Citizenship vs. Long-Term Residency in Malta

If you want to call Malta home, there are two main pathways. Either you can try to become a full-fledged citizen or stick with long-term residency.

Despite how important this choice is, most expats don’t actually know the difference between the two.

This guide gives you everything you need to know to make your choice.

Dual Citizenship in Malta

Opting for dual citizenship means adding Maltese nationality to your U.S. or Canadian citizenship without needing to renounce your original nationality. Becoming Maltese brings with it a ton of benefits —those include an EU passport, unlocking full rights to live, work, or study freely anywhere in the European Union.

There are many ways to citizenship. Your family lineage, marrying a Maltese national, residing long-term, or choosing Malta’s investment route (officially termed Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services) could all end up in dual citizenship. And that means a permanent, secure status.

Find out more about the different ways to become a Maltese citizen here.

Malta’s Long-Term Residency

Long-term residency offers another appealing pathway for North Americans who desire an extended, comfortable stay without fully adopting Maltese nationality. Malta presents several attractive residency programs tailored to diverse needs and goals.

You can learn about applying for Maltese citizenship by investment.

MPRP

Consider the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), previously known as the MRVP. By investing in Malta’s economy—such as purchasing a property or leasing a home, making government contributions, and donating to local charities—you and your family gain permanent residency status right away.

There’s no initial temporary phase; once approved, you receive a residency certificate valid indefinitely and a renewable residence card. The MPRP is especially appealing because it imposes no minimum stay requirements and covers multiple family generations. Still, note that it doesn’t automatically provide employment rights; you’ll need a separate permit if you plan to work locally.

GRP

Alternatively, Malta’s Global Residence Programme (GRP) is ideal for those attracted primarily by favorable tax conditions. It grants special tax residency status, meaning foreign income brought into Malta is taxed at a flat, attractive rate—though there’s a minimum annual tax obligation. GRP suits digital nomads, retirees, or financially independent individuals because it requires no fixed physical presence in Malta. After maintaining GRP residency continuously for five years, you can apply for permanent residency, enhancing your stability in Malta.

Nomad Residence Permit

The Nomad Residence Permit offers another modern and flexible residency route, specifically catering to digital nomads and remote workers who earn income abroad but wish to base themselves in Malta. This permit is renewable annually and demands minimal upfront investment—just proof of sufficient income, health insurance, and suitable accommodations.

While it’s the quickest and most affordable option, it doesn’t directly lead to permanent residency or citizenship. It’s designed more as a flexible, temporary solution rather than a pathway to lifelong settlement.

Comparing Dual Citizenship and Long-Term Residency

Dual citizenship gives you irrevocable and lifelong rights, making it particularly appealing for those who see their future as permanently in Europe.

Residency programs, while still secure enough, typically require ongoing renewals and compliance with specific financial and residency criteria.

Taxes

Taxation implications differ notably between the two paths. Maltese citizens are taxed on worldwide income if they live in the country.

However, Malta’s non-domiciled residency rules offer attractive tax planning opportunities, taxing only income remitted into the country.

This principle applies to MPRP residents too, making Malta especially attractive for people with lots of money. The GRP specifically targets tax efficiency with its flat rate and clear guidelines, whereas Nomad Permit holders enjoy tax exemptions in their first year, followed by reduced rates thereafter.

Learn more about all the tax implications of living in Malta here.

Healthcare

Healthcare access also varies significantly. Dual citizens benefit from Malta’s excellent free public healthcare, fully integrated into the EU healthcare system, providing convenience during travel throughout Europe.

Residency programs generally require private health insurance to get started. Over time, particularly if you work and contribute to social security, residents can transition into public healthcare coverage.

EU Travel

Perhaps one of the biggest draws of dual citizenship is unrestricted EU mobility. With a Maltese passport, the entire continent opens up—you can freely live, work, or study anywhere within the European Union without further permission.

Residency programs, while providing Schengen travel flexibility (which gives you 90 days to freely travel within Europe in any given 180-day period), generally limit permanent living and employment rights strictly to Malta.

Property Rights

Property rights and business opportunities also differ. Maltese citizens face no property ownership restrictions and can effortlessly establish businesses or pursue employment without additional permits.

Residency holders has to work through more constraints—typically limited to owning one primary residence unless purchasing within designated areas. Plus, while starting a business is possible, actively managing it locally requires separate employment authorization.

Civic Rights

Civic duties underscore another key difference. Maltese citizenship grants full political participation rights—including voting and eligibility for public office—while residents typically have no political voice or civic responsibilities beyond obeying local laws.

Making Your Choice

Choosing between dual citizenship and long-term residency hinges largely on your vision and priorities. Dual citizenship appeals if lifelong commitment and full integration into a European way of life.

Residency programs offer pragmatic, less permanent alternatives.

Only you can decide which is right for your circumstances. But you might want a little more help making the decision. That’s why we’ve opened our team of experts to 100% free consultation calls. Contact us to schedule yours today to get phone time with a professional who has helped countless clients make their Maltese dreams a reality.