Malta Citizenship
by Naturalisation
For exceptional services by direct investment
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 in any European Union member country, in addition to free travel 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 successful accepted applicants, each of whom must pass stringent due diligence tests and meet the minimum expected level of investment.
Why Choose Acumum to Guide Your Maltese Citizenship Journey?
Navigating the complexities of the Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment requires expert legal guidance and a trusted partner. At Acumum, our dedicated team of immigration lawyers and specialists provides a seamless, confidential, and highly personalised service. We manage every aspect of the application process, from initial due diligence and document preparation to liaising with the Community Malta Agency (CMA) on your behalf. Our deep understanding of Maltese law and the programme’s specific requirements ensures your application is comprehensive, accurate, and positioned for success.
Who can apply?
Under the regulations, persons aged 18 and over can apply for Maltese citizenship. They may include family members, including their 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, not deemed a potential national security or reputational risk, not denied a visa from countries with which Malta has free travel arrangements, 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 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 residing in Malta for a minimum of 36 months (or 12 months by exception), leasing a residential property during that time with an 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 an annual rental value of at least €16,000. In both cases, the property must be retained (and not sublet) 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 NGO or society
Key Benefits of Maltese Citizenship
The benefits of Maltese citizenship extend far beyond a new passport. As a citizen of Malta, you and your family become citizens of the European Union, unlocking a world of opportunities.
Freedom of Movement
Live, work, study, and travel freely throughout all 27 EU member states, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Global Mobility
Enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries and territories, including the UK, USA, and Canada.
Family Inclusion
The program allows for the inclusion of your spouse, dependent children, and even dependent parents and grandparents, securing your family’s future for generations.
Stable & Safe Environment
Malta is renowned for its high standard of living, excellent healthcare system, low crime rate, and politically stable environment within the EU.
Favourable Tax System
Benefit from Malta’s attractive personal tax regime, with no inheritance tax, estate duty, wealth tax, or gift tax.
The Process
A five-stage application process exists under the regulations:
Stage 1: Residency Application
Residence
- 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
Stage 2: Eligibility Assessment
Eligibility
- Submit a Citizenship Eligibility Application, undergo CMA Tier 2 due diligence and ensure the 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 are presented to the Maltese Government minister, who decides whether applicants are eligible for citizenship or not
- Subject to ministerial approval, applicants start the Maltese citizenship application process.
Stage 3: Citizenship Application
Citizenship
- After completing the 36-month 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 the naturalisation process to begin
- Subject to ministerial approval, applicants start the Maltese citizenship application process
Stage 4: Naturalisation and Oath of Allegiance
Naturalisation
- Subject to fulfilling the investment, property and donation requirements, the main applicant and adult dependents are invited to visit Malta and take an oath of allegiance
- Applicants are granted Maltese citizenship and issued a certificate of naturalisation
Stage 5: Post-Citizenship Monitoring
Monitoring
The CMA conducts continuous monitoring for five years
Government fees and investments 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 |
| 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 |
| Benifactor Due diligence fee €15,000 |
| Per applicant / dependent Administrative fee €1,000 |
| Applicant | Due diligence fee | €15,000 |
| Each dependant | Due diligence fee | €10,000 |
| Benifactor | Due diligence fee | €15,000 |
| Per applicant / dependent | 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 / dependant Administrative fee €500 |
| 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 / dependant | Administrative fee | €500 |
