Malta is one of the most beautiful countries in the Mediterranean region. It is known for its tourism and for providing a conducive living environment for those who would like to relocate to the country. There are numerous reasons why you might want to do this and lots of programmes for those moving to Malta from Mexico and other third countries.
Why Move to Malta?
Malta has the perfect climate for those looking for good weather and lots of sun throughout the year. It also has excellent schools, affordable healthcare and is a very safe country. For those looking for somewhere to live, there are many affordable options, including short-term and long-term options. There are also numerous options for those looking to obtain residency.
Malta also has a reasonable cost of living, which cannot be said for many other Mediterranean nations. You also get to enjoy the culture of the Maltese people, which is very different from what you are used to in Mexico.
Another common reason to move to Malta is its residency programmes. These programmes are tailored for those who would love residency in the country and Gozo, with many of these residents obtaining citizenship after meeting certain criteria.
Obtaining Residency
Relocating from Mexico to Malta can be a straightforward process, but it requires various permits and authorisations. Your ability to do so will also be determined by whether you can obtain a job in the country, have a way to support yourself, and can invest locally.
Investing locally is at the heart of the different residency opportunities available for those moving to the country, with individuals able to qualify for residency under various programmes.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
This programme is geared towards third-party nationals who would like to obtain a second residency in the country. It is supported by a strong legal framework and supports those who would like to move to the county with their children, spouse, parents and grandparents.
There are various conditions that a person has to meet to qualify for the Malta permanent residence programme. The first condition, one that is also a requirement in other countries offering similar programmes, is holding qualifying property.
They can purchase or rent this property. If buying property, it must be worth at least €300,000 if it is located in the south of Malta or Gozo, or €350,000 if it is located in North Malta. If you decide to rent, the rent must be at least €10,000 if you decide to live in the south of Malta or Gozo, or €12,000 elsewhere.
Other conditions include contributing to the government depending on how many people you would like to bring over, a donation to a registered non-governmental organisation and an administrative fee.
Malta Global Residency Programme
The Malta global residency programme is meant for wealthy individuals who would like tax residency in the country. Since it applies to non-EU individuals, it is a great option for Mexicans moving to Malta. The individuals who apply must not hold dual citizenship in any EU country, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. If you do, then you cannot apply for special tax status but you can apply for the regular residency programme.
Some conditions to meet when applying for the Malta global residence programme include having sufficient income to support yourself and your dependants, having health insurance and valid travel documents and purchasing or renting qualifying property.
For purchases, the property must be worth at least €220,000 in the South of Malta or Gozo or €275,000 if located in Gozo. For renting, the rent should be at least €8750 in the South of Malta or Gozo or €9,600 in Malta. You will need to rent for at least 12 months, ensure the property is your primary residence, and ensure no one else resides in that location. A non-refundable fee is applicable in both cases.
Nomad Residency Programme
This is a lesser-known programme designed for freelancers and digital nomads. The nomad residency programme allows individuals to relocate to Malta but still retain their employment regardless of where their clients or customers are located. To qualify for this programme, you have to demonstrate that you do the bulk of your work on a computer.
This permit is open for those who would need a visa to get into Malta and is offered for one year. Individuals get unlimited entries and exits and can renew the permits once they expire. The government will do its due diligence to ensure you make at least €2,700 a month plus 20% of that for every family member you would like to live with you. They will also establish who your clients are, ensure you have a valid passport and check that you live in a residential property in the country.
There are several conditions you need to meet to Move to Malta from Mexico. You can also opt to go the residency route where you end up owning property in the country and get the opportunity to obtain citizenship.
