Malta Living
The MPRP for families with children: schooling, healthcare and the practicalities
What families should know before moving to Malta under the MPRP: how children are included, what the residence status does and does not give them, and the school and healthcare landscape.
Including children
Children under 18 are included at no dependant fee; adult children up to 28 who remain unmarried and principally dependent can also be included (with a €7,500 fee each). Minors need the consent of both parents or evidence of sole custody, and children over 14 need police conduct certificates. [Government of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation under the Immigration Act (Cap. 217)]
Education (general information)
The Agency's FAQ is explicit that MPRP status does not entitle a minor to free state education; fee exemptions can become available if a parent obtains a Maltese work permit. Malta has state, church and independent schools; English is a language of instruction in most private schools and the Agency's brochure notes that the system is based on the British model. Fees, admissions and availability change — check with schools directly.
Healthcare (general information)
Beneficiaries must hold private health insurance covering all risks normally covered for Maltese nationals. Malta has a public hospital system and a well-developed private sector; the Agency's brochure describes healthcare as ranking highly internationally. Your insurer and doctor can advise on cover for children.
Residence cards for children
Cards issued to children expire one month after the child's 14th and 18th birthdays and are renewed; the Agency FAQ states such renewals are automatic in those cases.
Turning 18 or 29
Children keep their status on turning 18 while they still meet the criteria. The 29-year age limit applies at application only.
Practical tips
- Gather birth certificates and custody documents early; they are needed at submission.
- Budget for insurance for every child.
- If both parents will be on the application, decide who is the main applicant based on who holds the assets.
Related questions
Who can be included as a dependant?
The spouse (or partner in a relationship of equivalent status); children under 18; unmarried adult children aged 18 to 28 who are principally dependent on the main applicant; adult children with a certified disability (no age limit); and parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse who are not in full-time employment and are principally dependent. Household staff cannot be included.
Sources & Verification
Verified 30 September 2026 against the sources below- Legislation
Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations (S.L. 217.26), consolidated
Government of Malta — Subsidiary Legislation under the Immigration Act (Cap. 217)
Subsidiary Legislation 217.26 — Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations, L.N. 121 of 2021 as amended by L.N. 57 and 310 of 2024 and L.N. 146 of 2025
- Published
- 29 Mar 2021
- Effective
- 22 Jul 2025
- Last checked
- 30 Sept 2026
- Status
- Active
Reference: SL-217-26Official requirement - Government Publication
Residency Malta Agency — MPRP Frequently Asked Questions (V2.6.1)
Residency Malta Agency (Government of Malta)
Frequently Asked Questions — Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), version 2.6.1
- Published
- 01 Jul 2024
- Effective
- —
- Last checked
- 30 Sept 2026
- Status
- Active
Reference: RMA-MPRP-FAQ-2-6-1Official requirement - Government Publication
Residency Malta Agency — MPRP Brochure (English), 9/2025
Residency Malta Agency (Government of Malta)
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme — official brochure (edition 9/2025)
- Published
- 01 Sept 2025
- Effective
- —
- Last checked
- 30 Sept 2026
- Status
- Active
Reference: RMA-MPRP-BROCHUREOfficial requirement
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Written by
Malta MPRP Guide Editorial Team
Research & editorial
The editorial team researches the Malta Permanent Residence Programme directly from the consolidated regulations (S.L. 217.26), the Legal Notices that amend them and the Residency Malta Agency's published material. Ever…