Malta Citizenship by Investment

The Malta Citizenship by Direct Investment Regulations are based on the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations (Legal Notice 437 of 2020). These regulations provide a legal framework for individuals to acquire Maltese citizenship through significant contributions to the country.

Eligibility for Malta Citizenship by Investment

To be eligible for Malta Citizenship by Direct Investment, the main applicant must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Undertake to take an Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of Malta.
• Render an exceptional contribution to Malta through direct investment, property investment, and a donation to charity.
• Submit a medical examination report attesting to good health and absence of contagious diseases.
• Provide a police conduct certificate.
• Provide evidence of clean source of wealth and funds.
• Demonstrate residency in Malta for at least 36 months, or 12 months with a higher investment.

Requirements for Malta Citizenship

Applicants must fulfil the following three requirements:

1. Direct Investment:

• €600,000 for applications submitted after 36 months of residence. 
• €750,000 for applications submitted after 12 months of residence.
• An additional €50,000 for each dependent.  

2. Property Investment:   

• Purchase a residential property worth at least €700,000 or rent a property with a minimum annual rent of €16,000, both to be held for at least five years.  

3. Donation:

• A minimum donation of €10,000 to a registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare, or artistic NGO

Ineligibility for Malta Citizenship

Certain individuals are ineligible to apply for Maltese citizenship under these regulations:

• Nationals or individuals with close links to Afghanistan, Congo, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Russia, and Belarus.
• Applicants who have been denied a visa to a country with which Malta has visa-free travel arrangements and have not subsequently obtained a visa to that country.
• Individuals who have been convicted of a criminal offence punishable by more than one year of imprisonment.
• Persons who are or have been subject to criminal investigations, or who are considered a potential threat to national security, public policy, or public health.
• Applicants who provide false information or omit material information in their application.
• Individuals who are listed in international sanctions or are involved in activities that could bring disrepute to Malta.

Family Applications for Maltese Citizenship

Family Members who can be included in a Malta Citizenship Application include:

• The main applicant can include the following family members in the application: Spouse. Unmarried and financially dependent children under the age of 29.
• Economically dependent parents and grandparents over the age of 55.

Benefits of Malta Citizenship

Obtaining Malta citizenship through direct investment offers numerous benefits:

• Visa-Free Travel: Enjoy visa-free travel to over 190 countries, including the USA, Canada, the UK, and the EU.
• The right to live, work, and study in any of the 27 European Union countries.
• Family Inclusion: Extend citizenship benefits to your spouse, children, and parents.
• High Quality of Life: Access to Malta's high-quality healthcare and education systems.
• Tax-Friendly Environment: Benefit from Malta's favourable tax regime for individuals and businesses.
• Security and Stability: Malta is known for its political stability and safe environment.
• Generational Benefits: Citizenship can be passed down to future generations.

Government Fees for Malta Citizenship.

The government fees associated with Malta Citizenship by Direct Investment are as follows:

Residency Stage:

• Applicant: Part payment of non-refundable deposit €10,000
• Applicant: Residence permit €5,000
• Each Dependant: Residence permit €1,000
• Applicant: Residency Card €27.50
• Each Dependant: Residency Card €27.50

Eligibility Stage:

• Applicant: Due Diligence Fee €15,000
• Each Dependant (12 years of age and over): Due Diligence Fee €10,000
• Benefactor or Sponsor: Due Diligence Fee €15,000
• Per Applicant/Dependant: Administrative Fee €1,000

Citizenship Stage:

• Applicant: Exceptional Direct Investment (36 Months Residency) €590,000
• Applicant: Exceptional Direct Investment (Less than 36 Months Residency) €740,000
• Each Dependant: Exceptional Direct Investment €50,000
• Per Applicant/Dependant: Administrative Fee €500

Malta Citizenship FAQs

Q: What is the legal basis for the Malta Citizenship by Direct Investment Regulations? 

The regulations are based on the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations (SL 188.06) and Legal Notice 437 of 2020.

Q: Is there a maximum number of applicants allowed under these regulations? 

Yes, the number of citizenship certificates granted shall not exceed 400 yearly and a total of 1,500 for the entire duration of the regulations.

Q: Is the applicant required to keep the qualifying investment for life? 

No, the applicant must keep the qualifying purchased or rented property for at least five years from the date on the certificate of naturalisation.

Q: When does the residence period start? 

The residence period starts on the day the Malta residence card is issued. All adult dependants must hold a residence permit in Malta.

Q: Are due diligence fees payable for all applicants? 

Due diligence fees apply only to individuals over the age of 12.

Our Citizenship Services

As a leading global citizenship advisory, we offer the following citizenship by investment services:

• advice on available options to achieve your specific objectives.
• advice on your eligibility for the preferred citizenship programme.
• pre-immigration tax advice.
• preparation and vetting of the citizenship documentation.
• tax advice
• coordination of lawyers and notaries as may be required.
• 360 degree concierge services in respect of residency, relocation, property search and property rental or purchase.

Applications for Maltese Citizenship by Investment are to be made to and processed wholly by Agenzija Komunita Malta. Director Dr Priscilla Mifsud Parker is a Licensed Citizenship Agent holding licence AKM-ACCA.

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