Compare Portugal and Malta's residency-by-investment programs to find the best path for your EU residency, weighing investment costs, residency rules, and citizenship options. For comprehensive details, see our Portugal Golden Visa guide.
Both Portugal and Malta offer attractive residency-by-investment programs that provide non-EU citizens with a pathway to European residency. The programs differ significantly in terms of investment requirements, residency conditions, and paths to citizenship. Compare these with other Golden Visa programs to find your best option.
Portugal's Golden Visa program has evolved since 2023, removing real estate as an option and focusing on investment funds, business ventures, and cultural contributions. Malta's program (MPRP - Malta Permanent Residence Programme) emphasizes real estate investment or rental combined with government contributions.
This comprehensive guide compares both options to help you determine which program might be more suitable for your specific goals, whether they involve eventual EU citizenship, tax optimization, or lifestyle preferences.
Investment: €182K–€407K total cost
Citizenship: Complex path
Stay: No minimum required
Tax: €25K flat tax option
Both programs offer distinct investment paths tailored to different goals. For Portugal's fund options, view our comprehensive fund list.
| Investment Type | Portugal | Malta |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Funds | €500K (venture capital) | N/A |
| Business/Job Creation | €500K (10 jobs, or 5 in low-density) | N/A |
| Property Purchase | N/A | €375K (€300K South/Gozo) + €30K contribution |
| Property Rental | N/A | €14K/year (€12K South/Gozo) + €60K contribution |
| Cultural/Philanthropy | €250K (€200K low-density) | €2K (NGO donation, mandatory) |
| Scientific Research | €500K | N/A |
Portugal's options focus on economic development and culture, while Malta provides more flexibility with real estate options. The Malta program includes mandatory contributions in addition to the core investment.
Portugal: Requires 7 days/year in the first year, then 14 days every 2 years. Residency permit renewed every 2 years, with investment maintained for 5 years.
Malta: No minimum stay required. Grants permanent residency for life, with residence cards renewed every 5 years. Property must be held for 5 years.
Comparison: Malta offers greater flexibility with no stay requirement, while Portugal's minimal stay suits those seeking citizenship.
Portugal: IFICI offers 20% tax for research/tech roles (183+ days stay). Standard rates (13–48%) apply otherwise. No wealth tax; 10% inheritance tax on local assets.
Malta: Optional €25K flat tax per family member on foreign income. Tax residents (183+ days) face 0–35% income tax. Wealth tax may apply, offset by treaties.
Comparison: Malta's flat tax benefits high earners; Portugal's benefits are narrower, favoring specific professionals.
Portugal: Invest (€250K–€500K), submit via AIMA's ARI portal, attend biometrics. Takes 12–15 months. Fees: €5K–€8K (main), €500–€2K (dependents 18+). For expert guidance, consider hiring a specialized Golden Visa lawyer.
Malta: Invest (€182K–€407K), apply via licensed agent with due diligence. Takes 6–8 months. Fees: €40K–€50K (admin), €30K–€60K (contribution), €2K (NGO).
Comparison: Malta is faster with stricter vetting; Portugal is cheaper but slower due to backlog.
Portugal: Includes spouse, dependent children (under 18, or under 26 if students), parents (any age). Fees: €5K–€7K per dependent. All gain residency.
Malta: Includes spouse, dependent children (no age limit if unmarried), parents/grandparents (dependency required). Fees: €40K–€50K total, optional €25K tax per member.
Comparison: Portugal is more inclusive and cheaper for families; Malta offers lifelong residency for all. For current application trends, see Portugal Golden Visa statistics.
Portugal: Eligible after 5 years from application, with 7 days/year stay and A2 Portuguese. Dual citizenship allowed, per home country laws.
Malta: No direct path via MPRP. Citizenship via naturalization (5 years, rare) or investment (€690K+, 1–3 years), with B1 Maltese/English. Dual citizenship varies.
Comparison: Portugal offers a clearer, faster citizenship path; Malta's is costlier and less certain.
.svg)
