Malta Citizenship by Investment 2024

Malta Citizenship By Investment Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility requirements for Malta Citizenship by Investment are crucial to understanding the application process. To ensure success in the application, it is important to familiarize oneself with these requirements and ensure they are met.

Financial Investment Requirements to obtain Maltese Citizenship

The new Malta Citizenship by Direct Investment Regulations allows individuals and family dependants to acquire Citizenship, and therefore a Maltese Passport, by making a direct investment in the country.

The direct investments that are required under the Malta Citizenship by Investment (MEIN) procedures are the following:

Government Contribution:

A government contribution goes to the national development and social fund is deemed to be paid before being granted with Maltese Citizenship, which can vary as below:

• Standard procedure: If applying after 36 months of residency, a contribution of €650,000 for the Main Applicant and €50,000 is added for each additional dependent;

• Expedited procedure: If the applicant decides to apply at the 12th month or after only a year, a contribution of €750,000 is due, plus €50,000 for each additional dependent. That's the minimum investment threshold.

A Property Investment in Malta:

Either buy a property or real estate in Malta with a minimum value of €700,000 or to lease a property for a minimum annual rent of €16,000 and retain it for at least five years from the date of the certificate of Citizenship;

Donation:

A compulsory donation of €10,000 to a registered non-governmental organisation or society.

The qualifying investment must be held for five years, and the applicant must show strong links to the island.

Expert Guidance on Acquiring Your Dream Property and Meeting Investment Requirements

Living in Malta

Prospective applicants must physically present and reside in Malta and establish connecting factors during the residence period. These conditions should be met by providing documented evidence. Additionally, applicants need to submit a proposal to the Agency outlining their plans to create these connecting factors as part of the eligibility application.

The requirement for physical presence ensures that applicants develop a significant connection with the country and its society, fostering a profound appreciation for the Maltese way of life and culture. This residency requirement is a crucial aspect of the citizenship application process, aiming to encourage authentic integration and dedication to the nation.

Who Can Apply For The Malta Citizenship by Investment Program?

An individual his or her dependents can apply for the Malta Citizenship by Investment, now replaced with the Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN).

The qualifying dependents are defined by the Legal Notice 437 of 2020 as it follows:

• the spouse, as long as it is monogamous marriage. Life partners, including a civil union, domestic partnership, and common law marriage also qualify, and the term “spouse” in these regulations shall be construed as gender-neutral;
• children dependent, under 18 years old at the time that the citizenship application is submitted;
• children over 18 but under 29 years (29 years old not included), at the time that the citizenship application is submitted, who are unmarried and fully or primarily supported;
• dependent children, who at the time of the application have attained the age of eighteen (18) and are qualified as a person with a disability;
• Parent dependents over the age of 55 years old at the time that the citizenship application is submitted, who are fully or primarily supported by the Main Applicant.

The definition of children dependent it also includes adopted children.

Processing Fees of the Malta Citizenship by Investment

Aside from the above qualifying investment criteria, acquiring Maltese Citizenship requires the payment of the following Due Diligence fees;

Residence Application Fees:

• €10,000 which is a non-refundable investment from the Main Applicant
• €1,000 per dependent
• €27.50 Residence Card Fees per card

Eligibility Process Fees:

Due Diligence Fees:

• €15,000 for the Main Applicant
• €10,000 for adult dependents over 18 years old
• If the applicant is sponsored, a Due Diligence fee of €15,000

Administrative Fees:

• €1,000 per applicant

Citizenship Program Application Fees:

After the Eligibility approval, the main applicant has to make the above-mentioned investments, contributions, and donations.

Administrative Fees:

• €500 per applicant

In case of residence cards renewals, there will be a charge of €227.50, and for a change in address, the fee will be of €27.50.

Documents Required To Apply For The Malta Citizenship By Investment

The documents needed throughout the application process as part of the due diligence checks include:

• Power of attorney – Allowing the accredited licensed agent to act on behalf of the applicant throughout the application
• Introductory letter - Explaining the applicant’s main reasons for applying for the MEIN whilst showcasing the applicant’s commitment to satisfying the MEIN criteria along with other commitments to evidence personal, commercial, and/or financial genuine links to Malta.
• Original birth certificate/s
• Marriage/divorce certificate/s
• Bank statements – covering 6 months prior to the application date
• Source of wealth and source of funds supporting documentation
• Property lease or purchase agreement – abiding by the above listed conditions
• Health Insurance Policy – covering the applicant and all other dependents in Malta, stating that the minimum coverage is 50,000 per person.

We will be glad to provide you with a detailed capital outlay for your specific situation. Please contact us for further information.

Process & Timeline to acquire Malta Citizenship by Investment 

Step 1: Onboarding the client with CSB Group – Basic identification documents are needed at this stage. Such documents include a Passport, Utility Bill as Proof of Address, CSB Application Form, and CV or Linkedin Profile.

Step 2: Residency Application - After signing the POA, CSB Group starts helping the client obtain the necessary documents and forms needed for the first step of MEIN. Once all documents and forms are gathered, CSB Group accompanies the client for the biometric appointment following which the applicant will receive his/her Maltese residence card. At this stage, the client would opt for either the 12-month route or the 36-month route.

Step 3: The eligibility pack needs to be submitted to the agency prior to the expiration of the 12-month of the 36-month residency period. CSB Group will guide the applicant throughout this stage in order to ensure that the application is all set and ready for evaluation.

Step 4: Once the eligibility application is approved by the agency, an approval letter is issued. An applicant who opted for the 12-month route may apply for Maltese citizenship after the 12-month residency period has passed, whilst applicants who applied for the 36-month route may apply for residency after the 36-month period of residency has passed.  

Step 5: Once the application is approved, the client would need to carry out the financial contributions to the Maltese government along with a donation to a recognised voluntary organisation. Once this is done, the client will need to take an oath to pledge his allegiance to Malta. The certificate of naturalisation is then issued. After this, we will help the client to apply for his/her Malta passport and a residence permit is granted.

The Benefits of The Malta Citizenship by Investment

Some of the main benefits of being granted with Maltese Citizenship are the following:

• Freedom and Safety: Live and work in the E.U. member states and enjoy visa-free travel to more than 170 countries, including the USA through an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).
• Accessibility: For your personal and business life. The strategic location of the island, just a 2-3 hr flight from all major financial capitals of Europe, makes Malta the safe harbour for your family needs.
• A Sound Investment: A strong economy with a booming Real Estate market and also a Fintech hub.
• Citizenship is for life and may be passed onto future generations.
• A Maltese Citizenship grants access to the Schengan area thereby enabling the individual to travel to this area visa free.

Having a second or even a third Citizenship is an intangible asset for the discerning investors interested in structuring their professional and personal life in a respected and law-abiding country. This has become the preferred asset diversification tool, which gives an edge against geopolitical risk.

Making a Direct Investment in Malta and therefore being granted with Maltese Citizenship through the Malta Citizenship by Direct Investment Regulations is the best way to acquire the most desired Citizenship with one of the stringent due diligence processes in place, a sound and stable investment in one of E.U. booming economies providing a safe harbour with multiple opportunities for the whole family.

How Can We Help You Obtain The Maltese Citizenship by Investment?

With a history and tradition in Malta, CSB Group’s goal is to provide top-notch services to Private Clients worldwide. You can get in touch with us at [email protected] where one of our consultants will be able to guide you further.

Other Eligibility Requirements

Aside from these financial criteria, to get Malta Citizenship by Direct Investment individuals and their families need to pass strong background checks. A strict eligibility criterion is followed, and candidates interested in acquiring Maltese Citizenship need to be law-abiding citizens. 

Therefore, and according to the actual Maltese Citizenship by Investment (MEIN) procedures, individuals and their families will be eligible if they make the following undertakings:

• To take the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of Malta, and to promote the fundamental and democratic values of the Republic of Malta
• To makes an exceptional direct investment in the economic and social development of the Republic of Malta
• Undertakes to declare that they are fit and proper persons to hold Maltese Citizenship

Also, successful candidates will need to comply with all Due Diligence requirements and provide supporting documents, like police criminal records, proof of the source of funds and wealth. Also, supporting documentation like passport copies and birth certificates must be legalised and counterlegalised.

Is Malta Citizenship by Investment Programme Open to Applicants of All Nationalities?

Any person of integrity who is at least 18 years of age and has a clean police record is eligible to apply for second citizenship in Malta under their "Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment" regulations. The exception is citizens of Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Venezuela, and Russia who are not allowed to apply.

Is Malta a Safe Country For My children?

Malta is considered as one of the safest countries in Europe and in the world. Crime rates are relatively low. The Maltese population is English-speaking and locals speak fluent English which make it easy for integration. The country also offers very reputable healthcare services, ranked among the top five in the world by the World Health Organization. Maltese Citizens can benefit from the country’s free healthcare system and are entitled to free healthcare from government-run clinics and hospitals in Malta.

Education is regulated by the state and therefore, Maltese citizens are eligible to not only receive the required accreditation, but also such accreditation is accepted in other European countries. The Maltese education system comprises of education in primary schools and secondary school education. Youngsters who wish to further their studies after secondary school, are given the opportunity to enter post-secondary institutions, and even university. These are all completely free for citizens in Malta.

Malta: a Safe Haven For You And Your Family

Albeit small in size, Malta is not short of reasons why one would choose its program to become a European Citizen. With a strategic position in the heart of the Mediterranean for foreign investors and a distinctive island lifestyle, it is safe to state that Malta has the whole package.

The advantageous tax rates and investment programmes offered to foreign investors, coupled with rich culture and history and a pleasant Mediterranean climate, make Malta stand out.

Nowadays, the discerning investor that is interested in becoming a European Citizen and structuring a business and professional life in a stable and booming E.U. economy has the opportunity to obtain a Maltese Citizenship through the Malta Citizenship by Direct Investment (Malta CBI).

Malta boasts a robust and booming economy, warm, welcoming people and a vast array of benefits for those looking for a peaceful yet vibrant lifestyle with European access – and most importantly, doing so through a sound and a smart investment.

What is The difference Between The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) and Malta Citizenship by Investment?

MPRP allows third-country nationals to apply for permanent residency in Malta after passing stringent due diligence checks and making an investment in the country, however, the MPRP status does not lead to Citizenship. While Citizenship by Investment requires the applicant to make a contribution to the government of at least €600,000, the MPRP contribution depends on whether the property is rented or purchased. If the property in Malta is purchased, the contribution will be at least €28,000. If the property is rented, the contribution will be at a minimum amount of €58,000.

The property requirement for the Citizenship by Investment Programme requires the applicant to purchase a property of €700,00 or more in Malta or rent a property for a minimum value of €16,000 per year, while the MPRP Programme requires the applicant to either purchase a property which has the minimum value of €350000 for a property situated in Malta. If rented, the lease value must be for a minimum of €12,000 per year for a property situated in Malta.

There are also differences in the donation requirements between the two Citizenship programmes. The Citizenship by Investment applicant must make a donation of €10,000 while an individual applying for MPRP has to make a donation of €2,000 to a local non-governmental organisation such as animal welfare, environmental, cultural, and heritage NGOS, or other entities registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a language requirement to qualify for the Malta Citizenship By Investment?

Individuals are not required to know a particular language to be accepted for the Malta Citizenship by Investment Programme.

Can my children study and work in any EU country?

Persons with a Malta Citizenship benefit from significant mobility. They have the freedom to live, study, and work in any EU country.

Is Malta Part of The Schengen Area?

Yes, Malta forms part of The Schengen Area.

Is Malta a European Union Country?

Yes, Malta joined the European Union in 2004.

How fast can I become a Malta Citizen?

The minimum amount of time needed to obtain a Malta Citizenship by Investment is 12 months. However, if you have already met the residency requirements and investment regulation, you can obtain citizenship in Malta in six months.

What is the Malta Citizenship by Investment official website?

The Malta citizenship by Investment official government website is https://komunita.gov.mt/en/services/acquisition-of-citizenship/ 

Does Malta accept multiple/dual citizenship?

Malta accepts dual or multiple citizenship, however, the persons concerned are advised to verify whether their country's citizenship law permits this.