Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation

The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services through Direct Investment program grants foreign nationals and their families Maltese citizenship via a certificate of naturalisation, acknowledging their significant contributions to the nation's economic prosperity. This typically follows a 36-month residency period, though exceptional circumstances may reduce this to 12 months. A comprehensive due diligence process, encompassing thorough background checks, is applied to each application. The Community Malta Agency, a Maltese Government body, oversees the program's regulations.

Requirements of Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation

The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services through Direct Investment application process is thorough, employing a rigorous four-tier due diligence review. Successful applicants must satisfy these key requirements:

To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Contribute EUR 600,000 for a minimum 36-month residency or EUR 750,000 for at least 12 months.
• Purchase a residential property valued at least EUR 700,000 (held for five years) or lease a property with an annual rental value of at least EUR 16,000 (also for five years, with no subletting permitted). A 36-month (or 18-month, exceptionally) property lease or purchase is required during the residency period.
• Donate at least EUR 10,000 to a registered NGO supporting sports, culture, science, philanthropy, animal welfare, or the arts (as approved by the Community Malta Agency).
• Maintain legal Maltese residency for at least 36 months (or 12 months, exceptionally), including leasing a residential property with a minimum annual rental value of EUR 16,000. A valid residence card is required for citizenship application.

Procedures for Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation Applications must be submitted using the prescribed forms, accompanied by the necessary fees and supporting documents. A thorough due diligence process is undertaken; applications containing false information or omissions will be rejected. Upon successful completion of Tier 1 due diligence checks by the Community Malta Agency, the residence permit application is submitted. Following the grant of residency, an eligibility application is submitted, triggering further (Tiers 2, 3, and 4) due diligence checks by the agency. These findings are then presented to the relevant Maltese minister for a final eligibility determination. If approved, a citizenship application is submitted to the Community Malta Agency after a 36-month residency period (or 12 months under exceptional circumstances). After ministerial approval, successful applicants must fulfill the required investment, donation, and property obligations. Finally, applicants take the oath of allegiance in Malta and receive their Maltese certificate of naturalization. The Community Malta Agency maintains ongoing monitoring for five years.

Benefits of Maltese citizenship

• Maltese citizenship provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 190 countries.
• It offers access to a transparent and reputable financial center, a leading jurisdiction for international business.
• The application process allows for the inclusion of spouses, children, parents, and grandparents.
• Citizens have access to excellent international schools and European Union universities, often with reduced fees or free tuition in some countries. Assistance with securing optimal educational opportunities is available.
• Malta boasts some of the world's most stringent due diligence standards for applicant vetting.
• Malta is an attractive place to live or own a second home, strategically located with convenient air travel connections.

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