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Malta Startup Residence Programme
The Malta Startup Residence Programme is for people who found an innovative company in Malta or move one there, investing at least EUR 25,000.
News · Malta
Identità: 132,067 valid residence permits in Malta at the end of 2025
On 28 September 2026 Identità, Malta's identity and expatriates agency, published its 2025 Annual Report. According to its Expatriates Unit, 32,693 first residence permits were issued in 2025 and 132,067 permits were valid at the end of the year.
Summary
In brief
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First residence permits in 2025: 32,693 (29,433 in 2024).
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Valid permits at year end: 132,067 (117,611 in 2024; 46,377 in 2020).
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According to the report, renewal applications increased.
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The second phase of the labour migration policy took effect on 1 October 2025.
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The report gives no breakdown by nationality or permit type.
Background
What happened
According to the table in Identità's annual report, first residence permits numbered 11,107 in 2020, 14,358 in 2021, 37,851 in 2022, 41,927 in 2023, 29,433 in 2024 and 32,693 in 2025. Valid permits at year end numbered 46,377 in 2020, 112,892 in 2023, 117,611 in 2024 and 132,067 in 2025.
According to the report, the increase in renewal applications reflects the growing number of third-country nationals who continue to live and work in Malta. The second phase of the labour migration policy, implemented on 1 October 2025, introduced mandatory electronic salary payments through licensed financial institutions, clearer procedures for applications by visa-exempt nationals, and extended residence rights and fee exemptions for victims of exploitation and human trafficking.
For you
What it means for you
- Growing numbers: the number of valid permits has almost tripled in five years; the high number of renewals also indicates the workload of the authority.
- Renewal: if you live in Malta, file your renewal in good time and with complete documents.
- Choosing a programme: the report has no breakdown by permit type; we compare the study and startup residence requirements with you when you request a quote.
Programmes
Related programmes
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- Malta
Malta student residence permit
The Malta student residence permit is the simplest way into Europe: a licensed school, a student visa, then a residence card, and student work of 20 hours a week alongside your studies.