Malta Immigration 2026: What’s New in Laws and Programs?

Introduction: Key Changes in Malta’s Immigration Policy in 2026

Malta continues to be an attractive destination for high-net-worth individuals, investors, and skilled professionals. However, in 2026, the country introduced significant adjustments to its immigration policy, impacting citizenship programs, conditions for obtaining a Malta residence permit 2026, and employment rules for third-country nationals. These changes respond to European Union requirements, aiming to enhance transparency, strengthen due diligence procedures, and attract truly valuable talent and investors. Understanding these new developments is critically important for anyone planning relocation to Malta, or seeking a Malta residence permit or Malta citizenship.

“Golden Passports” Are History: Malta’s New Citizenship-by-Merit System

One of the most significant changes is the abolition of the so-called “golden passport” program (Citizenship by Investment) in its previous form. The European Court of Justice ruled this scheme violated EU law, as citizenship cannot be solely the result of a commercial transaction. In response, the Maltese government announced a complete abandonment of the transactional element in the citizenship process and the elimination of agents who previously acted as intermediaries in these deals.

What Replaces It? Citizenship for Exceptional Services

Instead of “golden passports,” Malta is expanding and strengthening its Citizenship-by-Merit system. Now, citizenship can be obtained by those who have provided “exceptional services” and made an “exceptional contribution” to the country’s development. These changes are enshrined in amendments to the Citizenship Act (Chapter 188 of the Laws of Malta).

• Criteria for Citizenship by Merit:
• Philanthropists who have made significant contributions.
• Technologists fostering innovation.
• Individuals creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
• Individuals whose naturalization is of exceptional interest to the Republic of Malta.

It is important to note that there will no longer be a fixed financial investment amount for obtaining citizenship. Candidates will need to demonstrate that they can provide valuable services to the country or are already doing so, in line with its objectives. The decision to grant citizenship will be made individually, at the discretion of the Minister, following a recommendation from an evaluation committee. These changes are designed to make the process of obtaining Malta citizenship more transparent and focused on real benefits to the country.

Suspension of the Program for Russian and Belarusian Citizens

It should also be noted that in 2022, Malta suspended the acceptance of applications for both the citizenship by investment program and the residence by investment program for citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus. This decision was made due to the inability to effectively conduct due diligence checks in the context of “recent events.” The resumption of applications for citizens of these countries has not yet been announced. This is crucial Malta immigration news for those interested in relocation to Malta from Russia. You can find more details on citizenship by investment programs for Russians in our guide.

Updates in Migration Policy for Third Country Nationals (TCNs)

As of August 2026, the first measures of Malta’s updated migration policy concerning Third Country Nationals (TCNs) already working in Malta or planning relocation to Malta for employment came into force. Another package of measures was introduced in October 2026.

Changes for Foreign Workers

• Extended Grace Period After Termination: Previously, TCNs had 10 days after contract termination to find new employment or leave the country. This period has now been extended to 30 days and can be further extended by another 30 days if the foreigner proves financial solvency. This is an important point for those seeking work in Malta.
• Refusal of Tourist Visas for Work Permits: As of August 2026, if a TCN arrives in Malta on a tourist visa and applies for a work permit, such an application will be rejected.
• 60-Day Limit for Work Applications from Visa-Exempt Countries: From October 2026, citizens of visa-exempt countries present in Malta have 60 days to apply for a work permit.
• New Rules for Partners and Parents of Maltese Citizens: As of August 2026, partners of Maltese citizens and parents of Maltese citizens whose children are under 23 can live and work in Malta based on their relationship.

Changes in Fees and Salary Thresholds

• Work Permit Costs:
  • Initial application and change of employer: 300 EUR (unchanged).
  • Renewal: reduced to 150 EUR (previously 300 EUR).
• New Salary Thresholds for High-Paid Specialists:
  • Key Employment Initiative (KEI): For managerial or highly technical positions, the minimum annual gross salary has increased from 35,000 EUR to 45,000 EUR.
  • Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI): For highly skilled workers with a higher education degree (MQF 6), the minimum annual gross salary has increased from 25,000 EUR to 35,000 EUR.
• Salary Payment Verification for Renewals: Before processing a renewal application, Identità will now verify if the actual salary paid matches the contract terms.
• Cashless Payments: From October 2026, new foreign workers must receive their salary only via bank transfer or other licensed financial institutions, excluding cash payments.

Rental Accommodation Requirements for Malta Residence Permit 2026

Identità has introduced a new requirement for third-country nationals applying for a residence permit: it is now necessary to provide a rental agreement officially attested by a notary, lawyer, or legal procurator. Previously, only a rental agreement registered with the Housing Authority was required. This is another of the Malta law changes affecting residence permits.

Unified Tax Residency Program: Individual Tax Programme Rules 2026

As of January 1, 2027, new Individual Tax Programme Rules 2026 will come into force in Malta, consolidating four existing residency programs into a single structure. This change aims to simplify administrative procedures and create a more transparent system. These Malta programs affect the taxation of residents.

Main Provisions of the New Rules

The new rules merge the Global Residence Programme (GRP), The Residence Programme (TRP), Malta Retirement Programme (MRP), and United Nations Pension Programme (UNPP) into a single administrative framework comprising four distinct tax status categories:

• Global Resident Status (for third-country nationals).
• EU, EEA or Swiss Resident Status.
• Retired Pensioner Status.
• UN Pensioner Status.

What Will Change for Residents?

• Tax Rate: The preferential tax rate of 15% on qualifying foreign source income remitted to Malta is maintained.
• Minimum Tax Thresholds:
  • 35,000 EUR per year for holders of Global Resident Status or EU, EEA or Swiss Resident Status.
  • 20,000 EUR per year for holders of UN Pensioner Status (in respect of income other than the qualifying UN pension).
  • 15,000 EUR per year for holders of Retired Pensioner Status.
• Property Requirements: Thresholds for qualifying property are increased:
  • Acquired property: minimum 700,000 EUR.
  • Rented property: minimum 14,000 EUR per year.

  These thresholds will apply in both Malta and Gozo. Qualifying property must serve as the beneficiary’s primary residence.

• Validity and Renewal: The status will be valid for five years, with the possibility of renewal for subsequent five-year periods, provided all conditions are met. The administrative fee for renewal will be 2,500 EUR.
• Initial Application Fee: Increased to 8,500 EUR.

It is important to note that beneficiaries who obtained status under one of the existing Malta programs before December 31, 2026, will be able to continue using the current rules until December 31, 2031. From January 1, 2027, all new applications will be processed under the Individual Tax Programme Rules.

Malta Residence Permit 2026: General Trends and Prospects

The overall trend in Malta’s immigration policy in 2026 is a drive towards attracting higher-quality migrants. The country is interested in highly skilled professionals, investors who bring real economic benefits, and individuals capable of making significant contributions to society. This means that the process of obtaining a Malta residence permit 2026 is becoming stricter and requires more thorough document preparation and confirmation of compliance with new criteria. For those considering relocation to EU countries, it is important to consider these changes and approach the process strategically to ensure successful Malta immigration.

Conclusion

The Malta law changes in 2026 significantly alter the landscape for potential immigrants. The abolition of “golden passports” in favor of citizenship by merit, stricter rules for foreign workers, and the unification of tax residency programs signal a new phase in the country’s migration policy. These innovations aim to attract higher-quality investments and skilled labor, as well as to align legislation with European standards. Successful Malta immigration under current conditions requires a deep understanding of the new rules and professional support to ensure a comfortable life in Malta.

FAQ: Malta Immigration

What is the main difference between Malta’s new citizenship program and the “golden passports”?

The main difference is that the new citizenship-by-merit system completely excludes the transactional element; there is no fixed sum for which citizenship can be acquired. Now, citizenship is granted for exceptional services and contributions to the country’s development (e.g., for philanthropists, technologists, job creators), rather than just for financial investment. The decision is made individually based on real value to Malta.

Can Russian citizens still get Malta citizenship or residence by investment?

No, since 2022, Malta has suspended processing applications for citizenship by investment and residence by investment for citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus. This is due to the inability to effectively conduct due diligence checks. Currently, the resumption of applications for Malta immigration from Russia has not been announced.

What are the main changes affecting working conditions for foreign professionals in Malta in 2026?

Key changes include: increased salary thresholds for highly skilled professionals (up to 45,000 EUR for KEI and 35,000 EUR for SEI), stricter rules for applying for work permits (cannot apply while on a tourist visa), an extended grace period for job searching after termination, and mandatory attestation of rental agreements for obtaining a residence permit. These Malta law changes impact employment opportunities.

What are the Individual Tax Programme Rules 2026 and how will they affect residents?

The Individual Tax Programme Rules 2026 are a new unified tax residency program that, as of January 1, 2027, combines four previously existing programs. It maintains a 15% tax rate on foreign income but increases minimum tax thresholds and property value requirements for purchased or rented real estate. New applicants will fall under these rules, while current residents will retain previous conditions until 2031. This is important Malta immigration news concerning taxation.

Has the procedure for obtaining a Malta residence permit become more complex overall?

Yes, the procedure for obtaining a Malta residence permit has become stricter and requires more thorough document preparation. Maltese authorities aim to attract highly skilled professionals and investors who bring real benefits to the country. This means increased scrutiny and more detailed review of each application, requiring applicants to be more proactive and meet new, higher criteria for successful Malta immigration.

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