Duty on documents on the transfer of the immovable property is payable at the rate of 5% of the purchase price. The same rate applies to Maltese citizens and non-Maltese residents. Notarial fees and other expenses for the carrying out of searches and for the registration of the deed - between 1% and 2%. An A.I.P. permit (Acquisition of Immovable Property) is required by non-Maltese buyers from the Ministry of Finance at a one-time fee of Lm 100, which normally is granted within 3 months of application.