Direct Answer
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Malta, but EU citizens and non-EU citizens face different rules. EU citizens can buy freely like Maltese nationals. Non-EU citizens need an AIP (Acquisition of Immovable Property) permit for their first property, with some exceptions.
Citizens of EU member states can buy property in Malta on the same basis as Maltese nationals. There are no restrictions — you can buy as many properties as you like, in any location, including Gozo and Comino. This right was established as part of Malta's EU accession negotiations.
Non-EU citizens (including British nationals post-Brexit) must obtain an Acquisition of Immovable Property (AIP) permit from the Ministry for Finance before purchasing their first property in Malta. The permit is applied for by your notary and typically takes 35 days to process.
Your property must meet minimum value thresholds: €143,410 for an apartment and €191,213 for a house. The property must be for your personal use (not investment). Once you hold permanent residency for 5 years in Malta, AIP requirements are waived. In Special Designated Areas (SDAs) like Portomaso, Tigne Point, and SmartCity, there are no AIP restrictions regardless of nationality.
Several luxury developments are designated as SDAs where any nationality can buy without AIP and without minimum value limits: Portomaso (St Julian's), Tigne Point (Sliema), SmartCity (Kalkara), Cottonera (Three Cities area), Ta' Monita (Marsascala), Fort Cambridge (Sliema), Pender Gardens (St Venera).
Stamp duty is 5% of property value (first-time buyers may qualify for exemptions on properties up to €200,000). Notary fees: approximately 1–2%. Agency commission: typically 1–2% of the property price. Legal due diligence and searches: variable.
The AIP permit restricts you to one property for personal use. However, within SDAs there are no restrictions. After 5 years of permanent Maltese residency, restrictions are lifted entirely.
Yes — following Brexit, UK nationals are now treated as non-EU and must obtain an AIP permit for property outside SDAs.
Approximately 35 days once the application is submitted through a licensed notary. The process is straightforward for eligible purchases.
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What is the Malta AIP permit?
The Malta AIP (Acquisition of Immovable Property) permit is a government permission required for non...
How much is stamp duty in Malta?
Stamp duty in Malta is 5% of the property purchase price. First-time buyers pay 3.5% on the first €2...
What is the property buying process in Malta?
The Malta property buying process: find property → make offer → sign preliminary agreement (konvenju...