Malta - Citizenship

The Malta Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program, officially known as the Malta Individual Investor Program (MIIP), is a highly regarded citizenship program offering investors and their families the opportunity to acquire Maltese citizenship by making a significant contribution to the country.

Program Overview:

Situated in the center of the wonderful Mediterranean sea, Malta is an ideal country to be called a second home. Not only because of the beauty and climatic conditions but also due to the latest programs that let an individual flourish in the business world. 

Moreover, it is a member of the European Union and enjoys a stable political climate, a growing economy, and home to some of the world’s soundest banks. 

Lately, many countries have come up with citizenship by investment programs. As one of those countries, Malta makes it convenient for potential investors to reside and work in the country legally.

Program Benefits:

  • Unrestricted Access To European Union

Malta is a member of the European Union, making it an EU citizenship which means that investors who obtain Maltese citizenship may live and work anywhere in the EU. 

  • Visa-free Travel

The Maltese passport is one of the strongest passports in the world. It allows visa-free travel to 183 countries across the world in addition to freedom of movement and visa-free travel inside Europe.

  • The Malta Citizenship By Investment Saves Time

Another notable benefit of the Malta citizenship by investment is how speedy the program’s process is. You can obtain citizenship in 12 to 36 months. You must be a resident of Malta to gain Maltese nationality.

  • Maltese Is Tax-Friendly

Malta’s tax system is based on residency rather than citizenship. Therefore, you may not have to pay tax in Malta even if you get citizenship. Malta has extremely advantageous tax exposure and also offers unique tax plans for new residents that might help them save money on taxes.

Requirements & Eligibility:

The Malta citizenship by investment program is governed by the Community Malta Agency. The main candidate must meet the following qualifying conditions, according to this federal government agency.

  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • If you have resided in Malta for 36 months, you must invest €600,000, and if you have been here for 12 months, you must contribute €750,000.
  • Purchase a €700,000 residential home in Malta and retain it for at least five years. Renting a house with a rental value of €16,000 per year is an alternative.
  • Make a €10,000 donation to any Community Malta Agency-approved group. You can also give to a recognized non-governmental organization or society involved in sports, culture, science, philanthropy, animal welfare, or culture.
  • To apply for citizenship, you must have a valid Malta Golden Visa. When you buy real estate in Malta, you get an e-ID card, a Malta identification certificate.
  • You must be in good health, as well as your family members.

Investment Options:

Qualifying investments for the Maltese Citizenship program is any amount between €700,000 – €1,460,000. Below is a detailed structure of the investment requirements.

Investment 1: Contribution

When you apply for Maltese citizenship by investment, you’re supposed to contribute to the National Development and Social Fund organized by the Government and run by a board of trustees. These funds finance projects like public health, education, job formulation, social improvement, etc. 

You have to contribute €600,000 if you have proved your residency for 36 months in the country or €750,000 on 12 months residency. Not to mention, this contribution is non-refundable.

Note: An additional amount of €50,000 is required for each additional dependent.

Investment 2: Fund

In addition to the contribution, you’re required to make a donation of at least €10,000 to a registered non-governmental organization or society. It must be a charitable organization. 

Investment 3: Real Estate

Purchasing a real estate property whose minimum value is €700,000 or lease a property for a minimum yearly rent of €16,000 is compulsory. Moreover, you have to retain the purchased or rented property for at least five years from the date of the certificate of citizenship

Family Inclusion:

Family members– the spouse and children younger than 18–can be included as dependents in a citizenship application by the primary applicant. Furthermore, dependent children up to the age of 25 and parents and grandparents over the age of 55 may also be included.

The benefits of Malta Citizenship

The Malta Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program, officially known as the Malta Individual Investor Program (MIIP), is a highly regarded citizenship program offering investors and their families the opportunity to acquire Maltese citizenship by making a significant contribution to the country.

Malta
Citizenship

Successful applicants and their families receive Maltese citizenship, providing access to EU rights and privileges, including visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.

Visa free Travel 180 countries

Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries worldwide, facilitating international travel and business opportunities.

Family
Inclusion

Family members– the spouse and children younger than 18–can be included as dependents in a citizenship application by the primary applicant. Furthermore, dependent children up to the age of 25 and parents and grandparents over the age of 55 may also be included.

Taxation
Benefits

Individuals must reside in Malta for at least 183 days per year to be subject to tax on their income and capital gains in Malta. Non-residents are only subject to tax on income and capital gains arising in Malta.

FAQ's

Acquiring Maltese citizenship through naturalization can be a lengthy process, spanning a minimum of seven years. For non-Maltese individuals without family connections to Malta, the path to citizenship involves meeting specific residence requirements. Applicants must have lived in the country with a permanent residence and residence permit for a cumulative period of four years within the last six years. Once these criteria are met, they can begin the process of applying for citizenship through naturalisation.

Individuals seeking to obtain a Maltese residence permit through the country’s investment immigration program have two options for meeting the investment requirements. The first option involves making a minimum investment of €600,000 if the applicant has completed 36 months of residency in Malta, or €750,000 if they have resided in the country for 12 months. Alternatively, applicants may opt to purchase a residential property in Malta with a minimum value of €700,000. The property must be held for at least five years. An alternative to property purchase is to lease a residence with an annual rental value of €16,000.

Since you must give Malta your biometric information (e.g., fingerprints), you will have to travel to either Malta or one of its international embassies to apply to the Maltese CBI program.

The UAE Golden Visa grants long-term residency to foreign investors, not citizenship directly.

However, certain Golden Visa holders may be eligible to apply for citizenship if they have provided exceptional services to the country. Citizenship is granted on a case-by-case basis by the UAE government.

Yes, dual citizenship Malta is legal. You can hold two or more citizenships when you receive your Maltese passport. Do note, however, that the country of your first passport might not allow dual citizenship.

No. You don’t need to pass any language tests in order to be considered for Maltese citizenship.

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