Property in Malta: buying and support
An AIP permit to buy outside the special zones, unrestricted buying inside them, and permanent residency through the MPRP.
Why Malta
English is an official language
English as an official language and a legal system that is familiar to a European buyer.
In SDA zones — purchase with no restrictions
In Special Designated Area (SDA) zones, foreigners can buy multiple properties and let them out freely — without the restrictions of the AIP permit regime.
No annual property tax
Malta has no annual property tax — a difference from most EU countries.
Honestly, about AIP: for personal use only, not for renting
Outside SDA zones you need an AIP permit with a minimum property value (€143,410 for residential property in 2026), but it is granted for personal use, not for renting out — if rental income is the goal, the SDA zones are the legally clean route.
Honestly, about MPRP: buying is only part of the requirements
The MPRP permanent residency programme requires proof of assets worth at least €500,000 (with €150,000 in liquid assets) or €650,000 (with €75,000 liquid), plus a housing requirement, government contributions and a charitable donation — buying property alone does not grant the status; it is only one component of the programme.
Smaller budget — we'll source it
Tell us the amount and the goal, and we'll come back with options from developers and partners that are not in the catalogue.
Send a requestHow the purchase works
- 1
We map your goal
An SDA zone (if rental matters) or a regular property for your own use, and budget.
- 2
We determine the regime
The property is inside a Special Designated Area or outside it — this determines the whole procedure.
- 3
Outside SDA — we check the AIP threshold
We confirm the property meets the AIP minimum value and file the application.
- 4
Preliminary contract (konvenju)
We sign it with a deposit.
- 5
Notary title check
The notary checks the title before the final contract.
- 6
Final contract and registration
We sign the final contract and register the title.
Frequently asked questions
What is an AIP permit and when is it needed?+
AIP is the permit to acquire immovable property, required of a foreigner buying outside the Special Designated Areas. Minimum property values apply: for 2026, €143,410 for residential property and €247,701 for other immovable property.
What is different about SDA zones?+
In Special Designated Areas foreigners buy without the AIP constraints: you may own several properties and let them freely. Such zones include, for example, Portomaso, Tigné Point, Manoel Island, Fort Cambridge and SmartCity; the list is closed and is confirmed for the specific project.
Can I let a property bought under an AIP permit?+
The AIP regime contemplates acquisition for personal use, and letting under it is restricted. If rental income is the objective, the legally clean route is to buy within an SDA, where no such restriction applies.
What are the MPRP conditions?+
The programme is open to nationals of countries outside the EEA and Switzerland. Applicants evidence assets of at least €500,000, including €150,000 liquid, or at least €650,000, including €75,000 liquid. Beyond that there are housing requirements, administrative contributions and a charitable donation.
Does buying property in Malta confer status automatically?+
No. A purchase is only one component of the MPRP, which also involves evidencing assets, contributions and applicant vetting. Buying a home by itself does not grant residency.
Is there an annual property tax in Malta?+
No. Malta has no annual property tax — a notable difference from most EU states. The main costs fall at the point of sale: stamp duty, the notary and title searches.
Will a bank lend to a non-resident?+
Maltese banks lend mainly to residents. Credit is available to non-residents on a limited basis and generally with a larger down payment. Terms depend on the bank and the applicant's profile.
Do you have property in Malta?+
Not in the public catalogue at present. If the market interests you, send us a request — we will source through our partner network and help you choose between buying in an SDA and the ordinary AIP route.
Overview
Malta is a small EU market with a two-tier regime for foreigners: inside Special Designated Areas buying is unrestricted and not capped by number of properties, while outside them an AIP permit with a minimum property value is required.
Why buy here
English as an official language and a legal system familiar to European buyers. An active permanent residence programme, the MPRP, for citizens from outside the EEA and Switzerland. In Special Designated Areas foreigners buy multiple properties and let them freely, without the constraints of the AIP regime.
Taxes, costs and yield
Benchmarks for taxes, purchase and holding costs and rental yield. Exact figures depend on the property and your situation.
On purchase, stamp duty; reduced rates apply to certain categories of buyer. Malta has no annual property tax.
The main charge on purchase is stamp duty; reduced rates and reliefs apply to first-time buyers and certain categories. Also payable: notarial services, title searches, agency commission and the state fee for processing the AIP application. Malta has no annual property tax — a difference from most EU states.
1. Establish the regime: is the property inside a Special Designated Area or outside one? 2. Outside an SDA, check the minimum value for an AIP permit and apply. For 2026 the minimums are €143,410 for residential property and €247,701 for other immovable property. 3. Preliminary agreement (konvenju) with a deposit. 4. Title verification by the notary. 5. Final deed and registration.
Maltese banks lend mainly to residents. Credit is available to non-residents on a limited basis and with a larger down payment.
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme is open to third-country nationals from outside the EEA and Switzerland. Applicants evidence assets of at least €500,000, of which €150,000 in liquid financial assets, or at least €650,000, of which €75,000 liquid. Beyond that the programme sets requirements on housing, along with contributions and a charitable donation, whose composition should be confirmed at the time of application. Importantly, buying property does not by itself confer status — it is one component of the programme.
An AIP permit is granted for the buyer's own use of the property, not for letting. If rental income is the objective, the legally clean route runs through the Special Designated Areas, where a foreigner may own several properties and let them without AIP constraints. We do not currently list property in this country in our public catalogue. If the market interests you, send us a request — we will source through our partner network and support the transaction.
What to bear in mind: — the AIP regime contemplates purchase for personal use; letting under such a permit is restricted; — the AIP minimum values are revised, so figures from earlier years are not current; — the list of Special Designated Areas is closed and changes — a project's SDA status is confirmed in writing; — the MPRP has several components, and buying a home satisfies only part of the requirements. Checked in September 2026. Thresholds, rates and programme terms change — confirm the current requirements with a lawyer in the country before you buy.
Request a selection in Malta
Figures are indicative, change over time and depend on the specific property and your circumstances. Obtain independent legal, tax and financial advice before any purchase.
Get a personal property shortlist
Tell us your goal and budget — we'll send a curated selection from trusted local partners, with no obligation.