Investment Immigration
Blog

Phone: +356 9950 5515

WhatsApp & Telegram: +356 9991 4125

WeChat 微信: ZenturoSupport

CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT BLOG


To support the country's economy, Malta, located south of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea, is offering Maltese citizenship, i.e. the Malta passport, considered one of the strongest in the world, to foreign investors.

The following articles are for informational purposes only. Because immigration by investment program details can change from time to time please inquire with us regarding the latest rules and regulations for the program of your choice.

For detailed information about Malta residency programs click here. For details about the Malta citizenship by investment program (EU passport) click here.

To review various immigration by investment programs around the world please visit our immigration by investment portal at www.Global-Residency.com.


Current Articles:


Portugal Golden Visa Real Estate Option Terminated (March 2024)

The residency and citizenship by investment program landscape is evolving rapidly, with some options being scaled back or discontinued altogether. Recently, both the Cyprus and Bulgaria citizenship by investment programs were eliminated, and Portugal has now followed suit, further limiting choices for investors. Specifically, Portugal recently changed its Golden Visa program - a program that for quite some time has been beleaguered with problems (see our newsletter from February of last year). Traditionally, Portugal's Golden Visa program was a popular option for investors seeking EU residency through a real estate investment. However, in late 2023 President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa signed into law the “Mais Habitação” (More Housing) bill which terminates the option for Golden Visa applicants to invest in real estate or real estate-focused investment funds. The program's real estate route has long been favored for its simplicity and potential returns, but this avenue is now closed.


A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Real Estate in Malta: Everything You Need to Know (March 2024)

Are you considering investing in real estate in Malta? As one of the Mediterranean's most sought-after destinations, Malta offers a diverse array of residential properties that appeal to both locals and international buyers. Whether you're seeking a holiday home, a retirement retreat, or an investment opportunity, navigating the process of purchasing property in Malta requires a clear understanding of the buying procedure, legal requirements, and associated expenses. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision about buying real estate in Malta.


Malta Citizenship Program Tax Strategy (February 2024)

In light of the potential U.S. estate tax increases outlined in January’s edition of Fortune Magazine, it’s crucial for high-net-worth families to consider proactive wealth protection strategies. The Malta Citizenship by Investment Program presents a timely solution. Why Act Now? Tax Efficiency: With U.S. estate tax exemptions potentially being cut in half, acting now could safeguard your assets. The Malta Citizenship by Investment Program can offer a solution to protect your wealth. Strategic Timing: The Malta program requires a 12-month residency status (but no obligation to live in Malta year-round) before qualifying for citizenship and making any investment in the country, thus aligning perfectly with the current tax concerns.


Malta Passport Ranking 2024 (January 2024)

The recently released 2024 Passport Rankings report places Malta in 5th position on the list of the world’s most powerful passports! Granting its citizens visa-free access to some 190 countries, including the USA, Canada, the UK, and the European Union, Malta operates one of the most popular citizenship by investment programs; the Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Regulations. This citizenship by investment program - the last remaining in all of the EU - offers citizenship to qualifying applicants and their families who invest in Malta's economic development.


Wishing You A Prosperous New Year! (January 2024)

As we are starting into 2024, we want to extend our warmest wishes for a Happy New Year filled with prosperity and new beginnings. At Zenturo, we are excited to continue our journey with you, providing you with expert guidance on Malta’s immigration by investment programs. Some of the incredible benefits that the Malta Citizenship by Investment Program can offer you and your family:


Articles of 2023


Free University Education through the Malta (EU) Citizenship by Investment Program (December 2023)

Free University Education through the Malta (EU) Citizenship by Investment Program As the current school year is winding down and students and parents decide about university enrollments for 2024 we are excited to share just one of the exceptional benefits of the Malta Citizenship by Investment program with you. This exclusive opportunity not only opens doors to a thriving European lifestyle but also presents unparalleled advantages for you and your family.


Malta Real Estate Investment Opportunities (October 2023)

Nestled in the heart of the sunny Mediterranean, Malta has emerged as a prime destination for savvy real estate investors seeking growth, stability, and a touch of the European lifestyle. Why Malta? Malta, a small yet vibrant European nation, boasts a unique blend of rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a thriving economy.


The Malta Digital Nomad Visa (September 2023)

Are you a digital nomad who can work from anywhere? Or do you need temporary residency in a European country fast, and don’t have the funds required to apply for EU permanent residency or investment citizenship/the EU passport? Discover the Freedom of the Malta Nomad Visa. With its recently introduced Nomad Visa, Malta – located in the Mediterranean Sea just south of Italy, has become an increasingly popular choice for remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads worldwide. Here, we'll walk you through the essential details of the Malta Nomad Visa, its requirements, benefits, and more.


How to get Malta citizenship for free? A new strategy (September 2023)

he other day one of our clients made an interesting observation: “If I invest into two properties, one to satisfy the citizenship by investment program and the other to rent out, and then sell both properties after 5 years, I might be able to cover most or even all of my expenses and essentially receive citizenship (the EU passport) for free.” Indeed, after five years, the property holding requirement for the Malta citizenship by investment (CBI) program would have been met. During this period, the rental income and property appreciation for both properties could be substantial, essentially reimbursing you for the CBI application expenses.


Malta Citizenship for Global Mobility and Business Expansion (September 2023)

Whether the political or economic situation in your home country is getting worse, or if you are actively looking for new business opportunities, the passport from an EU member country is the solution to providing your family with a better quality of life, and your business with new growth potential. The Malta Citizenship by Investment Program goes beyond global mobility, offering a gateway to exceptional business and investment opportunities within a thriving EU economy:


EU Citizenship: The financial benefits of holding an EU passport (August 2023)

Today’s newsletter explores the financial advantages to be gained from securing the citizenship (and passport) from a member country of the European Union. While EU citizenship brings a brighter future for your family for generation to come as described in our previous newsletter, many of our clients realize that the European passport also offers a gateway to exceptional financial benefits that stand unparalleled in the investment realm.


Invest in Your Happiness: Live the Mediterranean Dream with Malta (EU) Citizenship (August 2023)

We’re often asked about the benefits of the Malta (EU) Citizenship by Investment Program beyond its financial advantages, and so in today's newsletter, we delve into the many lifestyle benefits, highlighting how the program serves as a timeless investment in your well-being and overall happiness. 1. European Lifestyle and Culture As a Malta citizen with an EU passport, you embrace the rich European lifestyle and cultural diversity. Experience the charm of historic cities, indulge in exquisite cuisine, and partake in vibrant festivals and events that define the European way of life.


Malta (EU) Citizenship is now the best investment money can buy (July 2023)

Malta (EU) Citizenship is the best investment money can buy. In this post we briefly outline why the Malta (EU) citizenship program is the best investment you can make today. Smart investors look beyond investing in real estate or the stock market because European citizenship stands unparalleled as an asset class that pays you and your family benefits for generations to come. In fact, the Malta Citizenship by Investment Program is the only remaining citizenship by investment program actively accepting applications in the EU. All other similar programs have been discontinued, with many facing pressure from the European parliament which continues pushing for all programs to close down.


Malta citizenship by investment popular with Americans (June 2023)

Wealthy Americans applying for Malta investment citizenship. According to a recent study (1), Americans are currently at the forefront of applying for investment citizenships, surpassing all other nationalities! Malta, situated south of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea and being an EU member country, stands as the sole remaining European nation offering citizenship in exchange for a contribution towards the country's economic development and an investment in real estate.


Meet our Malta immigration attorney in China and the Philippines this month (May 2023)

Meet our Malta Attorney in China and the Philippines. Our Malta Government-licensed immigration attorney, Dr. Russell Attard Baldacchino (License # AKM-BALD), will be available for private consultations in Shanghai/China from May 29 -31, Shenzhen/China from June 1 - 2, and Manila/Philippines from June 5 - 6. We will answer your questions about the following Malta immigration by investment programs: (A) Malta (EU) Permanent Residency: Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP) (B) Malta (EU) Citizenship/Passport: Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services Regulations (CES/MEIN)


One-stop Real Estate services in Malta & Gozo (April 2023)

Exciting news! Zenturo now offers a full range of services for clients interested in buying residential or commercial real estate in Malta. Over the past 10 years, Malta's real estate market has proven to be a solid financial investment, with property valuations seeing significant growth: EU citizenship by investment regulations (Source: Central Bank of Malta, 2022. Chart data: CBM download link). Whether you're interested in a vacation home in Malta or the sister island of Gozo, or an investment property, or a personal residence to fulfill the requirements for a Malta residency or a Malta citizenship by investment application, we can help.


A summary of the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) (March 2023)

Are you searching for a place to call home in the heart of the Mediterranean? Look no further than the esteemed Malta Permanent Residence Program. With its remarkable features and enticing benefits, this program has become a sought-after avenue for individuals seeking a permanent residence status in the beautiful island nation of Malta. Malta, a Mediterranean island nation renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, might just become your new home! Let's dive into the depths of the Malta Permanent Residence Program and explore the incredible possibilities it offers.


A summary of the Malta Citizenship by Investment Program (March 2023)

Are you dreaming of obtaining a second passport, expanding your global reach, and enjoying the advantages of a European Union membership? Look no further than the renowned Malta Citizenship by Investment Program. With its remarkable features and robust benefits, this program has become a sought-after avenue for individuals seeking a secure investment pathway to Maltese citizenship. Malta, a Mediterranean island nation renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, has crafted an exceptional citizenship by investment program that allows eligible applicants to become Maltese citizens by making a significant contribution to the country's economy.


Portugal Golden Visa residency applications: severe delays! (February 2023)

News coming out of Portugal renders a blow to many applicants who filed for the Portuguese Golden Visa permanent residency program. According to an article quoting CNN Portugal, the COVID pandemic caused a severe backlog in application processing, whereby some applicants have not been able to fulfill even the first of several stages. Two years since starting the Golden Visa process these applicants still have not received an approval, let alone a travel visa to come to the country, even after having invested thousands of Euros into Portugal property, CNN reports. Golden Visa investors purchase property in Portugal, but then some applications get stuck - causing applicants to go to court.


Malta Real Estate Listings now online! (January 2023)

To all our current and prospective clients we hope that you and your family enjoyed the holidays and are ready to tackle the new year with renewed energy. If you are celebrating Lunar New Year we wish you lots of luck this year of the Rabbit! Two brief updates from our side: (1) Malta Real Estate Listings now Online: Over the holidays we’ve added Malta real estate listings to our website, including pictures and prices of properties currently on the market. You will find Malta apartments, condominiums, town-homes, and single-family houses available for leasing or purchase on our new Malta property page here.


The Basics / Malta Citizenship: Does Malta allow dual citizenship with the USA?

Yes, Malta allows dual citizenship, including dual citizenship with the United States and many other countries. You can keep your original passport and also receive the passport of Malta. While dual citizenship with the US and many other countries is allowed, please check with your own country as some countries, such as China, do not permit their citizens to hold a second nationality and passport. In Malta, dual citizenship has been legal for many years. Malta citizenship can be obtained by birth, registration, naturalisation, or by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment, i.e., the popular Malta citizenship by investment program. Likewise, the US allows dual citizenship and does not require US citizens to give up their citizenship when receiving citizenship of another country.


The Basics / Malta Citizenship: Do you get citizenship if you buy real estate in Malta?

Applicants cannot buy Maltese citizenship, nor will they receive citizenship for only investing in Malta real estate. To receive Malta citizenship through an investment, you must buy or rent residential real estate in Malta, pay the government application fees, make a contribution to the Malta government, and make a donation to a non-governmental organization. The minimum purchase price of Malta real estate is €700,000 to qualify for the Malta investment citizenship program. The minimum annual rental price for a Malta residential property is €16,000 per year. The applicant can choose between buying or renting real estate in Malta.


The Basics / Malta Citizenship: How easy is it to get Malta citizenship?

Applying for citizenship is never an easy process in the EU. Malta residents who want to become a citizen by naturalization instead of applying under the citizenship by investment program might need to wait for 10 to 15 years or longer for approvals. Applying under the Malta citizenship by investment program is much faster. Applicants can receive Maltese citizenship between 12 to 18 months when selecting the 12 months residency option, and Malta residency status after only two to three weeks from application start. The process of applying for Malta investment citizenship includes the completion of detailed application forms and the collection of various supporting documents for the main applicant and any family members or dependants. All application forms and documentation must be vetted by a government-licensed agent, called a registered mandatory. Only the licensed agent can submit the application case file to the government.


The Basics / Malta Citizenship: How long does it take to get the Malta citizenship?

Malta offers foreign investors the option to apply for Malta citizenship (the EU passport) after 12 months or 36 months in residency status. There is no requirements to live in Malta year-round during the residency period. Processing times generally depend on how fast an applicant can provide the supporting documentation. For most applicants it takes only a couple of weeks to receive Malta residency, which is the first step in the investment citizenship application procedure. The main applicant and any dependents are provided with an E-Residence document which is equivalent to a Schengen Visa, granting borderless travel to all Schengen countries. The second step is the application for citizenship, which takes between 12-18 months from start to finish (12 months residency option), or 3 years (36 months residency option). The applicant can choose one of the two residency periods.


The Basics / Malta Citizenship: What is the cost of the Malta citizenship by investment program?

The cost of Malta citizenship by investment is around €632,000 plus legal fees and a residential property purchase or rental. Applicants must contribute either €600,000 or €750,000 to the Government of Malta depending on the selected length of residency prior to citizenship. Applicants must also donate €10,000 to a non-government philanthropic organization in Malta. In addition, applicants must rent or buy a qualifying property in Malta with a purchase price of at least €700,000 or an annual rental expense of €16,000. The property must be kept for at least five years.


The Basics / Malta Citizenship: What is the difference between residency and citizenship of Malta?

Malta citizenship grants permanent rights, privileges, and protections to individuals within the country. Temporary residency, on the other hand, allows the applicant to live in Malta for a certain period of time. Permanent residency affords the right to live in Malta for an indefinite period of time. Because Malta is a member of the European Union, Malta citizenship also allows applicants to live in all other EU member countries. In addition, Malta citizens can apply for the Malta passport (the EU passport). Malta residents, on the other hand, do not qualify for a passport.


The Basics / Malta Citizenship: What are the benefits of Malta citizenship?

Malta citizenship offers many benefits to applicants; international business executives, investors, public figures, VIPs, and affluent citizens of other countries consider an alternative citizenship and passport a powerful tool for international tax planning and a safety net should the living conditions at home become undesirable. Because Malta allows dual citizenship, most applicants for the Malta citizenship by investment program retain the citizenship of their home country in addition to receiving a second passport from Malta (EU). There is no requirement for Malta citizens to live in Malta once citizenship has been received. The Malta passport is rated as one of the most valuable passports in the world.


The Basics / Malta Residency: How easy is it to get Malta residency?

Applying for Malta residency depends on which residency program you are intersted in. Malta is offering several residency programs, ranging from 1-year residency to permanent residency. Specifically, the residency programs available in Malta include: Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) Permanent residency in Malta in return for a one-time investment. Residency valid for life. Available to non-EU nationals. Not leading to Malta citizenship and the the Malta (EU) passport. Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP) Renewable 1-year residency for non-EU nationals. Residency valid for 1 year, renewable at a minimum annual expense of about €15,000 plus property rental. Not leading to Malta citizenship and the the Malta (EU) passport. Malta Ordinary Residence (OR) Malta residency for EU nationals and citizens of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland. For applicants who want to live in Malta 183 days per year or longer. Not leading to Malta citizenship and the the Malta (EU) passport.


The Basics / Malta Residency: How do you qualify for residency in Malta?

Malta offers residency to qualified foreign applicants. The goal of Malta's Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) is to attract foreign investment to support the Malta economy. Malta is a vibrant country located south of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea. Residency is offered to foreign investors, freelancers, founders, and retirees. Maltese residents may live in Malta as long as they maintain their residency status. Malta residents may also apply for a Malta work permit and participate in the social services system. International business people, investors, freelancers and retirees worldwide consider Malta permanent residency a powerful asset and/or safety net should the living conditions at home become undesirable.


The Basics / Malta Residency: Can I get residency in Malta if I buy a house?

Applicants cannot receive Maltese permanent residency for only investing in Malta real estate. To receive Malta permanent residency through an investment, you can apply under the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP). This residency program requires the applicant to purchase or rent residential real estate in Malta, make a contribution to the Malta government, make a donation to a non-governmental organization, and pay all government application fees. The minimum purchase price of Malta real estate is €300,000 to qualify for the MPRP permanent residency program. The minimum annual rental expense for a Malta residential property is €10,000 per year.


The Basics / Malta Residency: Can I get permanent residency in Malta by investment?

Yes, Malta offers permanent residency to foreign investors. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), also referred to as the "Malta Golden Visa", provides permanent residency status in return for a qualifying investment. In addition, applicants must have a clean criminal record, a basic health insurance cover, and pass all background checks. Malta permanent residents are allowed to live in Malta as long as they maintain their residency status, and they are allowed to apply for a Malta work permit and participate in the social services system. The Malta permanent residency does not lead to Malta citizenship or the Malta passport (the EU passport). Malta permanent residents may file a citizenship application after six years in PR status, but there are no guarantees an application for citizenship will be approved - which is a process that can take 10 to 15 years or longer to complete.


The Basics / Malta Residency: How long does it take to get a Golden Visa in Malta?

The processing time for the Malta Golden Visa, i.e., the residency by investment program, known as the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), is typically three to six months. Malta also offers several other residency programs, such as the the 1-year global residency program, the Malta tax residency, the Malta retirement residency, the Malta digital nomad residency, and the Malta startup residency program. Each Malta residency program has its own requirements and processing timelines. In addition to government processing times, the MPRP application procedure depends on how fast the applicant can provide any required supplemental documentation, such as a birth certificate or police record, for example.  

Articles of 2022


Will the EU lose the Portugal Golden Visa program? What options remain? (November 2022)


What is the cheapest/fastest/easiest citizenship by investment program in Europe? (October 2022)


Greece Golden Visa price increase announced (September 2022)


Low Euro to US-Dollar Exchange Rate Means Huge Savings for Investors (July 2022)


Move to Malta and enjoy life in Europe! (July 2022)


Meet our licensed Malta Investment Immigration attorney in the USA. (June 2022)


Turkey raises CBI investment to $400 000. (May 2022)


Malta Election Results and Impact on Investment Migration. (March 2022)


Malta Immigration by Investment Updates - Fee Reduction, COVID-19 Restrictions Easing. (February 2022)


Immigration by Investment Updates - Malta, Portugal. (January 2022)


 

Articles of 2021


Portugal Golden Visa investment increases, starting January 01, 2022. (December 2021)


Travel exemption available to Malta citizenship applicants. (November 2021)


Travel to Malta without the need for quarantine (June 2021)


What is the cheapest/fastest/easiest citizenship by investment program in Europe? (June 2021)


Bulgaria launches new investment options! (May 2021)


Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) launched! (March 2021)


Malta immigration by investment: what are the options? (February 2021)


Application processing time frames for investment citizenships (February 2021)


New list of countries banned from Malta permanent residency or citizenship. (January 2021)


Breaking News: Malta announces new residency program! (January 2021)


 

Articles of 2020


EU Citizenship by Investment. A program comparison (December 2020)


Breaking News: Malta launches new citizenship program! (November 2020)


Portugal Golden Visa Property Investment Changes (October 2020)


Breaking News: Cyprus Citizenship Program Ending Now (October 2020)


Upcoming Malta Citizenship Program Changes (September 2020)


New Malta Citizenship Program Requirements (July 2020)


IIP Citizenship Program deadline approaching fast (June 2020)


IIP Citizenship Program reaching quota / deadline announced (June 2020)


COVID-19 Situation in Malta (May 2020)


COVID-19 Discounts are here (April 2020)


COVID-19 Update (March 2020)


Price increases: Malta and Portugal (February 2020)


 

Articles of 2019


The best immigration by investment program (December 2019)


Start the application process online (November 2019)


The benefits of a second citizenship (October 2019)


Summary of Citizenship Program Changes To-Date (September 2019)


Time frame of application processing for second citizenship (September 2019)


Rights to a free education for EU citizens (August 2019)


Is my family included in my citizenship application? (July 2019)


Who can apply for an Immigration by Investment Program? (June 2019)


Cyprus Has Tightened Application Rules (May 2019)


Malta immigration by investment program summary (May 2019)


Cyprus immigration by investment program summary (April 2019)


Greece immigration by investment program summary (April 2019)


What is the cheapest/fastest/easiest citizenship investment option in EU? (March 2019)


Caribbean citizenship by investment programs (March 2019)


How do I become a resident of Monaco (February 2019)?


What is the Spanish Golden Visa? (February 2019)


What is the Portugal Golden Residence Visa Program? (January 2019)


Can you help me find local real estate? (January 2019)


 

Articles of 2018


Will my investment citizenship expire? (December 2018)


Canada citizenship by investment programs (December 2018)


USA EB-5 Investor Visa (November 2018)


What is the 183 Days tax residence rule? (November 2018)


EU Citizenship by Investment. A program comparison (October 2018)


Caribbean Citizenship by Investment program comparison (October 2018)


Renting-out the Property - is it allowed? (October 2018)


Payment and Financing Options (September 2018)


Cyprus Implements Passport Quota (August 2018)


EU Immigration by Investment - Tougher Standards Imminent (August 2018)


 

Please use our contact form to inquire about a consultation by phone/email or to schedule an in-person meeting.


Zenturo Ltd.

Residency & Citizenship by Investment Programs Worldwide

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

Client Testimonials / Google Reviews

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

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

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

All of our Malta immigration attorneys are government-licensed
Authorised Registered Mandatories.
License: AKM-BALD

Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Watch our videos on YouTube



Immigration by Investment Press Coverage: