Malta
Malta is a Southern European island country located in the Mediterranean Sea. With its rich history and culture, Malta is a popular destination for many tourists from all around. It is also a member of the European Union, the United Nations, and the Commonwealth of Nations. Tourism, financial services, and manufacturing mainly drive the country’s economy.
One way to obtain citizenship in Malta is through the Malta Citizenship by Investment Program, also known as the Individual Investor Program (IIP). The program requires a significant contribution to the country’s economy, fulfilled through donating to the National Development and Social Fund or investing in government-approved instruments. Applicants must also meet specific eligibility criteria related to their health, character, and financial standing. Successful applicants and their families obtain Maltese citizenship, which gives them the right to live, work, and study in Malta and the European Union.
Steps and Timeline for Acquiring Malta Citizenship Through Investment:
Malta’s Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CDI) is a citizenship-by-investment program with specific investment requirements.
- Contact a licensed agent
- Due diligence and background checks:
- Choose an investment option
- Submit application
- Approval in principle
- Citizenship certificate
- Contact a licensed agent: The first step is to contact a licensed agent who will provide information and assist you in the application process.
- Due diligence and background checks: To ensure you meet the necessary criteria, you must undergo due diligence and background checks.
- Choose an investment option: There are several investment options available, including a non-refundable contribution to the National Development and Social Fund, purchasing or leasing property, or investing in government-approved financial instruments. The financial commitment depends on the chosen residency timeframe:
- Financial Contribution: Applicants who have resided for three years must make a financial contribution of 600,000 euros, while those for only one year, under exceptional circumstances, must contribute 750,000 euros. This contribution is known as Exceptional Direct Investment.
- Real Estate Investment: Regardless of the residency duration, all applicants have two options for the property investment requirement. They can purchase a residential property with a minimum value of 700,000 euros or rent a residential property with a minimum annual cost of 16,000 euros for at least five years from their certificate of citizenship date.
- Donation: Applicants must make a charitable donation of 10,000 euros to an approved Local Voluntary Organization.
- Apply: Once you have chosen your investment option, submit your application and all the required documents.
- Approval in principle: The government will approve your application after their review.
- Investment and contribution: You must make the required investment and contribution to the National Development and Social Fund.
- Citizenship certificate: Once you meet all the requirements, you will obtain a citizenship certificate.
The timeline for acquiring Malta citizenship through investment is typically around 12-16 months, depending on the complexity of the application and the investment option chosen. However, it’s important to note that this timeline can vary and is subject to change based on individual circumstances.
It’s advisable to consult official sources or seek professional guidance for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the MPRP.
Malta Permanent Residency Program:
The Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) is a residency-by-investment initiative launched in 2021, offering permanent residency to international investors from non-European Union countries who meet specific criteria:
- Property Requirement: Investors must purchase or rent residential property for a minimum of five years from the issuance of the residence certificate. The minimum investment amount is 300,000 euros for property purchase and 10,000 euros for rental property.
- Administrative Fee: The non-refundable Maltese Government administrative fee is 40,000 euros. Out of this amount, 10,000 euros is required upfront at the time of the initial submission.
- Financial Contribution: Investors must make a financial contribution of 58,000 euros for renting a property or 28,000 euros for purchasing a property.
- Charitable Donation: A donation of 2,000 euros to a local charity based in Malta is required.
- Financial Assets: Applicants must demonstrate possession of capital assets worth 500,000 euros, with a minimum of 150,000 euros in financial assets maintained for the first five years of annual compliance.
Additionally, the application can include financially dependent family members of the principal applicant, but this may require payment of additional fees.
Performance Guarantee:
Malta’s Citizenship by Investment program, known as the Individual Investor Program (IIP), requires a substantial contribution to the Maltese economy, including a significant investment in Maltese government bonds. As part of the application process, applicants must sign an agreement with the Maltese government that includes a performance guarantee clause.
The performance guarantee requires the applicant to maintain their investment in the Maltese economy for at least five years, during which they must also maintain their residency status in Malta. If the applicant fails to comply with these requirements, the Maltese government has the right to retain a portion of the applicant’s investment.
The performance guarantee clause ensures that the applicant is committed to investing in and contributing to the Maltese economy and remains invested in the country for a reasonable period. Furthermore, it assures the Maltese government that the investment will positively impact the country’s economy over the long term.