Malta•EuropeVaries
1,550 EUR
3 years
Yes
Not Required
Allowed
Available
Not Required
Three-year Malta residence permit for non-EU startup founders, co-founders and core employees, renewable for a further five years.
The Malta Startup Residence Programme (MSRP) is a dedicated route run by Malta Enterprise and Residency Malta for non-EU founders, co-founders and core employees of innovative startups setting up in Malta. Beneficiaries get an initial three-year residence permit, renewable for a further five years if the startup remains active.
The startup must be under seven years old, place at least EUR 25,000 in tangible investment or paid-up share capital, and secure Malta Enterprise endorsement of its business plan in an innovative sector (software, biotech, advanced manufacturing, eco/green). Each applicant needs a full-time employment contract with the startup paying at least EUR 30,000 gross per year, plus Maltese tax residence.
This visa is ideal for non-EU startup founders with an innovative, scalable business who are ready to incorporate in Malta and leverage EU market access while building their venture.
Application fee (per adult applicant/dependent, 3-year permit) | 750 EUR |
Identity card issuance (Identita) per successful applicant | 300 EUR |
Residence card renewal (next 5 years) | 500 EUR |
| Initial grant | 3 years |
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
MaltaMust be a third-country national (non-EU/EEA/Swiss); nationals of Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, DRC, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen and Venezuela are ineligible.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be a founder, co-founder or core employee (with specialised skills) of an eligible startup.
Startup must be registered for no more than 7 years globally (including Malta).
Startup must not have taken over another enterprise or been formed via a merger.
Startup must engage in innovative activity (manufacturing, software, biotech/life sciences, eco/green/blue industries, or other novel knowledge/technology-enabled activity).
Startup must place tangible investment and/or paid-up share capital of at least EUR 25,000 (additional EUR 10,000 per co-founder beyond four; maximum six co-founders).
Business plan must be approved by Malta Enterprise and comply with National FDI Screening requirements.
Each applicant must have a full-time employment contract with the startup in Malta with minimum gross annual salary of EUR 30,000.
Must reside in Malta as primary residence and become locally tax resident.
Must hold recognised health insurance covering Malta and other European countries for self and dependants.
No criminal record or pending criminal charges; no previous rejected residency/citizenship applications in Malta or abroad.
Education
none or higher
Min. Income
30,000 EUR/yr
Investment
25,000 EUR
MSRP application form (submitted via Residency Malta Client Portal)
Business plan endorsed by Malta Enterprise
Proof of tangible investment or paid-up share capital of at least EUR 25,000 in the Maltese startup
Certificate of incorporation of the Maltese startup
Market cap table evidencing founder/co-founder status
Full-time employment contract with the startup (minimum EUR 30,000 gross annual salary)
Valid passport for each applicant and dependant
Recognised health insurance policy covering Malta and other European countries
Proof of sufficient financial resources (bank statements)
Police conduct certificate / criminal record clearance
Proof of accommodation in Malta
Marriage/birth certificates and supporting documents for dependants
| Malta Startup Residence Programme application (submitted online via Residency Malta Client Portal) | — |
| Application Steps | Develop business plan and submit to Malta Enterprise for endorsement (innovative activity, scalable)… | startup.residencymalta.gov.mt |
| Fee Breakdown | Application fee (per adult applicant/dependent, 3-year permit): 750 EUR; Identity card issuance (Ide… | startup.residencymalta.gov.mt |
| Fees | EUR 750 per adult applicant/dependent (3-year permit) + EUR 300 ID card per successful applicant | startup.residencymalta.gov.mt |
| Forms | Malta Startup Residence Programme application (submitted online via Residency Malta Client Portal) | startinmalta.com |
| Max Stay | 3-year residence permit, renewable for a further 5 years (8 years total) subject to ongoing eligibil… | startup.residencymalta.gov.mt |
| Max Stay Estimate | type: years, initialDays: 1095, totalDays: 2920, notes: Initial 3 years, renewable for further 5 yea… | startup.residencymalta.gov.mt |
| Min Income | 30000 | startup.residencymalta.gov.mt |
| Min Income Currency | EUR | startup.residencymalta.gov.mt |
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