Malta•EuropeMalta Startup Residence Programme
At a Glance
Processing Time
28-56 days
Application Fee
Free
Stay Duration
3 years
Renewable
Yes
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Residence permit for startup founders and entrepreneurs. Support for early-stage businesses with intention to develop in Malta.
The Malta Startup Residence Programme provides residence permits to entrepreneurs and startup founders with intention to develop their business in Malta. The program is managed by Residency Malta and offers a 3-year initial permit, renewable for another 3 years upon successful operation. This program supports Malta's position as a startup hub.
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Requirements
Financial
Minimum Income
30,000 EUR
per year
Minimum Savings
10,000 EUR
Investment Required
25,000 EUR
Personal
Criminal Record Policy
Clean record required
Professional
Required Skills
Excluded Nationalities
Citizens of the following countries are not eligible: AF, KP, IR, LY, SO, SS, SD, SY, VE, YE
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
Valid for duration of residence permit
Business registration certificate
Proof of registered startup less than 7 years old
Business plan
Detailed business plan for Malta operations
Financial statements
Company financial documentation
Police conduct certificate
Certificate of good conduct
Proof of accommodation
Rental agreement or property booking in Malta
Health insurance
Valid health insurance for Malta
Track your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- No application fee
- 3-year duration
- Renewable upon success
- Supports entrepreneurship
- Potential path to permanent residence
Considerations
- Must demonstrate business intent
- Business must not be takeover
- Limited to startups less than 7 years old
- No profit distribution allowed
- Requires ongoing business operation
Application Process
Register startup
Register business globally and confirm it's less than 7 years old
Verify startup criteria
Confirm business is founder/co-founder owned, has not distributed profits, no takeover of existing business
Prepare business plan
Develop detailed business plan showing intention to develop/expand in Malta
Gather documentation
Collect passport, business registration, financial documents, business plan
Submit application
Apply through Residency Malta Agency
Due diligence review
Residency Malta conducts background checks and business validation
Await decision
Processing takes 4-8 weeks
Application Forms
Startup Residence Programme Application
Ready to Apply?
Check your eligibility first to see how well you match this visa