Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean with wonderful sandy and rocky beaches, a pro-business perspective, high academic standards, premium health services and a Mediterranean climate are some of the factors that make Malta a welcoming nation. This archipelago of islands consisting of Malta, Gozo and Comino offers an enticing environment for investing seeking a strategic location in Europe. English is also an official language of Malta making it easier for foreigners to relocate or get accustomed with the island and its residents.
By means of the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations, Maltese law allows for the granting of citizenship by a certificate of naturalisation to foreign investors and their families who contribute to the economic development of Malta by making a contribution to a state fund, donate to charity and rent or buy a property on the island.
Why is the Maltese Citizenship by Direct Investment Programme (MCES) so significant in today’s world where everyone is seeking peace of mind for their families? Hereunder, we explore the benefits of this exciting journey:
Investment is only required after approval
A significant advantage of the Maltese Citizenship by investment regulations is that the investment is made only after the application has been approved. This gives additional reassurance to the applicants who would first receive their approval and then proceed with the investment.
One application for all the family
An application for citizenship can include up to four generations in one application. This includes the main applicant, spouse, dependent unmarried children under the age of twenty-nine and also dependent parents and grandparents over the age of fifty-five of both the main applicant and the spouse.
Right to reside and settle permanently in Malta
Obtaining Maltese citizenship will give its holder and family members the right to reside permanently in Malta and in any European country. Malta provides an exceptional quality of life, which makes it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. The island’s accessibility, diverse recreational opportunities, and high standard of living contribute to a thriving community that complements the business landscape.
Dual Citizenship is allowed
Malta allows dual and multiple citizenship, and this means that applicants who obtain Maltese Citizenship by Direct Investment do not need to give up their previous nationality. This is particularly advantageous for those who want to preserve their ties to their home country while gaining access to the advantages that come with Maltese citizenship.
Citizenship granted to future generations
One notable advantage of Maltese citizenship is its intergenerational accessibility, allowing the enjoyment of citizenship to extend seamlessly to future generations. This unique feature ensures that descendants can inherit the rights and privileges associated with Maltese citizenship, creating a lasting and meaningful legacy, irrespective of the place of birth.
Citizenship in a safe environment
Malta is regarded as one of the safest countries in Europe and this has captivated the interest of many families looking for a secure and stable jurisdiction. Malta has also earned a solid reputation among world travelers and migrants especially since crime rates in Malta have always been low compared to other destinations.
A country with economic and political stability
Malta’s economy has experienced a robust economic growth with a remarkable post-pandemic recovery. The country’s economy showed strong advancement and has been historically attracting significant foreign direct investment.
Reliable Healthcare
On becoming citizens of Malta, applicants have free access to all state health centres, community clinics and the Malta government hospital. All medical services are provided free of charge and delivered by a multi-professional team including doctors, physiotherapists, podiatrists, radiographers, speech and language pathologists, phlebotomists, social workers, dieticians, and nutritionists.
In addition, Maltese citizens also get access to the European Health Insurance Card which grants them emergency access to medical treatment in the EU.
Educational Advantages
Beneficiaries of Maltese citizenship will also have access to a high-quality education system which is free of charge. Additionally, one can also benefit from the ability to study in other EU countries under favourable conditions.
Right to live, work and study in Europe
Once the applicants become Maltese/EU nationals, they have the right to live and move within the EU and they would not require a permit to work in any EU country. They can also relocate to study in any member state of their choice.
Visa-free travel to over 190 destinations
In the 2024 passport index, the Maltese Passport has ranked fifth place globally. This ranking is based on the number of countries that an individual can access without a visa or with a visa on arrival with a certain passport. A Maltese passport holder benefits from visa free travel to 190 travel destinations including Australia, the European Union, USA and Canada amongst other countries. This facilitates hassle-free international travel, making it convenient for business, leisure, or other purposes.
Doing Business in Malta and Europe
Maltese nationals can set up, operate, and develop a business in Malta and in any country of the European Union and therefore benefit from various business expansion opportunities.
Property Investments
Investing in the Maltese real estate market has always been highly regarded since the land available on the island is limited and therefore it yields high returns both from rental and from property resale. On obtaining Maltese citizenship, individuals are free to purchase properties in all locations in Malta and no longer require an AIP permit.
In summary, obtaining Maltese citizenship provides a multitude of benefits, ranging from travel privileges and business opportunities to the ability to enjoy a high quality of life within the European Union. The flexibility of dual citizenship further enhances the appeal of Malta as a desirable destination for individuals seeking a well-rounded and globally connected lifestyle.
Challenges in applying for Maltese Citizenship
The Maltese Citizenship by Direct Investment programme requires the applicants to be residents of Malta for a period of 12 or 36 months and therefore it takes time to acquire a Maltese passport since there is a lengthy waiting period, mainly because of the four-tier due diligence exercise done by the authorities. Notwithstanding this, applicant still benefit from receiving a Maltese residence card within two weeks of submission of the application.
Another challenge is that the direct investment which is done to the Maltese Government Fund is non-refundable. This however is only to be paid once an application has been approved. Additionally, the qualifying property bought or rented to fulfil the programme requirements, cannot be rented out to third parties during the first five years holding period.
The Maltese Citizenship application process comprises of a very strict due diligence exercise on all the family members included in the application. Furthermore, applicants need to submit detailed information on how they generated their funds over the years. This assembling of documentation can be seen as cumbersome although at the same time it proves that Malta gives value to the integrity of the applicants to whom citizenship is being granted.
How to obtain Malta Citizenship by Investment
In order to be granted Maltese Citizenship by Direct Investment under the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations, applicants are first required to visit Malta and apply for a residence card. Once the residence cards are issued in a period of around four weeks, applicants can then submit a citizenship eligibility application. Following a thorough due diligence exercise, and once the application has been approved the applicant is required to:
- Pay a government contribution of:
- €750,000 if applying for citizenship after 1 year of residence
OR
- €600,000 if applying for citizenship after 3 years of residence
Pay an additional €50,000 contribution for each dependant that the main applicant adds to the application. This can include the spouse, children up to the age of 28 and parents and grandparents of the applicant and of the spouse.
- Make a charity donation of €10,000 to a local NGO
- Rent or Purchase Property in Malta, which is to be kept for at least five years:
- Option 1 – Property Rental – The applicant should rent a property for a minimum value of €16,000 per year.
OR
- Option 2 – Property Purchase – The applicant should purchase a property for a minimum value of €700,000.
A Malta Citizenship by Investment application can only be submitted at Community Malta Agency via a Licensed Agent.
ACC Immigration (Malta company registration number C-44042) is duly authorised to act as a licensed Malta agent and holds licence number AKM-ACCA.
