How fast is the Malta citizenship-by-investment process?

Answers

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  Charles Scerri

  Charles Scerri & Associates

  November 26, 2018

  The Malta citizenship-by-investment process takes circa 12 to 15 months. What helps to ensure the application is processed in the most efficient manner is to make sure all the requested due-diligence documents are in place. What usually happens in practice is that clients tend to procrastinate to provide all the requested documents and in turn, Identity Malta will raise more questions and request further due-diligence documents and thus waste precious time. Once the residency card is issued, which normally takes a few days after your biometrics are taken in the first stage of the IIP process, the applicant will be allowed to enter the Schengen and travel between Schengen countries with just their residency card. Although it is suggested that you always carry your passport just in case.

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  Michael Mercieca

  Arthur and Partners

  November 26, 2018

  Kindly note that the application process takes a minimum period of one year.

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  James Scerri Worley

  Advocates Primei

  November 28, 2018

  In order for the application to move swiftly, one must ascertain that documents and information presented are complete and with all the required information, so to avoid additional time for clarifications or supply of additional documentation. The resident card provided on commencement of the residency is valid for travel within the Schengen Area.

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  Joseph Portelli

  RSM Malta

  November 23, 2018

  The application process to acquire Maltese citizenship is through the very stringent Malta Individual Investment Program (MIIP). It takes around 12 months to complete. It commences with the submission of an e-residence application and ends with the issuance of a certification of naturalisation. Throughout that process, the government authorities give due consideration to every element of the application process, with a particular focus on due diligence. How quickly one answers questions or how quickly an applicant submits documentation requested will definitely have an effect on the rate an application moves through the process. The Malta Residency Visa Program (MRVP) grants successful applicants and their families an indefinite right to reside in Malta, enjoying visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. This process would take approximately six months. Much like the MIIP program, how quickly you submit documentation requested and quickly questions are answered will have a great effect on how fast an application goes through. Selecting the right authorized agent is very important, as preparation is key.

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  Valentina Sammut

  BIZ Consult Limited

  November 22, 2018

  The first step in the IIP application process for main applicants is to apply for an e-residency card. This is a mandatory step. The card will entitle the applicant to establish residency status in Malta and to travel freely within the Schengen Area. Dependents can also apply for this card. It takes one week to get the e-residency card. The legal notice specifies a minimum period of six months and a maximum period of 24 months. However, it is expected that in the majority of cases the process will take 12 months. The main applicant is obliged to obtain an effective residence status in Malta for a minimum period of 12 months before becoming a Maltese citizen.

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  Matthew Cassar

  Advocate

  November 21, 2018

  The whole process takes approximately one year to complete. In order to move faster, you should provide your authorized agent with all the required documentation, as requested. The first step when applying for the IIP program is obtaining your residency permit, which allows visa-free travel in the Schengen to the main applicant and his dependents.