Malta Start-up Residence Programme Overview
The Malta Start-up Residence Programme is a residence route for non-EU founders, co-founders, and their core employees who register an innovative start-up venture in Malta. It allows qualifying founders and their families to reside in Malta while building their business, with a residence card issued for an initial three-year period, extendable to a further three years upon successful completion of the programme’s conditions.
The programme requires a minimum capital investment of EUR 25,000 in the Malta-registered venture. Once the Start-up Residence permit is approved for the co-founders, core employees of the start-up may also apply for their own Maltese residence permit under the programme. Family members — including a spouse, de facto partner, minor children, and financially dependent adult children of founders and core employees — may also apply for a Maltese residence permit alongside the main applicant.
Approval of the Malta Start-up Residence Programme is determined solely by the competent Maltese authorities, based on the viability of the start-up venture and compliance with the programme’s investment and documentation requirements.
Eligibility
- pplicant must be a founder, co-founder, or core employee of a non-EU nationality.
- The start-up venture must be registered in Malta with a minimum capital investment of EUR 25,000.
- The venture must generally demonstrate an innovative business model or product, subject to the assessing authority’s evaluation.
- Core employees may apply once the Start-up Residence permit has been approved for the co-founders.
- Family members eligible to apply alongside the main applicant include a spouse, de facto partner, minor children, and financially dependent adult children.
- Applicants must meet standard requirements such as health insurance and a clean criminal record.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (EUR) |
| Residence Card Issuance (per person, Identity Malta Agency) | EUR 82.50 (covering a 3-year period) |
| Minimum Capital Investment in the Malta-registered venture | EUR 25,000 (business investment, not a government fee) |
Fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances. Always confirm the current fee schedule with the relevant Maltese authority, and note that exchange rates fluctuate daily.
Malta Tourist Visa Processing Time
The Malta Start-up Residence Programme does not publish one universal processing-time figure on a general information page, since the process involves both an evaluation of the start-up’s business viability and standard immigration due diligence on each applicant. Processing can be affected by the completeness of the business plan and supporting documentation, and by whether the venture has already been registered in Malta at the time of application.
Because the residence card, once issued, covers an initial three-year period, and because core employees and family members apply in stages following the co-founders’ approval, applicants should plan for a multi-stage timeline rather than a single fixed processing window. Founders are advised to prepare their business plan and investment documentation thoroughly before applying, and to apply as early as their business timeline allows. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
Required Documents Checklist
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
A Malta Start-up Residence Programme application depends on presenting a credible business plan and clear evidence of your capital investment, alongside standard immigration documentation for you and your team. Shivansh Consultants offers Documentation Support and a clear Eligibility Assessment to help structure your application.
We provide thorough Application Review, Personalized Guidance for founders, co-founders, core employees, and family members, and a Transparent Process throughout. With End-to-End Assistance, we help you present a complete, well-documented application. We do not guarantee approval, as this decision rests entirely with the competent Maltese authorities.