Malta Living
The MPRP for retirees: a base in the Mediterranean without a minimum stay
How the MPRP fits retirees: no minimum physical presence, parents and grandparents as dependants, health insurance considerations and the difference from the Malta Retirement Programme.
Why retirees consider the MPRP
The regulations impose no minimum number of days to be spent in Malta, so the status can be held alongside life elsewhere. The Agency FAQ confirms there is no language test. Parents and grandparents can be included as dependants if principally dependent and not in full-time employment. [Residency Malta Agency (Government of Malta)]
The financial tests still apply
Retirees must meet the same capital-asset test (€500,000 with €150,000 in financial assets, or €650,000 with €75,000) and show stable and regular resources — pensions and investment income can serve as evidence.
Health insurance
A policy covering all risks normally covered for Maltese nationals is mandatory and must be maintained. Premiums rise with age; the Agency FAQ quotes an indicative range of €250–€750 per person per year, but older applicants should obtain quotes early.
Not the same as the Malta Retirement Programme
The Malta Retirement Programme is a tax status under separate rules. Beneficiaries of that programme cannot hold MPRP status at the same time; the MPRP gives residence rights but no tax benefit.
Property
Buy from €375,000 or rent from €14,000 a year. Many retirees favour Gozo or the northern coast for space and quiet — see the Malta guide.
Related questions
Does the MPRP give any tax benefits?
No. The Agency FAQ states that the MPRP does not provide any tax status or benefit; ordinary Maltese tax rules apply. As a general principle, non-domiciled individuals resident in Malta are taxed on Malta-source income and gains and on foreign income remitted to Malta; individual circumstances vary and tax advice should be sought.
Is there a language test or minimum stay requirement?
The Agency FAQ confirms no language test applies. The regulations do not impose a minimum number of days of physical presence in Malta; the obligations relate to property, insurance, assets and conduct.
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
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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…