An IMGW News Report
In 2024, Malta saw a significant influx of foreign nationals, with 33,455 first-time residence permits issued to third-country nationals. This marks a continued demand for residency in the Mediterranean island, as it remains a key European destination for individuals seeking both long-term residency and work opportunities.
The surge in applications has been largely driven by programmes such as the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), the Residency and Visa Programme (MRVP), and the Nomad visa scheme, highlighting Malta’s appeal as an attractive hub for international residents.
Of the total, 4,073 permits were linked to these specific programmes. The MPRP, MRVP, and Nomad visa collectively experienced a notable increase in applications, with over 1,500 submissions for the Permanent Residence Programme alone, generating substantial economic impact. This included €46 million for the Consolidated Fund, €50 million in five-year lease contracts, and €36 million invested in property purchases. Additionally, the Nomad Residence Program saw 1,031 applications, contributing an estimated €5 million to the Maltese economy, with digital nomads—who average an annual salary of €76,000—spending considerably during their stay.
Minister for Home Affairs,
Security and Employment (Malta)
The year also saw a decline in the issuance of residence documents to citizens from the European Union, European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland, with a reduction of 2,227 permits. However, the overall trend for residence permits for non-EU nationals remained stable.
Given the urgent need to maintain the island’s economic momentum amidst challenges in sourcing local talent, Byron Camilleri, the Minister for Home Affairs, Security, and Employment, emphasised the importance of advertising job vacancies on Malta’s Jobplus website (the government’s employment agency) and the EURES portal (the European Employment Services platform). These efforts aim to attract EU nationals to fill available positions and are part of Malta’s Labour Migration Policy, which seeks to tackle the country’s growing labour shortages, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, construction, food service, hospitality, and transportation.
The government’s efforts reflect the ongoing demand for foreign workers in Malta, with increased opportunities for those meeting the required criteria. As the economy continues to benefit from foreign investment and talent, Malta’s residence programmes remain central to its immigration strategy.
