Welcome To Malta Citizenship By Investment
The Malta Citizenship By Investment program (Malta CBI) was reintroduced in November of 2020, after it was previously closed due to reaching the application cap of 1,800. The Maltese government had implemented this program to encourage potential investors interested in obtaining Maltese citizenship.
Malta has one of the fastest-growing economies in the European Union. The country enjoys economic and political stability, coupled with a colorful Mediterranean lifestyle.
The Republic of Malta is an archipelago consisting of three inhabited islands (Malta, Comino, and Gozo), as well as a number of uninhabited islands, known for their sunny weather and attractive beaches. Malta citizenship allows you to benefit from visa-free travel to a vast number of countries.
About Malta
A captivating Mediterranean island nation, Malta offers a rich history and vibrant culture that make it an alluring destination for acquiring Maltese citizenship through its Citizenship by Investment program. Despite being one of the smallest nations in the world, this enchanting archipelago holds a considerable charm that contributes greatly to its popularity.
CAPITAL
Valletta
POPULATION
441,521
TOTAL AREA
316 km2
CURRENCY
Euro (€)
Geographical Location and Climate
Located strategically in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and North Africa, Malta offers warm weather with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Equipped with stunning beaches and iconic fortresses, It’s no surprise that many expats are packing their bags and obtaining Maltese dual citizenship.
Language and Culture
Famed for its multilingual population, Malta officially recognizes both Maltese and English as its primary languages. This bilingual approach allows accessible communication with international visitors and investors considering obtaining Maltese citizenship by investment. The unique culture of Malta is characterized by various influences from neighboring regions, including Italian, British, and Arabic. These influences offer a beautiful mosaic of traditions visible in Malta’s architecture, cuisine, and customs.
Economic Overview
As a developed European nation with consistent economic growth, Malta has proven itself to be a valuable player in the global economy. Acquiring Malta citizenship by investment is a popular option for investors as Malta holds notable membership status in several prestigious international groups, including the European Union, the Schengen Agreement, and the Eurozone.
Why Choose The malta Citizenship By Investment Program?
VALUABLE PASSPORT
The Malta passport is ranked 8th worldwide, facilitating visa-free travel to over 180 countries around the world. Malta is also the only citizenship programme in the world that opens travel to the USA.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Malta has one of the fastest-growing economies in the EU, rated A+ by Fitch and A2 by Moody's. The country also enjoys a favourable tax regime.
A SAFE FUTURE FOR YOUR FAMILY
Malta is ranked 19th in "Safety and Security" by the latest Legatum Prosperity Index report. You and your family get settlement rights in all 27 EU countries, which means that you are free to study, work and/or operate a business across the Union.
WORLD-CLASS FREE EDUCATION
Malta’s education system ranks as one of the best worldwide. As Maltese citizens, you and your family can enjoy free access to world-renowned English-taught educational programmes in any of the EU member countries.
How to Qualify for the Malta Citizenship by Investment Program
Maltese Citizenship Requirements
Obtaining Malta citizenship through investment, commonly referred to as the Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN), involves meeting specific financial and residency requirements. If you’re considering obtaining a Maltese passport through investment, here are the essential steps and criteria to follow:
Age and Background:
The primary applicant must be at least 18 years old and have clear criminal records. Background checks will be conducted to verify the applicant’s integrity.
Residency Requirement:
To qualify for Maltese Citizenship by Investment, an applicant must hold either a 12-month or a 36-month residency status in Malta. This requirement may be satisfied through purchasing or renting property fulfilling investment conditions stated below. A valid residence card and an e-ID card will also be necessary during the Malta dual citizenship application process.
Health Insurance:
Applicants should possess health insurance coverage for themselves and all dependents, offering a minimum coverage of €50,000 per person.
Submission of Documents:
Several documents must be provided as part of the due diligence process, including birth and marriage certificates, a power of attorney, bank statements, and property leases or purchase agreements.
Financing Requirements:
Providing evidence of wealth and funding sources throughout the citizenship application process is essential to showcase adequate financial resources for both the applicant and their dependents in Malta.
Malta Citizenship By Investment (Malta CBI) Investment Requirements
Financial Contribution (National Development and Social Economic Fund):
Depending on the residency period, applicants need to pay a non-refundable contribution to the National Development and Social Fund. For those applying after 36 months of residency, a €600,000 payment is required for the main applicant plus €50,000 for each additional dependent. In case of applying after 12 months of residency, the contribution increases to €750,000 for the main applicant and €50,000 for each dependent.
Additional Fees (National Development and Social Economic Fund Option)
| Main Applicant | Spouse | Children under 13 years of age | Children over 13 years of age | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Due Diligence Fee | USD 16,000 | USD 16,000 | Nil | USD 10,750 |
| Government Residency Application Fees | USD 5300 | USD 1075 | USD 1075 | USD 1075 |
| Residency Card Fee | USD 30 | USD 30 | USD 30 | USD 30 |
| Administrative Fee | USD 1075 | USD 1075 | USD 1075 | USD 1075 |
| Passport Fee | USD 540 | USD 540 | USD 540 | USD 540 |
Real Estate Investment:
To obtain Maltese citizenship through investment in property, applicants must purchase a residential property in Malta with a minimum value of €700,000 or rent a property with a minimum annual rent of €16,000. This property must be retained for at least five years from the date of obtaining Malta dual citizenship.
Additional Fees (Real Estate Investment Option)
| Main Applicant | Spouse | Children under 13 years of age | Children over 13 years of age | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Due Diligence Fee | USD 16,000 | USD 16,000 | Nil | USD 10,750 |
| Government Residency Application Fees | USD 5300 | USD 1075 | USD 1075 | USD 1075 |
| Residency Card Fee | USD 30 | USD 30 | USD 30 | USD 30 |
| Administrative Fee | USD 1075 | USD 1075 | USD 1075 | USD 1075 |
| Passport Fee | USD 540 | USD 540 | USD 540 | USD 540 |
Donation:
A mandatory donation of €10,000 to a registered NGO or society within Malta is requisite. By meeting these requirements and passing rigorous due diligence checks, individuals interested in obtaining Malta citizenship by investment can qualify for the exceptional opportunities provided by this program. Partnering with a reliable firm like Next Generation Equity ensures a smooth and seamless application process.
Additional Fees (NGO Donation Option)
| Main Applicant | Spouse | Children under 13 years of age | Children over 13 years of age | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Due Diligence Fee | USD 16,000 | USD 16,000 | Nil | USD 10,750 |
| Government Residency Application Fees | USD 5300 | USD 1075 | USD 1075 | USD 1075 |
| Residency Card Fee | USD 30 | USD 30 | USD 30 | USD 30 |
| Administrative Fee | USD 1075 | USD 1075 | USD 1075 | USD 1075 |
| Passport Fee | USD 540 | USD 540 | USD 540 | USD 540 |
Malta Citizenship By Investment Application Process and Timeline
If you’re looking to gain citizenship by investment in Malta, it’s necessary to understand the full scope of the application process and timeline. Below is an in-depth look at all stages involved, including the timeline of each step along the way, financial dues, application formalities, and final citizenship acquisition.
Initial Preparation: Gaining Residency (2 months)
As you need to reside in Malta for at least 12 months before you can apply to become a citizen, gaining residency in Malta is the first step you must take in order to apply for citizenship.
– Begin your journey by gathering all pertinent documentation required for the initial residence permit application.
– Ensure that all documents are signed by a duly recognized Maltese Consul.
– Expedite your Residency Card’s procurement via the Fast-Track option made available for this purpose (which can typically be acquired within 1 to 3 weeks).
Initiate Residence Permit Application
Applicants must travel personally to Malta in order to apply for residency since biological data is required. Accepted applicants are issued residency status lasting 36 months, which can be extended once a Citizenship by Investment Malta eligibility application has been filed.
Resident permit fees due on initiation of residency:
– Main applicant: €5,000
– Each additional family member: €1,000
– Residency Card fee per person: €27.50
Compile Eligibility Pack And Submit Application (Day 1)
Once a Residency Card has been issued, a citizenship by investment eligibility application can now be submitted to the Community Malta Agency by an Accredited Person or entity.
Included in the application, applicants must decide between two options:
– Choose to reside in Malta for 12 months before applying for citizenship and invest €750,000 into the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF).
– Choose to reside in Malta for 36 months before applying for citizenship and invest €600,000 into the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF).
Both options will include an additional €50,000 per dependant.
A deposit of €10,000 of the donation to the National Development and Social Fund must be made at this time.
Pay Fees (Day 5)
Within 5 business days of submission of the application, the Community Malta Agency will notify the main applicant whether their eligibility has been accepted or whether additional paperwork is required. If your application is accepted, the Agency will send an Eligibility Payment Request Voucher (EPRV).
Upon receipt of an Eligibility Payment Request Voucher (EPRV), payable fees entail:
– Principal applicant: €15,000
– Spouse / Dependents: €10,000 each
– Benefactor: €15,000
– Administrative Fee per person: €1,000
Confirmation from Community Malta Agency (3 months)
Approximately three months after your initial application, a confirmation is received verifying your eligibility, followed by a further 30 days of vetting from the government of Malta.
Approval by the Minister (4 months)
Once your application has been approved by the minister, this signifies official citizenship by investment eligibility, conditional on the applicant fulfilling the rest of their obligations.
Official application of Citizenship (12-36 months)
After residing in Malta for the period of time you have chosen (either 12 months or 36 months), you are now able to officially apply for citizenship by investment. This will include confirmation of previously stated details and informing the Community Malta Agency of any changes.
Approval of Principle
Once the Community Malta Agency issues an official Letter of Approval, you are required to fulfill all citizenship requirements within 4 months. You will be sent an Investment Request Voucher (IRV), which is a request for the remaining balance to be paid to the National Development Social Fund.
You must submit evidence of fulfillment of the following:
- Donation of €10,000 to an approved NGO.
- A copy of a purchase agreement for a property in Malta that costs at least €700,000 or a lease for a property in Malta that has a minimum rent of €16,000 per year. Both of these options must be accompanied by a declaration from the applicant that they will keep it for a minimum of 5 years.
- Proof of investing either €600,000 or €750,000 into the National Development Social Fund (non-refundable)
Final Steps to Citizenship
- Go to Malta to take an oath of Allegiance (within 6 months of approval).
- After the oath, obtain Naturalization Certification and your Malta Passport.
The complete journey from application commencement to obtaining Maltese Citizenship spans approximately 12 – 18 months. Keep in mind that false information or lack of documentation will lead to rejection, given that high standards of due diligence are maintained.
Deciding On Real Estate Purchase or Real Estate Leasing
As an aspiring candidate for Malta’s citizenship by investment program, it’s essential to weigh up the pros and cons in deciding whether to purchase or lease a property in Malta. Both options have distinct benefits and drawbacks. The decision largely depends on your investment horizon, financial resources, and citizenship goals.
Purchasing Property In Malta
Investing in Maltese property grants you the opportunity for capital appreciation due to the buoyant real estate market fueled by the scarcity of land and substantial immigration numbers. The primary advantage is that this won’t be a sunk cost; after five years, you can sell the property with chances of turning a profit, given Malta’s economy grows above 3% per year. However, this means additional financial outlay initially, which elevates the total investment required for acquiring Maltese citizenship.
Leasing Property In Malta
For those with less upfront cash available but still eager to partake in the Citizenship by Investment initiative, leasing an apartment is an excellent alternative option. Renting bypasses many of the tedious administrative hurdles associated with buying and only demands a minimum monthly rent of €1334 – making it far more accessible than its counterpart approach.
The process itself is less complex, and there’s undoubtedly less paperwork involved than when buying real estate. This allows potential applicants swift progress without needing to view these homes physically! Keep in mind, though, that unlike buying, where property value would likely appreciate over time, all money spent on renting is a sunk cost.
Nonetheless, you’re trading all these for a very valuable passport offered by a country boasting a robust economy and beautiful landscapes.
Taxes in Malta
Taxes in Malta play an integral role in the country’s fiscal policy, which features a unique tax regime based on domicile and residence. This structure largely contributes to attracting foreign investments and ensuring financial stability while offering potential tax benefits to those acquiring Maltese citizenship.
Individuals considered both domiciled and ordinarily resident in Malta are taxed on their worldwide income. However, those regarded as ordinarily resident but not domiciled in Malta are only subject to tax on income arising in Malta or on any foreign income remitted to Malta. Such persons are exempt from paying taxes on capital gains and foreign income not received in Malta.
Non-resident individuals are taxed solely on their income and chargeable gains arising in Malta. Income is assessed on a calendar year basis, with graduated progressive rates ranging from 0% to 35%, reaching the top tax bracket at an annual chargeable income exceeding €60,000.
Malta also offers various tax relief schemes catering to different individual circumstances, such as the parent rates for residents who have a dependent child under their custody, reduced income tax rates for artists, royalty income exemptions, or effectively reduced tax rates for part-time workers.
Additionally, Malta has implemented several programs to attract foreign professionals and investors, offering incentives such as favorable tax rates and provisions for residency. Residents taking part in these programs enjoy numerous benefits, including minimized tax liabilities on specific sources of income.
Finally, Malta has established double taxation agreements with numerous countries to promote cross-border trade and investment while mitigating exposure to international double taxation.
Obtaining Dual Citizenship In Malta
If you’re considering becoming an international citizen, receiving dual citizenship through the Malta Citizenship by Investment Program is an opportunity worth exploring. Malta has positioned itself as a country that not only welcomes investment but also offers individuals the chance to become residents and citizens of two separate nations.
The idea of dual citizenship is appealing for many reasons, particularly for business people who seek additional independence and flexibility in operating their ventures across borders. As an added advantage, dual citizenship can help provide tax relief, which could be beneficial based on your personal and business financial arrangements.
One central aspect that makes the prospect of dual citizenship attractive under Malta’s innovative program is that it can streamline the process of attaining residency in multiple countries at once. As per provisions in Malta’s Citizenship Act dated back to 2000, individuals are allowed to acquire and retain foreign nationality with Maltese citizenship simultaneously.
However, while Malta facilitates and permits its residents to have a second passport, it’s crucial to note that your home nation might impose limitations on maintaining a second Maltese passport. Therefore, understanding your home country’s laws regarding dual citizenship is equally important before you embark on this journey to obtain dual nationality through Malta’s Investor Program.
Malta Citizenship by Investment FAQs
Can I have Three Citizenships in Malta?
Yes, it is possible to have three citizenships in Malta as the country permits dual or multiple citizenships for their citizens. If an individual holds citizenship of two different countries and obtains Maltese citizenship through investment, they can retain all three citizenships without any legal implications.
Where is the best place to invest in Malta?
There is a range of remarkable investment opportunities across Malta which cater to various preferences and budgets. Top localities include Sliema, Valletta, St. Julian’s, Mellieha, Ta’ Xbiex, and Mdina, which attract investors primarily due to their scenic beauty, exclusive properties, modern infrastructure, and coastal areas. Investors keen on real estate can find a diverse range of properties from luxurious apartments to ancient villas.
What are the benefits of Malta citizenship?
There are numerous benefits of obtaining Malta citizenship, such as: – Freedom to travel, live, and work within the European Union without restrictions – A Maltese passport granting visa-free travel to over 180 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia – A stable political environment and a competitive economy with attractive investment options – Access to healthcare, education, and social services provided by EU membership – An advantageous tax regime for investors and residents – A convenient geographical location providing a gateway to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East
Can you become a resident in Malta?
Yes, even without participating in the Citizenship by Investment program, individuals can obtain residency in Malta through various other programs. Some popular options include the Malta Residence and Visa Program (MRVP), the Global Residence Program (GRP), or the EU Blue Card Program for highly skilled workers.
How can I get Malta citizenship without investment?
Malta citizenship can be obtained through several methods apart from investment, including naturalization, descent, marriage, or adoption. Naturalization occurs after having resided in Malta for a specific number of years, with a continuous 5-year period generally being the minimum requirement for non-EU nationals. Individuals born to Maltese citizens or married to Maltese spouses can also apply for citizenship. However, each path has different eligibility criteria and documentation requirements that must be fulfilled.
How long does it take to get the Malta Golden Visa?
The process of obtaining a Malta Golden Visa can vary significantly in duration, typically taking anywhere from four months up to a year. This timeframe depends on multiple factors specific to each applicant’s case. Additionally, individuals aiming to acquire Maltese citizenship through naturalization must satisfy certain residency prerequisites. Applicants are required to reside in Malta for a minimum of one year before they become eligible to apply for citizenship. This stipulation highlights Malta’s dedication to guaranteeing that prospective citizens establish a solid connection to the nation and its cultural heritage before they are granted citizenship privileges.
How to move to Malta from India?
To move to Malta from India and obtain Maltese citizenship by investment, follow these steps:
- Ensure that you meet the requirements: You must be at least 18 years old, in good health, and able to contribute financially to Malta.
- Application preparation: Spend time preparing your application, including gathering necessary documents and ensuring that you meet all eligibility criteria.
- Financial contributions: Make a contribution to Malta of either €750K (INR 6.5 Cr) after one year or €600K (INR 5.2 Cr) after three years of residency.
- Dependent fees: Pay €50K (INR 4.4 Lakh) for each dependent you wish to include in your application.
- Property purchase or rental: Either buy a property in Malta worth at least €700K (INR 6.1 Cr) or rent a home with an annual cost of €16,000 (1.4M INR).
- Philanthropic contribution: Donate €10K (INR 8.7 Lakh) to a recognized philanthropic organization in Malta.
- Await processing: The Maltese Counsel will process your application within four months, followed by a four-month compliance period for purchasing a property or other requirements.
- Obtain passport: After the processing and compliance periods, your Maltese passport will be issued. Total processing time ranges between 8 to 12 months.
- Enjoy the benefits of Malta Citizenship: Fast process, fast track Schengen residency, EU-approved status, visa-free travel to 184 countries, high-quality healthcare and education, and tax benefits.