🇬🇷 Greece vs 🇲🇹 Malta
Side-by-side comparison of Greece's Golden Visa and Malta's Malta Permanent Residence (MPRP). Investment minimums, processing times, passport strength, stay requirements, work rights, and family inclusion compared.
| 🇬🇷 Greece RBI | 🇲🇹 Malta RBI | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Type | Residency by Investment | Residency by Investment |
| Investment Minimum | €400,000 | €150,000 ✓ |
| Processing Time | 2-3 months ✓ | 4-6 months |
| Visa-Free Countries | 188 countries | 188 countries |
| Path to Citizenship | 7 years | No direct path ✓ |
| Stay Requirement | No minimum stay ✓ | Minimal |
| Work Rights | No | No |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse, Children under 21, Parents, In-laws | Spouse, Children, Parents, Grandparents |
| Visa Duration | 5 years (renewable) | Permanent |
✓ indicates the objectively stronger value where a direct comparison is possible.
Greece vs Malta: Which Is Better?
Malta's Malta Permanent Residence (MPRP) starts at €150,000, €250,000 less than Greece's Golden Visa at €400,000. Both are RBI programs, making cost a direct point of comparison.
Both programs provide access to 188 visa-free destinations, offering identical global mobility. Processing times differ: Greece takes 2-3 months, Malta takes 4-6 months.
Greece requires no physical presence, giving investors full geographic flexibility. Malta requires minimal. Malta grants citizenship on approval. Greece offers a residency path to citizenship after 7 years.
Which Program Is Right for You?
Cost Comparison
Malta has the lower headline entry point at €150,000, roughly $270,000 less than Greece's €400,000. In a like-for-like cost comparison, Malta wins on entry price. However, government fees, due diligence charges, and multi-dependent pricing can close this gap quickly. Always model the all-in cost for your specific family structure before deciding on minimum investment alone.
Timeline and Processing
Greece processes faster at 2-3 months compared to 4-6 months for Malta. Critically, Malta grants citizenship on approval, while Greece starts as a residency with a citizenship path after approximately 7 years. If a second passport is the end goal, Malta gets you there far faster. Applicants who only need residency status — for tax or lifestyle purposes — may find Greece sufficient.
Lifestyle Considerations
Greece has no physical presence requirement, which suits investors who travel extensively or split time across multiple countries. Malta requires minimal, which demands at least a partial lifestyle commitment to Malta.
The Bottom Line
This is a genuinely close comparison with no clear overall winner — both programs score evenly across the key metrics. Your decision should hinge on the factors most relevant to your situation: budget, desired timeline to status, family size, and whether you need work rights or physical presence flexibility. Review each program's fine print on government fees and dependent pricing, as these often break an apparent tie.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Greece or Malta?
Malta is cheaper at €150,000 compared to €400,000 for Greece.
Which offers better travel access, Greece or Malta?
Both provide visa-free access to 188 countries.
Which processes faster, Greece or Malta?
Greece processes in 2-3 months. Malta takes 4-6 months. Greece is the faster option.
Can I include my family in the Greece or Malta program?
Both programs include family members. Greece covers spouse, children under 21, parents, in-laws. Malta covers spouse, children, parents, grandparents.
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