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Malta Citizenship by Investment

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What is Malta citizenship by investment program?

The citizenship by investment program in Malta, which is now known as the Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, was newly launched in 2020 and is aimed at high-net-worth individuals who contribute to Malta’s economic development. Citizenship is granted through a certificate of naturalization by the Community Malta Agency.

The Malta citizenship by investment application process is very lengthy and thorough. Malta’s citizenship by investment program requires residency for 36 months, with a 12 month exception for those making a larger investment. The Government of Malta is also committed to a high degree of due diligence so that only candidates who are strongly vetted and deemed to be of impeccable standard will be admitted.

JH Marlin Law has helped many high net worth investors do second passport programs and do citizenship planning.

Interested in a Malta citizenship? J.H. Marlin can help you!
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Investment Requirements for Malta Citizenship by Investment

The investment requirements for the Malta Citizenship by Investment program, also known as the Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, consist of several components.

Applicants must meet these requirements to be eligible for Maltese Citizenship:
  • Real Estate Investment or Rental: Applicants are required to either purchase a residential property in Malta with a minimum value of €700,000 or rent a property for a minimum annual rent of €16,000. The property must be retained for at least five years from the date of issuance of the Maltese residence card.
  • Contribution to the National Development and Social Fund: Applicants must make a non-refundable contribution to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF). For the main applicant, the donation amount is €600,000 for the 36-month route or €750,000 for the 12-month route. An additional €50,000 is required for each dependent family member included in the application.
  • Government Bonds Investment: For the 12-month residency route, applicants are required to invest at least €150,000 in government bonds or other eligible investments, which must be held for at least five years.
  • Due Diligence and Administrative Fees: Applicants must pay due diligence and administrative fees as part of the application process. These fees vary depending on the number of applicants and dependents. 

 

It is essential to work with a reputable law firm or professional services provider such as JH Marlin to ensure a smooth application process and adherence to the investment requirements and other eligibility criteria.

Malta Citizenship by Investment

The Malta Citizenship by Investment program, also known as the Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, offers a route to European citizenship for eligible applicants through real estate investment, donations, and meeting the eligibility criteria set by the Maltese government.

Managed by the Community Malta Agency, the application process involves a four-tier due diligence process, including background checks, verification of source of funds, and assessment of the applicant’s character. Key eligibility requirements include investing in residential property and making a non-refundable donation to the National Development and Social Fund.

The program offers two routes: a 36 months residency route and a 12 months of residency route. Both require applicants to hold a Maltese residence card and fulfill the residency requirements before receiving a certificate of naturalisation and a Maltese passport.

Dependent children, adult dependent children, and dependent parents can be included in the citizenship application. Necessary documents include passport copies, bank statements, marriage certificates, and medical reports.

Successful applicants enjoy dual citizenship, a European passport, access to reputable healthcare services, and advantageous tax exposure. Malta offers a high quality of life as one of the safest countries in the European Union.

It is essential to work with a reputable law firm or professional services provider to ensure a smooth application process and adherence to diligence requirements and procedures. Industry experts and a team of expert advisors can guide applicants through the citizenship process, from the initial eligibility application to obtaining a Maltese passport.

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Summary of Main Advantages for Malta Citizenship Program

VISA FREE TRAVEL

  • Malta citizenship offers European Union benefits, including travel in the Schengen area and a visa waiver to the United States.
  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 180 destinations, including USA, Canada, and those in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and South America

BUSINESS ADVANTAGES

  • European financial hub known for its reputable banking and international business

FAMILY ADVANTAGES

  • Opportunity to include a spouse or long-term partner (gender-neutral), parents or grandparents, and dependent children with the main application

PERSONAL FREEDOM

  • Malta (and EU) residency possible in about 15 days, citizenship possible in as short as 12 months
  • Strict due diligence standards, ensuring only high-quality candidates are selected
  • Strategically located and connected to Europe
  • Maltese citizenship allows you to live, work and study anywhere in the EU
  • No requirement to live in Malta before or after citizenship is approved

Applicant Requirements for a Citizenship Application

In order to be eligible for citizenship by investment in Malta, the main applicant must meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have no criminal record
  • Be in good health; provide records that they do not suffer from any contagious disease and proof of an international health policy
  • Provide proof of residence in Malta for a period of 36 months. This period may be reduced to 12 months subject to a higher exceptional direct investment (see below). 

The main applicant may also add dependents to their application, including their spouse or long-term partner, minor children, dependent children who are unmarried under the age of 29, and dependent parents or grandparents over the age of 55.

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What is the procedure to become a Malta citizen?

Administration and processing of Maltese citizenship under the Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program is done by the Community Malta Agency. The application process for citizenship by investment in Malta is thorough and undergoes a four-tier due diligence process. It can be broken down into steps:

  • Clients reach out to JH Marlin Law
  • Initial due diligence checks are performed by JH Marlin Law
  • Client agreement is signed with JH Marlin Law
  • Required documents are collected and prepared
  • Tier 1 due diligence checks completed by the Community Malta Agency
  • If successful, residence permit application made to the Community Malta Agency
  • If successful, residency is obtained for 36 months. Upon residency approval, a deposit of €10,000 must be made towards the exceptional investment required for citizenship. Residency fees must also be paid.
  • Application for citizenship eligibility and corresponding documents are submitted to the Community Malta Agency. Due diligence fees must be paid.
  • Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4 due diligence checks are completed by the Community Malta Agency.
  • Application submitted to the minister to make a decision on the eligibility to apply for citizenship
  • If successful, citizenship application made to the Community Malta Agency after 36 months (or 12 months with exception)
  • Community Malta Agency updates due diligence and submits findings to minister
  • Minister makes final decision regarding whether citizenship shall be granted
  • If successful, applicant makes investment, donation and purchases property as required, and submits proof of these
  • Applicant visits Malta to take Oath of Allegiance
  • Maltese Certificate of Naturalization and passport is issued

Why work with JH Marlin to become a Malta citizen by investing?

JH Marlin Law has helped clients choose the citizenship program that is right for them for years.

As an experienced licensed agent for citizenship, we can do a detailed analysis of your personal circumstances and provide further information about different citizenship by investment options and corresponding processing times. We will assist you with all the required citizenship documents for you to have a successful application and coordinate with any other parties or local agents involved in the process.

JH Marlin Law has handled hundreds of citizenship applications. We can help you throughout the entire process.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions for Malta Citizenship by Investment

A Malta Citizenship by Investment application can extend to the main applicant’s family, including their spouse, minor children, adult children under 29, and dependent parents or grandparents over 55. This inclusive approach ensures family unity within the new country of residence.

Prospective applicants must fulfill investment requirements that typically include purchasing or leasing real estate (property) in Malta, making a charitable donation to the National Development and Social Fund, and adhering to additional eligibility criteria per Malta’s citizenship law.

Yes, the residency process mandates a period of ordinary residence in Malta, and applicants must travel to the country to take the Oath of Allegiance, securing their certificate of citizenship.

No, Malta’s citizenship law allows retaining foreign citizenship, so applicants can enjoy the benefits of dual citizenship, including borderless travel across European countries.

The process takes 12 to 36 months, depending on several factors, including the times property requirement is met and the efficiency of the residency process to establish permanent residency.

The Maltese passport, offering borderless travel and access to numerous countries, is valid for ten years, aligning with the rates of passport renewals in many of the safest countries.

Once obtained, Malta Citizenship by Investment provides permanent residency status and lifelong citizenship benefits, subject to adherence to the program’s regulations.

Yes, Malta recognizes dual citizenship, enabling individuals to retain their foreign citizenship and enjoy the full spectrum of citizenship benefits.

Yes, Maltese Citizenship can be passed on to future generations, ensuring that the family’s legacy continues in Malta and other European countries.

Most nationalities are eligible, but individuals from countries like North Korea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and certain others face restrictions due to Malta’s public health and political climate considerations.

Yes, JH Marlin can confirm that the program is currently open, accepting new applications from foreign investors and non-EU nationals, with updated regulations in 2023.

Required documents include valid identification, proof of wealth, such as bank statements, and evidence of a clean background, which JH Marlin will assist you in compiling for your eligibility application.

Due diligence checks include rigorous scrutiny of the applicant’s background to ensure public health safety and compliance with Malta’s stringent anti-money laundering regulations.

JH Marlin, a reputable law firm with expertise in Malta’s Citizenship by Investment program, can assist with the entire application process, ensuring you meet all property tax, estate duty, and wealth taxes regulations while benefiting from their understanding of Malta as an English language-speaking country, which is the official language alongside Maltese.

Malta: General Information

Malta is a small island country of just 316 km2 located in the Mediterranean sea, and is part of the European Union. Malta possesses a stable political climate, a fast-growing economy and is known for its reputable banking. Malta is also a popular tourist destination due to its warm climate and culture, as well as its numerous historical monuments and architecture.

Fast Facts:

Capital City: Valletta

Area: 316 km2

Population: 443,000

Languages: Maltese, English

Currency: Euro

Economy: Advanced

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