All Maltese and EU citizens can freely purchase a property as their primary residence, or any property they need for business purposes or to offer a service.

The situation is a little different for second residences, that is, holiday homes. EU citizens who have made Malta their main residence for five years or more can buy as many properties as they wish: but if they have not resided on the island for at least that long they need a permit from the Ministry of Finance. This applies to all EU citizens, including Maltese.

The permit is usually issued within six weeks, against three conditions. First, the value of the property purchased must be more than €92,546 for appartments or €154,200 for houses. The limits are revised annually. Second, the property is to be used solely as a residence for the purchaser and family, unless a permit to let is also obtained.Third, the property cannot be subdivided into more than one residential unit.

People who fall under these conditions can only buy one property in Malta and Gozo, unless they are purchasing property in a "Special Designated Area" - usually large developments.

People who are not EU citizens can also purchase property in Malta - subject to permits from the Ministry of Finance and the same three conditions listed above.

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