
Malta citizenship (EU passport) provides visa-free travel to more than 168 countries in the world, including the USA, Canada, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and most countries in North, Central and South America.
International business executives, investors, entrepreneurs, and important persons who are active worldwide consider the Malta citizenship / the Malta passport a powerful tool for international tax planning, a safety net should living conditions at home become unbearable, and a key for retirement in a vibrant country with a sunny and warm climate.
The Malta citizenship by investment program confers full citizenship and passports to the whole family. Applicants are not required to continuously live in Malta during the application period or after citizenship approval.
MALTA CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT: Malta Individual Investor Program (IIP)
Malta Citizenship by Investment may be granted under an amendment passed in November 2013 to the Maltese Citizenship Act, Chapter 188 of the Laws of Malta. The act provides for affluent persons of impeccable standing to receive Maltese citizenship on the basis of an investment in Malta.
Malta citizenship applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a clean criminal record. The main applicant may also add dependents to a citizenship application, including his/her spouse, minor children, adult children who are unmarried and economically-dependent, and dependent parents or grandparents.
Malta Citizenship Program Investment Amounts
The applicant must make a contribution to the Malta government, and invest in government-approved securities, and purchase or lease a personal residence.1. National Development and Social Fund Contribution
The contribution is a one-time, non-refundable donation to the Malta Government.Spouse: EUR 25,000
Minor children: EUR 25,000
Adult, dependent children between 18 - 26 years of age: EUR 50,000
Dependent parents over 55: EUR 50,000
2. Government-Approved Securities Investment
The investment into approved securities (bonds, stocks) must be held for at least five years. After five years, the applicant may sell the securities.3. Real Estate Investment
The applicant must also select a real estate investment option. The options include purchasing or leasing Malta real estate at the following minimum amounts.Option A: Property Purchase. EUR 350,000.
Option B: Property Lease per Year. EUR 16,000.
Government Due Diligence Fees
In addition to the required investments, applicants need to budget for the following government fees:Spouse: EUR 5,000
Children below 13: no fee
Minor children age 13 - 17: EUR 3,000
Adult dependent children age 18 - 26: EUR 5,000
Dependent parents over 55: EUR 5,000
NOTE: The Malta citizenship applicant does not need to make any investment before the Malta government issues an Approval in Principle to the applicant. This means your investments will only become due after your application has been reviewed and citizenship has been granted in principle, meaning pending your making the required payments. Our associated attorneys will advise you of the probability of success prior to submitting your application to protect you from filing an application (and making any investments) that might be rejected.
Malta Citizenship Application Procedure
Applicants pursuing Malta citizenship will receive residency status in about 3 - 4 months, and citizenship (the Malta passport) in approximately 12 months from the start of the application process.If the applicant has already been a Malta resident prior to filing a citizenship application he/she can obtain the Maltese passport as early as six months The average application processing time is 12 - 18 months.
If the applicant has not been a resident prior to filing the Malta citizenship application, he/she must fulfill a one-year residency period before receiving the Malta passport. Applicants do not need to move to Malta or live in the country for a full year to satisfy the one year residency requirement. Instead, an applicant can meet the requirement by proving a genuine link with Malta as evidenced by, for example, a minimum of two visits within the year, or showing water and electricity bills, or having a club membership, engaging in any business activity in Malta, or similar.
MALTA PERMANENT RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT
Malta permanent residency allows applicants to live in Malta as long as desired. There is no obligation to live in Malta year-round (no minimum stay requirement). Permanent residents also benefit from 90-day visa-free travel to all European countries within the Schengen area, and the option to apply for a Malta work permit.
Malta permanent residency does not allow the applicant to permanently live, work, or study in any other EU member country outside of Malta. Permanent residents further do not benefit from Malta's free healthcare system or free university education which are available only to Malta citizens.
Malta Residency and Visa Program (MRVP)
Common reasons to apply for the Malta Residency and Visa Program (MRVP / "Golden Visa") include to start a new life, plan for eventual retirement, send the children to better schools, for financial reasons, to set up a new business, as well as receive visa-free Schengen travel.The Malta MRVP permanent residency program is available to non-EU nationals and requires a one-time investment. The MRVP permanent residency certificate will be issued to you and your family, and is valid for life.
Applicants must be 18 years or older, and have a clean police record. Further, the main applicant must declare that he/she has an annual income of at least EUR 100,000 arising outside of Malta, or that he/she owns assets (stocks, bonds, real estate, other) valued at no less than EUR 500,000.
Applicants for the Malta MRVP Residency Program may chose one of two investment options:
Option B: Bond Investment. The applicant purchases government bonds for EUR 250,000 which can be sold after five years. In addition the applicant is required to make a non-refundable EUR 30,000 contribution (donation) to the Malta government.
In addition to the two investment options above, applicants must also invest in Malta real estate. The options include purchasing or leasing a Malta residence at the following minimum amounts.
Option A: Property Purchase. South/Gozo: EUR 270,000. Central/North Malta: EUR 320,000.
Option B: Property Lease per Year. South/Gozo: EUR 10,000. Central/North Malta: EUR 12,000.
Processing for the MRVP program can be as fast as four to six months.
The MRVP permanent residency does not automatically lead to Malta citizenship, and it does not automatically result in receiving a Malta passport. However, residents may apply for Malta citizenship after six years in permanent residency status. The citizenship application may be approved or rejected entirely at the discretion of the minister and the department in charge at that time. There is no guarantee whatsoever that Malta citizenship this many years later will be approved.
Malta Global Residency Program (GRP)
The Malta GRP program for non-EU nationals is a residency visa valid for one year after which it must be renewed every year to avoid expiration.The GRP program is desirable especially for applicants who only require temporary EU residency status - such as business persons who for a limited time need visa-free travel throughout the Schengen zone.
GRP visa applicants 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 qualify applicants must refrain from staying in any other jurisdiction for more than 183 days and becoming a tax resident in that other country.
Applicants must further prove financial self-sufficiency and must be in possession of valid health insurance.
Aside from the EUR 15,000 minimum tax, the Malta government also charges a EUR 6,000 application fee.
In addition, applicants must also invest in Malta real estate. The options include purchasing or leasing a Malta residence at the following minimum amounts.
Option A: Property Purchase. South/Gozo: EUR 220,000. Central/North Malta: EUR 275,000.
Option B: Property Lease per Year. South/Gozo: EUR 8,750. Central/North Malta: EUR 9,600.
Processing for the GRP program can be as fast as three months.
Malta Residency FOR EU-CITIZENS
Malta residency for EU nationals (including Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland) offers the right, without an obligation, to live in Malta year-round.Malta Residency (for EU Citizens): The Ordinary Residence (OR) program requires the applicant demonstrates financial self-sufficiency, which is defined as having available funds of at least EUR 14,000 for a single person (EUR 23,000 for married couples).
Further, the applicant must purchase or lease a property in Malta. There is no minimum property value requirement.
Benefits include the freedom to reside and work in Malta, visa-free Schengen travel, and fast processing (6-8 weeks). Family members can be included.
Malta Residency (for EU Citizens): The Residence Program (TRP) requires applicants to declare they do not spend more than 183 days in any other jurisdiction outside of Malta. The flat rate tax on income brought into Malta is 15% (annual minimum tax: EUR 15,000).
Further, the applicant must purchase or lease a property in Malta with a minimum property value of EUR 275,000 for property in Central/North Malta (or EUR 220,000 for property in Gozo or South Malta). Candidates may alternatively opt for rental of property at EUR 9,600 (or EUR 8,750 per year in Gozo/South Malta).
Benefits include the freedom to reside and work in Malta, visa-free Schengen travel, fast processing (3–4 months), and a 15% flat rate tax on income remitted to Malta. Family members and domestic staff can be included.
MALTA CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT BENEFITS
The Malta passport is a powerful instrument for High Net Worth Individuals worldwide and consistently ranks as one of the most valuable passports available to investors today.
Visa free travel to over 168 countries, including the USA
Malta citizenship (EU citizenship) offers full European Union benefits, including Schengen borderless travel and a United States visa waiver. This means Malta passport holders receive visa-free travel to more than 168 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 enjoys a low cost of living index. Multiple cultures live side by side in peace and harmony. Malta has long been a vacation spot for Europeans and families who flock to the island for its sunny and warm climate year-round. Malta offers a modern infrastructure ranging from reliable phone and internet service to secure banking to well-established air and sea routes connecting the island to the European mainland and international destinations.A better education for the applicant’s children
Because of the country's history as a former British colony the Maltese school system reflects the British structure. There are two school categories: state schools and private schools. State schools are free to all students (including free transportation and free books), while private schools, such as international schools, charge tuition fees. For more information about the Maltese school system please click here.Free Movement of Persons
The whole family can obtain Malta citizenship (EU passport), and they can all travel, reside, and work freely within the EU.Free Movement of Services
Malta passport holders and their companies can offer services within EU member states without obstacles.Free Movement of Capital
Maltese passport holders can transfer funds between EU member states, purchase property in any preferred EU country, and invest in any type of business venture.Free Movement of Goods
All goods produced in EU member states can be freely transferred between countries of the European Union.No Requirement to Physically Reside in Malta
Malta citizenship applicants and their dependents are not required to reside in Malta before the filing of a citizenship application, or after receiving the Malta passport.Attractive Tax System
Malta passport holders may benefit from Malta's favorable tax system and strategic location at the crossroads of three continents – Europe, Africa and Asia.Blockchain Technology Friendly
Malta is fast establishing itself as the premier destination for blockchain / distributed ledger technology companies and cryptocurrency projects. The government's regulatory framework covers ICO's, STO's, exchange licenses, asset management, VFA (virtual financial agents), and other blockchain-related business activities, thus making Malta one of the world’s friendliest jurisdiction for the sector. Please use our "Malta: Blockchain Island" contact form for additional information.High Standard of Living
Malta passport holders will benefit from the Malta's high standard of living due to the country's access to reputable private schools, trustworthy private medical facilities, and having among the lowest crime rates within Europe. In Malta, multiple cultures live side by side in peace and harmony.MALTA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
Malta is a safe, neutral and respected member of the European Union since 2004 and part of the Schengen Area since 2007. The country enjoys a stable political climate and a bi-partisan political scene that is largely convergent on issues of national and economic importance.
Malta has weathered the financial crises 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
Our associated attorneys are IIP accredited Authorized Registered Mandatories (ARM), a designation required by the Maltese Government to manage IIP applications.
Our team is based in Malta and consists of immigration specialists working exclusively on Malta Citizenship & Residency matters. Working with us means you will have Malta immigration experts standing by your side throughout the entire application process, from start to finish. We will work with you until your Malta residency or citizenship by investment application has been approved and you have received your residence certificate or Malta passport.
In addition to Malta immigration law we maintain a network of associates who can providing advisory services to clients including high net worth individuals, owner-managed businesses, and larger corporations in the areas of Malta company formation and tax law.
Services offered:
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• Advising you on your chances of success before filing your application;
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• Providing you with pre-immigration legal and tax advice;
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• Guiding you with the preparation of supporting documentation;
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• Vetting and preparing all supporting documentation for submission;
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• Corresponding and liaising with government authorities on your behalf during the application process;
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• Obtaining application progress updates on your behalf.
Additional services (if needed):
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• Handling applications for work permits and uniform residence permits;
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• Finding Malta real estate available for sale or leasing;
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• Providing legal and notarial representation on purchase, rental, and re-sale of Malta property;
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• Coordinating architectural surveys & planning applications and referrals to interior designers & contractors;
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• Advising on personal and corporate international tax planning;
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• Dealing with all periodical tax matters, including annual returns and tax payments;
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• Drawing up of wills, international probate;
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• Assisting with the administration of estates, foundations, and trusts;
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• Advising on the formation and management of trading and holding companies in Malta;
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• Assisting with yacht registration & VAT planning.
MALTA CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT FAQ'S
The following are questions frequently asked about the Maltese Citizenship and Residency by Investment programs. If you don't find your answers here, please contact us at your convenience.
Q: Why does the Malta citizenship program attract so many international investors?
A: Many international business executives, entrepreneurs, investors, public figures, VIPs, and affluent citizens of other countries consider the Malta citizenship and Maltese passport powerful tools for international tax planning and a safety net should the living conditions at home become undesirable.Malta citizenship applicants realize that the Maltese passport provides several benefits, including:
• Living in a safe country with a warm climate.
• A better education for the applicant’s children.
• Children and grand children gain visa free travel and the right to live, work, or study in many countries.
• A better quality of life for the family, including better healthcare and an unpolluted environment.
• Relatively low real estate prices.
• Personal security.
• Tax advantages.
• Freedom associated with having multiple passports.
Q: What is the difference between the Malta citizenship program (Individual Investor Program - IIP), the Malta permanent residency program (Malta Residency and Visa Program - MRVP), and the Malta Global Residence Program (GRP)?
A: The Malta Individual Investor Program (IIP) program offers applicants a fast track to the Malta citizenship (Malta passport) in return for a one-time investment. The minimum one-time cost under the Malta Individual Investor Program is approximately EUR 800,000 plus property purchase or lease.
As a Malta citizen (EU citizenship) you are allowed to live, work, study in any of the 26 European Union countries. Malta citizenship also grants you access to all investment opportunities in Malta and throughout the EU member nations, as well as visa-free travel to more than 168 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 for a detailed quotation for a Malta citizenship application for you and your family.
The Malta Residency and Visa Program (MRVP), also known as the "Malta Golden Visa", leads to Malta permanent residency (meaning the permission to live in Malta as long as desired) and 90-day visa-free travel to all European countries within the Schengen area. The Malta permanent residency visa is valid for life and does not need to be renewed.
The MRVP applicant may chose from two investment options: the first investment option is an all-inclusive financing package at a one-time, non-recoverable expense of EUR 140,000. The second investment option is a bond investment which can be sold after a 5 year holding period. The total cost for this option is EUR 250,000 for the bonds (refundable after 5 years) plus a non-refundable EUR 30,000 government contribution.
Regardless of which MRVP investment option is chosen, the main applicant must also purchase or lease Malta real estate at a minimum annual rental cost of EUR 10,000 or a minimum purchase value of EUR 270,000.
Further, the main applicant for the MRVP program must declare that he/she has an annual income of at least EUR 100,000 arising outside of Malta, or that he/she owns assets (stocks, bonds, real estate, other) valued at no less than EUR 500,000.
Malta MRVP application processing times can be as fast as four to six months.
The Malta Global Residence Program (GRP) offers Malta residency for one year, as well as 90-day visa-free travel to all European countries within the Schengen area. The GRP also results in tax benefits given Malta's low flat tax rate of 15% chargeable on all income remitted to Malta from foreign sources. To qualify applicants must refrain from living in any other jurisdiction for more than 183 days and becoming a tax resident in that other jurisdiction. The GRP visa must be renewed each year at a minimum tax of EUR 15,000 plus property rental (or purchase).
Neither the MRVP Malta residency nor the GRP program automatically lead to Malta citizenship / Malta passport. While residents may apply for Malta citizenship after six years in permanent residency status there is no guarantee that these applications will be approved by whichever government ministry will be in power at that time!
Malta GRP processing can be as fast as three months.
The following table compares both Malta residency programs:
Malta Global Residency Program (GRP) |
Malta Residence and
|
|
Minimum Tax |
EUR15,000 |
Zero |
Tax Rate |
15% |
0% - 35% |
Property Purchase |
Central/North EUR275,000 |
Central/North EUR320,000 |
Property Rental |
Central/North EUR9,600 |
Central/North EUR12,000 |
Minimum Stay in MT |
Zero |
Zero |
Official Application Fee |
EUR6,000 |
Zero |
Contribution |
Zero |
EUR30,000 |
Investment (Expense) |
Zero |
Bonds: EUR250,000 for 5 years |
Dependents |
Spouse, Children, Brothers, Sisters,
Parents |
Spouse, Children, Parents & Grandparents |
Please use our contact form for a detailed quotation for a Malta residency application for you and your family.
Q: What is the difference between the Malta Ordinary Residence (OR) program and The Residence Program (TRP)?
A: Both of these Malta residency programs are only available for EU nationals, meaning applicants who are already a citizen of another EU member country. The Ordinary Residence (OR) program requires the applicant demonstrates financial self-sufficiency. The Residence Program (TRP) offers a flat tax of 15% on income brought into Malta, which makes the TRP residency especially attractive to high income individuals. Under both residency programs the applicant must purchase or lease a property in Malta.
Q: What is the minimum investment required to obtain the Malta citizenship under the Malta IIP citizenship by investment program? Who will receive these funds?
A: Persons interested in applying for Malta citizenship (Malta passport) by investment are required to make a contribution (non-refundable donation) directly to the Maltese Government's National Development and Social Fund.
This contribution is set at 650 000 Euro for the main applicant, 25 000 Euro for a spouse and each minor child under 18 years of age, 50 000 Euro for each adult dependent child between 18 - 26, and EUR 50 000 for each dependent parent over 55 years of age.
IIn addition, IIP applicants are required to either (a) purchase Malta real estate valued at 350,000 Euro minimum, or (b) rent a Malta property for at least 16,000 Euro per year, for a minimum of five years. If purchased, the property may be sold after the five year holding period.
Further, IIP applicants are required to purchase 150,000 Euro of government-approved securities to be held for at least five years. These securities may also be sold after the five year holding period.
NOTE: No contribution or investment needs to be paid to the Maltese government before the applicant receives an Approval in Principle from the Malta government. This means the investments must only be made after your application has been conditionally approved by the government. Your assigned immigration attorney will advise you of the probability of success prior to submitting your application to protect you from filing an application that might be rejected.
Please use our contact form for a detailed quotation including all fees.
Q: How will new Malta citizens be taxed?
A: Taxation in Malta is based on domicile and residence – not citizenship. Obtaining Maltese citizenship does not automatically cause the applicant to acquire a new domicile. Therefore, becoming a Malta citizen does not have to have any tax consequences!
Tax residents of Malta who are not domiciled in Malta are taxable on a remittance basis. This means they are not taxable on foreign source income (income not received in Malta), nor on any capital gains arising outside Malta.
Tax is due only on income and capital gains arising in Malta. A non-resident citizen of Malta is only taxable in Malta on income generated in Malta.
Other Tax Considerations:
• No estate duty
• No net worth or wealth taxes
• No municipal taxes, rates or real estate taxes
Q: Can I include my family with my
Malta citizenship or Malta residency application?
A: Yes. The main applicant may include a spouse, children, and parents.
Q: Will my Malta citizenship expire?
A: No. When you acquire Malta citizenship under the Maltese IIP citizenship program, 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 the Malta IIP citizenship by investment program?
A: Applicants do not need to move to Malta or live in the country for a full year to satisfy the one year residency requirement. Instead, an applicant can meet the requirement by proving a genuine link with Malta as evidenced by, for example, a minimum of two visits within the year, or showing water and electricity bills, or having a club membership, engaging in any business activity in Malta, or similar. Our attorneys will assist you to be in full compliance with Maltese regulations.
Q: The Malta citizenship program requires establishing a "genuine link" with the country. What is this?
A: The Maltese Citizenship Program, as approved by the European Commission, is based on establishing a ‘genuine link’ between the applicant and Malta.
Applicants do not need to move to Malta or live in the country for a full year to establish a genuine link. Acceptable criteria to establish a genuine connection with Malta include having a local mobile phone, donations to charity, membership of a local club or professional body, business activity, as well as any involvement in philanthropy.
Q: Approximately how long does the Malta citizenship application process take until I receive the Malta passport?
A: It takes approximately four to six months until you receive your Malta residency card, which is the first milestone in the Malta citizenship application process. To receive full Malta citizenship (Malta passport) requires about one year. The process can be shortened to as little as six months if the applicant has already been a Malta resident prior to filing a citizenship application.
Upon submitting the Malta residency application, the main applicant and his dependents (optional) are provided with an E-Residence document which is equivalent to a Schengen Visa, grating borderless travel to all Schengen countries.
The approximate timeline is as follows:

Q: Can you help me with obtaining Malta citizenship by descent?
A: Yes. Please use the contact form and briefly describe your family's Maltese background.
Q: Can you help me find a suitable Malta real estate investment?
A: Yes. We are associated with licensed real estate agencies and developers in Malta and can help you find an ideal property that fulfills the Malta citizenship / the Malta residency programs' real estate investment requirement.
Our professional relationships in Malta guarantee to our clients a smooth, comprehensive service that includes identifying suitable investment 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 Malta property for purchase we can arrange for a Power of Attorney to appear on your behalf without the need for you to come again to Malta for the signature of any necessary contracts.
Q: How soon can I sell my Malta real estate?
A: The Malta citizenship program and the Malta residency programs require an investment in Malta property to be held for five years. This maybe a property purchase or a property lease. After five years, the Malta property, if purchased, 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 Malta citizenship by investment program?
A: No. Unlike other immigration by investment programs, such as the EB-5 Investor Visa in the United States, the Malta passport program has no requirement to invest in a business or to create new jobs.
Q: Will the Malta citizenship automatically grant me European citizenship?
A: Yes. Because Malta is a member of the European Union Malta citizens are automatically European citizens, which means you are allowed to live, work or study anywhere in Europe.
Q: What is Malta's position on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology?
A: Malta is fast establishing itself as the premier destination for blockchain / distributed ledger technology companies and cryptocurrency projects. The government's regulatory framework covers ICO's, STO's, exchange licenses, asset management, VFA (virtual financial agents), and other blockchain-related business activities, thus making Malta one of the world’s friendliest jurisdiction for the sector. Please use our "Malta: Blockchain Island" contact form for additional information.
Q: Can you help me with finding a job?
A: Sorry, the Malta immigration by investment programs 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: Malta citizens do not need any work permission; they may work in Malta, and/or in any of the EU member countries. Malta residents, on the other hand, may apply for a Malta work permit, but would need to find their own employment opportunities.
Q: Can you help me get a tourist or a student visa?
A: Sorry, we cannot assist with Malta tourist or student visas. However, if your intent is to file an application for Malta residency or Malta citizenship we may assist confirmed clients with their initial travel visas.
Q: Can you help me with getting political asylum in Malta?
A: Sorry, our expertise is limited to Malta immigration by investment cases.
Q: What are the major differences among the various immigration by investment programs all over the world?
A: The Bulgaria Citizenship by Investment Program provides the applicant with several investment options starting at EUR 512,000 for European citizenship and the EU passport after five years in residency status. The "fast track option" starts at EUR 290,000 and shortens the Bulgaria citizenship application process to only 18 months.
The Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Program provides the applicant with several investment options starting at EUR 2,0 million for immediate European citizenship and the EU passport. The Cyprus citizenship program application can be as fast as 3 - 6 months.
The Greece Golden Visa allows non-EU applicants to file for Greek residency by way of a EUR 250,000 investment in local real estate. The applicant may file for Greek citizenship after seven years of permanent residency.
The Malta Individual Investor Program provides the main applicant with Malta citizenship (EU passport) in return for a non-refundable donation to the Maltese government in the amount of EUR 650 000, plus an investment in approved Malta securities in the amount of EUR 150 000, plus an investment in real estate (purchase or lease, for five years). The Malta passport program takes approximately one year from start to finish. For applicants who are only seeking Malta residency and Schengen travel benefits, options start at an annual recurring expense of EUR 24,000.
The Monaco Residency / Citizenship Program allows applicants to file for Monaco residency by proving access to sufficient accommodations and financial self-sufficiency. The applicant may file for Monaco citizenship after ten years of permanent residency.
The Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program requires an investment of EUR 350,000 in real estate, or the transfer of 1 Million Euro, or the creation of 10 new jobs in Portugal. After 5 years of Portuguese residency, applicants may file for Portugal citizenship.
The Spain Golden Visa requires a EUR 500,000 minimum investment in real estate, or a 1 Million Euro asset transfer, or a 2 Million Euro securities investment, or the creation of a new government-approved business project in return for Spanish residency. After 10 years of residency the applicant may file for Spanish citizenship.
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:
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 500,000 in a commercial enterprise in the U.S. that generates at least 10 jobs for Americans. After five 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 cash contribution of at least USD 100,000.
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
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