Buying Property in Malta as a Foreigner: AIP Permits

Foreign-buyer restrictions in Malta are not captured by a simple EU versus non-EU rule. Nationality, continuous residence, intended use, number of properties, the purchasing entity and whether the home is in a Special Designated Area can matter. For current official information, see Buying Your New Home in Malta.

Ask the notary to apply the current MTCA AIP table to the exact buyer and property before paying a non-refundable amount.

How to identify an AIP issue early

1. Confirm each buyer's nationality and residence status.
2. Identify whether the specific property is in a designated area or otherwise exempt.
3. State whether it will be a primary home, secondary home or rental investment.
4. Ask your notary to confirm the current AIP position in writing. The current government AIP service says the notary applies for the permit.
5. If permission is required, follow MTCA's AIP application instructions and use the current form for an individual or company/body of persons, as applicable.
6. Put an appropriate AIP condition and deadline in the promise of sale.
7. Do not assume approval permits every future use of the property.

Check the buyer, property and intended use together

EU circumstances differ

An EU national’s residence history and whether the property is a primary residence or investment can affect the permit position.

Third-country nationals

Many purchases outside exempt circumstances require an AIP permit.

Special Designated Areas

Specific developments can allow acquisition without the usual AIP restriction, but title and transaction checks still apply.

Questions for your notary

• Do I require an AIP permit for this exact purchase? Verify the current requirements in Conditions for Buying Immovable Property.
• Does a special designated area change the answer?
• Are minimum-value or use conditions relevant?
• Can the property be rented as intended?
• What happens to the deposit if permission is refused or delayed?

Problems to prevent early

• Assuming an AIP-exempt purchase grants a right to live or work in Malta.
• Applying a general online answer to a company or joint purchase.

Obtain the answer before the deposit is at risk

AIP rules are fact-specific and can change. Treat the notary's advice on the named buyers and property as the answer, not a sales description.

Related practical guides

Start with Property in Malta: Complete Renting, Buying and Owning Guide for the wider picture.

• Moving to Malta from the EU, EEA or Switzerland
• Moving to Malta as a Third-Country National
• Buying Property in Malta: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
• Promise of Sale in Malta: Understanding the Konvenju

Browse all Property guides.

Put the permit logic into the contract

If the purchase depends on permission, the promise of sale should clearly allocate the application, deadline and consequence of refusal.

Last reviewed: 9 August 2026. Recheck the official sources in the article metadata when a deadline, price, eligibility rule or service arrangement affects your decision.