malta citizenship by investment Program
The Malta Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program is a pathway to European citizenship for individuals and their families through a significant financial contribution. This program requires a combination of property investment or lease, a government contribution, and a donation to a Maltese NGO. Successful applicants gain the right to live, work, and study in any EU member state, visa-free travel to numerous countries, and access to Malta’s robust healthcare and education systems.
Malta Citizenship Benefits
Residency and Family Inclusion
Dependents include:
- Spouse or partner.
- Children under 18 years old
- Children (Unmarried) from 18 to 29 years old
- Adult disabled children
- Parents and grandparents from 55 years old
Travel and Quality of Life
- Citizenship by life, applicable for future generations
- Right to live, travel, work, study and buy land or property anywhere in the EU
- Visa-free travel/entry to over 120 countries including EU countries, Japan and the UK. E-visas for Australia. eTAs valid up to 5 years for NZ, Australia, Canada and USA
- High standard education and healthcare system
- Low-cost and tax-efficient jurisdiction
Ease of Access
- Member of the European Union and Schengen Area
- Dual citizenship permitted
- No language requirement
- No education or management experience required
Malta Citizenship Requirements
- Be over 18 years of age and non-EU citizen
- Meet the qualifying investment requirements
- Hold the property investment for a minimum of 5 years from certificate of citizenship
- Clean criminal record
- Acquire health insurance coverage in Malta
- Be in good health and of good reputation
- Provide evidence of the source of funds and source of wealth
- Have sufficient financial resources to support themselves
- Must not have been denied a visa from country having visa free arrangement with Malta
Malta Investment Options for Citizenship
Property Investment (To hold at least 5 years)
- Purchase residential property – EUR 700,000; OR
- Lease residential property – EUR 16,000 per annum
Government Contribution
- EUR 750,000 (if choosing 12 months residency prior to citizenship option)
- EUR 600,000 (if choosing 36 months residency prior to citizenship option)
- Plus EUR 50,000 per dependent
Other Fees
Government Due Diligence Fees:
- EUR 15,000 for Main Applicant + EUR 10,000 per dependent
- EUR 10,000 donation to a Malta Non-Government Organization
Residency Permit Fees:
- EUR 5,000 for Main Applicant, EUR 1,000 per dependent
Malta Citizenship Process
Processing time 16-40 Months
Due Diligence And Application
- Preparation and submission of the application documents (with AKM Licensed Agent number AKM-DISC).
- Apply for Residency Permit in Malta. Visit Malta and submit biometrics. Obtain Residency Permits. (1 to 6 months)
- Apply for Eligibility within 12 months of obtaining residency cards (c. 6 months)
Approval And Investment
- Once approved from eligibility, can apply for Maltese Citizenship after the period of residency permits of 12 months or 36 months (as selected by client) has passed. Then takes around 2 months to obtain Citizenship Approval in Principle.
Citizenship
- After Approval in Principle – investments must be made within 4 months. Post approval pack will be submitted and around 1-2 months later an invitation to take oath of allegiance will be issued. Visit Malta to take oath within 6 months from preapproval – then passports and certificates of naturalization will be issued.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Malta Citizenship by Direct Investment (MCDI) program?
Malta offers multiple routes to citizenship, catering to diverse backgrounds and circumstances. Traditionally, citizenship could be acquired through birth, registration, or naturalization. Recently, Malta introduced the Citizenship by Exceptional Services Regulation, opening a new pathway for qualified foreign investors. This program allows reputable individuals and their families to obtain citizenship through significant economic contributions, subject to strict due diligence. Whether you’re of Maltese descent, married to a Maltese citizen, or a potential investor, understanding these options is crucial for navigating Malta’s citizenship landscape.
Who are eligible dependents under the Malta Citizenship by Direct Investment program?
Spouse/partner, children under 29 (conditions apply), disabled adult children, and dependent parents/grandparents from 55.
What is Malta citizenship by investment cost breakdown?
Malta’s Citizenship by Investment program offers two primary pathways for applicants. Option 1 involves a property investment, requiring either a purchase of residential property valued at €700,000 or a lease for €16,000 per annum, with the property held for at least 5 years.
Option 2 entails a government contribution of €750,000 for 12 months of residency prior to citizenship or €600,000 for 36 months, with an additional €50,000 per dependent.
Additional fees include €15,000 for due diligence for the main applicant and €10,000 per dependent, a €10,000 donation to a Maltese NGO, and residency permit fees of €5,000 for the main applicant and €1,000 per dependent. This program provides a streamlined route to Maltese citizenship through significant investment or contributions.
What is the minimum property investment for the Malta Citizenship by Direct Investment program?
The minimum property investment for the MCDO program is a EUR 700,000 purchase or EUR 16,000 annual lease, held for at least five years.
What is the government contribution amount for the MCDI program?
The government contribution amount for the MCDO program is EUR 600,000 (36-month residency) or EUR 750,000 (12-month residency), plus EUR 50,000 per dependent.
What are the other fees involved in the MCDI program?
The other fees involved in the MCDI program includes Due diligence, NGO donation, and residency permit fees are required in addition to the main investment.
What is the MCDI program processing time for citizenship?
The estimated MCDO program processing timeframe is 16-40 months.
What are the benefits of Maltese citizenship through the MCDI program?
The benefits include EU citizenship, visa-free travel to 120+ countries, and access to high-quality education and healthcare.
Does Malta allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Malta allow dual citizenship under the MCDI program.
Is there a language requirement in order to obtain the citizenship of Malta under the MCDI program?
No language, education, or management experience is required for the MCDO program.
How can I get Malta citizenship through naturalization?
Malta offers various pathways to citizenship through naturalization, with the most notable option being the Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (MEIN) program. This program allows qualified individuals and their families to obtain citizenship by making significant economic contributions to Malta.
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Are there any special residency requirements for Malta citizenship?
Yes, there are specific residency requirements for obtaining Malta citizenship. Under the MEIN program, applicants must choose between two options:
12 months of residency with a government contribution of €750,000.
36 months of residency with a government contribution of €600,000.
How does Malta's citizenship by investment compare to other countries?
Malta’s citizenship by investment program is considered one of the most prestigious in Europe. Unlike some Caribbean programs, it requires a genuine link to the country through residency. Although the investment amounts are higher than in some other countries, the program provides an EU citizenship and is known for its rigorous due diligence process.
Can I apply for Malta citizenship from abroad?
Yes, you can initiate the application process from abroad; however, you will need to travel to Malta for specific steps such as submitting biometrics and taking the oath of allegiance.
How can I apply for Malta citizenship if I am an investor?
As an investor, you can apply for Maltese citizenship through the MCDI program (also know as MEIN Program). You will need to make the required investments, meet residency requirements, pass due diligence checks, and complete all application procedures.
How do I qualify for Malta economic citizenship?
To qualify for economic citizenship in Malta, applicants must meet several criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old and a non-EU citizen.
- Fulfill investment requirements.
- Pass thorough due diligence checks.
- Maintain a clean criminal record.
- Obtain health insurance coverage in Malta.
- Provide proof of source of funds and wealth.
Does Malta have any special citizenship schemes for expatriates?
Malta primarily offers the MCDI program (also know as MEIN Program) as a special scheme for expatriates seeking citizenship through investment. Additionally, options exist for individuals with Maltese ancestry or those married to Maltese citizens.
Can I lose my Malta citizenship if I sell my investment property?
Yes, you can lose your Malta citizenship if you sell your investment property before the required five-year holding period. Under the Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program, maintaining your property investment is essential to retain citizenship. If you sell the property or cease renting it within this timeframe, you risk having your citizenship revoked. To ensure compliance, it’s crucial to adhere to all investment requirements and file an annual Compliance Form with the relevant authorities for five years after obtaining the Maltese citizenship.