CEO Insight speaks to Jonathan Cardona, Chief Executive Officer of Residency Malta Agency, the government entity that manages and administers Malta’s temporary and permanent residency programmes for non-EU nationals looking to relocate to the country.

CEO Insight: Malta has positioned itself as a leading destination for global talent and investors. How have the Nomad Residence Permit, the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), and the Startup Residence Programme evolved over the last year to meet the demands of an increasingly mobile and entrepreneurial global audience?

Jonathan Cardona: Mobility trends are constantly shifting. Markets for economic migration fluctuate, and geopolitical changes are prompting families and entrepreneurs to seek solutions that help them hedge for the future. At Residency Malta, evolving demands aren’t a challenge – they’re the norm.

We closely monitor developments in our sector to ensure the pathways we offer match the expectations of prospective applicants. Ultimately, our goal is to design programmes that provide added value, remain sustainable, and are agile enough to adapt quickly to new global realities.

CEO Insight:  In terms of strategic policy, are there any upcoming changes or enhancements to these programmes that prospective applicants should be aware of—particularly those aimed at bolstering Malta’s competitiveness in the European residency and relocation landscape?

Jonathan Cardona: This year we introduced several enhancements, especially within the MPRP. Most notably, applicants can now obtain a temporary residency permit upon submission of their application. This allows families to visit Malta, explore neighbourhoods, assess schools and make informed property decisions – all while their application is being processed. We see this as a significant game-changer: it gives clients greater flexibility and accelerates their transition into a new chapter of their lives.

We also added flexibility around property. Owners of homes in Special Designated Areas can now lease these properties when they’re away, while renters are permitted to sub-lease after five years. These measures encourage better returns on investment and suit the needs of increasingly mobile residents.

Additionally, we streamlined the MPRP by introducing uniform government contribution amounts for both rental and purchase routes, and reducing dependant fees, making it even easier for extended families to relocate together.

CEO Insight: The global competition for digital nomads and startup founders is fierce. Beyond sun and sea, what unique elements does Malta offer that continue to attract entrepreneurs, tech innovators, and location-independent professionals?

Jonathan Cardona: First and foremost, English is an official language and the language of business, government services and the media – an advantage that sets Malta apart.

The digital nomad ecosystem is thriving. Malta offers a strong nomad community, a wide selection of co-working and co-living spaces, nationwide 5G connectivity, and daily air and sea links to major hubs in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Malta’s time zone also aligns perfectly for global collaboration: mornings overlap with Asia, the day with Europe and Africa, and afternoons with the Americas.

For founders, Malta provides a highly regulated and supportive business environment with assistance for setup, scaling, registration, and access to funding programmes. While the overall standard of living is high, many costs remain more competitive than those in major European cities.

CEO Insight: The MPRP remains one of Europe’s most attractive residency-by-investment programmes. How has demand shifted over the last year, and what trends are you noticing in terms of applicant profiles, nationalities, or investment priorities?

Jonathan Cardona: We believe the MPRP continues to stand out due to Malta’s strong jurisdictional framework, excellent programme value, and the smooth, transparent application process. The programme’s reputation is reinforced by our rigorous multi-tier due diligence, which applies to every single application.

In terms of demand, we’re seeing increased interest from US nationals, while Asia – particularly China -remains a strong market. Property investment continues to be the preferred route over investment in funds.

CEO Insight: Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, what role does the Residency Malta Agency see itself playing in supporting Malta’s broader economic goals and positioning the country as a future-facing hub for global citizens?

Jonathan Cardona: Sustainability is a core objective for us. We aim to offer residency pathways that meet investor needs while contributing meaningfully to Malta’s long-term economic growth and sovereign wealth, ensuring that Maltese citizens ultimately benefit from our efforts.

With Malta ranking among the fastest-growing economies in Europe and boasting strong sectors such as iGaming, aviation, maritime, advanced manufacturing, financial services, tourism, and a rapidly expanding startup ecosystem, the country is well positioned to attract high-quality investment and global talent. Residency Malta intends to be a key enabler of that vision.

For more information about Residency Malta’s programmes visit www.residencymalta.gov.mt