The MPRP offers permanent residence, not citizenship. Legislation for applying for Malta citizenship by naturalisation on the basis of residence, sets out a number of criteria. These include: the applicant must be over 18 years, a foreigner, have resided in Malta throughout the 12 months immediately preceding the date of application, and resided for a minimum of four years before this period. The applicant must also be of good character, have adequate knowledge of Maltese or English and would be considered a suitable citizen of Malta. Malta also offers Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CDI). The CDI enables citizenship by naturalisation to foreign individuals and their families who contribute to the economic development of Malta. It is a straightforward application process, following the requirement of the applicant to reside in Malta for a period of three years, or by exception, one year. Applications need to be submitted by a duly Licensed Agent of the Community Malta Agency (CMA).
