Acquisition of Immovable Property by non-Residents

Citizens of European Member States who have resided in Malta for a minimum continuous period of 5 years at any time preceding the date of acquisition may freely acquire immovable property without the necessity of obtaining a permit. Any period totaling less than 90 days in a calendar year during which the individual was not in Malta is ignored.

Citizens of European Member States who have not resided continuously in Malta for a minimum period of 5 years may only purchase their primary residence or any immovable property required for their business activities or supply of services without the necessity of obtaining a permit. Such citizens require a permit to purchase immovable property for secondary residence purposes.

The spouse, of whatever nationality and wherever resident, of a citizen of a Member State does not require a permit when acquiring on the same deed.

Individuals who are not citizens of a European Member State may not acquire any immovable property unless they are granted a permit. However there are certain exceptions to this general rule:

• The acquisition of a grave or a site for a grave.

• The redemption of any ground-rent or other burden encumbering any immovable property lawfully acquired by such non-resident person.

• Immovable property devolving causa mortis on any person, wherever resident, provided that the person from whom the property devolves had acquired such immovable property, where applicable, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 246.

• The acquisition of immovable property by any person, wherever resident, in a special designated area. There are absolutely no restrictions to the acquisition of immovable property in the below designated areas:

• Fort Chambray, Ghajnsielem, Gozo
• Portomaso Development
• Cottonera Development,
• Manoel Island / Tigne’ Point,
• Tas-Sellum Residence (Mellieha Project),
• Madliena Village Complex,
• SmartCity,
• Fort Cambridge Zone, Tigne’.