Malta is a beautiful Mediterranean island nation that offers two primary pathways for foreign investors looking to establish a presence in the country: Malta Citizenship by Investment and the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP). Among these, the MPRP stands out as the most cost-effective residency option compared to other programs in Europe, making it an attractive choice for those seeking value.

Let’s begin by taking a closer look at the Malta Citizenship by Investment program.

Malta’s Citizenship by Investment program, officially known as the Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN), was the only EU initiative that offered fast-track citizenship through investment. Tailored for individuals and their dependents seeking full citizenship in Malta, this program provided the benefits of extensive travel privileges and the right to live and work across the European Union with a Maltese passport.

Please note that the fees mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of writing. We recommend checking for the latest updates to ensure current information.

If you’re ready to explore your options for residency and take advantage of the Golden Visa or Residency programs, you’re in the right place. Our team is experienced, having assisted applicants from various backgrounds in obtaining their residency through investment. Reach out to us now, click here.

Malta Citizenship by Investment – Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, the primary requirements were:

1. Make a Government Contribution to the National Development and Social Fund: For a standard application, applying after 36 months of residency, a contribution of €600,000 was needed for the main applicant, with an additional €50,000 for each dependent. For expedited applications, after 12 months of residency, the contribution increased to €750,000. This contribution was non-refundable.
2. Purchase or Rent a Property: Applicants had to invest in property, either by purchasing real estate with a minimum value of €700,000 or leasing property with a minimum annual rent of €16,000, held for at least five years from the date citizenship was issued. Subletting or selling of this property during the five-year hold period was not allowed.
3. Make a Compulsory Donation: Applicants had to make a compulsory donation of €10,000 to a registered non-governmental organization or society in Malta.

It is important to note that the applicant had to reside in Malta for either 12 or 36 months before applying for citizenship, depending on the chosen route.

Who Could Apply?

All primary applicants had to be at least 18 years old, in good health, and possess insurance coverage of at least $50,000. They were also required to undergo and pass due diligence checks. These checks were conducted by third parties, including one or more internationally recognized specialized due diligence service providers.

The due diligence process was comprehensive, involving four or more levels of scrutiny, and could include security checks carried out by law enforcement, as well as assessments related to money laundering and terrorism financing risks by the relevant authorities empowered to conduct such checks.

Applicants must not have been refused a visa to a country with a Malta visa waiver agreement, pose any national security or reputational risk, or be under criminal investigation. Additionally, they should not hold citizenship, reside, conduct business, or have significant ties with Afghanistan, Belarus, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or Yemen, nor be a citizen of a country on the U.S. travel ban list.

Qualifying dependents were also allowed in the application process. This included:

• A spouse, provided the marriage is monogamous. Life partners, including those in civil unions, domestic partnerships, and common-law marriages, were also eligible, with the term “spouse” interpreted as gender-neutral in these regulations.
• Dependent children under 18 years of age at the time the citizenship application was submitted, including adopted children.
• Unmarried children over 18 but under 29 years of age, not including 29 years, who were fully or primarily supported.
• Dependent children who had reached the age of 18 at the time of application and were recognized as persons with disabilities.
• Parent dependents over the age of 55 at the time the citizenship application was submitted, who were fully or primarily supported by the main applicant.

If you’re ready to explore your options for residency and take advantage of the Golden Visa or Residency program, you’re in the right place. Our team is experienced, having assisted applicants from various backgrounds in obtaining their residency through investment. Reach out to us now, click here.

What Are the Benefits of Obtaining Maltese Citizenship?

• EU Citizenship: Gain the right to live, work, and study in any EU member state.
• Global Mobility: Visa-free travel to over 170 countries, including the USA.
• Security: Malta offers a safe environment with a low crime rate and a strong healthcare system.
• Investment Opportunities: Malta’s booming economy and real estate market provide significant investment opportunities.
• Tax Efficiency: Malta’s tax system is residency-based rather than citizenship-based, meaning that you may not be required to pay taxes in Malta even if you become a citizen. The country offers specialized tax schemes for new residents, providing additional opportunities for tax efficiency and favorable tax treatment.
• Healthcare: Malta has been recognized among the world’s top healthcare systems. Funded by health insurance and public taxation, Malta’s highly rated healthcare system offers comprehensive services, including hospitalization, pregnancy, childbirth, prescriptions, and specialist treatments.

There is no tax on global income or assets, and you benefit from a significantly reduced tax rate of 15 percent, or a minimum of €15,000 or $16,000, on funds brought into Malta.

If you’re ready to explore your options for residency and take advantage of the Golden Visa or Residency program, you’re in the right place. Our team is experienced, having assisted applicants from various backgrounds in obtaining their residency through investment. Reach out to us now, click here.

Malta Citizenship by Investment – What Was the Process Like?

Residency Application

You had to establish residency in Malta for a minimum of 36 months. This period could be reduced to 12 months if a higher investment threshold was met. To begin the process, you and your dependents were required to submit your residency application and pass your due diligence check. After the Community Malta Agency and the Maltese police approved your application, an appointment would be scheduled within six months. Finally, you would receive your PR card, which served as proof of your residency in Malta.

Citizenship Eligibility Assessment

• Submit an eligibility form indicating your intention to apply, including all dependents.
• Provide necessary documents such as a clean police conduct certificate, medical certificate, and proof of residential property in Malta.
• Pay the non-refundable due diligence fee.

Due Diligence Process

• The Community Malta Agency performed a thorough due diligence check, including background and security verifications.
• Independent service providers could be involved to ensure the legitimacy of funds and overall compliance with the law.

Typically, the processing time for applications ranged from 120 to 150 calendar days.

If you’re ready to explore your options for residency and take advantage of the Golden Visa or Residency program, you’re in the right place. Our team is experienced, having assisted applicants from various backgrounds in obtaining their residency through investment. Reach out to us now, click here.

Malta Citizenship by Investment – Investment Requirement

• Make a direct investment in Malta’s economy: €600,000 if residing for 36 months or €750,000 for 12 months.
• Purchase property worth at least €700,000 or lease a property with a minimum annual rent of €16,000 for five years.
• Donate €10,000 to a registered Maltese philanthropic, cultural, or similar organization.

If you’re ready to explore your options for residency and take advantage of the Golden Visa or Residency program, you’re in the right place. Our team is experienced, having assisted applicants from various backgrounds in obtaining their residency through investment. Reach out to us now, click here.

Malta Citizenship by Investment – Approval in Principle

• Once the application was approved, you would receive a “Letter of Approval in Principle.”
• You had to submit a certified copy of the property contract or lease agreement within four months.

Oath of Allegiance

The process was completed by taking an oath of allegiance within six months after receiving approval.

You could be required to provide additional documentation and undergo interviews during the first five years after obtaining citizenship.

Naturalization

The applicants would receive citizenship and a Maltese passport and be issued a certificate of Naturalization.

The overall Malta citizenship by investment timeline usually took about 12 to 18 months.

If you’re ready to explore your options for residency and take advantage of the Golden Visa or Residency program, you’re in the right place. Our team is experienced, having assisted applicants from various backgrounds in obtaining their residency through investment. Reach out to us now, click here.

Malta Citizenship by Investment – Processing Fees

Aside from the qualifying investment, the following fees were required by the government:

Residence Application Fees

• €10,000 non-refundable investment from the main applicant.
• Government residency application fees: €5,000 for the main applicant and €1,000 per dependent.
• €27.50 residence card fee per card.

Eligibility Process Fees

Due Diligence Fees

• €15,000 for the main applicant.
• €10,000 for adult dependents over 18 years old.

Administrative Fees

• €1,000 per applicant.

Citizenship Program Application Fees

Administrative Fees

• €500 per applicant.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

In contrast, the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is one of the most exciting programs available, offering more reasonable investment amounts and requirements.

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) provides an excellent option for individuals seeking residency without pursuing full citizenship. This program is especially appealing to non-EU nationals who wish to reside in Malta or travel within the Schengen Area without visa requirements. It is one of the most cost-effective residency options available globally.

If you’re ready to explore your options for residency and take advantage of the Golden Visa or Residency program, you’re in the right place. Our team is experienced, having assisted applicants from various backgrounds in obtaining their residency through investment. Reach out to us now, click here.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme – Eligibility Requirements

• The applicant must be at least 18 years old and a non-EU citizen.
• Property Investment: Applicants must invest in property, either purchasing a property valued at a minimum of €350,000 in Malta or €300,000 in Gozo or South Malta, or renting property with a minimum annual rent of €12,000 in Malta or €10,000 in Gozo/South Malta.
• Government Contribution: The contribution varies depending on the property investment: €28,000 if purchasing and €58,000 if renting, plus €7,500 for every parent or grandparent of the principal applicant or spouse.
• Donation: A donation of €2,000 to a local non-governmental organization is required.
• Financial Stability: Applicants must possess assets worth at least €500,000, including €150,000 in financial assets.
• Health Insurance: The applicant must maintain health insurance covering all risks covered for Maltese nationals.
• Criminality: A clean criminal record is required for approval.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme – Investment Options

Malta Permanent Residence Programme – Benefits

• Residency: Permanent residency allows the holder to live indefinitely in Malta.
• Schengen Area Access: Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for 90 out of 180 days.
• Family Inclusion: The program covers the main applicant, spouse, children, parents, and grandparents.
• Investment Flexibility: The property investment is required only for the first five years.
• Language: Malta is an English-speaking country.

Qualifying dependents that can be added to the application include:

• Biological or adopted children under 18 at the time of application.
• Unmarried adult children over 18 who are financially reliant on the principal applicant.
• Parents or grandparents of the principal applicant or their spouse who are financially dependent.
• Adult children with disabilities of the principal applicant or their spouse.
• To include grandchildren as dependents, the principal applicant must be their legal guardian, and documentation proving guardianship is required for the application.

If you’re ready to explore your options for residency and take advantage of the Golden Visa or Residency program, you’re in the right place. Our team is experienced, having assisted applicants from various backgrounds in obtaining their residency through investment. Reach out to us now, click here.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme – Application Process & Timeline

Application submission requires all required documents, including:

• Valid passport for all applicants and birth certificates, when applicable.
• Criminal record for all applicants over 14 years old, issued by the competent authorities in the country of origin or country of residence where the applicant resided for over 6 months during the last 10 years.
• Cover letter.
• Health insurance to confirm that the main applicant and dependents are not suffering from any serious illness or contagious disease and are otherwise in good health, and will not be, in terms of the medical review carried out by the Agency, an unreasonable burden on the national health system.
• An undertaking to purchase or lease an immovable property in Malta under the legal requirements.
• Personal information for the due diligence processes, carried out by the agent, confirming there is no evidence that the main applicant and dependents are not fit and proper persons.
• Power of attorney with a verified agent.
• Medical report and questionnaire.
• Proof of source of funds and wealth for the main applicant only.
• Bank statements for the main applicant only.
• Evidence of business ownership or employment for the main applicant only or benefactor.
• An undertaking to remit the total contribution payable and donation required to apply for the program.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme – Comparison with Other Residencies in Europe

• Overall, Malta is the easiest pathway to acquire residency among these four countries. It also does not require language for applying for citizenship. However, the Malta residency program does not necessarily lead to citizenship, unlike the other countries in this comparison.
• The residencies for these four countries allow travel to the Schengen Area.
• Portugal is the only country in this comparison where you cannot invest in real estate to obtain residency.
• For Greece, the applicant can choose the area of investment. Depending on the area, the minimum investment can be €400,000 or €800,000.
• Spain has the strictest requirements for citizenship, as it requires 10 years of continuous residence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) stands out as one of the most attractive residency by investment options in Europe. Its cost-effectiveness, especially when compared to other European programs, coupled with the flexibility of investment requirements, makes it a highly appealing choice for non-EU nationals.

The MPRP not only grants permanent residency with the freedom to live indefinitely in Malta but also offers visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, making it a strategic option for those seeking enhanced global mobility. Furthermore, the inclusion of family members and the ability to invest in property at lower entry points create a streamlined and less burdensome process, ideal for those prioritizing residency over full citizenship.

Malta’s English-speaking environment, robust healthcare system, and stable economy further solidify the MPRP as one of the best options for individuals looking to secure European residency through investment.

Contact Us Now

If you’re ready to explore your options for residency and take advantage of the Golden Visa or Residency programs, you’re in the right place. Our team is experienced, having assisted applicants from various backgrounds in obtaining their residency through investment. Reach out to us now, click here.

If you’re ready to apply and would like a 1-on-1 session with one of the immigration team members at INGWE, you can also book a session directly using this consultation link.