However, she added that the country still offers a strong alternative. \u201cMalta traditionally had two programmes. They had a citizenship-by-investment programme, but they\u2019ve also had a long-standing residence programme\u2014and that one is still very much open.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The current scheme, known as the Permanent Residence Programme (PRP), was updated in July 2025 to make it more appealing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the key changes is that property investors can now lease out their properties from the start. \u201cPreviously, you couldn\u2019t sublet the property you were using for your physical address. Now, those who invest in property can rent it out immediately,\u201d said Young. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This makes Malta\u2019s property market more attractive because investors can earn rental income while securing residency for their families. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt starts to make investment sense. You\u2019re generating a yield on a European property and, at the same time, gaining permanent residency.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Applicants must show a net wealth of at least \u20ac500,000, making the programme suitable for high-net-worth individuals. However, Young pointed out that it\u2019s still far cheaper than the old citizenship route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere are government fees of about \u20ac97,000 for a family of four. The old citizenship programme required a non-refundable contribution of \u20ac650,000 just for one person, so this is a much more affordable option.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The programme gives lifetime residency for the main applicant and their family. \u201cYou\u2019re securing lifetime rights in Malta. It stays open for you and your children forever,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The major draws to Malta<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Malta1-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe PRP doesn\u2019t directly lead to citizenship, but there is a discretionary citizenship-by-merit option for people who make exceptional contributions to Malta or humanity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not guaranteed. However, for many people, permanent residency gives them everything they need,\u201d Young said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another advantage is that there are almost no residency requirements. \u201cIn the first year, you should spend about two to three weeks in Malta. After that, you can spend as much or as little time there as you like,\u201d she added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Malta\u2019s lifestyle is also a big attraction for South Africans. \u201cIt\u2019s English-speaking, with great schools and healthcare.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve got easy access to the rest of Europe, and there\u2019s already a strong South African community; you can buy biltong and hear Afrikaans in the streets.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She noted that the island boasts over 300 days of sunshine each year and a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle that is familiar to many South Africans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When compared to other residency programmes, Young said Malta offers faster processing and lower investment requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Malta is also a growing hub for South African entrepreneurs. According to James Muscat Azzopardi, a director at Credence, a corporate advisory firm, the island\u2019s location and pro-business environment make it ideal for expansion into Europe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe PRP doesn\u2019t directly lead to citizenship, but there is a discretionary citizenship-by-merit option for people who make exceptional contributions to Malta or humanity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not guaranteed. However, for many people, permanent residency gives them everything they need,\u201d Young said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another advantage is that there are almost no residency requirements. \u201cIn the first year, you should spend about two to three weeks in Malta. After that, you can spend as much or as little time there as you like,\u201d she added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Malta\u2019s lifestyle is also a big attraction for South Africans. \u201cIt\u2019s English-speaking, with great schools and healthcare.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve got easy access to the rest of Europe, and there\u2019s already a strong South African community; you can buy biltong and hear Afrikaans in the streets.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She noted that the island boasts over 300 days of sunshine each year and a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle that is familiar to many South Africans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When compared to other residency programmes, Young said Malta offers faster processing and lower investment requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Malta is also a growing hub for South African entrepreneurs. According to James Muscat Azzopardi, a director at Credence, a corporate advisory firm, the island\u2019s location and pro-business environment make it ideal for expansion into Europe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n