Malta Citizenship: Security. Opportunity. Peace of mind.

Malta (EU) immigration by investment for investors and their families.

In an effort to support the country's economy, Malta, located south of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea, is offering the Malta residency or Malta citizenship (Malta passport) to foreign investors. Because Malta is a member of the European Union (EU), a passport from Malta conveys rights and privileges similar to the passports of Germany, France, or any other EU country. As such, Malta passport holders may live, work or study in any country belonging to the European Union.  

International business executives, investors, VIPs as well as affluent citizens worldwide consider Malta citizenship a powerful asset and safety net should the living conditions at home become unbearable. 

*** Malta Citizenship & Residency Update: The "Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations" and the "Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP)", Malta's new citizenship and residency by investment regulations for 2021, were officially launched, and we are now accepting new applications! ***

Live, work or study in any of the EU countries

The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment regulation provides for affluent persons of impeccable standing and repute, including their families, to receive Maltese residency and citizenship on the basis of an investment in Malta. Once Malta citizenship is granted, the applicant may live, work or study in any of the member countries of the European Union.

Applicants are not required to continuously live in Malta before or after citizenship approval.

Visa free travel to over 180 countries, including the USA

Malta citizenship offers full European Union benefits, including Schengen borderless travel and a United States visa waiver. This means visa-free travel to more than 180 countries in the world, including the USA, Canada, Middle East, Africa, Asia, and most countries in North, Central and South America.

A better quality of life for the family

Malta is a safe country that offers a low cost of living index. Clean air, property rights, and freedom of speech are enjoyed by all. Multiple cultures live side by side in peace and harmony. The country has long been a vacation spot for Europeans and high net worth individuals who flock to the island for its sunny and warm climate year-round. Malta offers a modern infrastructure ranging from reliable phone and internet service to secure banking to well-established air and sea routes connecting the island to the European mainland and international destinations.

A better education for the applicant’s children

Because of the country's history as a former British colony the Maltese school system reflects the British structure. There are two school categories: state schools and private schools. State schools are free to all students (including free transportation and free books), while private schools such as international schools charge tuition fees. For more information about the Maltese school system please click here.

Malta Citizenship / Malta Residency

Immigration by Investment Summary

Malta Citizenship by Investment

Malta Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, a regulation leading to Malta residency and Malta citizenship / Malta passport, is available to qualified investors, including EU and non-EU nationals, at EUR 600,000 (36 months residency option) or EUR 750,000 (12 months residency option) plus legal and application fees, a philanthropic donation, and a property lease or rental. Standard processing for residency (Step 1) is about 15 working days. The application for citizenship (Step 2) may be filed after 12 or 36 months in residency status depending on the investment option chosen.

Malta residency provides Schengen 90-day visa-free travel and the right (but no obligation) to live in Malta year-round. All applicants are required to purchase or lease a property in Malta in addition to making the required investment.

The total number of citizenship certificates to be granted is limited to 400 per year.

Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP)

The Malta MPRP program, also known as the "Malta Golden Visa", is a permanent residency program for non-EU nationals. It requires a one-time investment, and provides a permanent residency certificate which is valid for life.

The applicant can choose between purchasing a property (minimum property value of EUR 350,000 in the northern and central parts of Malta, or EUR 300,000 in the south or Gozo), or renting a property (minimum rental of EUR 12,000 per year in the northern and central parts of Malta, or EUR 10,000 per year in the south or Gozo).

The administrative fee charged by the government is EUR 40,000. The main applicant must also make a non-refundable government contribution in the amount of EUR 28,000 (if purchasing a property) or EUR 58,000 (if renting a property). Lastly, the applicant must make a philanthropic donation of EUR 2,000 to a Maltese-registered charity. 

To qualify, the main applicant must declare that he/she owns assets (stocks, bonds, real estate, other) valued at no less than EUR 500,000 of which EUR 150,000 must be available in financial assets such as stocks, bonds, funds or bank deposits. Standard processing is about 6-8 months.

Malta Global Residency Program (GRP)

The Malta GRP program is a 1-year residency visa for non-EU nationals that offers visa-free Schengen travel benefits and special tax advantages. The  required recurring minimum expense is approximately EUR 24,000 plus fees every year to avoid expiration. The processing time is approximately 90 days.

Malta Ordinary Residence (OR)

The Malta OR program is only available for EU nationals (citizens of the EU including Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland) who want to live in Malta 183 days per year or longer, and requires the applicant to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, which is defined as having available funds of at least EUR 14,000 for a single person (EUR 23,000 for married couples). Income brought into Malta is fully taxable.

Malta Residence Program (TRP)

The Malta tax residency program for EU citizens requires applicants to declare they do not spend more than 183 days in any other jurisdiction outside of Malta, but there is no requirement to spend 183 days inside Malta. The special tax rate on income brought into Malta is 15% (annual minimum tax: EUR 15,000).


Please contact us for a detailed cost estimate or confidential consultation.  Our attorneys are ready to assist you and answer any questions you might have about immigrating to Malta.

Malta Citizenship / Malta Residency

Program Introduction

The government of Malta, a member of the European Union, is offering Malta residency and citizenship to international investors who contribute to the country's economic development.

Maltese citizenship may be granted under legal notice L.N. 437 of 2020, Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations (S.L. 188.05), amending the Maltese Citizenship Act, Chapter 188 of the Laws of Malta.

The Malta Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment regulation offers affluent persons of impeccable standing to receive Maltese residency and citizenship on the basis of an investment in Malta. Malta citizenship grants the permission to live, work or study in any country of the European Union. Applicants are not required to continuously live in Malta before or after citizenship approval.

The Malta residency programs (GRP, MPRP, OR, and TRP) allow applicants to live in Malta and travel visa-free to all European countries within the Schengen area.

Qualified candidates include international business executives, investors, public figures / VIPs, and private citizens who meet the minimum application requirements.

Malta Citizenship / Malta Residency

Application Requirements

To qualify for any of the immigration by investment options the main applicant must be at least 18 years of age and have a clean criminal record. The main applicant may also add dependents to a residency or citizenship application, including his/her spouse whether married or in a long-term relationship, minor children, adult children who are unmarried and economically-dependent, and all dependent parents or grandparents.

The following provides a summary of the investment requirements. Please use our contact form to receive a detailed quotation which depends on the number of family members to be included.

A) Citizenship: MALTA NATURALISATION FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICES BY DIRECT INVESTMENT

Launched in 2020 and replacing the successful Individual Investor (IIP) program, the Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment regulations offer the applicant and his/her family members Malta residency followed by Malta citizenship (Malta passport) upon fulfilling all application requirements.

Both EU nationals and non-EU nationals may apply. Excluded from applying are nationals of Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, and persons that reside in these countries, or do business with these countries, or have significant ties to these countries. Citizens from countries who are on the US travel ban also cannot apply.

As a Malta citizen you are allowed to live, work, study in any of the 26 European Union countries because Malta is a member of the European Union. Malta citizenship also grants you access to all investment opportunities in Malta and throughout the EU member nations, as well as visa-free travel to more than 180 countries in the world, including the USA, Canada, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and most countries in North, Central and South America.

Highlights:

The main applicant is required to make an Exceptional Direct Investment (non-refundable) in the amount of EUR 600,000 (36 months residency option) or EUR 750,000 (12 months residency option). The investment required for each additional dependent is EUR 50,000.

In addition, the main applicant must make a philanthropic donation in the amount of EUR 10,000 to a registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare or artistic non-governmental organization.

In addition, the main applicant must establish a residence in Malta through either (a) purchasing real estate valued at no less than EUR 700,000 or (b) renting a property at no less than EUR 16,000 per year. The required holding period is five years from the date of receiving citizenship. 

Malta government charges include a residence permit fee (main applicant: EUR 5,000, dependents: EUR 1,000 each), citizenship eligibility due diligence fee (main applicant: EUR 15,000, dependents over the age of 12: EUR 10,000 each), citizenship eligibility administrative fee (each applicant: EUR 1,000), and a citizenship administrative fee (main applicant: EUR 5,000, dependents: EUR 1,000 each).

The minimum one-time cost for a single applicant under the regulation is approximately €640,000 excluding property and legal fees. Please contact us for a comprehensive quotation.

The timeframe for application processing is about 15 working days for the Residency (Step 1). The application for citizenship (Step 2) may be filed after 12 or 36 months in residency status depending on the investment option chosen.

The total number of citizenship certificates to be granted is limited to only 400 per year.


NOTE: The Exceptional Direct Investment and philanthropic donation need only be made after the applicant has received the Citizenship Approval in Principle from the Malta government. This means no investments are due without the application having been approved.

B) The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP)

Also known as the "Malta Golden Visa" and replacing the popular MVRP program, the MPRP program for non-EU nationals leads to Malta permanent residency (meaning the permission to live in Malta as long as desired), visa-free travel to all European countries within the Schengen area, and the option to apply for a Malta work permit.

This program requires a one-time investment and does not need to be renewed each year. The processing time is about 6 to 8 months.

Highlights:

The MPRP program requires a one-time investment in Malta. The applicant can choose between purchasing a property, or renting a property. If purchasing, the minimum property value must be EUR 350,000 in the northern and central parts of Malta, or EUR 300,000 in the south or Gozo. If renting a property, the minimum rental amount must be EUR 12,000 per year in the northern and central parts of Malta, or EUR 10,000 per year in the south or Gozo.

The administrative fee charged by the government is EUR 40,000. The main applicant must also make a non-refundable government contribution in the amount of EUR 28,000 (if purchasing a property) or EUR 58,000 (if renting a property).

Lastly, the applicant must make a philanthropic donation of EUR 2,000 to a Maltese-registered charity.

To qualify, the main applicant must declare that he/she owns assets (stocks, bonds, real estate, other) valued at no less than EUR 500,000 of which EUR 150,000 must be available in financial assets such as stocks, bonds, funds or bank deposits.

NOTE: The Malta permanent residency does not automatically lead to Malta citizenship (Malta passport). While Malta residents may apply for Malta citizenship after six years in residency status, approvals can take 10-15 years! Further, any citizenship application may be approved or rejected entirely at the discretion of the minister and the department in charge at that time. Therefore, there is no guarantee that an approval will be granted. 

C) The Global Residence Program (GRP)

The GRP program for non-EU nationals offers 1-year residency in Malta, 90-day visa-free travel to all European countries within the Schengen area, and the option to apply for a Malta work permit.

GRP visa applicants may also benefit from Malta's low flat tax rate of 15% chargeable on all income remitted to Malta from foreign sources, subject to a minimum annual tax of EUR 15,000. To take advantage of this benefit GRP applicants must refrain from staying in any other jurisdiction for more than 182 days and becoming a tax resident in that other country.

Malta Residency status under the GRP program needs to be renewed annually to avoid expiration. This program is desirable especially for applicants who only require temporary EU residency status.

Highlights:

The annual expense, a minimum tax, to renew residency is approximately EUR 15,000. Further, the applicant is required to rent a residence (house or apartment) at an annual lease of no less than EUR 8,750 (a property purchase is also acceptable). Thus, the total minimum expense to renew the GRP permit each year is approximately EUR 24,000 plus fees.


NOTE: The Malta GRP residency visa does not automatically lead to Malta citizenship (Malta passport). While Malta residents may apply for Malta citizenship after six years in residency status, approvals typically take 10-15 years! Further, the citizenship application may be approved or rejected entirely at the discretion of the minister and the department in charge at that time. Therefore, there is no guarantee that an approval will be granted at that time.

D) The Ordinary Residence Program (OR)

The OR program is available to EU nationals who want to live in Malta 183 days per year or longer, and who can demonstrates financial self-sufficiency, which is defined as having available funds of at least EUR 14,000 for a single person (EUR 23,000 for married couples).

Further, the applicant must purchase or lease a property in Malta. There is no minimum property value requirement.

Benefits include the freedom to reside and work in Malta, visa-free Schengen travel, and fast processing (6-8 weeks).

Applicants who do not declare Malta their domicile are taxable on income generated inside of Malta or generated outside of Malta and brought into the country at standard progressive income tax rates. Income generated outside of Malta and not brought into the country is not taxable. Family members can be included.

E) The Residence Program (TRP)

The tax residency program for EU-nationals requires applicants to declare they do not spend more than 183 days in any other jurisdiction outside of Malta. But this does not mean they have to spend 183 days inside of Malta.

Applicants must purchase or lease a property in Malta with a minimum property value of EUR 275,000 for property in Central/North Malta (or EUR 220,000 for property in Gozo or South Malta). Candidates may alternatively opt for rental of property at EUR 9,600 (or EUR 8,750 per year in Gozo/South Malta).

Benefits include the freedom to reside and work in Malta, visa-free Schengen travel, fast processing (3–4 months), and a 15% flat rate tax on all income remitted to Malta. There is an annual minimum tax of EUR 15,000. Family members and domestic staff can be included.

Malta Citizenship / Malta Residency

Malta Immigration by Investment Benefits

Reasons for an Malta citizenship or residency include providing a better quality of life for the investor and his/her family, retirement, arranging for international tax planning, or establishing a safety net should the living conditions at home become unbearable.

Free Movement of Persons

The whole family can obtain Malta citizenship (Malta passport): the main applicant, a spouse or long-term partner (any gender), children, parents, and grandparents can all travel, reside and work freely within the EU.

Free Movement of Services

Malta citizens and their companies can offer services within EU member states without obstacles.

Free Movement of Capital

Malta passport holders can transfer funds between EU member states, purchase property in any preferred EU country, and invest in any type of business venture.

Free Movement of Goods

All goods produced in EU member states can be freely transferred between countries of the European Union.

Attractive Tax System

Malta is an attractive financial center due to its highly favorable tax system and strategic location at the crossroads of three continents – Europe, Africa and Asia.

Blockchain Technology Friendly

Malta is fast establishing itself as the premier destination for blockchain projects, such as cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Litecoin, others). The government's regulatory framework covers ICO's (all tokens), crypto trading exchanges and licensing, asset management, VFA services, and similar blockchain technology endeavors, thus making Malta one of the world’s friendliest jurisdiction for the sector. Please use our blockchain contact form for additional information.

High Standard of Living

Malta citizenship holders benefit from a high standard of living due to their access to reputable private schools, trustworthy private medical facilities and Malta having among the lowest crime rates within Europe. In Malta, multiple cultures live side by side in peace and harmony. The air is unpolluted, property rights are codified into law, and residents/citizens enjoy freedom of expression.

Visa Free Travel

Malta passport holders do not require a visa to travel within the EU and also to travel to many non-EU countries. Malta residents enjoy visa-free Schengen travel of up to 90 days in a 6-month period.

Malta Citizenship / Malta Residency

Malta's Standing in the European Union

Malta is a safe, neutral and respected member of the European Union since 2004 and part of the Schengen Area since 2007.

The country enjoys a stable political climate and a bi-partisan political scene that is largely convergent on issues of national and economic importance.

Malta has weathered the financial crisis well and shared the limelight with Germany as the only two states maintaining economic growth in the Euro Zone. Malta's banks have been ranked amongst the top 5 soundest banks in the world.

The Island offers a rich, contemporary cultural lifestyle, temperate climate and fascinating history. Malta is also a state of the art financial and business hub due to its competitive tax system and offers significant advantages to foreign entrepreneurs, high net worth individuals and investors seeking an attractive yet safe business environment.

For the last two decades Malta has enjoyed solid and constant growth in its financial services industry and is fast becoming the jurisdiction of choice to international corporate groups seeking an ideal hub from which to do business within the EU, Middle East and North African markets.

Malta Citizenship / Malta Residency

Our Qualifications

Our attorneys are accredited Authorized Registered Mandatories (ARM), a designation required by the Maltese Government to manage Malta citizenship by investment applications.

Our team includes immigration specialists working exclusively on Malta citizenship & residency matters and will stand by your side throughout the entire application process, from start to finish. We will work with you until your Malta citizenship or residency by investment application has been approved and you have received your residence and/or citizenship certificate.

In addition to immigration law our associates provide company formation and tax advisory services to clients including high net worth individuals, owner-managed businesses, and larger corporations.
 

Services offered:

•    • Advising you on your chances of success before filing your application;
•    • Providing you with pre-immigration legal and tax advice;
•    • Guiding you with the preparation of supporting documentation;
•    • Vetting and preparing all supporting documentation for submission;
•    • Corresponding and liaising with government authorities on your behalf during the application process;
•    • Obtaining application progress updates on your behalf.

Additional services (if needed):

•    • Finding Malta real estate available for sale or leasing;
•    • Providing legal and notarial representation on purchase, rental, and re-sale of Malta property;
•    • Advising on personal and corporate international tax planning;
•    • Dealing with all periodical tax matters, including annual returns and tax payments;
•    • Drawing up of wills, international probate;
•    • Assisting with the administration of estates, foundations, and trusts;
•    • Advising on the formation and management of trading and holding companies in Malta;
•    • Assisting with yacht registration & VAT planning.  

Transparency, honesty, and integrity are at the core of our values. Your satisfaction is our top priority. For your convenience, our expert consultants are adept in a variety of modern, COVID-safe communication channels, including email, phone, chat, Zoom, and in-office meetings. We look forward to working with you!

Malta Citizenship / Malta Residency

Next Steps

Step #1: Contact Us. Please use our contact form to receive a detailed cost estimate for you and your family. If you apply for more than one family ask us about a group discount. There is no fee for this initial consultation.

Step #2: Document Preparation. Should you wish to proceed with a residency or citizenship application, the immigration attorney assigned to your case will assist with completing all application forms and collecting all supporting documents. The complete application case file is then submitted to the Maltese government for processing.

Step #3: Application Processing. The Maltese government now reviews the application and conducts background checks. For citizenship applications, residency processing can be as fast as 15 working days, whereas MPRP applications usually take 6-8 months to process. If the application is approved, the government will issue an Approval in Principle.

Step #4: Compliance Period. After receiving the Approval in Principle the applicant makes all required investments.

Step #5: Certificate of Naturalization & Passport. The final step for citizenship applicants is to take an Oath of Allegiance. The Maltese government will then issue the Certificate of Naturalization, and the applicant can request his/her Maltese (EU) passport.

Malta citizenship requires 12 or 36 months in residency status (depending on the investment option chosen). While average citizenship processing times under the newly launched regulations have not yet been established, processing times under the previous program ranged from 3 to 6 months.

Zenturo Ltd.

Residency & Citizenship by Investment Programs Worldwide

394A / 395A, Triq il-Kbira San Guzepp
Santa Venera SVR 1016, Malta

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Phone: +356 9950 5515
WhatsApp: +356 9991 4125
WeChat: ZenturoSupport
Skype: Zenturo Ltd. Support

Service Inquiries: service@zenturo.com
General Counsel: legal@zenturo.com

Company Registration No.: C-39472
VAT ID: MT-18142026

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