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 country, and travel freely within the EU and worldwide to over 180 countries including Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, the US and UK.
Comprehensive application criteria and conditions are set out in the ‘Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations’. These also limit the number of accepted applicants annually, each of whom must pass stringent due diligence tests and meet a minimum expected level of investment.

Key Information

Who can apply?

Persons aged 18 and over can apply for Maltese citizenship and include spouse, unmarried dependents under 29 and dependent parents over 55 within the application.
Applicants must not be 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 Afghanistan, Iran and North Korea. This list, which may change, includes those who reside, do business or have significant ties with these countries.

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
Make a philanthropic donation of at least €10,000 to an approved non-governmental organisation or society.

Experience Malta

Situated in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta enjoys an excellent reputation for its splendid climate, friendly people, low crime rate, and superb quality of life. An attractive place in which to live or own a second home, Malta also has excellent air links.

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The process

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

Residence stage: Apply for residency and undergo initial due diligence.
Eligibility stage: Submit a citizenship eligibility application and undergo further due diligence for review and approval by a Maltese Government minister.
Citizenship stage: After completing the 36 months residence period (or 12 months by exception), submit citizenship application and undergo further due diligence for review by a minister who decides whether to grant citizenship.
Naturalisation: Subject to fulfilling the investment, property and donation requirements, the applicant and adult dependents visit Malta and take oath of allegiance to become citizens.
Monitoring: Monitoring of new citizens continues for five years.

GOVERNMENT FEES AND INVESTMENTS APPLYING DURING EACH APPLICATION STAGE

Residence stage
Applicant	Part payment of non-refundable deposit	€10,000
Applicant	Residence permit	€5,000
Each dependant	Residence permit	€1,000
Applicant	Residency card	€27.50
Each dependant	Residency card	€27.50
Eligibility stage: Eligibility Payment Request Voucher (EPRV)
Applicant	Due diligence fee	€15,000
Each dependant	Due diligence fee	€10,000
Benefactor	Due diligence fee	€15,000
Per applicant / dependant	Administrative fee	€1,000
Citizenship stage: Investment Request Voucher (IRV)
Applicant	Exceptional direct investment (36 months residency)	€590,000
Applicant	Exceptional direct investment (Less than 36 months residency)	€740,000
Each dependant	Exceptional direct investment	€50,000
Per applicant	Administrative fee	€5,000
Per dependant	Administrative fee	€1,000

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 application stages. This includes advising on application requirements, assisting with the application process and providing expert support to ensure efficient progress towards successful completion.
To find out more or have a no-commitment initial conversation contact Acumum

Get in Touch

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