Malta Start-Up Residence Program

The primary requirement set by the Government is that the individual is present in Malta living and paying taxes on the island.

The applicant would additionally be required to confirm that they satisfy the following criteria:

• They need to be willing to develop and build up their business in Malta;
• They need to be a founder or co-founder of a company, which is registered not more than 7 years globally (that would include Malta). The company would need to meet the following criteria:
  • It did not take over the activity of another company;
  • It was not structured by a merger;
  • It has not dispensed a profit.
• The Co-Founder would be the first person or entrepreneur to set up the start up business here in Malta. This would also be included in the market cap table. If there is a disagreement about whether a person is a co-founder, the market cap table will be consulted up to the second year to assess if the co-founders had a sizable share in the registered business;
• Co-founder also must be registered with the company as acting director or a legal representative – the proof will be requested by the authorities;
• Third Country Nationals from the following jurisdictions are automatically excluded: Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Venezuela;
• All applicants (including directors, founders and employees) must be 18 years or older;
• €25,000 investment capital is required, unless there are four or more investors (co-founders) applying for the Start-Up Residence Permit, where additional €10,000 per co-founder will be required;
• The maximum number of co-founders eligible for the program is 6 persons;
• Health Insurance covering company for all applicants including their dependents is required;
• Bank statements to prove the sufficient financial resources are provided to support the applicants and their dependents are required;
• Applicant must have no criminal record and does not pose any threat to national security, public health and interests, that would also include any pending criminal charges;
• Applicants must prove they have not been rejected by any other residency or citizenship program in the past, both in Malta and in other

The Start-Up residency permit is issued for a minimum of 3 years, which covers the initial period of residency, and needs to be approved by Malta Enterprise and Residency Malta. Furthermore, the Program can be renewed by further 5 years providing the individuals are still maintain their business in Malta and this program is still available. Founder and co-founder also need to remain eligible and always meet the criteria of the program itself, and throughout their residence here in Malta.