The small Mediterranean island of Malta is slowly becoming one of the easiest and most attractive European options for South Africans wanting a permanent base overseas.
For an investment of around R10 million (€500,000), South Africans can get lifetime residency in Malta with the right to live, work, study, or retire there.
Sarah Young from Sable International explained that Malta’s citizenship-by-investment programme was shut down after a European Court of Justice ruling that it “commercialised EU citizenship.
However, she added that the country still offers a strong alternative. “Malta traditionally had two programmes. They had a citizenship-by-investment programme, but they’ve also had a long-standing residence programme—and that one is still very much open.”
The current scheme, known as the Permanent Residence Programme (PRP), was updated in July 2025 to make it more appealing.
One of the key changes is that property investors can now lease out their properties from the start. “Previously, you couldn’t sublet the property you were using for your physical address. Now, those who invest in property can rent it out immediately,” said Young.
This makes Malta’s property market more attractive because investors can earn rental income while securing residency for their families.
“It starts to make investment sense. You’re generating a yield on a European property and, at the same time, gaining permanent residency.”
Applicants must show a net wealth of at least €500,000, making the programme suitable for high-net-worth individuals. However, Young pointed out that it’s still far cheaper than the old citizenship route.
“There are government fees of about €97,000 for a family of four. The old citizenship programme required a non-refundable contribution of €650,000 just for one person, so this is a much more affordable option.”
The programme gives lifetime residency for the main applicant and their family. “You’re securing lifetime rights in Malta. It stays open for you and your children forever,” she said.
The major draws to Malta
The PRP doesn’t directly lead to citizenship, but there is a discretionary citizenship-by-merit option for people who make exceptional contributions to Malta or humanity.
“It’s not guaranteed. However, for many people, permanent residency gives them everything they need,” Young said.
Another advantage is that there are almost no residency requirements. “In 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,” she added.
Malta’s lifestyle is also a big attraction for South Africans. “It’s English-speaking, with great schools and healthcare.”
“You’ve got easy access to the rest of Europe, and there’s already a strong South African community; you can buy biltong and hear Afrikaans in the streets.”
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.
When compared to other residency programmes, Young said Malta offers faster processing and lower investment requirements.
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’s location and pro-business environment make it ideal for expansion into Europe.
He noted at the end of last year that his company had seen growing interest from South African companies in finance, tech, and real estate.
He also noted that Malta’s tax system, trade agreements, and efficient regulation make it an attractive base for international business.
Despite its small size (only 316 sqkm with about 542,000 people), Malta has a strong economy and plays a notable role in European business.
Its stable politics, safety, and high standard of living have made it a popular destination for South Africans looking for a better quality of life.
Although there is no specific public data on the number of South Africans living in Malta, there is an active Facebook group titled ‘South Africans actually living in Malta’.
The group had 1,300 members at the time of writing this article. This gives some idea of the number of South Africans living in Malta.
