Malta

Malta Investment Immigration Programs Overview

Malta offers several immigration-by-investment programs, providing attractive options for acquiring citizenship and residency. Malta offers individuals and their families a safe and stable country with reputable education and healthcare. Maltese residence programs allow successful applicants the right of visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for 90 days within a 180-day period.

At the end of 2020, Malta introduced new citizenship legislation for the Granting of Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (S.L. 188.06), following a residency period of 36 months or, by exception, 12 months. The direct investment required for an application includes a financial contribution of 600,000 euros following a 3-year residency or, by exception, 750,000 euros following a 12-month residency period. In addition, investors need to either purchase or rent property for the following minimum values: purchase a property for 700,000 euros or rent a property for 16,000 euros per year for a period of five years. A donation to a Maltese charity must be paid with a minimum value of 10,000 euros. The Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations allows for the granting of citizenship by a certificate of naturalization to foreign individuals and their families who contribute to the economic development of Malta.

In January 2021, the Malta Residency and Visa Agency announced the launch of a new residency program called the Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP). This program replaced the old Malta Residency and Visa Program (MRVP) on March 29, 2021.

Like its predecessor, the MPRP offers third-country nationals the opportunity of a second residency in Malta. The investment requirements include a real estate investment of either purchasing or renting residential property with a minimum value of €300,000 euros in the South of Malta and Gozo, or €350,000 in other locations in the case of buying or €10,000 euros annually in the South of Malta and Gozo, or €12,000 annually in other locations the case of renting. Such investment should be held for a minimum period of five years.

Depending on which real-estate option is chosen, investors need to contribute to the Maltese government: 58,000 euros when renting is chosen or 28,000 euros when a property is purchased. In both cases, investors need to pay a 40,000 euro administration fee to the government. In addition, investors need to make a 2,000 euro charitable donation and have capital assets valued at 500,000 euros, of which 150,000 euros need to be in the form of financial assets for a period of five years. Under the MPRP, applicants must also purchase health insurance in Malta.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications need to be submitted by an accredited agent with the Maltese Authorities.

Citizenship Applications are made through the Community Malta Agency (CMA).

MPRP Applications will be made through the Residency Malta Agency (RMA).

Interested investors should seek the advice from accredited agents to discuss which program is best suited to their needs.

COUNTRY

Located in the Mediterranean in Europe, Malta enjoys a year-round mild and sunny climate. With a population of just over 500,000, the official languages are Maltese and English. Malta has been a member state of the European Union since 2004 and its currency is the euro (€). Malta is a member of the Schengen Area that allows members visa-free access to 25 other European countries.

Updated by Dr Antoine Saliba Haig

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