Numerous Indian entrepreneurs are attracted to Malta due to its vibrant startup ecosystem, English-friendly business environment, and advantageous position within the EU. If you’re aiming to start or grow your business in Malta, there are two primary options: the Self-Employed Worker pathway and the Startup Residence Programme. Both present distinct advantages and prerequisites that are well-suited for Indian business owners pursuing success in Europe.
To take advantage of the Self-Employed Worker scheme, you need to first secure an Employment Licence from Malta’s Employment and Training Corporation (ETC). This involves either investing a minimum of €100,000 in fixed assets, presenting a comprehensive business plan centered on innovation that includes plans to employ at least three EEA/Maltese nationals within 18 months, or showing that you represent a non-EU company establishing a branch in Malta (reddit.com, migrun.tech, home-affairs.ec.europa.eu). After obtaining the licence, you can apply for a residence permit and visa, showcasing your qualifications and experience. The permit is valid as long as the business remains operational, and after five years of uninterrupted residency, you may be eligible for long-term status if you meet specified income and integration requirements.
On the other hand, the Malta Startup Residence Programme is specifically designed for tech-oriented Indian entrepreneurs launching businesses that are under seven years old. This option requires a minimum investment of €25,000, the submission of a comprehensive business proposal, and approval from Malta Enterprise (migrun.tech). Successful candidates are granted a three-year residence permit, which can be extended for up to eight years, and are allowed to bring key employees and immediate family members. Beneficiaries are required to reside and pay taxes in Malta, obtain health insurance, and prove financial stability (migrun.tech).
Additionally, initiatives like the Key Employee Initiative (KEI) and Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI) provide expedited work and residence permits for skilled professionals or project leaders. The KEI mandates a gross annual salary of at least €30,000, offering one-year permits that can be renewed for up to three years, while the SEI targets individuals with relevant degrees or qualifications earning €25,000 or more annually (relocatingtomalta.com).
Malta’s nurturing ecosystem will also appeal to Indian founders: Malta Enterprise offers various startup assistance, including grants and loans for qualifying entrepreneurs (migrun.tech). Sectors such as IT, biotech, pharmaceuticals, iGaming, and financial services are popular—areas where India holds significant expertise (maltapremiums.com). This positions Malta as an attractive option for Indian startups looking to expand into Europe while keeping connections to global markets.
In conclusion, Malta provides viable routes for Indian entrepreneurs seeking EU residency: whether through capital investment and hiring obligations under the Self-Employed Worker visa or through the innovation-driven Startup Residence framework. Both pathways facilitate living, working, and growing your business in Europe. After five years, you might also attain long-term residency.
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