Malta’s Home Affairs Minister, Byron Camilleri, has confirmed recent figures regarding residence permits, citing data provided by Identita, Schengen.News reports. In response to a parliamentary question, Camilleri stated that the number of residence permits issued in Malta last year, including those for both EU and non-EU nationals, has stabilized.
Of the total number, 4,073 residence permits were issued through the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), the Residency and Visa Programme (MRVP), and the Nomad Visa scheme. The Minister also noted a decline in the number of valid residence permits issued to nationals from the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland, with a reduction of 2,227 permits in 2024.
However, there was a significant increase in the number of permits granted under the MPRP, MRVP, and the Nomad Visa scheme. Camilleri highlighted that Malta received 1,500 applications for the Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) in 2024, which generated €46 million for the Consolidated Fund, €50 million in five-year lease contracts, and €36 million from property purchases. Additionally, the country received 1,031 applications for the Nomad Residence Programme.
Camilleri also emphasized that the Labour Migration Policy of Malta proposes that all job vacancies should be advertised on the Jobplus website for local workers and on the EURES website for EU nationals.
Malta has been facing significant labor shortages across various sectors, according to the 2023 EURES report on labor shortages and surpluses. The report identified manufacturing, healthcare, construction, food service, hospitality, and transportation as the most affected industries. The report also noted that foreign workers who meet the necessary requirements have a better chance of securing employment in Malta.
