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.
Malta citizens can benefit from a wide range of world-class social services, including free education and healthcare. 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 unfavorable, or to obtain a prestigious second passport to facilitate international travel. Because Malta allows dual citizenship, most applicants retain the citizenship of their home country in addition to receiving a second passport from Malta (EU).
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Malta's citizenship by investment program, the "Malta Naturalisation
for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Regulations",
also referred to as the "Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation
(MEIN)", requires three main types of expenses: government-mandated
investments/donations, government application fees, and service
provider legal fees.
The applicant makes the required investments
after receiving the citizenship approval in principle,
and residing in Malta continuously during or after the residency
period is not a requirement to receive citizenship.
The total number of citizenship certificates granted is
limited to 400 per year. Please
contact us to receive a
detailed quotation.
PROGRAM COST:
Many affluent citizens around the world consider the passport of an EU member country a powerful tool for international tax planning and to provide their families with a better quality of life.
Because Malta allows dual citizenship, most applicants retain the citizenship of their home country in addition to receiving a second passport from Malta (EU).
Applicants realize that the Maltese citizenship can provide several
benefits, including:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Step #1: Application Start
The applicant retains our government-licensed immigration attorney
to represent him/her throughout the application procedure.
Step #2: Residency Application
Next, the applicant rents a local residence to cover the residency
period, and we file for Malta residency status, which allows visa-free
Schengen travel, valid for up to 36 months.
Step #3: Citizenship Eligibility Application
After the applicant has received residency status, we proceed with
filing for Malta citizenship eligibility.
Step #4: Citizenship Application
After eligibility is confirmed, we submit the Malta citizenship
application. If approved, the government issues a conditional Approval
in Principle.
Step #5: Investments
Upon receiving the approval in principle, the applicant fulfills
all remaining requirements, including making the required investment/donation
and securing a property for a minimum of 5 years through either
purchase or rental.
Step #6: Oath of Allegiance
The final step involves taking the Oath of Allegiance, after which
the applicant receives the Certificate of Naturalization and the
Malta passport.
The entire process, from Step #1 to Step #6, can be completed in as little as 14 - 18 months.
The following are select questions frequently asked about the Maltese citizenship by investment program. If you don't find your answers here, please contact us at your convenience. Click here for a long version of all FAQs.
Q: Are your attorneys licensed by the Malta government?
A: Yes. Our immigration attorneys are licensed "Authorized Registered
Mandatories" as designated by the Government of Malta (Aġenzija
Komunita' Malta). Applicants are not permitted to file residency
or citizenship applications themselves due to the complexities involved
in preparing all government-mandated application forms.
Applications may only be submitted to the Malta government by
an agent licensed by the Community Malta Agency. Feel free to
peruse the
profiles of our attorneys.
Q: What is the minimum investment required to obtain
the Malta citizenship?
A: Applicants under the Naturalisation for Exceptional Services
by Direct Investment Regulation are required to make a one-time
financial commitment in support of the economic development of Malta.
Citizenship is available to qualified investors for a contribution,
meaning a non-refundable donation, in the amount of EUR 600,000
(36 months residency option) or EUR 750,000 (12 months residency
option) plus government application charges and legal fees.
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.
Further, 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.
NOTE: The contribution/investment needs to be made only
after the government has issued the Citizenship Approval
in Principle. In other words, no investments need to be made before
the citizenship application is approved.
Please use our contact form to receive a detailed cost estimate.
Q: How will new citizens be taxed?
A: In general, Malta taxation is only based on domicile (your permanent
home), and not on residency or citizenship status.
Under Maltese Law, at birth you automatically acquire your domicile
status (Domicile of Origin) from your father. If your father later
changes his domicile to a new location (Domicile of Choice), yours
automatically changes to this new location as well. On attaining
the age of 18, you are allowed to acquire a new domicile of choice,
but there is no such requirement.
This means if you don’t make Malta your domicile, then only
income and capital gains generated from activities inside Malta
are fully taxable. Income, such as from employment, arising outside of Malta and not sent
to Malta is not taxable. In addition, capital gains or savings generated outside of Malta even if brought into Malta are not taxable for non-domiciled
residents.
In other words, tax is due only on (a) income generated inside of
Malta, (b) capital gains arising inside of Malta, and (c) income
generated outside of Malta and remitted to Malta.
Other Tax Considerations:
Q: Can I include my family with my Malta citizenship
application?
A: Yes. The main applicant for Maltese citizenship may include a
spouse or long-term partner (gender neutral), children under 18
years of age, financially dependent adult children under the age
of 29, and parents and grandparents over the age of 55.
Q: Will my citizenship expire?
A: No. When you acquire Malta citizenship you and your family enjoy
full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations
by descent.
Q: Do I need to move to Malta or live in Malta for a
minimum number of days during the year to qualify for residency
or citizenship?
A: No. Applicants do not need to move to Malta or live in the country
for a full year to satisfy the one year (or three year) residency
requirement when applying for citizenship. Instead, an applicant
can meet the requirement by proving a genuine link with Malta as
evidenced by, for example, several visits per year, showing water
and electricity bills, having a club membership, engaging in any
business activity in Malta, and similar. Our attorneys will assist
you to be in full compliance with Maltese regulations.
Q: How long does the application processing take until
I get citizenship?
A: In general, application processing can take as little as 12 to
18 months. The Malta citizenship application process is performed
in two stages: the first stage is Malta residency, the second stage
is Malta citizenship.
The residency stage takes approximately
15 working days to process, after which residency status is conferred
upon the applicant. The main applicant and any dependents are provided
with an E-Residence document which is equivalent to a Schengen Visa,
granting Malta residency and borderless travel to all Schengen countries.
After you receive residency status your assigned attorney will work
with you on preparing your citizenship eligibility application.
The application can be filed immediately after you have been in
residency status for 12 months or 36 months, depending on your choice
of investment option.
Lastly, processing times also depend on how fast the applicant can
provide supporting documentation.
Q: Can you help me find suitable real estate in Malta?
A: Yes. Feel free to browse available properties with pictures and
prices on our Malta real estate
page.
In addition, we offer a full range of professional
real estate services to buyers; please request our "Malta Real Estate
Services" brochure for details.
Further, we are associated
with licensed real estate agencies and developers in Malta and can
help you find a property that fulfills all application requirements.
We will ensure that your preferred property meets the minimum standards
of your residency or citizenship application as many properties
currently do not meet these requirements. Having rented or bought
a property that does not meet the government regulation can lead
to a lot of frustration and additional expenses when trying to bring
such a property up to code.
Our professional relationships in Malta guarantee to our clients
a smooth, comprehensive service that includes identifying suitable
properties, providing transport for property viewings, drafting/reviewing
legal contracts, and/or liaising with local notaries and architects
as needed.
When you decide on a property for purchase we can set up a Power
of Attorney to appear on your behalf without the need for you to
travel to Malta to finalize the transaction.
Q: How soon can I sell my Malta real estate?
A: The property needs to be held for five years. After this period,
property in Malta can be sold completely exempt from tax if it has
been held for three years as the resident’s sole and ordinary residence.
If the property is sold before having been used as the resident’s
sole residence for three years, a final property tax of 12% is chargeable
on the selling price.
Q: Do I need to invest in a Malta company and create
jobs to qualify for the program?
A: No. Unlike other programs such as the
EB-5 Investor Visa in the United States, Malta has no requirements
to invest in a business or create new jobs.
Q: Will the Malta citizenship automatically grant me
European citizenship?
A: Yes. Because Malta is a member of the European Union its citizens
are automatically European citizens, which means you are allowed
to live, work or study anywhere in Europe.
However, please note that the total number of citizenships (total
number of passports) the Maltese government has made available under
the new regulation is limited to only 400 per year! If you are ready
to file an application
please contact us for additional information.
Q: What is the difference between the Naturalisation
for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Regulation and
the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?
A: The Malta Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by
Direct Investment Regulation (Maltese Exceptional Investor
Naturalisation / MEIN) is a program that offers qualified applicants,
including EU nationals and non-EU nationals, Malta residency and
citizenship (the Malta passport) in return for a one-time contribution
to the Malta economy as outlined in the section "Investment Amounts
and Fees" above.
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP),
on the other hand, leads to permanent residency, meaning the permission
to live in Malta as long as desired, and visa-free travel to all
European countries within the Schengen area for 90 out of 180 days.
The application process usually takes 4 to 6 months, but it does
not lead to the Maltese (EU) citizenship or the Malta passport.
Residents may file a citizenship application after 6 years in residency
status, but there is no guarantee that an approval will be granted,
and approvals typically take 10 to 15 years.
For additional information about Malta's residency programs please
visit our
Malta Residency
page.
Q: What is Malta's position on fintech / crypto-currency
/ blockchain technology?
A: Malta is fast establishing itself as the premier destination
for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. The government's regulatory
framework will cover traders, asset management, and exchange platforms,
thus making Malta the world’s friendliest jurisdiction for the sector.
Our associated crypto / blockchain professionals are published experts
in this field who can advise you on best practices for fintech-related
topics in Malta.
Please use our fintech contact form for additional information.
Q: What does "Schengen Area" mean?
A: Malta residency/citizenship allows you to travel without restrictions
across the "Schengen Area" of the European Union. The Schengen zone
is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport
and immigration controls at their common borders. It functions as
a single country for international travel purposes, with a common
visa policy. Source:
Wikipedia
Q: Will I be able to travel to the United States with
the Malta passport?
A: Yes. The Malta passport will allow you to travel to the U.S.
under the visa waiver program which allows citizens of participating
countries to travel to the United States without a visa for stays
of 90 days or less. Source:
U.S. Government
Please contact us for a detailed cost estimate or confidential
consultation in person, or by phone, Zoom, or email. Our attorneys
are ready to assist you with attaining your investment objectives
and answer any questions you might have about immigrating to Malta.
Malta presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure the
future for you, your family, and your business in Europe.
The prestigious Malta (EU) passport and permanent residency offer
unparalleled benefits, including visa-free international travel,
business expansion, wealth preservation, and access to world-class
education and healthcare. Join our extensive list of clients who
have successfully completed their applications.
Executives, investors, and global entrepreneurs recognize the
immense value of the European passport and residency as a strategic
backup plan and safety net in uncertain times. Financial investments
can go to zero. The freedom of a second passport pays dividends
forever.
Take the first step
towards a brighter future; contact us for a preliminary quotation
today. You can reach us by email, phone, chat, and Zoom. For
a private in-person meeting with one of our government-licensed
attorneys, kindly provide us with your travel dates so we can schedule
an appointment.
Urgent notice: Only 400 citizenship certificates
are available each year, with the entire program capped at 1,500!
We usually reply by email within one hour
or less, including nights, weekends and holidays. Our main offices are in Malta where it is currently .
Malta (EU) Citizenship & Residency 2024
The "Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations"
and the "Malta Permanent Residence Programme", Malta's citizenship
and residency by investment programs, are still open and accepting
new applications.
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.
License: AKM-BALD
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