The Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations allow for the acquisition of Maltese citizenship by investment following a 36 months or by exception a 12 month residence period. Each application undergoes a strict four-tier due diligence process and are to be submitted to the Agenzija Komunita Malta by a licensed agent. 

In today’s dynamic global landscape, with shifting geopolitical realities, there’s a growing number of affluent looking to relocate to safer countries. They seek to broaden their horizons and integrate into welcoming communities, presenting opportunities for them and their families. 

The acquisition of Maltese citizenship offers many benefits to investors. Malta also offers visa free travel to over 190 countries including all EU & Schengen countries, the U.S.A , Canada and the U.K. Citizens can also live, work, study in any of the 27 EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland & Liechtenstein.

Moreover, Maltese citizens are also granted access to free health care and education. Malta also boasts a high quality of life, an excellent international reputation with very good diplomatic ties and low crime rates making it the ideal place to raise a family. Malta also recognises dual citizenship, meaning that previous citizenships need not be renounced. 

The Malta Citizenship by investment programme requires  applicants to meet certain criteria prior to the granting of citizenship. The main applicant must be at least 18 years of age. In the case of a family application the dependants may include the following; a spouse or partner of the main applicant, children who are dependent on the main applicant and who have not yet attained the age of 29 and parents/grandparents of the main applicant/spouse who are at least 55 years of age, who are also financially dependent on the main applicant. This must be corroborated with signed affidavits, together with supporting documents by the adult dependants stating that they are financially dependent on the main applicant, with the exception of the spouse. The spouse has to prove that s/he is in fact the spouse of the main applicant by producing the marriage certificate.

The main applicant must also prove that all applicants are of good health.  This is further ensured through the requirement that the main applicant together with the dependents must be covered by a health insurance and undergo a medical test.

The Maltese government also has a thorough due diligence process in place so as to maintain the highest reputation of the programme. Applicants must undergo a ‘Fit and Proper’ test which establishes that the main applicant together with the dependants have a clean criminal record. This includes verification with the International Criminal Court, INTERPOL and other authorities. 

Currently, prospective applicants who are nationals of or have close ties to the following listed countries shall not be eligible to apply under the Malta Citizenship programme.  These countries are: Afghanistan, Belarus, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Russia, Venezuela, and Yemen.

Under the Malta citizenship programme, applicants are required to invest in 3 different ways; in the form of a contribution to a government fund, property purchase or rental and a donation to charity.

On approval, the applicant must make a contribution of €600,000 after a residence period of 36 months or €750,000 after a residence period of 12 months. To include dependents, to the application an additional contribution of  €50,000 is required.  

The applicant must also invest in property in Malta via one of the two options available; either purchasing a property for a minimum value of €700,000 or entering into a rental agreement for a minimum value of €16,000 a year, both of which must be kept for a minimum period of 5 years.  

Furthermore, the applicant must also donate €10,000 to a register cultural, charity, sport, scientific, animal welfare or artistic NGO or society as approved by the citizenship agency.

Applicants must also pay the following due diligence fees:

• Main Applicant – €15,000
• Each dependant aged 12 or more – €10,000

Prospective applicants are required to be in Malta and build connecting personal, social and commercial factors during the 1 year or 3 year residence period.  These requirements shall be satisfied by providing documented proof when submitting the application.  

Applications submitted under the programme are received and processed by Community Malta Agency.  Individuals who are interested in the Malta citizenship programme must be represented by a Licensed Agent.