MALTA 3

Malta Start-Up Residence Programme

Why Choose Malta?

  • The Start-Up Residence Programme applies to start-ups involved in manufacturing, software development, and industrial services related to manufacturing.
  • It also covers start-ups operating in health, biotech, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, and eco-industries.
  • Start-ups engaged in innovative economic activities enabled by knowledge or technology may also qualify.
  • Eligible start-ups may offer products or services not readily available on the market.
  • Start-ups using a novel process to deliver products or services can also fall within the scope of the Programme.
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Eligibility Criteria

The start-up must be fully incorporated and registered in Malta and must not be registered outside of Malta for more than 7 years.

The start-up must not have been formed through a merger, acquired the business of another enterprise, or distributed dividends.

The start-up needs to place a tangible investment or have a paid-up share capital of €25,000 or more.

If the start-up has more than 4 co-founders, the start-up must have an additional €10,000 in tangible investment or paid-up share capital per additional founder.

Eligibility Criteriafor Individuals

All individuals applying under this Programme must satisfy the following requirements:

Non-EU/EEA Status

They are a non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss national.

Founding or Core Role

They are the founder, co-founder, or a core employee of the enterprise.

Business Expansion Intent

They have a concrete intention to develop and expand their business in Malta.

Clean Criminal Record

They do not have a criminal record or pending criminal charges against them.

Sufficient Financial Means

They are in possession of sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family members.

No Prior Rejections

They do not have previous applications for residence or citizenship status rejected in Malta or abroad.

Valid Health Insurance

They have a recognised health insurance coverage in Malta for themselves and their family members.

Founder / Co-Founder Requirements

Malta Physical Presence

The founder and/or co-founder must have a physical presence in Malta, in that they are living and paying their taxes in Malta.

Early Co-Founder Status

Co-founder would be one of the first entrepreneurs to have set-up the start-up.

Core Employees

Core employees vital to the start-up to start operating in Malta may also benefit under this Program.
The core employee must:

Have specialised skills and earn at least €30,000.

Have a full-time employment contract in Malta with the start-up which has benefitted under the Program.

Be employed within the timeframe in which the venture is classified as a start-up.

Declare the intention to hold a primary residence in Malta after being approved, at application stage.

Benefits

Beneficiaries of the Program would not have to renew their residence permit in Malta every year as the Program guarantees long-term business and family stability through a 3-year residency.

Residence Permit Renewal

Beneficiaries will also have the option of renewing their residence permit for an additional 5 years if their start-up is still in business and if the applicants continue to satisfy the eligibility terms.

Family Permit Validity

Family members’ residence permit will have the same validity period of the residence permit of the start-up founder/co-founder or core employee. Spouses, de-facto partners, minor children, and adult children who are principally dependent on the main applicant may all benefit from the Program.

Core Employee Permit

Core employees who have successfully applied under the Program will also be issued a 3-year residence permit, which may be further renewed for another 3 years.

Apply for MaltaStart-Up Residence Programme

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