Malta’s Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Regulations (S.L. 188.06) (the Regulations) allow for the granting of citizenship by a certificate of naturalization to foreign individuals and their families who contribute to the country’s economic development. This is possible following a 36-month (or, by exception, 12-month) residence period. Each application is subject to a stringent due diligence process, including thorough background checks. Community Malta Agency is the competent Maltese Government Agency responsible for administering the Regulations. Henley & Partners (license number AKM-HENL) is an official agent for this regulated citizenship process.
MALTA
(Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment)
VISA FREE DESTINATIONS:
190
PASSPORT INDEX RANK:
5th
OVERVIEW:
PROCEDURE:
After successfully obtaining residency, citizenship applications will be submitted to the Community of Malta Agency. Due diligence checks (Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4) are completed by the Community Malta Agency, and the application and its findings are presented to the minister. The minister then makes a decision on the applicant’s eligibility to apply for citizenship If successful, citizenship application will be submitted to the Community Malta Agency after 36-month residence period (or 12-month residence, by exception) The Community Malta Agency updates its due diligence on the applicant and presents its final findings to the minister The minister decides if the applicant can be granted Maltese citizenship If successful, the applicant fulfills the exceptional investment, donation, and property requirements. Proof of fulfilling these requirements is required. The applicant is invited to visit Malta and takes the oath of allegiance. A Maltese certificate of naturalization is issued. The Community Malta Agency conducts continuous monitoring for five years.
MINIMUM CAPITAL REQUIREMENT:
An investment of EUR 738,000 for a minimum residence period of 36 months or EUR 888,000 for a minimum of 12 months (including property lease)
MAIN APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:
- A minimum age of 18 years.
- 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 a residential property in Malta of at least EUR 700,000, which must be held for five years starting from the oath of allegiance date. Alternatively, the lease of a residential property with a rental value of at least EUR 16,000 per annum, also held for five years upon swearing the oath of allegiance. Please note that the property cannot be sublet during this five-year 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 obtain citizenship.
- The Community Malta Agency shall administer the due diligence and verification process.
PROCESSING TIME:
Applicants and all adult dependents must hold Maltese residence status for a minimum of 36 months (or 12 months, by exception) before they may apply for citizenship.
KEY BENEFITS:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 180 destinations
- Once the residence requirement has been fulfilled and the citizenship eligibility application has been approved, successful applicants may apply for Maltese citizenship.
- A transparent and reputable financial center and a jurisdiction for international business.
- Opportunity to include a spouse, children, parents, and grandparents in the main application
- The world’s strictest due diligence standards and vetting of applicants
- An attractive place to live or own a second home in, strategically located, with excellent air links.
