MALTA (EU) RESIDENCY & CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT

Dual citizenship with Malta offers more than a second passport—it’s a statement of success and global mobility. Elevate your lifestyle with exclusive business opportunities, European banking, world-class healthcare, and premium education for your family.

In under two years, you can join an elite circle of global citizens who understand that true power lies in having options. This is more than a second passport – it's your key to preserving wealth, protecting assets, and maintaining personal freedom in an uncertain world.

Malta's citizenship program represents a strategic investment in your legacy, ensuring your family's access to European privileges for generations to come.

Dual Citizenship: Where Power Meets Freedom.

LIVE, WORK, STUDY, OR RETIRE 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, study, or retire 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. Attending the renowned University of Malta for an undergraduate or graduate/post-graduate degree is free for Malta citizens and their children.

Malta (EU) Citizenship / Residency Program Summaries

Residency and Citizenship for Qualified Investors

MALTA CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT (TO BE DISCONTINUED)

Malta Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, also referred to as the Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN), is a regulation that leads to Malta residency and Malta citizenship / Malta passport.

Residency and citizenship are available to qualified investors, including EU and non-EU nationals over the age of 18, their spouses or long-term partners (gender neutral), unmarried children under 29, and parents/grandparents over 55.

Please review our Malta Citizenship page for additional details about this program.

MALTA PERMANENT RESIDENCE PROGRAMME (MPRP)

The Malta MPRP program 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. This program does not lead to Malta (EU) citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

The applicant can choose between purchasing a property (minimum property value of EUR 375,000 or renting a property (minimum rental of EUR 14,000 per year.

The administrative fee for the main applicant charged by the government is EUR 50,000 and EUR 10,000 for each dependent.

The main applicant must also make a non-refundable government contribution in the amount of EUR 30,000 (if purchasing a property) or EUR 60,000 (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 (A) 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, or (B) at least EUR 650,000 with at least EUR 75,000 in liquid assets.

Standard processing is about 4 to 6 months from the submission of a complete and correct application.

Additional details about the MPRP program can be found on our Malta Residency page. 

OTHER MALTA RESIDENCY PROGRAMS

In addition to citizenship and permanent residency options for investors, Malta provides various temporary residency programs for individuals who are citizens of another EU member country or nationals of non-EU member states. It is important to note that these programs do not confer permanent residency, nor do they lead to Malta (EU) citizenship and the EU passport.

Please review our Malta Residency page for additional details about each of these programs.

MALTA GLOBAL RESIDENCY PROGRAMME (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 15,000 every year to avoid expiration, plus a property purchase or rental, plus fees. The processing time is approximately 90 days. This program does not lead to Malta (EU) citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

MALTA ORDINARY RESIDENCY (OR) / MALTA TAX RESIDENCY (TRP)

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. The program 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. This program does not lead to Malta (EU) citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

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). This program does not lead to Malta (EU) citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

MALTA RETIREMENT PROGRAMME (MRP)

The Malta retirement program is targeted at retirees (EU and non-EU nationals) who receive a pension to be transmitted to Malta. The amount of the pension must equal at least 75% of the applicant’s total income. Applicants must purchase or rent a personal residence (from EUR 8,750 per year if rented, or from EUR 220,000 if purchased). Foreign source income brought into Malta is taxed at 15% with an annual minimum tax of EUR 7,500. This program does not lead to Malta (EU) citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

MALTA NOMAD RESIDENCE PERMIT (MNRP)

The Malta Nomad Residence Permit ("Digital Nomad Visa") is available to applicants who are not citizens of an EU member country. Applicants must be able to work independent of location and prove that (a) they are employed under a work contract issued by an employer outside of Malta, or (b) they conduct business on behalf of a company registered outside of Malta in which they are a partner or shareholder, or (c) they are a freelancer or consultant offering services to clients who are based outside of Malta.

Applicants for the Malta nomad residence permit must earn a salary of at least EUR 3,500 per month. Applicants must rent or purchase a property in Malta, obtain health insurance, and pass all background checks. The visa is valid for 1 year, and may be renewed at the discretion of the Malta government twice, for a maximum of 4 years. The Nomad Residence Permit does not entitle the holder to social benefits in Malta, and it does not lead to Malta (EU) residency or citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

MALTA STARTUP RESIDENCE PROGRAMME (MSRP)

The Malta Startup Residence program is available to startup founders, co-founders, and their core employees and families who are of non-EU nationality and who register their venture in Malta at a minimum EUR 25,000 capital investment. The startup must be younger than 7 years and must not yet have distributed a profit.

Applicants are required to be financially self-sufficient, move to Malta, and pay taxes here. Applicants must rent or purchase a property in Malta, obtain health insurance, and pass all background checks. The residence permit is valid for 3 years, and may be renewed at the discretion of the Malta government for an additional 5 years. The startup residence program does not lead to permanent residency, and it does not lead to Malta (EU) citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

Malta Citizenship / Residency Program Benefits

For Investors and their Families

MALTA OFFERS EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS

Reasons for obtaining 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 undesirable. Because Malta allows dual citizenship, most applicants retain the citizenship of their home country in addition to receiving a second passport from Malta (EU).

Free Movement of Persons

The Malta citizenship program extends to the entire family for future generations. This includes not only the main applicant but also a spouse or long-term partner (of any gender), children, parents, and grandparents. All family members covered by the program have the freedom to travel, reside, and work without constraints within the European Union.

Free Movement of Goods & Services

Malta citizens and their affiliated companies enjoy the advantage of being able to seamlessly offer their products and services throughout the European Union member states. This unrestricted market access provides a significant opportunity for business expansion and collaboration within the EU, fostering economic growth and enhancing the competitive edge of Maltese entrepreneurs and enterprises on the European stage.

Free Movement of Capital

Holders of a Malta passport benefit from a range of financial and investment opportunities within the European Union. With the privilege of being able to transfer funds seamlessly between EU member states, Malta passport holders have the flexibility to manage their finances efficiently across borders. Additionally, they enjoy the freedom to purchase property in any EU country of their choice, providing them with diverse real estate investment options and the ability to establish residences according to personal preferences.

Attractive Tax System

Malta stands out as a compelling financial center, drawing attention for its highly advantageous tax system and strategic geographical position at the nexus of three continents – Europe, Africa, and Asia. The combination of these factors makes Malta an ideal destination for individuals and businesses seeking favorable tax conditions and a strategic location for international trade and commerce.

The favorable tax system in Malta encompasses various incentives and exemptions, contributing to the nation's appeal as a financial hub. Applicants are advised to secure the services of an independent tax specialist. Should you require assistance in this regard, we would be glad to facilitate an introduction to reputable tax specialists familiar with Malta's tax landscape.

High Standard of Living

Holders of Malta residency or citizenship enjoy an elevated standard of living, attributed to their access to esteemed private schools, reliable private medical facilities, and Malta's standing with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. In Malta, a harmonious coexistence prevails among multiple cultures, fostering a peaceful and inclusive community. The unpolluted air, codified property rights, and the freedom of expression contribute to the well-rounded quality of life that residents and citizens experience in Malta.

Visa Free Travel

Possessing a Malta passport offers a range of travel advantages, eliminating the need for a visa when traversing within the European Union. This facilitates seamless travel experiences for Malta passport holders, allowing them to explore the diverse landscapes, cultures, and opportunities that the EU member states have to offer. Additionally, Malta passport holders also enjoy visa-free travel to numerous non-EU countries, providing them with global mobility and accessibility.

For Malta residents, the benefits extend to visa-free Schengen travel, allowing them to journey through Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a 6-month period. This privilege not only encourages ease of travel for personal and professional reasons but also enhances global connectivity, fostering international relationships and opportunities.

Citizenship / Residency Application Process

The Application Procedure Step by Step

FROM CONSULTATION TO CERTIFICATE

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 and team of specialists 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 - the first stage of the citizenship application procedure - can be as fast as 15 working days. The completion of an MPRP residency application usually takes 4 to 6 months. Once 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 Residency or Naturalization & Passport. The final step for residency applicants entails receiving their certificate, whereas citizenship applicants take an Oath of Allegiance. The Maltese government will then issue the Certificate of Naturalization, and the applicant can receive the Maltese (EU) passport.

Malta citizenship requires 12 or 36 months in residency status (depending on the investment option chosen).

Malta's Standing in the European Union

One of the Safest Countries in the EU

SAFE, NEUTRAL, AND RESPECTED

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.

Our Qualifications

A Team of Specialist at your Service

YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR MISSION

Our immigration attorneys are government-licensed "Authorised Registered Mandatories", a designation required by the Malta Government to file Malta citizenship or residency 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.

Apart from our expertise in immigration law, we offer comprehensive assistance in real estate acquisition and leasing. Additionally, our associates specialize in company formation and provide tax advisory services to a diverse clientele, including high net worth individuals, owner-managed businesses, and larger corporations.

Zenturo Ltd.

Residency & Citizenship by Investment Programs Worldwide

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

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.


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