Retire in Malta: The Malta Retirement Programme
The Malta Retirement Programme (MRP) is a special tax-residency scheme combined with residence rights, designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss pensioners. It comes with an English-speaking environment, a flat 15% tax rate on remitted foreign pension income, and one of the sunniest climates in Europe.
At a glance
- Programme type
- Malta Retirement Programme (MRP) — special tax residency scheme
- Pension requirement
- At least 75% of chargeable income — must come from a pension
- Property requirement
- €275,000 purchase (Malta) — or €9,600/year rental — lower thresholds in Gozo/South
- Tax rate
- 15% flat — on remitted foreign pension income, min. €7,500/year
Eligibility
- Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, officially retired, with a pension as your regular income Required
- Pension income equal to at least 75% of your chargeable income Required
- Rent property for at least €9,600/year (€8,750/year in Gozo/South) or purchase for at least €275,000 (€250,000 in Gozo/South) Required
- Valid health insurance covering EU medical needs Required
- Reside in Malta at least 90 days per year, and no more than 183 days in any other single jurisdiction Required
- Appoint an Authorized Registered Mandatary (ARM) to submit your application Required
- Clean criminal record and financial self-sufficiency Required
How it works
Engage an Authorized Registered Mandatary
Applications must go through a licensed ARM — you cannot apply directly.
Prepare your documents
Pension proof, property rental or purchase agreement, health insurance, and a criminal record certificate.
Submit the application
Your ARM submits it to Malta's Commissioner for Revenue and Residency Malta Agency.
Receive approval and your residence card
A Residence Certificate and Maltese ID card, valid for 1 year and renewable.
Renew and progress toward long-term residency
Annual renewal, with long-term residency available after 5 years and citizenship possible after 7.
What it costs
Government fees
- Government/registration fees
- Ask us for the current figure for your case.
- Minimum annual tax under the MRP
- €7,500 — plus €500 per dependent
BIZ TRP fees
- Route confirmation & application support
- Ask us for a quote — from €120/hour
Why work with BIZ TRP
The MRP can only be applied for through a licensed Authorized Registered Mandatary — you can't submit it yourself — which makes choosing the right representation the first real decision in the whole process.
- Licensed ARM representation. We handle your application as your Authorized Registered Mandatary, as Maltese law requires.
- Property & pension structuring. We help you meet the property and 75%-of-chargeable-income pension requirements without overcommitting.
- Tax positioning. We explain how the flat 15% rate and €7,500 minimum annual tax apply to your specific pension income.
Common questions
Can I apply for the MRP myself?
No — applications must be submitted through a licensed Authorized Registered Mandatary (ARM), not directly by the applicant.
Do I have to buy property in Malta?
No — you can rent (minimum €9,600/year in Malta, €8,750/year in Gozo/South) instead of purchasing (minimum €275,000 in Malta, €250,000 in Gozo/South).
How does the 15% tax rate work?
It applies to foreign pension income you remit to Malta, with a minimum annual tax of €7,500 for the main applicant plus €500 per dependent. Foreign income you don't remit isn't taxed.
Considering Malta for retirement?
BIZ TRP acts as your Authorized Registered Mandatary and structures your pension and property proof to meet the MRP's requirements.
Talk to us about retiring in Malta Email us