Requirements of Maltese Citizenship by naturalization

The application for Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is thoroughly checked and assessed and undergoes a four-tier due diligence process. To qualify, the following requirements must be fulfilled:

• 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 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, is 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

 Procedures and time frame

Applications must be made on the prescribed forms and be accompanied by the appropriate fees and specific documents. Highly detailed due diligence checks are carried out and an application will be declined if it turns out that it contains false information or omissions.

If the Tier 1 due diligence checks completed by the Community Malta Agency are passed, the application for a residence permit will be submitted. After residence has been obtained, an eligibility application will be submitted and further (tiers 2, 3, and 4) due diligence checked will be made by the agency and presented to the relevant Maltese minister, who will decide on the applicant’s eligibility to apply for citizenship.

If successful, a citizenship application will be submitted to the Community Malta Agency after 36 months of residence (or 12 months by exception). After the minister has decided if the applicant can be granted Maltese citizenship, the successful applicant will then be required to fulfil the exceptional investment, donation, and property requirements. Thereafter, the applicant will be invited to take the oath of allegiance in Malta and be presented with a Maltese certificate of naturalization.

The Community Malta Agency will conduct continuous monitoring for five years.

 Dual citizenship

There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in Malta.

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme

Malta is a very attractive location for private residence. The island nation enjoys a stable political climate and is strategically located, with excellent air links. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme offers non-Maltese persons the possibility of acquiring a European residence permit in an EU country and visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen Area.

Requirements of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme

• A property purchase of EUR 350,000 (EUR 300,000 in South Malta or Gozo), or a property lease of EUR 12,000 per annum (EUR 10,000 in South Malta or Gozo)
• A contribution of EUR 28,000 to the Maltese economy if the residential property is purchased, or EUR 58,000 if the property is leased
• A donation to a non-governmental organization of EUR 2,000
• A non-refundable administration fee of EUR 40,000

Procedures and time frame of residence by investment in Malta

The application requirements and procedures for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme are reasonable and straightforward. The application is submitted to the Residency Malta Agency, the government agency responsible for applications. After stringent due diligence checks, successful applicants will be requested to complete the qualifying investments and will then be issued a residence permit. Residency Malta Agency will issue successful applicants with a Maltese residence certificate, which acts as a permit.