Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment

OVERVIEW

Since the end of 2020, Malta’s government has welcomed applications for citizenship from people contributing to the island’s economic development.

Open to qualifying individuals, their families and dependents, citizenship allows you to live and work in Malta and any European Union member country, and to travel freely within the EU and worldwide to over 180 countries including Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, the US and UK.

Comprehensive criteria and conditions for those considering application are set out in the ‘Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations’. These also place an annual limit on the number of accepted applicants, each of whom must pass stringent due diligence tests and meet a minimum expected level of investment.

KEY INFORMATION

Who can apply?
Under the regulations, persons aged 18 and over can apply for Maltese citizenship. They may include family members within the application, including spouse, unmarried dependents under the age of 29 and dependent parents over the age of 55.

The main applicant and any dependents must have backgrounds free from anything Malta’s Government views as undesirable. This includes not being under criminal investigation, nor deemed a potential national security or reputational risk, not denied a visa from countries Malta has free travel arrangements with and not included on a US travel ban list.

The Maltese Government specifically excludes nationals of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea). This list, which may change from time-to-time, extends to those who reside, do business or have significant ties and connections to these countries.

The Community Malta Agency (CMA) is responsible for administering the citizenship application process on behalf of the Maltese Government.

Principal requirements
Successful applicants must:

• Have been legally resident in Malta for a minimum of 36 months (or 12 months by exception), leasing a residential property during that time with annual rental value of at least €16,000
• Make a minimum investment in Malta of €590,000 (or €740,000 after 12 months by exception)
• From the point of being granted citizenship, purchase a Maltese residential property for a minimum of €750,000 or lease a residential property with annual rental value of at least €16,000. In both cases, the property must be retained (and not sub-let) for a minimum of five years
• Donate a minimum of €10,000 to an approved and registered sport, cultural, scientific, philanthropic, animal welfare, or artistic non-governmental organisation or society

The Process

Under the regulations, a five-stage application process exists.

1. Residence stage

• Main applicant and all adult dependents apply for a Maltese residency card.
• Undergo CMA Tier 1 due diligence to decide whether residence is approved.
• Subject to approval, residency cards are issued and applicants can move to the next stage.

2. Eligibility Stage

• Submit a Citizenship Eligibility Application, undergo CMA Tier 2 due diligence and ensure application is correct and complete (further information and documents may be requested).
• Undergo CMA Tier 3 and Tier 4 due diligence.
• Applications and outcome of due diligence presented to Maltese Government minister who decides whether applicants are eligible for citizenship or not.
• Subject to ministerial approval, applicants start Maltese citizenship application process.

3. Citizenship Stage

• After completing the 36 months residence period (or 12 months by exception), citizenship application can be submitted to the CMA.
• Following a due diligence update, the CMA presents final findings to the minister who decides whether to approve the application and grant Maltese citizenship or not..
• Subject to above approval, the applicant must fulfil the investment, property and donation requirements for naturalisation process to begin.
• Subject to ministerial approval, applicants start Maltese citizenship application process.

4. Naturalisation

• Subject to fulfilling the investment, property and donation requirements, the main applicant and adult dependents are invited to visit Malta and take oath of allegiance.
• Applicants are granted Maltese citizenship and issued a certificate of naturalisation.

5. Monitoring

• The CMA conducts continuous monitoring for five years.

GOVERNMENT FEES AND INVESTMENTS APPLYING DURING EACH APPLICATION STAGE

Residence stage

Eligibility stage: Eligibility Payment Request Voucher (EPRV)

Citizenship stage: Investment Request Voucher (IRV)

HOW CAN ACUMUM HELP?

Acumum has extensive experience of the Maltese citizenship application process and has established connections to government and non-government agencies involved.

We can provide advice and support at all stages of the application process. This includes advising on application requirements, assisting with the application process and providing expert support to ensure efficient progress towards successful completion.