In 2022, Malta took the spotlight in the European landscape of residence permits. While Poland led the pack in terms of the sheer number of permits issued, Malta emerged as the standout with the highest per capita issuance rate. To put it in perspective, Malta granted a remarkable 707 residence permits for every 10,000 residents, an unparalleled rate across Europe. The closest was Cyprus which trailed behind, issuing 308 permits per 10,000 inhabitants.

In 2022, Malta saw a remarkable surge in residence permits, with an impressive 37,851 permits granted, reflecting a substantial 164% increase compared to the previous year when only 14,358 permits were issued. These permits served various purposes, catering to the diverse needs of individuals seeking residence in Malta.

Among these permits, the majority, totaling 27,549, were granted to those seeking work opportunities in the country, highlighting Malta’s growing appeal as a destination for employment. Another significant portion, 5,260 permits, were issued to individuals pursuing educational endeavors on Maltese soil, signaling the nation’s emergence as an educational hub. Moreover, 2,693 permits were issued to facilitate family visits, emphasising the importance of familial bonds in migration decisions. An additional 2,349 permits were granted for “other reasons,” showcasing Malta’s flexibility in accommodating a range of circumstances and motivations for residency.

Taking a closer look at the data, Lithuania showcased its generosity by offering 100 residence permits per 10,000 inhabitants, an impressive feat considering its population of around 2.7 million. Spain, Finland, and Sweden are the last three countries with the highest per capita issuance, which have between 96 and 79 permits per 10,000 people. Collectively bestowing 591,974 permits, Finland, in particular, took the lead in this group with 457,412 permits issued, while Spain and Sweden contributed approximately 50,000 and 85,000 permits, respectively.

In contrast, at the other end of the spectrum, we found countries like Norway, Romania, and Bulgaria, which issued the fewest permits per capita in 2022. Norway, for instance, issued just one residence permit for every 10,000 individuals, amounting to a total of 902 permits.

In summary, 2022 witnessed Poland, Spain, and Portugal leading the tally in terms of the total number of residence permits granted across Europe, while Malta’s remarkable per capita issuance rate positioned it as a standout in the world of European residence permit statistics.

Written by: Luke Curmi – Head of Real Estate