Investment property: Malta
Malta is a small EU market with limited land and steady demand from local and foreign buyers.
A foreigner can buy a home here in two ways: without restrictions in special designated areas, large residential developments where any number of units can be bought and let, or on the general market, where a buyer from outside the EU needs a permit to acquire property.
The purchase permit and minimum price
The permit is issued by the Malta tax authority, usually for one property for your own residence. The property must cost at least the set minimum: EUR 174,274 for a flat or maisonette, about $195,300, and EUR 300,619 for a house or other property, about $336,900. The permit fee is EUR 233, about $265, whatever the price, according to the Malta tax authority. No permit is needed in special designated areas.
What the purchase costs to complete
The buyer pays stamp duty of 5% of the price: 1% on signing the preliminary agreement as part payment and the balance on signing the final deed before a notary. First-time buyers are exempt from duty on the first EUR 200,000, according to the Malta government portal. The notary and registration are paid separately. Dollar amounts use the European Central Bank rate of 5 October 2026, rounded up. Our transaction support fees are in the table below.
Property and residence in Malta
A purchase does not give a status by itself, but housing is a required part of the residence programmes. For permanent residence under the programme, since 1 January 2025 you need a purchase from EUR 375,000, about $420,200, or rent from EUR 14,000 a year, about $15,700, for 5 years. Conditions, contributions and fees are covered on our Malta residence and permanent residence page. Citizenship by investment no longer operates in its old form after the 2025 EU Court ruling.
How the purchase works
- Special area or general market. We decide whether to buy in a special designated area without restrictions or on the general market with a permit.
- Legal due diligence. Title, encumbrances, building permits.
- Preliminary agreement. Signing before a notary and paying 1% stamp duty.
- Purchase permit, if the property is outside the special areas and you are not an EU citizen.
- Final deed. Signing before a notary, paying the balance of duty and registration.
Risks
- A property below the permit minimum: on the general market such a purchase by a non-resident will not be approved.
- A home bought under a permit cannot be let freely, unlike units in special areas.
- Residence programme thresholds are revised: old figures on websites no longer apply.
What we do
We help you choose between a special area and the general market, which mean different budgets, letting rights and exit scenarios. We run legal checks, obtain the permit and support the notarial deal with locally licensed partners. If the property is for a residence programme, we choose it so the purchase or lease counts towards the application.
What we do
- Property shortlist for your investment goal
- Legal due diligence on the property
- End-to-end transaction support
- Ownership structuring (company, trust)
- Property management and letting
See also
Company formation · Business account · Personal account · Country taxes · All country programs
We will calculate online the full purchase cost for your budget: taxes, fees and transaction costs.
FAQ
Can foreigners buy property in Malta?
What does it cost to complete a property purchase in Malta?
Does buying property in Malta give residence?
Can I let property in Malta?
How do I buy property in Malta?
Which property in Malta fits your goal?
We explain whether you need a purchase permit in Malta and which properties qualify for residence, and review the documents. Every country is in the searchable catalogue.
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