Malta Citizenship by Investment

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Overview

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

563,000

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

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

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

The Step Global immigration lawyers are available to answer your questions. Contact us today to arrange a consultation.

  • Preeya Malik - Managing Director
  • +971 (0) 4 770 7825
  • preeya@stepglobalgroup.com
  • DIFC, Central Park Towers Offices, Office 14-39 Dubai, UAE