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Property

Malta — Property: Foreign Ownership

Non-EU nationals need an Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit to buy property in Malta, EU citizens who have not lived in Malta for five years need one only for a secondary residence, and Special Designated Areas are unrestricted.

VerifiedGovernment / official sourceMalta Tax and Customs Administration — Acquisition of immovable property by non-residentsLast reviewed: 2026-10-23

Why this matters

Understanding the rules on foreign ownership can help prevent unexpected complications or fines when buying or owning a property in Malta.

Key facts

  • Individuals who are not citizens of an EU member state may not acquire immovable property in Malta unless granted an AIP permit.
  • EU citizens, including Maltese, who have not resided continuously in Malta for five years need a permit only for secondary residences, not for a primary residence or property for their business.
  • In Special Designated Areas (SDAs) there are no restrictions on acquisition.
  • The permit fee is EUR 233 regardless of property value, and the AIP Section commits to issuing it within 35 days for a complete and correct application.
  • Non-residents are permitted to own one immovable property, which must be used for residence and cannot be rented out.
  • The MTCA FAQ gives minimum values of EUR 174,274 for a flat or maisonette and EUR 300,619 for other property (LN 174/2024); an older version gave EUR 143,410 and EUR 247,701, so confirm the current figures.

Steps

  1. Researching the Property Market — Research the local property market and laws surrounding foreign ownership to understand the regulations and potential requirements for purchasing a property in Malta
  2. Obtaining Necessary Permits — If necessary, apply for a special permit through the MIIP or MRVP to ensure compliance with foreign ownership regulations

Costs

  • AIP permit fee: EUR 233

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