Malta

Malta offers EU second passport and citizenship in return for a qualifying investment made by high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). The fresh name for the program is Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment.

You might be eligible for the program when you reside in the country for at least 12 months.

Additionally to EU second passport and citizenship, Malta Citizenship by Investment program offers several other benefits. For instance, Malta is a safe place to live with low crime rates.

REQUIREMENTS OF MALTESE CITIZENSHIP BY NATURALIZATION FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICES BY DIRECT INVESTMENT

1. DIRECT INVESTMENT

• Applicants, who can prove residency status in Malta for 36 months prior to the naturalization, are required to make a direct investment of EUR 600,000.

• Applicants who prove a residency status in Malta for at least 12 months are required to make an exceptional direct investment of EUR 750,000.

2. PHILANTHROPIC DONATION

• Prior to the issue of a certificate of Maltese citizenship, the applicant must donate a minimum EUR 10,000 to a registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare or artistic non-governmental organization or society, or as otherwise approved by the Agency.

3. PROPERTY INVESTMENT

When the above mentioned investments are complete, you’re eligible to invest in one of the areas below:

• Buy a property worth at least EUR 700,000 in Malta. The property must be held for at least five years. You cannot sell that property until these five years are over.

• Or, lease a residence (for five years) whose rental value is EUR 16,000 per year.

THE BENEFITS OF MALTA CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAM

First of all, you and your family will get the right to live, work, and study in the EU. Let’s look at other advantages of the program.

I. NO OBLIGATORY LANGUAGE TEST

You don’t need to take any language test to qualify for Malta Citizenship by Investment program. Note that many countries require such tests for the naturalization process.

II. YOU’LL HAVE ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE SERVICES

You can include your spouse and children under 28 in the program. They all can benefit from the public services of education and healthcare. For example, your children can go to Maltese schools and universities. Note that public schools are free, as well as transportation and books . The University of Malta is also free for citizens of Malta.

The healthcare system in Malta ranks in the top five, according to WHO. The health insurance in Malta covers some services. They include prescriptions, hospitalization, childbirth, and specialist treatments.

III. TAX BENEFITS FOR CITIZENS

Malta is in double taxation treaties with around 60 countries globally. So, your foreign income will not be subject to taxation in Malta.

Also, you’re not subject to taxation on the following:

• Inheritance or death,

• Net worth or wealth taxes,

• Estate duty,

• Municipal taxes, real estate taxes, rates.

IV. YOU CAN TRAVEL TO 186 COUNTRIES WITHOUT ANY VISA

Maltese citizens benefit from all European Union benefits. Furthermore, you’ll have access to the USA and Canada without a visa requirement.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR MALTA CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT

The Malta government aims to attract people of the highest caliber through the Malta Citizenship by Direct Investment and grant them Maltese residence, following a rigorous due diligence process and adherence to strict criteria. According to Community Malta Agency, you need to meet the following requirements for eligibility:

• You need to be at least 18 years of age, or older.

• You must make a qualifying investment as stated above.

• You need to have a valid residence card to apply for citizenship. When you buy property, you’re issued a Malta identity document called an e-ID card

• You and your family members must be in good health

• Proof of due diligence is a must.

MALTA ALSO OFFERS A RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT PROGRAM

You can become a permanent resident in Malta through this program. The program entails less amount of investment. It allows you to renew your residency every five years. Adding your spouse, dependent children, and parents is also possible.

You can also travel visa-free travel across Schengen countries.

QUOTA

It is important to note that a maximum quota of 400 applicants per year will be accepted with a total maximum number of applicants set at 1,500 for the entire program.

OTHER SIMILAR PROGRAMS

Portugal Golden Residence Permit, Greece Residency by Investment Program, and Spain offer similar programs to Malta.

Portugal Golden Residence Permit provides citizenship or permanent residency at the end of five years of residency. For this, the minimum required amount is EUR 250,000, which is through donation. If you want to buy real estate, the minimum amount is EUR 280,000. Around seven days of residency per year is sufficient to maintain your resident status. After five years of residency is complete, you can renew your residency every five years.

Greece Golden Visa provides a residency by investment program. The minimum required amount is EUR 250,000. Greece entails no stay requirement.

Spain also offers a residency by investment program as well. The minimum required amount for this is EUR 500,000. Spain also doesn’t entail a minimum stay requirement to keep your residency rights. Application for Spanish citizenship is available at the end of ten years.

If you have any questions concerning the Maltese citizenship by Investment Program or have a pending Maltese citizenship by Investment application and want to find out more information please kindly contact us.

Fill out our Free Assessment to see if you qualify for any of the immigration programs offered.