Build Your Startup in Malta
A residence pathway for eligible non-EU founders, co-founders and essential employees who want to establish and operate an innovative startup in Malta.
Matrix Pathways supports you with eligibility assessment, business-plan preparation, document coordination and application planning.
Approval is subject to business eligibility, investment, due diligence, residence and ongoing compliance requirements.
Understanding the Malta Startup Residence Programme
The programme is intended for eligible third-country nationals who wish to establish, operate or support an approved innovative startup while residing in Malta.
Core Programme Conditions
6 ConditionsThird-Country Nationality
Non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals, not falling within any nationality restrictions.
Minimum Age
Founders, co-founders and core employees must be at least 18 years old.
Due-Diligence Requirements
Satisfy criminal-record, security, public-policy and broader due-diligence checks.
Health Insurance
Recognised health-insurance coverage for principal applicant and dependants.
Malta Company Incorporation
Startup must be incorporated in Malta before residence cards are collected.
Ongoing Startup Compliance
Continue approved business activity and provide monitoring evidence when requested.
Residence Status Remains Linked to the Startup
Permits issued to founders, co-founders, core employees and family members remain subject to the startup maintaining its approved activity and all applicable residence conditions. Malta Enterprise, Residency Malta Agency and other competent authorities may request supporting documentation throughout the programme.
Is Your Business Eligible for the Programme?
The startup should operate in an eligible innovative, technology-enabled or knowledge-driven activity and satisfy the applicable business-age, ownership, innovation, investment and approval requirements.
Potential Eligible Business Activities
Innovation-Led SectorsManufacturing
Innovative manufacturing ventures and industrial services.
Software Development
Software products, digital platforms, SaaS solutions.
Health & Life Sciences
Health technology, biotechnology, medical innovation.
Green & Sustainable
Eco-startups in green, blue, climate and environmental industries.
Knowledge-Based Services
Innovative services enabled by specialist knowledge or IP.
Other Innovative Activities
Novel products, services or processes not readily available.
International Revenue PotentialThe product or service may generate income from multiple geographical markets.
Product or Service InnovationThe offering is new, innovative or substantially improved compared with market alternatives.
Process InnovationThe venture uses a new or substantially improved process compared with existing activities.
Minimum Malta Investment or Paid-Up Capital
The Malta-incorporated startup must generally place a tangible investment or paid-up share capital of at least €25,000. Where more than four co-founders apply, an additional €10,000 is required for each additional co-founder. A maximum of six co-founders may qualify.
Important: The project should generally meet at least two of the three innovation criteria shown above. Business-plan approval is determined independently by Malta Enterprise, and the company must also comply with applicable National Foreign Direct Investment Screening Office requirements.
Step-by-Step Malta Startup Residence Process
The application process involves business assessment, corporate planning, programme submission, incorporation and residence formalities.
Requirements for Founders and Co-Founders
Founders and co-founders must have a genuine connection with the qualifying startup, play an active role in its development and maintain a real business and residential presence in Malta.
Core Founder Requirements
6 RequirementsGenuine Founder Status
Meaningful ownership, management or entrepreneurial role in the startup.
Ownership Evidence
Capitalisation table reviewed to confirm ownership position and stake.
Active Management Role
Directorship, legal representation and executive responsibilities.
Industry Affiliation
No conflicting direct affiliation with another company in the same industry.
Sufficient Personal Funds
Adequate resources to support self and qualifying dependants.
Monitoring and Reporting
Cooperate with Malta Enterprise and submit required monitoring reports.
How Co-Founder Status May Be Assessed
A co-founder is generally one of the original entrepreneurs involved in establishing the startup. The agencies may review the capitalisation table, ownership history, directorship, legal representation and duties performed for the company.
Initial Three-Year Residence Permit
Permits for qualifying founders are generally issued for three years. Following successful completion, the permit may be extended for a further five years.
Physical and Tangible Presence in Malta
Founders and co-founders must demonstrate that Malta is both the genuine operating location of the startup and their place of residence.
- Live in Malta during the programme.
- Actively manage and develop the Malta startup.
- Maintain appropriate residence and employment status.
- Comply with applicable Maltese tax obligations.
Approval and Extension Are Not Automatic
Founder and co-founder residence permits remain dependent on the startup continuing its approved activity and meeting all business, residence, employment, tax, reporting and due-diligence conditions. The relevant Maltese authorities may request updated evidence throughout the permit period.
Residence Options for Core Employees
A startup may include essential employees who possess specialised skills required for the business to begin or continue operating in Malta.
Core Employee Requirements
6 RequirementsFull-Time Employment
Hold a full-time employment contract with the approved Malta startup.
Minimum Salary
Earn a gross annual salary of at least €30,000.
Startup Timing
Be employed while the venture still qualifies as a startup.
Primary Residence
Intend to make Malta their primary residence.
Essential to Operations
Be essential to the startup's operation.
Specialised Knowledge
Possess relevant specialised knowledge or skills.
Application Timing
Core employees must apply after the residence permits of the founders and co-founders have been approved by the relevant authorities.
Initial Three-Year Residence Permit
Core-employee residence permits are generally issued for three years. Following successful completion and continued eligibility, they may be extended for a further three years.
Permit Dependency
Core employees remain dependent on the startup maintaining its approved activity and complying with the programme conditions. Permits may be revoked if the startup ceases to qualify or fails to meet its obligations.
Can Your Family Join You in Malta?
Qualifying immediate family members may be included in the initial application for residence under the Malta Startup Residence Programme.
Eligible Family Members
4 CategoriesSpouse
Legally married partner of the principal applicant.
De Facto Partner
Recognised partner in a stable relationship.
Minor Children
Children under the age of majority.
Adult Dependant Children
Sons or daughters who remain principally dependent on the applicant.
Important: Declare Family Members Early
Family members should normally be declared in the first application even when they do not initially plan to relocate. Requests to add family members later are assessed individually and are not automatically approved.
Malta Startup Residence Programme Fees
Applicants should budget for programme fees, residence-card costs, employment-licence fees, business capitalisation and professional expenses.
Programme Fees Overview
Application Fee
€750Per adult applicant or dependant for the initial three-year programme.
Residence Card Issuance
€300For each successful applicant for the initial three-year permit.
Employment Licence
€690Initial licence for founders, co-founders or core employees covering first three years.
Important: Fees May Change
Government and agency fees may change. Current amounts should be confirmed before filing. Additional costs such as health insurance, company incorporation, legal support and personal living expenses should also be factored into your overall budget.
Preparing the Mandatory Malta Business Plan
A business plan is required whether the applicant applies only for the Startup Residence Programme or combines the application with Malta Enterprise financial assistance. The plan should follow the applicable Malta Enterprise template.
Business Plan Structure
3 PartsPart 1 — Company Overview
Key company facts, product/service, technology, clients, investment raised, milestones, structure and management team.
Part 2 — The Malta Project
Purpose of Malta company, activities, employment plans, marketing strategy, structure, ecosystem connections and growth plans.
Part 3 — Financial Information
Revenue sources, pricing model, funding plan, historical data, 3-year projections, cash flow, costs and capital requirements.
Template and Approval
The business plan should follow the applicable Malta Enterprise template and must be credible, commercially realistic and consistent with the supporting financial and corporate records. Approval is determined independently by Malta Enterprise.