There are three main application stages for Malta's Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CDI). The first stage requires the applicant and their dependant family members to apply for residency. Applying for residency cards requires applicants to visit Malta to have their bio metric data taken. The date the residence cards are issued marks the beginning of the residency period. The second stage is the application to be eligible to apply for Citizenship, followed by the third stage, the actual Citizenship Application. The main investments are required to be made after the Letter of Approval is granted. The CDI offers foreign individuals citizenship following a residency period of three years, or by exception, one year. An applicant needs to apply using a Licensed Agent, recognised by the Community Malta Agency.
