Malta Citizenship by Investment

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Malta

The establishment of the Maltese Exceptional Investment Naturalisation (MEIN) by the Maltese government allows for the granting of Maltese citizenship following a period of residency in Malta and through direct investment in Malta – contributing to the social and economic development of the country. One application can include the investor, the investor’s spouse, unmarried dependents under 29 if financially dependent on the investor, and parents and grandparents over the age of 55 who are largely supported by the investor.

Government

Unitary Parliamentary Republic

Population

574,000 (2024)

Official Language

Maltese, English

Climate

15 degrees C Winter I 32 degrees C Summer

Member of

European Union

Visa Free Travel

172 Countries

Time to Passport

12 months

Malta Citizenship by Investment Process

Step 1

Candidate must complete the due diligence form and include scanned copies of all dependents’ passports who will be included in the application for Malta citizenship by investment.

Step 2

Once due diligence is complete, if favorable, the professional team will begin working on the initial Malta residency by investment application. Once almost complete, a request will be submitted to the Community Malta Agency (CMA), which is the government agency overseeing MEIN. Within 30 days, the candidate will receive an appointment to visit Malta and complete biometrics of all adult applicants in order to issue the Malta residence permit cards.

Step 3

The candidate will lease a property for a minimum of 36 months in Malta or purchase a property in order to fulfill the initial Malta residency requirements. This is meant to demonstrate genuine ties to the country. The professional team may assist in helping the candidate find the appropriate property for leasing or purchasing.

Step 4

The first visit to the Community Malta Agency is completed. Approximately, 15-25 business days after this visit, the initial Malta residence cards will be issued. Some time should be spent in Malta at this time during the residency stage.

Step 5

Shortly after the appointment with the Community Malta Agency, the Malta citizenship by naturalization application can begin. Certain required documents will need to be notarized in Malta. Necessary appointments in relation to your application (such as the health visit) will also be coordinated by the professional team. The professional team will assist in filling out all required forms for submission.

Step 6

Once the candidate receives an Approval in Principle, the remaining balance of the contribution owing to the National Development and Social Fund will be due within 45 days. The remaining obligations, such as proof of property purchase or lease, and charity donation, will also need to be fulfilled.

Step 7

Once all the monetary requirements have been fulfilled, the Maltese government will issue an invitation letter for the candidate to visit Malta to swear the Oath of Allegiance. Each member of the family over 18 must take this oath. Shortly after this, a Certificate of Naturalization under the Malta citizenship program will be issued, and the Malta passport application can be compiled and submitted. Once submitted, the Malta passports may be picked up in a matter of weeks. Every member of the family above the age 6 will be required to provide biometrics for their passport.

Requirements of Malta citizenship by naturalization

Principal applicant must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

  • Must show they have been a resident of Malta for at least three years (one year by exception) and demonstrate connecting factors to Malta during this residency period to qualify for Malta citizenship by residency.

The following criteria must be met:

  • 16,000 EUR per annum of a leased residential property in Malta, which must be held for at least five years post naturalization, OR 700,000 EUR purchase of a residential property in Malta to be held for at least five years post naturalization under the Malta residence by investment program.
  • 10,000 EUR donation to a registered philanthropic cause, cultural, sports, or animal welfare agency approved by CMA.
  • Global health insurance must be acquired and maintained during the Malta residency program period.
  • A 600,000 EUR investment (for 36-month passport route) OR 750,000 EUR investment (for 12-month passport route) in the National Development and Social Fund as part of the Malta investment visa.
    • 50,000 EUR additional for spouses
    • 50,000 EUR additional per dependent, unmarried and under age 29
    • 50,000 EUR additional per parents and grandparents over the age of 55

The following candidates will be ineligible to get Malta citizenship:

  • The candidate has been denied a visa to a country with which Malta has visa-free travel arrangements and has not subsequently obtained a visa to the country which has issued the denial.
  • 1 those who are subject to a criminal investigation those considered to be a threat to national security
  • Those involved in any activity likely to cause disrepute to the country
  • Those providing falsified information.
Find out more

Benefits of Malta Citizenship by Investment

Malta is one of Europe’s most aggressively sought countries by investors in search of a second passport. Many bene fits come with Malta citizenship by investment for individuals and families, namely:

  • Visa-Free Travel: The holder may travel anywhere to 180 countries visa-free or visa-on-arrival, including the U.S., U.K., and Schengen Zone.
  • EU Rights & Privileges: Maltese citizens have the right to live, work, and study anywhere within the EU.
  • Generational Security: The citizenship is hereditary, and its effects last for generations.
  • High-Quality Lifestyle: Provide stunning healthcare, excellent education, and a stable political ambiance are a few considerations.
  • Wealth Protection: Malta stands as a strong economy with investor-friendly policies on offer and a safe banking environment.

Eligibility for Malta Citizenship by Investment

In order to be granted Malta citizenship, all applicants must satisfy the criteria given. Some of these include:

  • Age: The main applicant should be more than 18 years of age.
  • Clean Criminal Record: The applicant must have undergone a thorough due diligence check that yielded no criminal record anywhere.
  • Good Health: Medical Certificates to be submitted along with evidence of good health.
  • Financial Requirements: Proof of legitimate and sufficient funds to make the required investment.
  • Family Inclusion: Spouses, dependent children under 29, and dependent parents/grandparents can be included.

Investment Options in Malta Citizenship Program

The Malta citizenship by investment program offers multiple routes for investors to qualify:

  1. Government Contribution
    • A non-refundable contribution to the National Development and Social Fund.
    • Ranges between €600,000 – €750,000 depending on the residency duration before citizenship.
  2. Real Estate Investment
    • Purchase of a property in Malta worth at least €700,000 or rental of property at €16,000 per year for a minimum of five years.
  3. Donation
    • A €10,000 charitable donation to a registered Maltese NGO or philanthropic organization.

These combined investments make applicants eligible to apply for Maltese citizenship.

What are the Tax Benefits of Malta Citizenship?

One of the most significant factors that have made many HNWIs from the UAE and indeed across the globe consider Malta citizenship by investment is the country’s favorable tax regime: 

  • No Inheritance Tax or Wealth Tax: There is no tax on worldwide wealth, inheritance, or estate transfers in Malta.
  • No Worldwide Taxation for Non-Domiciled Residents: Such new citizens, who do not have their domicile in Malta, will be taxed on income generated or arises within Malta or delivered to Malta.
  • Attractive Corporate Tax System: Promotion of equity rates among the best and incentive systems toward the very subject.
  • Double Taxation Treaties: Malta has more than 70 tax treaties, negating double taxation and maximizing global efficiency.

Which also makes Malta a tax attractor along with a gateway into Europe.

Legal Framework for Malta Citizenship

The Malta Citizenship by Investment Program is based on Malta’s granting of citizenship based on Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Regulations (S.L. 188.06), under the Maltese Citizenship Act Cap. 188, LN437 of 2020.

These regulations allow for the granting of Malta Citizenship by a certificate of naturalization to foreign individuals and their families who contribute to the country’s economic development.

*Please contact us for a full copy of the relevant Maltese regulations allowing for the granting of Malta Citizenship through direct investment.

About Step Global

Step Global is the leading immigration consultancy and advisory firm headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates – a hub for effectively servicing clients from the GCC and MENA region, including India and Pakistan. We are comprised of a network of globally licensed lawyers, investment advisors, immigration specialists, and real estate experts who provide active guidance through the entire immigration process. Acting as a single point of contact between all parties involved, we ensure the most optimal chances for approval of your application for migration.

Our partner firms meet high standards to be part of our international network and are respected by peers in the legal and business communities. As a result, Step Global only offers investment immigration visa programs that are well-reputed globally and provide access to the top-ranked passports worldwide as per the Passport Index.

Step Global bridges the gap of future planning for its high-net-worth clientele by providing additional required services including Wealth and Tax planning and Executive Lifestyle Management Services. Step Global has taxation specialists who help clients fully prepare for their financial future. With over a decade of experience in estate planning and investment consultation, and international taxation guidance, our experts can guide HNWIs on how to best appreciate and protect their capital.

This branch of the business is titled Step Wealth, and we’re proud to boast a solid track record of clients making significant capital gains through investment, taxation consultation, and estate planning.

Why Choose Us for Your Immigration Journey:

13+ years of experience in the field of investment immigration
Award winning lawyers and specialists on the ground and supervising each file
Partnerships with only the top and most reputed law firms, immigration, and tax specialists in the world
Highest track record of immigration petition approvals in the region
Holistic approach to future planning for each and every candidate

Malta Citizenship by Naturalization Pricing

Single Applicant 12 months: EUR 5,000

Single Applicant 36 months: EUR 5,000

Single Applicant 12 months: EUR 750,000

Single Applicant 36 months: EUR 600,000

Single Applicant 12 months: EUR 96,000

Single Applicant 36 months: EUR 128,000

Single Applicant 12 months: EUR 10,000

Single Applicant 36 months: EUR 10,000

Single Applicant 12 months: EUR 15,000

Single Applicant 36 months: EUR 15,000

Single Applicant 12 months: EUR 70,000 (Main applicant)

EUR 15,000 (Per Dependent)

Single Applicant 36 months: EUR 70,000 (Main Applicant)

EUR 15,000 (Per Dependent)

Single Applicant 12 months: EUR 25,500

Single Applicant 36 months: EUR 25,500

Single Applicant 12 months: EUR 973,000

Single Applicant 36 months: EUR 855,000

Malta Citizenship by Investment

FAQs

Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation is a state-authorized scheme whereby foreign nationals may be granted Maltese citizenship through the making of a significant economic contribution. Via investment mainly, applicants and their respective families gain EU citizenship, entitling them to freely live, work, and travel anywhere in the European Union and Schengen Zone.

One cannot directly buy citizenship in Malta. An applicant has to invest in the National Development and Social Fund, real estate, and some donation for charity. Once all the malta citizenship requirements are met and the applicant passes due diligence, he or she can apply for citizenship by naturalisation.

The minimum required contribution starts at €600,000 with a 36-month residence period or €750,000 with a 12-month residence period. In addition, applicants must either purchase real estate worth at least €700,000 or lease a property with a minimum rent of €16,000 per year for five years, plus a €10,000 charitable donation.

Citizenship is not an automatic process in Malta, despite good program design. The applicant must fulfill stringent investment stipulations, pass exhaustive due diligence checks, and bear a physical presence in Malta from 12 to 36 months. Upon complying with all government criteria and acquiescing guidance, the smoothness of the procedure can be assured.

The timeframe depends on the investment route chosen:

  • 12 months for the fast-track option with a higher contribution. 
  • 36 months for the standard route with a lower contribution. The total time, from due diligence to application processing, is usually 12 to 36 months.

Some of the major benefits of Malta citizenship are: 

  • Entry to more than 180 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival privileges.
  • The right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union and Schengen Zone.
  • Excellent health care and education for families.
  • A safe and stable environment where good employment opportunities exist.
  • Citizenship that can be passed to other generations.

Other Programs We Offer

We provide a wide range of Citizenship by Investment programs: St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment, St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment.

We provide a wide range of Residency by Investment programs: Canada Residency by Investment, Greece Residency by Investment, Hungary Residency by Investment, Latvia Residency by Investment, Portugal Residency by Investment, UAE Residency by Investment, US Residency by Investment.

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