Malta Startup Residence Programme

The startup must generally have been registered for no more than seven years, must not have taken over another enterprise's activity, and must not have been formed through a merger. The proposed activity must be innovative and fall within eligible areas such as manufacturing, software, advanced industrial services, health and life sciences, sustainable industries, or another knowledge and technology-enabled activity.

The project must meet at least two official tests relating to international market potential, new or substantially improved products or services, or new or substantially improved processes. A maximum of six co-founders may qualify.

The Maltese startup must place at least EUR 25,000 as tangible investment and/or paid-up share capital. Where five co-founders apply, the requirement rises to EUR 35,000, and for six co-founders it rises to EUR 45,000.

There is no published minimum personal net worth. Founders and co-founders must nevertheless demonstrate sufficient financial resources in their own bank statements to support themselves and their dependants. The current official guide does not prescribe a fixed maintenance-fund figure.

A detailed business plan is mandatory and must be approved by Malta Enterprise. It must address the startup, technology, clients, team, investment, Malta operations, employment, marketing, funding, three-year projections and cash flow.

Viamora can assist with market research, competitor analysis, innovation positioning, business modelling, pricing, Malta operating strategy, staffing, investment planning, financial forecasts, implementation planning and supporting commercial documentation.

The company does not necessarily need to be fully incorporated before the initial online assessment. However, before residence cards are collected, the startup must be incorporated and registered in Malta, and resident founders and co-founders must be registered as employees of the Maltese startup.

A note on AI-generated plans: Generic, inaccurate, unverified, copied or non-original AI-generated plans may undermine credibility or be rejected. Any technology-assisted content should be independently verified and tailored to the founder's genuine venture.

Applications are submitted online through the Malta Enterprise client portal. Malta Enterprise evaluates the business, while Residency Malta assesses residence eligibility and due diligence. The official programme guide does not publish a fixed processing time.

Immediate family members should be included in the first application. Family permits follow the principal applicant's validity, but do not automatically grant access to employment.

Founders and co-founders must maintain a genuine presence in Malta, live there, pay local taxes and continue the approved startup activity. The initial permit is three years and may be extended for another five years if the business and applicants remain eligible.

The official process permits online application and does not state that a licensed immigration consultant is mandatory. Viamora may provide business and commercial support, while Maltese legal advice or formal representation should be obtained from an appropriately authorised professional where required.