Malta Citizenship By Investment Programme

Malta has a variety of possibilities to attain a Maltese citizenship. These include citizenship by birth, descent, marriage and naturalization. In addition Malta also launched the Individual Investor programme aimed at the ultra-high net worth individuals and families world wide. The pilot programme was initially launched by Identity Malta, the agency responsible for the administration of the programme. From its inception it has proved to be among the most popular jurisdictions for non-EU and EU nationals to settle in and attain Citizenship. Since Malta is part of the EU, the Maltese citizenship gives the right of establishment in all 28 EU countries. Malta is recognized for being stable, safe, neutral and a highly respected member state.

Eligibility for a Maltese citizenship

The Citizenship is granted to affluent individuals with good standing on the basis of a contribution to and investment in Malta. Among the requirements is a minimum age of 18, make a contribution, commit to providing proof of residential address in Malta, contribute to the National Development and Social Fund established by the Government and to fulfill the general requirements. You can find more information about the requirements further above on this page.

The programme is known for it’s due diligence process. This process was specifically created to ensures only highly respected individuals will be admitted and granted citizenship through naturalization.

The application and required documents

During the application stage, there are a few documents and fees to be paid before your application is considered. These are related to the due diligence and banking fees applicable. The applicant must also pay a non-refundable fee of 10,000 EUR upon submission of the application.

Together with your application you must provide a health certification from a reputable health system certifying the applicant does not suffer from any contagious deceases. A police certificate and evidence that the applicant is fit and proper. Furthermore the applicant must provide an undertaking to remit the required contribution, to purchase or take a lease on immovable property in Malta and to make the other investments required.

The application is to be completed and submitted in English, or be accompanied by certified translations. Furthermore, any copies of original documents must be authenticated by an apostille, or certified “as true copy” by a notary public, a licensed lawyer, a Maltese consular, a Diplomatic Officer or a Senior Officer of the Concessionaire.

Applicable payment requirements

The due diligence fees and contributions payable are as following:

• Main applicant: due diligence fee is 7,500 EUR and contribution amount is 650,000 EUR;
• Spouce: due diligence fee is 5,000 EUR and contribution amount is 25,000 EUR;
• Children below 18: due diligence fee is 3,000 EUR and contribution amount is 25,000 EUR;
• Unmarried children between 18 and 26: due diligence fee is 5,000 EUR and contribution amount is 50,000 EUR; and
• Dependent parent above 55: due diligence fee is 5,000 EUR and contribution amount is 50,000 EUR.

Additionally there is a 200 EUR bank charge per application and each passport costs 500 EUR. Furthermore the following investments are required:

• Invest at least 150,000 EUR in bonds or shares approved by the Government;
• Property purchase must be valued to minimum 350,000 EUR; or
• Property leases should at least be 16,000 EUR per annum.

Timeline of the application process

Within 90 days after presentation of the application, Identity Malta will verify the application as formally correct. In addition, they will verify the information presented, check that the due diligence fees, passport fees and bank charges have been paid. Also a verification of source of funds and a appropriate weighting will be carried out.

Within 30 days, Identity Malta will review the application further and carry out background checks. Once this step is completed the agent assisting you in the application process will be notified whether the application has been approved delayed or refused.

Once the approval of your application has been received, the applicant will be informed to remit the appropriate contributions within 5 days. These contributions are payable within 20 days from the notification.

The citizenship is only granted after 12 month proof of residency in Malta and The Minister will issue a certificate of naturalization after a period of 6 months to 2 years depending on the length of the process when the background checks are carried out. The passport will be issued upon completion of a separate form once the citizenship is granted.

The Maltese citizenship is permanent provided that the applicant commit to retain a residence in Malta for a period of at least 5 years and that there were no concealment of facts, fraudulent acquisition of the citizenship or deemed disloyal to the Government. These are all part of the ongoing requirements once the citizenship is granted.

Rights and tax exemptions

Once you have been granted citizenship through the Citizenship By Investment Programme, you will benefit from voting rights after being resided in Malta for 6 months during a 18 month period prior the the upcoming election. It is also possible to hold a dual citizenship since Malta recognizes this, but other countries you may hold citizenship in might impose restrictions depending on their laws related to dual citizenship.

After a period of 5 years, the sale of your property will be tax exempt. This is only if the property has been the owners sole and ordinary residence. If not there is a tax rate of 12% charged on the value of the property. Additionally, there will be no inheritance taxes, death taxes, estate duty, net worth or wealth taxes and no municipal taxes, rates or real estate taxes.