. |
| Eligible Age of Dependent Children |
|
Under the age of 29, if single and financially dependent. |
| Access to Healthcare | Original and copy of the certificate accrediting public or private health insurance with no co-pay or deductible, contracted with an insurance entity authorized to operate in Spain. The insurance policy must be valid for 1 year and must cover all beneficiaries of the visa for the risks insured by Spain’s public health system.
No travel insurance with medical assistance coverage will be accepted. |
Private healthcare insurance needs to be obtained by the applicant and their family members for the application eligibility criteria. |
| Tax Residency | An individual is considered to have their habitual residence in Spain for tax purposes when they spend more than 183 days in Spain during a calendar year.
Spain has tax treaties with many countries, which help avoid double taxation. Therefore, being a tax resident in Spain does not automatically mean you will be required to pay taxes there. It is advisable to review the tax treaty between Spain and your country of residence for specific guidance. |
Obtaining permanent residency in Malta through the Malta Permanent Residence Programme, MPRP, does not automatically make you a tax resident. To be considered a tax resident, you must spend more than 183 days in Malta during a calendar year. Taxation treaties exist with countries such as the USA and other jurisdictions. |
| Ability to Live and Work in Another EU Country | Unless the applicant becomes a citizen of the country where they obtained residency, they are not permitted to reside and work in any other EU country unless they apply separately for the residency program of that country. Long-term EU residency rights apply to the country where the residency is obtained, not any other EU countries. More information: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/legal-migration-resettlement-and-integration/long-term-residents_en | |
Unlock Global Residency Opportunities in 2025
If you are ready to put your Plan B into action, for yourself, your family, or perhaps your clients, you can reach out to us here. Join our online live stream every Thursday at 11am EST, or 8am PST, to share your feedback, post your questions, and engage with others who are also exploring these opportunities through our YouTube channel.
Ready to explore exciting residency programs across Central and North America, Europe, New Zealand, and the Caribbean Islands?
Get a Personalized Assessment
If you are thinking about immigrating, whether permanently or temporarily, you are at the right place. Our team speaks over 10 languages, and we help applicants from over 50 different countries during their immigration process. To contact us, click here.
Don’t Miss Out on Essential Updates
Laws and requirements for residency programs can change, and staying ahead of these changes is crucial. By staying informed, you ensure your application process is smooth, fast, and up to date.
Subscribe and Connect With Us
We are here to help you navigate global mobility opportunities. Be the first to know about program updates, expert tips, and news by following us on social media and subscribing to our YouTube channel. Get access to exclusive content, real-time program updates, and expert advice that will help you take the next step in your global residency journey.
- Our YouTube channel
- Our Instagram
- Our LinkedIn
- Our Facebook
Let us guide you through your residency or passport journey. Start today, and stay informed for your next step.
