The Maltese Passport has ranked fifth place in the 2024 passport index complied recently using data deriving from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA). This is a steady increase for Malta’s passport which previously ranked at eighth place in the same passport index. Switzerland also shares the same fifth passport rank with Malta. This index ranks France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore and Spain in the first place while Finland, South Korea, Sweden are in the second rank in terms of their passport’s global mobility. On the other hand, the lowest ranked passports are those of Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq and Pakistan.
The ranking is based on the travel destinations the passports gives its holder access to without a visa or with a visa on arrival.
A Maltese passport holder is allowed visa free travel to 190 jurisdictions including the European Union, Australia, USA and Canada amongst other countries. Moreover, a Maltese passport allows its holder the right to settle, study, work, invest and retire in all the 27 European Union countries.
Obtaining Maltese Citizenship
Individuals who wish to benefit from better travel opportunities can apply for Maltese Citizenship either through descent, marriage or else investment under the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations by submitting an application at Agenzija Komunita Malta via a Licensed Agent. This is subject to satisfying the programme requirements which include evidence of legal residency in Malta for twelve or thirty six months, making a contribution to the National Development and Social Fund, purchase or rent a residential property in Malta or Gozo and a making a philanthropic donation of €10,000.
Benefits of applying for Maltese Citizenship
The benefits of applying for Maltese citizenship also include:
• Access to a robust and transparent European financial centre
• A safe Mediterranean place to live in which also grants free educational and healthcare access
• The ability to include one’s spouse, children, parents and grandparents in the same application
ACC Immigration Advisors (Malta company registration number C-44042) is duly authorised to act as a licensed Malta citizenship agent and holds licence number AKM-ACCA.
