Foreign nationals may now apply for the Individual Investor Programme (IIP), which allows for the grant of citizenship by a certificate of naturalization to those who contribute to the economic development of Malta.
By virtue of Legal Notice LN47/2014 the Government of the Republic of Malta grants naturalisation by investment to reputable individuals and their dependants, after a rigid and thorough due diligence process, that make a significant contribution to the social and economic development of the country.
The investment required in terms of this Programme is fourfold:
Property
Buy a property in Malta having a minimum value of €350,000 (and retain it for at least 5 years), or lease a property for a minimum annual rent of €16,000 (and retain it for at least 5 years).
Investment
Invest in Malta an amount of at least €150,000, stocks, bonds, debentures, special purpose vehicles, or other investment vehicles, and retain them for at least 5 years.
Contribution
Contribute a minimum of €650,000, for the main applicant, €25,000 for the spouse and for each and every child below 18 years of age, and €50,000 for each and every unmarried child between 18 years of age and 26 years of age and for each and every dependant parent above 55 years of age.
Residence
The main applicant must prove that he has been a resident of Malta for a period of at least 12 months, preceding the issuance of the naturalisation certificate.
An application seeking the naturalisation as a citizen of Malta under the citizenship by investment programme must be submitted by an Accredited Person (declared as such by Identity Malta) and engaged for the purposes by the applicant.