06/10/2026
🪪 Malta or Cyprus — which permanent residency program offers better value in 2026?
🔎 Investment requirements, minimum capital, real estate options, Schengen access, and rules for maintaining residency status — we compared two popular programs across the key criteria.
1️⃣ How Much Does the Program Cost?
🇲🇹 Malta
There are two options:
1. purchase a property worth at least €375,000
2. rent a property for at least €14,000 per year
In addition, the main applicant must pay:
€60,000 — administrative fee
€37,000 — government contribution
€2,000 — charitable donation
🇨🇾 Cyprus
A minimum investment of €300,000 can be made in:
a new residential property purchased from a developer
commercial real estate
the share capital of a Cyprus-based company
eligible Cyprus investment funds
2️⃣ What Are the Financial Requirements?
🇲🇹 Malta
Applicants must demonstrate one of the following:
1. assets of at least €500,000, including a minimum of €150,000 in financial assets
2. assets of at least €650,000, including a minimum of €75,000 in financial assets
🇨🇾 Cyprus
Applicants must demonstrate a stable annual income of:
€50,000 — main applicant
€15,000 — spouse
€10,000 — each dependent minor child
If the investment is made in residential property, the required income must be derived from sources outside Cyprus.
3️⃣ How Long Must the Investment Be Maintained?
🇲🇹 Malta
After 5 years, the original property may be sold or the rental agreement may be terminated. However, to maintain permanent resident status, you must continue to have a residential property in Malta.
🇨🇾 Cyprus
The minimum €300,000 investment must be maintained for as long as you wish to retain permanent residency under the investment program.
4️⃣ What About Schengen Travel?
🇲🇹 Malta
A Maltese residence card allows visa-free travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
🇨🇾 Cyprus
Cyprus permanent residency does not provide visa-free access to the Schengen Area.
5️⃣ Do You Have to Live in the Country?
🇲🇹 Malta
The program does not require you to reside in Malta on a permanent basis.
🇨🇾 Cyprus
Once permanent residency is approved, you must register a place of residence in Cyprus — either owned or rented — within 1 year.
After that, you must visit Cyprus at least once every 2 years to maintain your residency status.
