Q: What are the benefits of Malta citizenship?
A: 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 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 benefits of Malta citizenship include permanent rights, privileges, and protections. Because Malta is a member of the European Union, Malta citizenship also allows applicants to live, work, and retire in all other EU member countries.

The time to process an application for Malta citizenship and start to receive citizenship benefits takes between 12 to 18 months, with Malta residency received in about two to three weeks after starting the citizenship application procedure.

Benefits of Malta citizenship include:

Summary
What are the benefits of Malta citizenship? There are many benefits to holding Maltese citizenship, including living /working/retiring in a safe European country with a warm climate, access to first-class healthcare and education, and the right to travel freely across Europe and over 180 destinations. The Malta (EU) passport is considered one of the most valuable passports in the world. English is spoken widely, and applicants are allowed to keep their original citizenship / passports because Malta allows dual citizenship status. 

Main Points: Malta citizenship benefits

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Q: What is the difference between residency and citizenship in Malta?
A: 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.

Malta citizens are not required to live in the country for any specific number of days per year. Malta residents, on the other hand, are encouraged to spend as much time as they can in the country to maintain their residency status - even though the Malta government has not published any official minimum stay requirement for residents.

The time to process an application for Malta citizenship takes between 12 to 18 months, with residency granted in as little as two weeks. Malta residency is the first step towards Malta citizenship.

On the other hand, the time to process an application for Malta permanent residency usually takes between 3 to 6 months. Some residency programs allow the resident to apply for citizenship after 5 to 6 years of living in the country, but there is no guarantee that a citizenship application will be approved at that time.

Malta offers several programs for residency or citizenship, including temporary residency, permanent residence, and Malta citizenship, i.e., the Malta passport (the EU passport).

In addition, Malta allows dual citizenship, which means applicants from most countries can retain the citizenship of their country of origin. This provides applicants with the freedom associated with having dual citizenship and two passports.

Citizenship of Malta, a member country of the European Union, means you receive the right to live, work, or study in any EU member country, not just the country that issued the passport. This is one of the main benefits of the Malta citizenship by investment program.

Summary
Is there a difference between Malta residency and citizenship? Becoming a resident of another country means you have the right to live in that specific country only. Citizenship, on the other hand, means you earn the rights of persons born in that country, including the right to apply for a passport of Malta (the EU passport). There are no minimum-stay requirements for Malta citizens, meaning they don't have to live in the country. While residents are not automatically allowed to work, to vote, or draw on Malta's social services, such as free university education or free health care, Malta citizens receive these rights. Moving from residency to citizenship by naturalization is a very long process in Malta that can take between 10 to 15 years or longer. In contrast, the Maltese citizenship by investment program is a much faster process to gaining citizenship because the program offers a short 12-months residency option. Citizenship of Malta, which is a member country of the European Union, means you receive the right to live, work, or study in any EU member country. Lastly, Malta allows dual citizenship (two passports).

Main Points: Malta citizenship / residency differences

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Q: What is the cost of the Malta citizenship by investment program?
A: The cost of Malta citizenship by investment is around €632,000 plus legal fees and a residential property rental (or purchase).

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.

Applicants must further invest an additional €50,000 for each dependent family member to be included in their application.

In return for this investment, applicants receive Malta citizenship and the Malta (EU) passport. Malta citizenship benefits include the right to travel, live, and work anywhere in the EU, traveling to over 180 destinations visa-free, and free access to high-quality healthcare and schooling. Malta allows dual citizenship, i.e., the right of applicants to keep the passport of their country of origin. 

Summary
How much does it cost to get Malta citizenship by investment? The Malta citizenship by investment program requires an expense of about €632,000 not including legal fees and buying or renting a personal residence. Of this amount, applicants must make a con-refundable contribution to the Malta government in the amount of €600,000 if selecting the 36-months residency option, or €750,000 if selecting the 12-months residency option. In addition, government fees amount to approximately €22,000. Further, applicants must pay a €10,000 donation to a Maltese NGO of their choice. The legal fees depend on the number of applicants. 

Main Points: Malta investment citizenship cost

Total investment cost breakdown:
Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Regulation Fees (Malta Citizenship / Passport).

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Q: What is the cost of the Malta permanent residence program?
A: The cost of Malta permanent residency is around €70,000 plus fees and property rental (or purchase).

There are three main types of expenses: government-mandated investments, government application fees, and legal fees.

Total investment cost breakdown:
Malta MPRP Permanent Residence Program Fees.

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Q: What is the difference between residency and citizenship in 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.

Malta citizens are not required to live in the country for any specific number of days per year. Malta residents, on the other hand, are encouraged to spend as much time as they can in the country to maintain their residency status - even though the Malta government has not published any official minimum stay requirement for residents.

The time to process an application for Malta citizenship takes between 12 to 18 months, with residency granted in as little as two weeks. Malta residency is the first step towards Malta citizenship.

On the other hand, the time to process an application for Malta permanent residency usually takes between 3 to 6 months. Some residency programs allow the resident to apply for citizenship after 5 to 6 years of living in the country, but there is no guarantee that a citizenship application will be approved at that time.

Malta offers several programs for residency or citizenship, including temporary residency, permanent residence, and Malta citizenship, i.e., the Malta passport (the EU passport).

In addition, Malta allows dual citizenship, which means applicants from most countries can retain the citizenship of their country of origin. This provides applicants with the freedom associated with having dual citizenship and two passports.

Citizenship of Malta, a member country of the European Union, means you receive the right to live, work, or study in any EU member country, not just the country that issued the passport. This is one of the main benefits of the Malta citizenship by investment program.

Summary
Is there a difference between Malta residency and citizenship? Becoming a resident of another country means you have the right to live in that specific country only. Citizenship, on the other hand, means you earn the rights of persons born in that country, including the right to apply for a passport of Malta (the EU passport). There are no minimum-stay requirements for Malta citizens, meaning they don't have to live in the country. While residents are not automatically allowed to work, to vote, or draw on Malta's social services, such as free university education or free health care, Malta citizens receive these rights. Moving from residency to citizenship by naturalization is a very long process in Malta that can take between 10 to 15 years or longer. In contrast, the Maltese citizenship by investment program is a much faster process to gaining citizenship because the program offers a short 12-months residency option. Citizenship of Malta, which is a member country of the European Union, means you receive the right to live, work, or study in any EU member country. Lastly, Malta allows dual citizenship (two passports).

Main Points: Malta citizenship / residency differences

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Q: Does Malta allow dual citizenship with the US?
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.

Applicants and their families can receive Malta dual citizenship status if their country of origin allows holding multiple citizenships. The cost of applying for Malta citizenship is at least €632,000 plus fees and a purchase or rental of Malta real estate, under the Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Regulation, which is Malta's citizenship by investment program.

The Maltese government has no restrictions on holding both Maltese citizenship and the citizenship of another country. This means you can enjoy the benefits and freedoms of holding two passports. Because Malta is a member of the European Union, Malta citizens enjoy the freedoms of European citizens. 

Malta citizenship has many benefits, including the right to travel, live, work, and study anywhere in the EU, visa-free travel to over 180 destinations, including the US, Canada, and the UK, and free access to high-quality healthcare and schooling.

Summary:

Can U.S. citizens apply for dual citizenship? Yes, United States citizens can keep their US passport because Malta allows all applicants to keep the citizenship of their origin. The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Service by Direct Investment program allows foreigners to apply for a Malta passport after 1 or 3 years of residency. Applicants from the US are free to choose between keeping their US citizenship or renouncing it after Malta citizenship has been granted. Applicants from other countries should check with their governments to confirm their country allows dual citizenship. While most countries have no restrictions on obtaining a second nationality, some countries do not allow their citizens to hold a second passport.

Main Points: Malta Dual Citizenship

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Q: What is the difference between the Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Regulation, the Global Residence Program (GRP), and the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?
A: Malta Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation / MEIN) offers applicants, including EU nationals and non-EU nationals, a path to Malta residency and citizenship in return for a one-time investment. For a single applicant the minimum one-time cost is approximately €632,000 excluding property and legal fees. The total number of citizenship certificates to be granted is limited to no more than 400 per year.

As a EU citizen you are allowed to live, work, study, or retire in any of the 27 European Union countries. EU 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.

Please use our contact form to receive a comprehensive quotation which depends on the number of family members to be included.


The Maltese Global Residence Program (GRP) 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.

However, residency status under the GRP program needs to be renewed annually to avoid expiration. The annual expense, a minimum tax, to renew residency is approximately €15,000. Further, the applicant is required to rent a residence at an annual lease of no less than €8,750 (a property purchase is also acceptable). Thus, the total minimum expense to renew the GRP permit each year is approximately €24,000 plus fees.

GRP visa applicants can 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 the tax 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.

Processing can be as fast as 3-4 months. The GRP does not lead to Malta citizenship, and it does not result in receiving a Malta passport.


The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) leads to residency (meaning the permission to live in Malta as long as desired), visa-free travel to all European countries within the Schengen area for 90 out of 180 days, but unlike the GRP it has no recurring minimum tax. In other words, the MPRP does not need to be renewed each year.

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.

The MPRP program can lead to Malta residency in as little as 4 to 6 months, but just like the GRP program it does not lead to the Maltese (EU) citizenship and the Malta passport. Residents may file a citizenship application after 6 years in residency status, but any citizenship application may be approved or rejected entirely at the discretion of the minister and the department in charge. There is no guarantee that an approval will be granted, and any approval typically takes 10-15 years!

The following table compares both residency programs:

These cost estimates are exclusive of attorney fees and will vary based upon the number of family members to be included. Please contact us for a checklist of all required application documents and to receive a detailed quotation. If you are planning to apply for more than one family ask us about a group discount.

For an additional in-depth discussion and frequently asked questions about the Malta permanent residence (MPRP) program please also visit our in-depth MPRP FAQ page.

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Q: What is the difference between the Ordinary Residence (OR) program and The Residence Program (TRP)?
A: Both programs are only available for EU nationals, meaning applicants who are already a citizen of another EU member country. Both programs allow EU citizens to live in Malta indefinitely. The Residence Program (TRP) offers a special flat tax of 15% on income brought into Malta (EUR 15,000 annual tax minimum) which makes this program especially attractive to high income individuals. These programs do not lead to Malta citizenship / the Malta passport.

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Q: Are your attorneys licensed by the Malta government?
A: Yes. Our immigration attorneys are Licensed Agents by the Community Malta Agency (Aġenzija Komunita' Malta) / Authorized Registered Mandatories. Applicants for the Malta permanent residence program or for citizenship through exceptional services by direct investment are not permitted to file such 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 here.

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Q: Do you get citizenship if you buy real estate in Malta?
A: 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, 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 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. Any real estate must be held for a minimum of five years.

In addition to buying or leasing a personal residence in Malta, the applicant must make a contribution to the Malta government in the amount of  €600,000 for the 36-months residency option, or €750,000 for the shorter 12-months residency option.

Investment are only due only after the application for citizenship has been approved by the Government of Malta.

Summary
Does buying real estate in Malta give you citizenship? Purchasing or renting a personal residence in Malta is only one expense when applying for the Malta citizenship by investment program. Malta offers several options for residency or citizenship, including temporary residency, permanent residence (Golden Visa), or Malta citizenship by naturalization for exceptional services by direct investment, and all programs require the applicant to purchase or lease a personal property in Malta. In addition to a personal residence, citizenship by investment applicants must pay government fees, make a contribution to Malta's economic development, donate to a philanthropic organization preferred by the applicant, and cover legal expenses.   
 

Main Points: Malta citizenship for real estate investment

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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 at 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: No investments need to be made before the Approval in Principle is issued by the government. This ensures investments will only become due after your application has been approved.

Please use our contact form to receive a detailed cost estimate.

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Q: How easy is it to get Malta citizenship?
A: 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. 

Further, the application process entails a strict due-diligence procedure, including background checks to ensure the applicant has no criminal record. Minor infractions should be explained and cleared with the Malta government before an application is filed. Only the Malta government has the authority to approve or reject an application for citizenship.

Applying for the Malta citizenship by investment program requires a total expense of at least €632,000 plus fees and a purchase or rental of Malta real estate. Applicants must contribute €600,000 or €750,000 to the Government of Malta depending on the 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 annual rental expense of €16,000 when applying under the Malta citizenship by investment program.

Once citizenship is granted, Malta citizens can apply for the Malta passport (the EU passport) and live in any of the other EU member countries. Malta citizenship further allows you visa-free travel to over 180 destinations, including the US, Canada, and the UK.

Summary
Is it easy to get the Malta citizenship? Applying for a residency or citizenship by investment program in Malta is a regulated procedure that requires following well-defined application steps, submitting detailed application forms, and passing all due diligence checks. Applicants must also pay certain government fees, make required investments and donations, as well as purchase or lease residential real estate property. Application processing for the citizenship by investment program can take 12-18 months until citizenship is granted, and about 2 weeks until residency is received.

Main Points: Is Malta Citizenship Easy

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Q: How will new citizens be taxed?
A: 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:

Given the complexity of tax matters, we recommend consulting a licensed tax advisor for personalized guidance. Should you require assistance, we can facilitate an introduction to a qualified Maltese tax professional. Kindly contact us for further information or to schedule an appointment.
 

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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.
 

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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.
 

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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: 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. 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.

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Q: How long does the application process take until I receive citizenship?
A: The processing time for the Malta citizenship by investment program is at least 12 to 18 months for citizenship, and about 2 to 3 weeks for Malta residency.

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 cost of the Malta citizenship by investment program is about €632,000 not including a residential property rental (or purchase). The investment are due only after the citizenship application has been approved by the Malta government.

Once processing is complete, after 12-18 or after 36 months, depending on the applicant's choice, citizenship may be granted, and the Malta passport can be received.

Maltese citizenship allows traveling, living, and working in any member country of the European Union. In addition, Malta citizenship (the EU passport) offers visa-free travel to over 180 destinations. Further, Malta citizenship offers free access to high-quality healthcare and schooling. Lastly, Malta has no restrictions on dual citizenship, meaning an applicant can retain the citizenship and passport of their original country if preferred. 

Summary
How long is the processing time to get the Malta citizenship by investment? Malta residency is granted in as little as two weeks, which is the first step of the citizenship by investment application procedure. Malta citizenship processing, which is the second step in the application procedure, takes either 12 or 36 months, depending on the residency period selected by the applicant. Processing times also depend on how fast the applicant can provide the required documentation, such as a clean police record. The Malta citizenship by investment program requires a minimum expense of €632,000 exclusive of buying or renting a personal residence and legal services fees. Investments are due only after citizenship has been approved.

Main Points: Processing time for Malta investment citizenship

   

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Q: Can you help me find suitable real estate in Malta?
A: Yes. Please review 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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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Q: Can you help me with applying for the Malta Retirement Programme (MRP)?
A: Yes, the Malta retirement program is targeted at retirees (EU and non-EU nationals) who receive at least 75% of their income from a pension. Applicants must purchase or rent a personal residence in Malta.

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Q: Can you help me with applying for the Malta Nomad Residence Permit (MNRP)?
A: Yes, the "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 2,700 per month. Applicants must rent or purchase a property in Malta, obtain health insurance, and pass all background checks. Family members, including a spouse or partner, minor children, and dependent adult children, maybe included on the application of the main applicant. The visa is valid for one year, and may be renewed at the discretion of the Malta government. The Nomad Residence Permit does not entitle the holder to social benefits in Malta, and it does not lead to Malta residency or citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

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Q: Can you help me with finding a job?
A: Sorry, the immigration by investment options were developed by the government to attract high net worth individuals, business owners, VIPs and other individuals with the financial means to support themselves and the local economy. Please note: New citizens do not need any work permission; they may work in any of the EU member countries. New residents may apply for a Malta work permit, but would need to find their own employment opportunities.

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Q: Can you help me get a tourist or a student visa?
A: Sorry, we cannot assist with tourist or student visas. However, if your intent is to file an application for residency or citizenship we may assist with the initial travel visa to schedule an in-person appointment at our offices.

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Q: What are the major differences among the various immigration by investment programs?
A: The Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment Program offers several investment options starting from EUR 257,000 plus fees for Bulgaria (EU) citizenship and passport after 5 years in residency status.

The Cyprus Residency by Investment Program offers options from EUR 300,000 for Cyprus (EU) permanent residency. Residents may apply for citizenship after 7 years in residency status.

The Greece Golden Visa allows non-EU applicants to file for Greece (EU) residency by way of a EUR 400,000 - 800,000 investment in local real estate. The investor may file for Greek citizenship after 7 years of living in Greece at a minimum of 183 days per year.

The Malta Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment regulation provides the applicant with Malta (EU) residency and citizenship for an investment in the amount of EUR 600,000 (36 months residency option) or EUR 750,000 (12 months residency option). Additional are a philanthropic donation, a property rental (or purchase), and fees. For applicants who are only seeking Malta (tax) residency or Schengen travel benefits, options start at an annual recurring expense of EUR 15,000 plus property and fees. 

The Monaco Residency / Citizenship Program offers Monaco residency to applicants who can prove sufficient accommodations and financial self-sufficiency. The applicant may file for Monaco citizenship after 10 years of permanent residency.

The Portugal Golden Visa Residence Permit Program offers Portugal (EU) permanent residency for a donation of funds starting from EUR 250,000. Investors may apply for Portugal citizenship after 5 years in residency status. 

The Spain Golden Visa offers Spain (EU) residency for a EUR 500,000 minimum investment in real estate, or a EUR 1 Million Euro asset transfer, or a 2 Million Euro securities investment, or the creation of a new government-approved business project. The investor may file for citizenship after 10 years in residency status.


Outside of the EU, citizenship by investment programs include those offered by Canada, the United States of America, and the Caribbean nations of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia, Turkey and Vanuatu:

Canada offers several residency by investment options, leading to citizenship if desired, starting at CAD 200,000.

The United States EB-5 Program leads to permanent residency status and citizenship in the United States for a minimum investment of USD 900,000 in a commercial enterprise in the U.S. that generates at least 10 jobs for Americans. After 5 years as a permanent resident the investor may apply for U.S. citizenship.

The Caribbean nations of Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia offer citizenship programs requiring a real estate investment from USD 300,000 or a non-refundable donation of at least USD 200,000.

The citizenship program of Turkey (not a EU member country) has a citizenship by investment program starting from USD 400,000 if invested into local real estate.

The citizenship program of Vanuatu offers citizenship for a donation starting from USD 130,000 for a single applicant.

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Q: What does "Schengen Area" mean?
A: The Malta citizenship allows you to travel without restrictions across the "Schengen Area" of the European Union. The Schengen Area 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

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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


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