Malta
Citizenship by Investment
In November 2020, the Maltese Government established the Maltese Exceptional Investment Naturalisation (MEIN), formally known as ‘The Granting of Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment.’ This grants Maltese citizenship to investors following a period of residency. Families enjoy being a citizen of a stable and safe European country with a strong economy.
Set in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta boasts a rich history and cultural tapestry that dates back over 7,000 years. Recognised as a neutral state, Malta is also a proud member of the Commonwealth. An exceptional place to do business, Malta has one of the fastest-growing economies and the top GDP growth rates in the EU, and its favourable legislation supports company growth.
The MEIN allows for the granting of citizenship to you and your family in exchange for a direct investment in the Republic of Malta that contributes to the social and economic development of the country. This comprehensive procedure requires either a three-year commitment or a more intensive one-year option through a higher investment and incorporates a thorough due diligence process. This multi-tiered system is renowned as one of the world’s most stringent for citizenship by investment, ensuring that only the most suitable candidates qualify.
Requirements
To qualify for citizenship, you must be over 18 years of age, be of outstanding character, and have no criminal record. You must be in good health and pass strict government due diligence checks.
Malta Residence
You and all adult dependants must have been a legal resident of Malta for three years or, by exception, at least one year. Prior to being naturalized, connections to Malta during the residency period must be demonstrated.
Invest in Malta
Upon approval of citizenship, you will be asked to make a direct investment, contributing to the National Development and Social Fund:
Main Applicant
- EUR 600,000 after at least 36 months residency
or
- EUR 750,000 after a minimum of 12 months residency
Spouse or de facto partner
- EUR 50,000
Unmarried dependants under 29
- EUR 50,000
Dependent parents and grandparents over the age of 55
- EUR 50,000
Property
Meet one of the following criteria:
- Commit to EUR 16,000 per annum for a leased residential property in Malta and maintain for at least five years after naturalization
- Fund a EUR 700,000 purchase of a residential property in Malta to be held for at least five years after naturalization
Note, you will need to secure a residential property during the residency period.
Charity Donation
Make a EUR 10,000 donation to a registered philanthropic cause, cultural, sports, or animal welfare foundation, approved by the Community Malta Agency.
Health Insurance
All applicants must have global health coverage during the residency period.
Qualifying Dependants
As the main applicant, you can add your spouse as a dependant. Like you, they must be over 18 years of age, be of good character, and have clean criminal and health records. You can also include dependant, unmarried children under 29 years. In addition, you can add parents and grandparents who are over the age of 55 as dependants.
Dual Citizenship
Malta permits dual citizenship.
Additional Criteria
The Malta Citizenship Act stipulates that any applicant who has been denied a visa to a country with which Malta has visa-free travel agreements and has not subsequently obtained a visa from the country that issued the denial will not be eligible for Maltese citizenship.
Furthermore, any applicant or dependent who is subject to a criminal investigation, considered a potential threat to national security, involved in any activity that could discredit the country, or provides false information on the application will not be approved for citizenship. Along with other naturalized citizens, Malta publishes the names of successful applicants.
Taxation
If you are considered a resident of Malta but not domiciled, you only pay tax on income earned within or remitted to Malta. If you spend more than 183 days per annum in Malta or make the country your primary place of residence, you will be taxed on your worldwide income.
A personal tax rate goes up to 35%. The country does not levy estate or gift taxes but does collect a capital gains tax on a variety of assets. The standard VAT in Malta is set at 18%. While the corporate tax rate is 35%, certain exemptions exist for non-resident companies.
Summary of Key Advantages
By becoming Maltese Citizens, applicants receive a wealth of intangible benefits
Malta is a European well-respected and neutral country, also a member of the Commonwealth
The Malta Citizenship-by-Investment is a very exclusive opportunity
Citizenship is for life, may be passed on to future generations, and affords the right to work and live in Malta
Malta has one of the fastest growing economies in the EU and is a favourable place for business
Process Overview
Month 1
Initial Due Diligence and Pre-ApprovalPrimary applicant must complete our due diligence form and send it back along with scanned copies of your passports for all family members who will be included in the application.
Mes 2
Client Agreement (CA) and Residence ApplicationWe will send the CA and request the initial retainer to complete the client on-boarding. A dedicated Relationship Manager will work with you on the residence application.Unless you have global health insurance that qualifies, we will obtain quotes locally for your coverage and the price will vary depending on age and overall health status.Once the residency process is near completion, we will submit a request to the Community Malta Agency (CMA), the Government agency overseeing the MEIN. It typically takes up to 30 business days for the agency to give us an appointment for your visit to Malta in order to capture the biometrics of all adult applicants, which is a requirement for the Malta Residence Cards.
Mes 3
Secure a Residence in MaltaThe applicant will need to lease a property for a minimum of 36 months or purchase a property in order to fulfil the residence stage of the application as this will help demonstrate genuine ties to the country. Most clients choose to lease a property at this stage, and we are able to fully manage your property to ensure a hassle-free experience.Property conveyance and management fees apply, whether property is secured through our Real Estate network, or independently. Our property management is not mandatory.We will request to receive the initial residence government fees and EUR 10,000 government contribution as part of your residency application.EUR 10,000 will also be required if we secure your residency lease or alternatively paid directly to the landlord.
Month 4
Residency Appointment with Community Malta AgencyWe will help coordinate your first visit to Malta and take you to your appointment with CMA, typically 15 to 22 business days after your CMA visit the residence cards will be issued.We will advise on the days to be spent in Malta during the residency stage.Clients may take the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the Maltese islands.
Month 5
Citizenship ApplicationShortly after your appointment with CMA, we recommend you visit our office to work on the actual citizenship application directly with your dedicated Relationship Manager (RM), unless you are working on this process with your agent or representative in your country.The citizenship application is a two-pronged process.Your RM will also be able to set up an appointment with a local notary to have the required supporting documentation certified in Malta instead of in your home country, for your convenience.Moreover, the RM will coordinate the necessary appointments in relation to your application, such as with a local doctor to facilitate the required medical forms.
Month 6
Approval in PrincipleUpon receiving the Approval in Principle from CMA you will first need to pay the balance of the contribution owing to the National Development and Social Fund within 45 days. Then you must fulfil the remaining obligations, namely proof of property, and charity donation.
Month 7
Oath of Allegiance and Passport ApplicationWith all the prerequisites fulfilled the government will issue an invitation letter for you to visit Malta and swear the Oath of Allegiance. Please note every family member 18 years of age and older must take the oath. We will help to organise your visit to ensure a smooth process.Shortly after a Certificate of Naturalization will be issued and we will proceed with the passport application. Upon submission of the passport application, we expect you will be able to pick up your Maltese passports within one to two weeks. Please note that every family member 6 years of age and older will need to be present for the biometrics of their passport.