Malta's Citizenship by Investment Programme
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About Malta
The Maltese archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean and consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino with a total population of over 400.000 inhabitants occupying an area of 316 sq. kilometres. British rule in Malta lasted until 1964 when the island became independent. Ten years later, in 1974, Malta became a Republic within the British Commonwealth.
After independence, industry and tourism advanced at a fast pace, and today Malta and Gozo have established an industrial and services economy and flourishing tourist enterprises. In 2004 Malta formally joined the EU in May 2004.
Today, Malta is a popular holiday destination and tourism is the nation's main source of income. With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7.000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do.
Malta Citizenship by Investment Programme
Malta Individual Investor Programme is designed to facilitate Maltese Citizenship by Investment to non-Maltese nationals and their dependents.
The Individual Investor Programme of the Republic of Malta (IIP), regulated by a revised Malta Citizenship Act (Chapter 188 of the Law of Malta) amended in November 2013 and enacted by the of Legal Notice 47 of 2014, allows for the granting of citizenship by a certificate of naturalisation to individuals and their families who contribute to the economic and social development of Malta.
Subject to stringent vetting and diligence process, including thorough background checks, the applicants and their dependents are granted citizenship in exchange for their contribution.
To qualify for Maltese citizenship, applicants must be over 18 years old, fulfill a residency requirement of a minimum period or 12 months and meet the investment criteria.
IIP Malta is still accepting new applications but the programme is currently capped at 1.800 participants. As of November 2016, the Individual Investor Programme received over 800 applications on behalf if investors.
Investment Options
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Malta's Individual Investor Programme
To qualify for Malta Citizenship by Investment, the main applicant must fulfill the following requirements:
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contribute at least €650.000 to Malta's e National Development and Social Fund. Spouses and children are required to contribute €35.000 and unmarried children between 18 and 25 and dependent parents must contribute €50.000 each
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invest at least €150.000 in government approved bonds, shares or debentures which must be kept for at least five years
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make an investment in residential property of at least €350.000 or enter a property rental contract for at least €16.000 per year for a minimum period of five years
The contribution and investments are made after the approval of the applicant's citizenship application.
Additional requirements
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Be at least 18 years old
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Undergo a 'fit and proper' test
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Demonstrate a clean criminal record
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Demonstrate that they are healthy
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Must be covered by an international insurance policy
Application Process
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Procedure for Malta's Citizenship by Investment application
We set-out below the steps of the process of applying for Maltese citizenship:
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Application preparation and submission (main applicant and dependents)
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Payment of an initial deposit of €10.000 towards the €650.000 contribution, due diligence and passport fees
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Processing of application and due diligence checks
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Issuance of letter of approval of application
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Contribution to the National Development and Social Fund (within 25 days)
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Investment in financial instruments and fulfill the property requirements
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Complete the residence requirements
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Certificate of naturalisation is issued 12 months after the date on the residence permit
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Maltese passports are issued
We generally advise clients that the process is expected to take up to 12 months to obtain citizenship of Malta after the application is submitted to the Government of Malta.
For more information on Malta's citizenship by invesment programme please contact us at
malta@onecitizen.com.
The benefits of the Malta Individual Investor Programme
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Visa free travel to more than 120 countries, including the USA
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EU Member State allowing its citizens the right to live and work in any other EU Member State
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Maltese citizenship allows its holder free travel within the 26 members of the Schengen zone
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Safe, secure and pleasant lifestyle
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One of the lowest crime rates worldwide
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Excellent healthcare facilities
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No wealth, inheritance or gift tax
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Unique tax planning opportunities
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Malta has no restrictions on holding dual nationality
Maltese citizens enjoy visa-free travel to over 120 countries (some require visa on entry). It is strongly advisable that the relevant Government authorities and agencies are contacted prior to travel arrangements made.