Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation
Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is renowned for its pleasant climate, welcoming community, low crime rate, and exceptional quality of life. Whether as a primary residence or a second home, the country offers an appealing living environment along with well-established air connections. Malta provides a pathway to citizenship through naturalization for foreign investors and their families who make a significant contribution to the nation’s economic growth.
Key Advantages
Extensive Global Mobility – Enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 190 destinations worldwide.
Strong Financial & Business Environment – Benefit from Malta’s transparent financial system and its status as a prime jurisdiction for international business.
Inclusive Family Citizenship – The program allows the inclusion of spouses, children, parents, and grandparents under the main application.
Access to Quality Education – Malta offers excellent international schools, as well as reduced or free tuition at universities across the European Union.
Highest Due Diligence Standards – Applicants undergo one of the world’s most rigorous vetting processes, ensuring a secure and reputable program.
Ideal Living & Investment Destination – A desirable location for residency or a second home, with superb air connections and a strategic position in Europe.
Requirements
Applicants for Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment must meet stringent criteria, with each submission undergoing a four-tier due diligence process. The following conditions must be satisfied:
- Minimum Age Requirement – All applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Financial Contribution – A non-refundable contribution of:
- EUR 600,000 for a minimum 36-month residence period
- EUR 750,000 for a minimum 12-month residence period (in exceptional cases)
- Real Estate Investment – Applicants must either:
- Purchase a residential property in Malta valued at a minimum of EUR 700,000, which must be held for five years
- Lease a residential property with an annual rental value of at least EUR 16,000, maintained for five years (subletting is not permitted)
- A 36-month lease agreement (or 18 months by exception) or property purchase is required during the residence period.
- Philanthropic Contribution – A donation of at least EUR 10,000 to a registered non-governmental organization in sports, culture, science, philanthropy, animal welfare, or the arts, as approved by the Community Malta Agency.
- Legal Residency Requirement – Applicants must maintain legal residence in Malta for at least:
- 36 months (or 12 months by exception)
- This includes holding a rental property worth at least EUR 16,000 per year for the required period.
- A valid residence card is necessary to submit a citizenship application.
Procedure
The application for Maltese citizenship must be submitted using the prescribed forms, accompanied by the required fees and supporting documents. Each application undergoes rigorous due diligence, and any false information or omissions will result in rejection.
Step 1: Initial Due Diligence and Residence Permit
- The Community Malta Agency conducts Tier 1 due diligence checks.
- If approved, the applicant proceeds with a residence permit application.
Step 2: Eligibility Assessment
- After securing legal residence, an eligibility application is submitted.
- The Community Malta Agency performs additional Tier 2, 3, and 4 due diligence checks.
- Findings are presented to the relevant Maltese minister, who determines whether the applicant qualifies to apply for citizenship.
Step 3: Citizenship Application and Investment Fulfillment
- Upon approval, the citizenship application is submitted after 36 months of residence (or 12 months by exception).
- The minister evaluates the application and decides on the granting of Maltese citizenship.
- The applicant must then complete the investment, donation, and property requirements.
Step 4: Oath of Allegiance and Certificate of Naturalization
- Once all conditions are met, the applicant is invited to take the oath of allegiance in Malta.
- The applicant is then officially granted Maltese citizenship and receives a certificate of naturalization.
Post-Citizenship Monitoring
- The Community Malta Agency will conduct continuous monitoring for five years to ensure compliance.
Dual Citizenship
- Malta imposes no restrictions on dual citizenship, allowing applicants to retain their original nationality.
Any Questions
Contact us to get started with the answers you need. If you have further questions, our dedicated team of experts is ready to offer you accurate and reliable information.
