An AIP permit (Acquisition of Immovable Property permit) is authorisation required for certain non-resident buyers to purchase property in Malta outside of a Special Designated Area.
Who needs one
- Non-EU nationals purchasing property in Malta outside an SDA.
- EU nationals who have not resided in Malta for a continuous period of five years, purchasing a second property.
What is exempt
Properties located within a Special Designated Area, and primary residences purchased by EU nationals who meet the five-year residency threshold, do not require an AIP permit.
Restrictions and minimum values
Non-residents granted an AIP permit may generally purchase only one property, which must be for their own residential use - it cannot be rented out. Minimum property values apply and are revised periodically. For 2026:
- Apartment or maisonette: minimum value of €220,000
- Villa or other property: minimum value of €375,000
Fee and processing time
The permit itself is issued against a fee of approximately €233, and is typically processed by your notary alongside the promise of sale. Processing has commonly been cited as taking around 35 days, though buyers should build in a margin for this when agreeing a completion timeline with the seller.
Source of funds
Applicants must be able to document that the funds used to purchase the property originate from abroad and have been transferred into a Maltese bank account.
This guide is informational only, based on published third-party sources rather than a direct review of the underlying legislation. Buyers should confirm current requirements, thresholds and processing times with a licensed notary before signing a promise of sale.
Sources
- Buying Property in Malta by Non-Residents - AIP Permit - Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates
- Acquisition of Immovable Property in Malta by Non-Residents - Malta Tax and Customs Administration