Accomodation and residence cards
What is considered a qualifying property?
A qualifying property means an owned or a rented property, which meets the general health and safety standards in force in Malta from time to time, and is standard for a comparable family in Malta, as the Agency considers appropriate for residence at its discretion.
To ensure that these standards are being met, Residency Malta Agency reserves the right to request further documentation if deemed necessary. This documentation may include, but is not limited to, Housing Authority registration form and compliance certificates. Residency Malta reserves the right to conduct property spot checks.
How long should the duration of the accommodation be?
The minimum duration required as proof of accommodation for the issuance of a card is twelve (12) months. If a lease extension is required to cover the full duration of the residence permit, the applicant will be notified by the Nomad Client Relations and Compliance team.
Is it acceptable to reside in a marina on a yacht or boat?
No, it is not acceptable to reside in a marina or boat.
Can one stay in their own purchased property and what documentation does one have to submit?
Yes, one can stay in their purchased property. One will need to provide the following documentation:
- a signed copy of the contract (a property can either be leased or purchased) stating the owner's name,
- the number of bedrooms within the property,
- the area in square metres,
- ARMS utility bill (water and electricity which is not older than 6 months) with account type as residential or domestic and in the name of the landlord
- External photos of the qualifying property, clearly showing the name, number and main entrance of the court/building and the internal door number of the property (if applicable)
Residency Malta Agency reserves the right to conduct property spot checks at its own discretion.
Can one stay with someone who has a purchased property and what documentation does one have to submit?
Yes, one can stay with someone who has a purchased property. One will need to provide the following documentation:
- a signed copy of the contract (property can either be leased or purchased) stating the owner's name,
- Declaration from the owner confirming the applicants stay.
- property type
- the number of bedrooms within the property,
- the area in square metres,
- ARMS utility bill (water and electricity which is not older than 6 months) with account type as residential or domestic and in the name of the landlord
- External photos of the qualifying property, clearly showing the name, number and main entrance of the court/building and the internal door number of the property (if applicable)
Residency Malta Agency reserves the right to conduct property spot checks at its own discretion.
Can one lease a property and what documentation does one have to submit?
Yes, one can lease a property. One will need to provide the following documentation:
- a signed copy of the lease contract stating the lessee/owner’s name,
- property type,
- the number of bedrooms within the property,
- the area in square metres,
- ARMS utility bill (water and electricity bill which is not older than 6 months) with account type as residential or domestic and in the name of the landlord
- External photos of the qualifying property, clearly showing the name, number and main entrance of the court/building and the internal door number of the property (if applicable)
- housing approval issued by the housing authority.
Residency Malta Agency reserves the right to conduct property spot checks at its own discretion. The beneficiaries could declare the number of bedrooms and the total square metres of the property either through the lease/purchase agreement or as part of the Housing Authority registration form.
Can one co-habit with someone and what documentation does one have to submit?
Yes, co-habitation (or co-living) is acceptable. One would need to provide the following documentation:
- a signed copy of the contract (property can either be leased or purchased) stating the lessee/owner's name
- property type
- the number of bedrooms within the property
- the area in square metres
- ARMS utility bill (water and electricity bill which is not older than 6 months) with account type as residential or domestic and in the name of the landlord
- External photos of the qualifying property, clearly showing the name, number and main entrance of the court/building and the internal door number of the property (if applicable)
- housing approval issued by the housing authority
Residency Malta Agency reserves the right to conduct property spot checks, at its own discretion. The beneficiaries could declare the number of bedrooms and the total square metres of the property either through the lease/purchase agreement or as part of the Housing Authority registration form.
Can a residence card be issued on a temporary address or on a PO Box address?
No, a residence card cannot be issued on a temporary address or on a PO Box address. The residence card can only be issued upon submission of proof of a one (1) year accommodation in a residential property.
What is temporary accommodation?
Temporary accommodation is a short-term place of stay up to a maximum of one (1) month which can be submitted upon issuance of the Letter of Approval in Principle. Applicants who require an entry visa, a 15-night minimum stay is required. On securing such temporary accommodation, a Letter of Final Approval will be issued, however, upon arrival in Malta, one must opt to secure a 1-year lease for a card to be issued. Examples of temporary accommodation include hotels and Airbnb.
The temporary accommodation must be prepaid. The applicant must submit both the booking confirmation plus the receipt of payment.
Is it mandatory to submit proof of accommodation in Malta upon submission of the application?
No, it is not. Proof of accommodation is submitted after the Letter of Approval in Principle is issued. Once the chosen accommodation and its proof is deemed to satisfy the programme requirements, a Letter of Final Approval is issued to the applicant.