Citizenship &

Q: Can UK nationals apply for Malta residency after Brexit?

Yes. Following Brexit, UK nationals are treated as third-country nationals under Maltese immigration law and qualify for the MPRP and GRP. ARQ regularly assists British clients through both routes.

Residency

ARQ provides thoughtful assistance in a variety of areas when it comes to relocation. In this regard, our team of professionals will help you and your family above and beyond the initial requirements and throughout your residence and/or citizenship application process to Malta, as well as various other destinations in the EU. Our professional but personable team members have a vast knowledge of the local market and are able to find the perfect solution for any of your needs.

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Introduction

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Insights

ARQ Advisory Ltd provides specialised immigration and relocation services in Malta, assisting clients with residence and citizenship applications as well as related relocation requirements. Through our network of carefully selected professional partners, we offer access to trusted support services including real estate, insurance, financial advisory, and property management solutions.

Our Private Clients Team advises on the various routes available to acquire Maltese residency and citizenship, helping clients identify the most appropriate option based on their objectives and personal circumstances and managing the application process through to completion. With extensive industry experience and a strong track record, we are committed to delivering a professional and client-focused service.

Please Note: Community Malta Agency and Residency Malta Agency have suspended, until further notice, the processing of citizenship and residency applications for nationals of the Russian Federation and Belarus.

Citizenship by Merit

Residency Programmes

Work Permits & Employment Licences

Relocation Services

Why Malta?

Malta occupies a unique position among European residency destinations. It is the only English-speaking EU member state that operates a remittance-based personal tax system. Meaning foreign income and capital gains are not subject to Maltese tax unless remitted to Malta.

Combined with no inheritance tax, no wealth tax, full Schengen Area membership, and a stable, internationally respected legal system rooted in British common law, Malta offers a highly competitive proposition for high-net-worth individuals reviewing their international tax and residency position.

No inheritance tax on assets outside Malta
No capital gains tax on non-Maltese assets
Remittance-based personal tax system
English is an official language
Full EU and Schengen Area membership
Over 70 double taxation treaties
12,000+ British nationals already resident

Maltese passport ranked among the world’s top 10

Residency and Citizenship in Malta

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is open to third-country nationals and their qualifying dependants, granting them the right to reside in Malta, to benefit from visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, and to engage in gainful employment in Malta.

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Global Residence Programme (GRP)

Designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals seeking a Malta tax residence permit. Foreign income remitted to Malta is taxed at a flat rate of 15%, subject to a minimum annual tax of EUR 15,000. No minimum stay requirement, but applicants may not spend more than 183 days in any other single jurisdiction.

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The Residence Programme (TRP)

Available to EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals. Provides Malta tax residence status with the same 15% flat rate on remitted foreign income and a minimum annual tax of EUR 15,000. No minimum stay requirement applies.

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Malta Retirement Programme (MRP)

Applicable to EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals in receipt of a pension. A minimum of 75% of chargeable income in Malta must derive from the pension. The flat 15% rate applies to remitted pension income, subject to a minimum annual tax of EUR 7,500.

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Citizenship by Merit

Malta’s Citizenship by Merit programme enables individuals who demonstrate exceptional achievements or contributions of national or global value to obtain citizenship by naturalisation, subject to a rigorous and discretionary evaluation process aligned with Malta’s long-term strategic priorities.

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Not sure which programme applies to your situation?

Download our free Malta Tax and Residency Checklist to understand the key questions before your first advisory call.

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FAQ

How is foreign income taxed in Malta?

Malta operates a remittance-based personal tax system for non-domiciled residents. Foreign income and gains are not subject to Maltese tax unless remitted (brought into) Malta. Where remitted, specific programme rates apply: 15% flat rate under the GRP and TRP, subject to programme minimums.

What is the Malta Permanent Residence Programme?

The MPRP is a residency-by-investment programme open to non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and their families. It grants permanent residency status in Malta in exchange for a government contribution, an administrative fee, and either a qualifying rental or property purchase. As of July 2025, applicants receive a temporary residence permit at the application stage, meaning they can relocate to Malta while the full application is being processed.

Does Malta have inheritance tax?

No. Malta does not impose inheritance tax, estate duty, wealth tax, or gift tax. For individuals with significant worldwide estates. Particularly those previously relying on Excluded Property Trust structures or UK non-dom IHT protections, Malta’s tax framework provides a compliant alternative with no equivalent charge on assets held outside Malta.

How long does an MPRP application take?

Processing typically takes six to eight months from submission of a complete application. Since the July 2025 programme update, a temporary residence permit is issued at the start of processing, allowing applicants to live in Malta during this period.

What is ARQ's accreditation?

ARQ Immigration Advisory Ltd is accredited by the Community Malta Agency and Residency Malta Agency for all Malta residence and citizenship programmes. Our licence number is AKM-ARQI-21.

Can UK nationals apply for Malta residency after Brexit?

Yes. Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, UK nationals are treated as third-country nationals under Maltese immigration law. They qualify for the MPRP and the GRP. ARQ regularly assists British clients through both routes.

How can we help?

Key Contact

David Borg

Partner – Tax & Advisory

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ARQ was very helpful and professional from the moment of initial collection of information and understanding my needs and situation, up to the final date when I received my residence card. ARQ’s Private Clients team were always very responsive and helped me to solve all the issues that arose during my application. Top class service! I am very happy I contracted ARQ for this service.

- Oleksii Zhytnik