Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, this petite European island nation is positioned less than a hundred miles south of Sicily, Italy. Given that Malta shares a similar latitude with Los Angeles, it offers one of the sunniest and warmest European escapes during winter.
As a former British colony, Malta boasts a population fluent in English. This language proficiency, coupled with the locals’ friendly and welcoming demeanour, eases the transition for newcomers. The island nation enjoys abundant sunshine all year long, has a world-class healthcare system (regularly ranking in the top five globally by the World Health Organization), and offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Malta has one of the lowest crime rates worldwide, ensuring a safe living environment.
Why Malta is the Ideal Choice for Your New Home
Over recent years, Malta has established itself as a favoured destination for seasoned travellers and discerning expatriates, allured by its cost-effective living and warm hospitality. Simultaneously, Malta’s citizenship program has piqued the interest of potential investors keen on securing a European passport and citizenship. Despite the higher investment requirement than the Caribbean nations, the payoff includes a unique European passport that serves as a key to global mobility!
An increasing number of affluent and high-net-worth individuals are considering citizenship insurance as an essential part of their future planning. Essentially, they seek a ‘Plan B’ that provides them, their families, and their businesses with opportunities beyond their birthplaces.
The Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program in Malta distinguishes between two different application timeframes, each determined by the scale of the investment made. All applicants are mandated to make donations and maintain a residence in Malta, whether by owning or renting a property.
While some are motivated by the need to avoid political instability or persecution, others are enticed by the allure of warmer climates or avenues for reducing their tax liabilities. No matter the motivation, the quest for an alternative residence is becoming a prevalent trend among the world’s wealthy.
The investment options for obtaining Maltese Citizenship by Direct Investment
- Donations to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF):
Applicants have two pathways for their contributions.
- They can either donate 600,000 EUR, which will lead to citizenship after a period of 36 months,
- or they can donate 750,000 EUR, which fast-tracks the process, providing citizenship after just 12 months.
- Real Estate Investment or Extended Lease:
There are two options for housing.
- Applicants can either invest in residential property in Malta with a minimum value of 700,000 EUR
- or they can choose to lease a property at an annual rate of 16,000 EUR. Regardless of the choice made, the property cannot be sublet and must be retained for at least five years from the date the citizenship certificate is granted.
Other expenses to get Malta Citizenship
- Due Diligence Charges:
The fee stands at 15,000 EUR for an individual applicant. For a principal applicant and their spouse, the fee increases to 25,000 EUR. Additional dependents aged over 12 require an extra 10,000 EUR each.
- Government Fees for Residence Card Issuance:
A single applicant incurs a fee of 10,000 EUR. For a principal applicant and their spouse, the charge is 15,000 EUR. For each additional dependent, a fee of 5,000 EUR is applicable.
Eligibility Criteria for Malta Citizenship through Direct Investment
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age,
- Applicants should be free from any major medical issues,
- A clean global criminal record is required for the main applicant and dependents above the age of 16,
- Prior to applying for Maltese citizenship, applicants must have held residency in Malta for a minimum of 12 months,
- Eligible dependent relatives such as children, parents and grandparents can be included under certain conditions.
Inclusion of Financially Dependent Family Members
The application can include the spouse as a dependent.
For other family members to be eligible under the Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CDI) scheme, they must be financially dependent on the main applicant, form part of the main applicant’s household, and satisfy the following criteria. The eligible family members include:
- The main applicant’s or spouse’s unmarried adult children, aged between 18 and 29 at the time of submission of the eligibility for citizenship application;
- Parents or grandparents of the main applicant or spouse, who are at least 55 years old at the time of submission of the eligibility for citizenship application;
- The main applicant’s or spouse’s adult children who are classified as qualified persons with a disability, as defined in the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act.
To encapsulate the eligibility criteria for Family Dependents, we can outline it as follows:
- Dependent Children:
Malta permits the inclusion of child dependents (including adopted children) of the principal applicant or their spouse, provided they fall into the following categories:
- Minors,
- Under 29 at the time of program approval, unmarried, and financially reliant on the primary applicant (e.g. students),
- Have a recognized disability.
- Dependent Parents:
The scheme allows for the inclusion of dependent parents who are over the age of 55 and fully supported by, as well as living in the same household as, the main applicant.
Advantages of Acquiring Malta Citizenship (Passport)
- Expedited processing,
- Unrestricted travel to over 170 countries, including the Schengen Area, Canada, the U.S., and the U.K., with travel options ranging from visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival access, or the convenience of obtaining an e-visa,
- Privilege to live, work, and study in any EU country,
- Exemption from tax on worldwide income,
- Tax advantages for investors not domiciled in Malta,
- Recognition of dual citizenship,
- Affordable living costs,
- Potential to pass on citizenship to future generations,
- Access to a high-standard lifestyle, education, and healthcare system.
Are you an American or Canadian with aspirations of residing or retiring in Malta? The enchanting island nation extends a variety of visa and residency schemes to facilitate your journey towards an idyllic Mediterranean lifestyle. Dig a little deeper, and you might discover that establishing a long-term presence in Malta is more within your reach than you’d imagined. Among the enticing options for expatriates is the enticing prospect of Malta Citizenship by Investment. Embark on this path and unlock the door to a new chapter filled with Malta’s cultural richness, sun-soaked landscapes, and warm community spirit.
Our team of experienced specialists at CBF provides professional assistance on various investment opportunities and the process of securing Maltese Citizenship by Investment. We tailor solutions that cater to your unique circumstances and needs. To begin your journey towards Maltese citizenship, reach out to our consultants in the U.A.E, Denmark, or Canada, and we will ensure to guide you through your investment and Malta CBI process comprehensively.
