Malta’s Startup Residence Programme is designed to attract innovative third country nationals who want to establish or scale their startup from within the European Union.
The programme grants residence rights to founders, co-founders, key employees and their immediate family members, enabling them to live in Malta while building a business that operates within the EU market.
For entrepreneurs seeking a stable, English speaking jurisdiction with access to Europe, Malta offers a structured and credible entry point.
What the Programme Offers
Residence with Long Term Perspective
Successful applicants are granted a residence permit valid for three years, extendable for an additional five years, subject to continued eligibility. This provides stability during the early and growth stages of a startup.
Family Inclusion
Spouses or partners and dependent children may be included in the same application, making relocation practical for founders moving with their families.
Access to the EU Market
While the permit is issued by Malta, founders benefit from operating within an EU member state. Malta offers access to the European single market, a strong regulatory framework and an established financial services infrastructure.
A Supportive Ecosystem
Startups may benefit from support measures available through Malta Enterprise, including advisory support and access to funding schemes. Malta combines a competitive corporate tax framework with a business environment where English is an official language, simplifying operations for international founders.
Key Eligibility Requirements
The programme applies to non EU nationals over the age of 18 who are founders or co founders of a startup that has been registered for no more than seven years.
The startup must:
● Be incorporated and operating in Malta
● Operate in an innovative and scalable sector
● Have a minimum tangible investment or paid up share capital of at least 25000 euro, with additional amounts required for more than four co founders
Founders must reside in Malta and become locally tax resident.
Key employees may also qualify, provided they are employed on a full time basis and earn a minimum annual salary of 30000 euro.
Applicants must also provide valid travel documentation, health insurance, proof of sufficient financial means and a clean criminal record. Administrative fees apply per adult applicant and dependent.
How Helix Can Support You
Establishing a startup in a new jurisdiction involves more than immigration formalities. It requires careful coordination across corporate structuring, tax planning and regulatory compliance.
At Helix, we provide:
Eligibility and structuring advice We assess your business model and advise on how to structure your Maltese entity to meet programme requirements.
Company incorporation and compliance We handle incorporation, registrations and ongoing corporate and tax compliance.
Application support We assist with preparing and reviewing the required documentation, including business plans and financial projections.
Ongoing advisory We continue to support founders beyond approval, advising on tax residency, operational setup and long term growth strategy in Malta.
A Strategic Base in Europe
The Malta Startup Residence Programme offers non EU founders a clear pathway to establish themselves within Europe through a well regulated, business friendly jurisdiction.
If you are considering relocating your startup to Malta, Helix can guide you from initial assessment through to full operational setup.
Get in touch with Dr Michael Muscat here.