Table Of Contents
- Residency Program
- Did You Know This About Maltese Immigration?
- 9 Facts You Didn’t Know About The Investor Programme
- #1: You Can Get Citizenship For Less Than $1 Million USD
- #2: Your Family Can Gain Citizenship At A Lower Rate
- #3: You Have Other Investment Options
- #4: You Can Gain Residency In 4 Months Through The Investment Programme
- #5: You Have 25 Days To Invest After Approval By Principle
- #6: Only Part Of The Money Is Due With The Application
- #7: You Are Not Restricted To Malta
- #8: You Don’t Have To Renounce Your Nationality
- #9: There Is No Language Requirement
- Legal Basis For Residency For Sale Program
- Benefits Of The Malta Individual Investor Program
- Eligibility For Maltese Citizenship
Residency Program
The Malta citizenship program is one of the best on offer in Europe. Historically different countries have tried implementing the citizenship by investment programs.
For example, Ireland, Slovakia, Seychelles, Cape Verde, Belize, Grenada and others have had citizenship programs.
Presently Austria, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Portugal, Cyprus, Belgium, The United States and The United Kingdom are all open to giving citizenship by way of investment.
In 2014 Malta introduced its Individual Investor Program (IIP) a program that targets the wealthy and offers Malta citizenship and residency to investors globally.
Malta has been a member of the European Union since 2004, enjoys a stable political climate, bi-partisan political scene, growing economy, and has some of the soundest banks in the World.
In our site you will find all the information about the Switzerland Citizenship program. Check it out.
The Malta citizenship program of its kind to be recognized by the European Commission, and the executive body of the European Union has formally acknowledged the legality of the citizenship program paving the way for its success.
The Malta citizenship by investment application process is extremely efficient, and the government is committed to the highest standard of due diligence and vetting of investor applicants ensuring only persons of impeccable standing and repute will be admitted. Once Maltese nationality has been granted, the applicant then becomes eligible for a second passport.
Malta is a country that is currently offering citizenship by investment.
The Malta Citizenship program is becoming increasingly popular and the wealthy are taking advantage of it. The program offers a great number of benefits for investors who are keen on going this route.
Did You Know This About Maltese Immigration?
In fact, it was once one of the countries offering the cheapest immigration investment program. Initially, the Prime Minister at the time, Seph Muscat had estimated that about 45 people would apply in the first year, resulting in 30m euros (£24m; $41m) in revenues.
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However, after pressure from EU officials, the government made an adjustment to their Malta citizenship programme and became a bit more stringent in its requirements.
Processing Time for Citizenship
The processing time for citizenship in Malta is relatively fast with a turnaround time of 3-4 months and you will be issued a passport after 12 months.
Malta Citizenship Investor Immigration Costs
However there are specific requirements that must be met and there are as follows: EUR 650,000 donation to National Development and Social Fund (NDSF) and a purchase of Real Estate worth EUR 350,000 which you must hold for at least 5 years in Malta (or) Rent a property by paying at least EUR 16,000/year rent for 5 years and opt to buy EUR 150,000 worth of Government bonds.
Did You Know
The Maltese passport currently offers visa-free travel to more than 170 countries in the world and having Malta citizenship gives the investor the right to live and work anywhere in Europe including Switzerland.
Successful candidates will be granted citizenship by a Certificate of Naturalization, which can also be extended to include their families.
Once a candidate is awarded Maltese nationality, which includes becoming an EU national, they have the right of establishment in all 28 EU countries and Switzerland.
They also have the ability to set up business in the country, and can get a Maltese passport enabling them to cross international borders.
It is then no wonder that investors are taking up this offer because it is indeed an attractive package. In fact, it is ranked high as one of the better citizenship products being offered.
9 Facts You Didn’t Know About The Investor Programme
Have you ever wanted to immigrate to Malta or another European country?
In recent years, this first-world country has recognized the appeal of living in Malta. They have made this very achievable for qualified applicants who have made a significant financial contribution to the economy.
If you are interested, or if you are just curious about how these types of programs work, continue reading to learn more about Malta residency.
#1: You Can Get Citizenship For Less Than $1 Million USD
The initial donation amount for legal Malta citizenship is 650,000 Euros. Once you add fees, it is closer to 700,000 Euros. In USD, this amount is less than $700,000.
This amount must be invested into National Development and Social Fund.
This fund is used to improve many different areas of Malta, such as education, social improvement, job creation, and public health.
It must be donated a maximum of 25 days following your receipt of the Malta IIP Letter of Approval in Principle.
#2: Your Family Can Gain Citizenship At A Lower Rate
The good news is that every person of your family looking to become a citizen does not have to pay this high amount.
Once you have been accepted as a citizen, your relatives can immigrate to Malta for a much lower cost.
Your spouse and minor children can become citizens (provided they meet the requirements) for just 25,000 Euros, while unmarried children between the ages of 18 and 26, physically or mentally challenged adult children, and dependent parents and grandparents may be granted a Maltese passport for 50,000 Euros.
#3: You Have Other Investment Options
If you choose not to use the path to fast-track residency, you can also invest in Malta for five years prior to your application.
This five-year period must be completed within four months of receiving your Malta IIP Letter of Approval in Principle.
The first way you can accomplish this is by investing 150,000 Euros in government bonds, and holding them for five years.
The second way is through renting or purchasing real estate within Malta and holding it for five years. For a purchase, the property must be 350,000 Euros or more.
For a Maltese rental, you must pay a minimum of 16,000 Euros per year during the five-year period.
#4: You Can Gain Residency In 4 Months Through The Investment Programme
The Malta Investment Programme application begins upon the formal submission of the application to Identity Malta.
You must be able to present documentation that shows your ability to pay the investment amount, as well as supporting documents verifying your identity, criminal background, and more.
By the fifth day after submission, you will be notified if your application needs additional paperwork, or if it has been accepted for review.
By the 90th day, you will be informed whether or not your application are in proper order.
Thirty days after this, you will finally be granted the Malta IIP Approval by Principle document.
This document verifies that you will be granted Malta citizenship, but only if you can meet the remaining requirements.
#5: You Have 25 Days To Invest After Approval By Principle
Once you have received your Malta IIP Approval by Principle document, you will have 25 days to pay the amount into the National Development and Social Fund in full.
Your legal right to become a citizen of Malta will be granted within 8 months of your original application.
This is only valid if you meet each of the requirements and take an Oath of Allegiance to Maltay.
Then, your Malta passport will be issued, as well as your Certificate of Naturalisation.
#6: Only Part Of The Money Is Due With The Application
You have almost five months after the initial application is turned in to make your contribution to the National Development and Social Fund of Malta.
When you do turn in the application, however, there are small Due Diligence fees to pay.
This is 7,500 Euros for the principal applicant, 5,000 Euros for your spouse, 3,000 Euros for children between 13 and 17 years of age and 5,000 Euros for adult dependants.
Children under the age of 12 do not have to pay this fee.
There is also a 500 Euro passport fee for every applicant, as well as 200 Euros for bank charges.
#7: You Are Not Restricted To Malta
Your Malta passport will open a world of opportunity for global travel.
Maltese citizenship also allows you the chance to travel visa-free between other countries of the European Union.
You can also live or work in them. These countries include Switzerland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Bulgaria, Netherlands, Latvia, Hungary, Ireland, Germany, Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Poland, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Croatia, Spain, Romania, Lithuania, Greece, France, Austria, and Denmark.
#8: You Don’t Have To Renounce Your Nationality
Some people seek out Malta citizenship because they wish to have dual citizenship.
This means that you can reside in your home country, while having a legal Maltese citizenship.
This is beneficial in times of political trouble, for business purposes, or if you want to improve the future for your children, grandchildren, and future generations to come.
#9: There Is No Language Requirement
Another great thing about Maltese residency is that there is no requirement to know the Maltese language.
Not only do you not have to know the Maltese language, you do not even have to be fluent in English to apply for this program.
There are translators available that will help you through the process.
When you choose Malta citizenship, whether for a dual citizenship or because you plan to immigrate, you are making a decision for your future.
You will enjoy all of the benefits of having a dual passport, while the future generations of your family will thank you.
Hopefully, this article has taught you everything you could possibly want to know about Malta citizenship, Maltese residency and their immigration investment program.
Read more about different options for citizenship by investment, such as St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment.
The Malta citizenship for sale program is the first European Union approved program of it’s kind.
Malta has a stable political climate and has overcome the financial crisis well and shared the knowledge with German as the only two countries with a steady economic growth in the Euro Zone.
Read also all about the Malta Citizenship By Investment Programme.
Banks in Malta are top 5 soundest banks globally.
Malta joined the EU in 2004 and has been part of Schengen since 2007.
Foreign nationals who have the right to become Maltese citizens through the program have the rights to life-time citizenship and can be passed on by descent.
Malta citizenship can access all investment opportunities in Malta and through the EU.
As of June 2015, the Maltese citizenship investor program was over 620 out of 1800 applicants.
Read More: What You Need To Know About Citizenship By Investment
Legal Basis For Residency For Sale Program
The Malta citizenship for sale program may be issued under an amendment to the Maltese Citizenship Act, Chapter 188 of the Laws of Malta.
The Malta Individual Investor Programme rules provide the framework for personals of good moral values to be granted citizenship through naturalization and investment in Malta’s economy.
Benefits Of The Malta Individual Investor Program
Eligibility For Maltese Citizenship
To qualify for the Malta Citizenship By Investment Programme, you must be 18 years and above.
The person applying for Malta Citizenship may also include his/her spouse and children to the application to benefit from the program.
The Fit And Proper Test
All Maltese citizenship applicants must show that they are in good shape and willing to go for a fit and proper test.
The Maltese government is committed to ensuring that only reputable and deserving applicants are granted Malta citizenship.
Malta carries out a four tier due diligence process.
Applicants are required to have a clean criminal record, with checks being carried out by INTERPOL, the International Criminal Court and other authorities.
The citizenship applicants will also be required to provide a police certificate which will be submitted together with the application.
Good Health
All applicants must be in good health.
They must show that they do not have any communicable disease that could cause an outbreak in Malta.
Property Purchase
The Maltese government requires applicants to make an investment of €350,000 or enter a property rental contract for a minimum of €16,000 in order to qualify for Malta citizenship.
Make sure you have all the information about How To Buy Citizenship In The European Union.
