Citizenship by Naturalization
Overview:
The Maltese Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Regulations (S.L. 188.06), established under the Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188, LN437 of 2020), permits foreign individuals and their families to acquire citizenship by naturalization. This citizenship opportunity is extended to those who significantly invest in Malta’s economic development, recognizing their contributions with a certificate of naturalization.
Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization through Exceptional Services by Direct Investment
Malta’s citizenship by naturalization for exceptional services enables qualified foreign investors and their families to become Maltese citizens by making significant contributions to the country’s economy. This is regulated under Malta’s Citizenship Act and requires either a 36-month residency or, in certain cases, a 12-month residency. Applicants undergo a thorough four-tier due diligence process, conducted by the Community Malta Agency, which oversees background checks and verifies all documentation..
Benefits of Maltese Citizenship Successful applicants enjoy benefits such as visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 190 countries, and eligibility to include family members (spouses, children, parents, and grandparents) on their application. They also gain access to Malta’s transparent financial system and the option to reside in an attractive, strategically located EU country.
Eligibility Requirements The requirements for Malta’s citizenship by investment program include:
- A minimum age of 18 years for all applicants
- A contribution of at least EUR 600,000 for a minimum residence period of 36 months or EUR 750,000 for a minimum of 12 months
- The purchase of a residential property in Malta of at least EUR 700,000, which must be held for five years. Alternatively, the lease of a residential property with a rental value of at least EUR 16,000 per annum, also held for five years. Please note that the property cannot be sublet during this five-year period. A 36-month (or 18-month, by exception) lease agreement or property purchase is required during the residence period
- A donation of at least EUR 10,000 to a registered sport, cultural, scientific, philanthropic, animal welfare, or artistic non-governmental organization or society, as approved by the Community Malta Agency
- Legal residence of Malta for at least 36 months (or 12 months, by exception), which includes the lease of a residential property with a rental value of at least EUR 16,000 per annum, held for that same period. Applicants require a valid residence card in order to apply for citizenship
Applicants must also maintain legal residence in Malta for at least the prescribed period, hold a residence card, and follow all due diligence and background check requirements.
Process Overview The application process starts with the submission of necessary documents and fees, followed by an extensive four-tier due diligence evaluation. Once approved, applicants obtain a residence permit, after which an eligibility review is conducted. Upon meeting all requirements, the final application for citizenship is submitted, after which successful applicants take an oath of allegiance and receive their certificate of naturalization. Continuous monitoring is conducted by the Community Malta Agency for five years to ensure compliance.
Dual Citizenship Malta permits dual citizenship, allowing applicants to retain their original citizenship if desired.
Residence by Investment Program
Overview:
Malta has emerged as a premier European destination for investment, renowned for its stability, predictability, and security. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme offers foreign nationals the opportunity to gain residence rights in Europe, providing an attractive alternative for those seeking stability and access within the EU.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme
Malta has become one of Europe’s most desirable locations for private residence due to its political stability, strategic location in the Mediterranean, and excellent international connectivity. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme provides non-Maltese nationals the opportunity to secure a European residence permit and enjoy the benefits of visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. This programme is particularly appealing for individuals seeking long-term residence in the EU while benefiting from Malta’s secure environment, quality of life, and tax advantages.
Benefits of Maltese Residence by Investment:
- The ability to reside in an EU country with visa-free access to all Schengen Area nations for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Permanent residency rights in Malta, with no requirement to reside in the country full-time.
- Attractive family inclusion options, allowing immediate family members to apply alongside the main applicant.
- No ongoing residence requirements after the initial investment phase, making it a flexible and convenient option for investors.
- An investment commitment required only during the first five years of residence.
Requirements of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme: To qualify for this program, the primary applicant must meet certain financial requirements, including having a capital of no less than EUR 500,000, with at least EUR 150,000 held in financial assets. The following conditions must also be met:
- Purchase of a residential property valued at a minimum of EUR 350,000 (EUR 300,000 in South Malta or Gozo), or a lease agreement for at least EUR 12,000 per year (EUR 10,000 in South Malta or Gozo) for a minimum of five years.
- A contribution to the Maltese economy, which is EUR 28,000 for property purchase or EUR 58,000 for property leasing.
- A donation of EUR 2,000 to an approved non-governmental organization.
- A non-refundable administration fee of EUR 40,000.
Application Process for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme: The application process is clear and straightforward, with all submissions made to the Residency Malta Agency, the government body managing the program. Applicants undergo stringent due diligence checks to ensure they meet all legal and financial requirements. Once approved, the applicant completes the necessary investments and is granted a residence permit. The Residence Malta Agency will issue a certificate of residence, granting the individual the right to live in Malta permanently.
Source: https://www.henleyglobal.com/citizenship-investment/malta