Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization
The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment process allows for the granting of citizenship by a certificate of naturalization to foreign individuals and their families who contribute to the country’s economic development. This is possible following a 36-month (or, by exception, 12-month) residence period. Each application is subject to a stringent due diligence process, including thorough background checks. Community Malta Agency is the competent Maltese Government Agency responsible for administering the regulations. Henley & Partners (license number AKM-HENL) is an official agent for this regulated citizenship process.
Benefits of Maltese citizenship
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 186 destinations
- Access to a transparent and reputable financial centre and a prime jurisdiction for international business
- World’s strictest due diligence standards and vetting of applicants, thus ensuring only highly respectable applicants
- An attractive place to live or own a second home in, strategically located with excellent air links
Requirements of Maltese citizenship by naturalization
The application for Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is thoroughly checked and assessed and undergoes a four-tier due diligence process. To qualify, the following requirements must be fulfilled:
- A minimum age of 18 years for all applicants
- A contribution of at least EUR 600,000 for a minimum residence period of 36 months or EUR 750,000 for a minimum of 12 months
- The purchase of a residential property in Malta of at least EUR 700,000, which must be held for five years. Alternatively, the lease of a residential property with a rental value of at least EUR 16,000 per annum, also held for five years. Please note that the property cannot be sublet during this five-year period. A 36-month (or 18-month, by exception) lease agreement or property purchase is required during the residence period
- A donation of at least EUR 10,000 to a registered sport, cultural, scientific, philanthropic, animal welfare, or artistic non-governmental organization or society, as approved by the Community Malta Agency
- Legal residence of Malta for at least 36 months (or 12 months, by exception), which includes the lease of a residential property with a rental value of at least EUR 16,000 per annum, held for that same period. Applicants require a valid residence card in order to apply for citizenship
Procedures and time frame
Applications must be made on the prescribed forms and be accompanied by the appropriate fees and specific documents. Highly detailed due diligence checks are carried out and an application will be declined if it turns out that it contains false information or omissions.
If the Tier 1 due diligence checks completed by the Community Malta Agency are passed, the application for a residence permit will be submitted. After residence has been obtained, an eligibility application will be submitted and further (tiers 2, 3, and 4) due diligence checked will be made by the agency and presented to the relevant Maltese minister, who will decide on the applicant’s eligibility to apply for citizenship.
If successful, a citizenship application will be submitted to the Community Malta Agency after 36 months of residence (or 12 months by exception). After the minister has decided if the applicant can be granted Maltese citizenship, the successful applicant will then be required to fulfil the exceptional investment, donation, and property requirements. Thereafter, the applicant will be invited to take the oath of allegiance in Malta and be presented with a Maltese certificate of naturalization.
The Community Malta Agency will conduct continuous monitoring for five years.
Dual citizenship
There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in Malta.
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme
Malta is a very attractive location for private residence. The island nation enjoys a stable political climate and is strategically located, with excellent air links. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme offers non-Maltese persons the possibility of acquiring a European residence permit in an EU country and visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen Area. Henley & Partners (license number AKM-HENL) is an official agent for this regulated residence process.
Benefits of Maltese residence by investment
- Residence in an EU country and visa-free access across Europe’s Schengen Area for 90 days out of a 180-day period
- Right to reside indefinitely in Malta
- Investment required only for first five years
- No residence requirement
- Family members included
Requirements of the Malta Permanent Residence Programme
The main applicant must be at least 18 years of age to qualify and must provide an affidavit declaring that from the date of the application, they have in their possession capital of no less than EUR 500,000 (EUR 150,000 of which should be in financial assets). The following application requirements must be met to qualify for the program:
- A property purchase of EUR 350,000 (EUR 300,000 in South Malta or Gozo), or a property lease of EUR 12,000 per annum (EUR 10,000 in South Malta or Gozo)
- A contribution of EUR 28,000 to the Maltese economy if the residential property is purchased, or EUR 58,000 if the property is leased
- A donation to a non-governmental organization of EUR 2,000
- A non-refundable administration fee of EUR 40,000
Procedures and time frame of residence by investment in Malta
The application requirements and procedures for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme are reasonable and straightforward. The application is submitted to the Residency Malta Agency, the government agency responsible for applications. After stringent due diligence checks, successful applicants will be requested to complete the qualifying investments and will then be issued a residence permit. Residency Malta Agency will issue successful applicants with a Maltese residence cer