The Legal Notice 437 of 2020 was published on the 20th of November 2020 stating a new set of rules including citizenship by direct investment, officially called Malta’s Granting Citizenship for Exception Services by Direct Investment Regulations. These regulations allow foreign nationals and their families who contribute to the nation’s economic growth to be granted citizenship by way of a certificate of naturalization. This is possible after a 36-month (or, in some cases, by exception, 12-month) period of residence. Each application goes through a rigorous due diligence procedure, which includes in-depth background checks.
The application for Malta Citizenship by Investment goes through a four-tier due diligence process after being carefully examined and evaluated. To qualify, the following requirements must be satisfied:
The Main Applicant needs to be over 18. Kids can be included in the application, and most often are.
A contribution of at least EUR 600,000 for a residency commitment of at least 36 months, or EUR 750,000 for a residency commitment of at least 12 months.
The acquisition of a residence in Malta for a minimum sum of EUR 700,000, which must be kept for a minimum of five years. Alternatively, a five-year lease on a residential property with a minimum annual rental value of EUR 16,000 may be used. Please be aware that for the first five years, the property cannot be rented out. During the residency period, a 36-month (or 18-month, by exception) lease agreement or property purchase is necessary.
Legally residing in Malta for at least 36 months (or 12 months, as an exception), which includes holding a lease on a home with a minimum annual rental value of EUR 16,000 for the same time frame. A current resident card is necessary to submit a citizenship application.
A donation of at least EUR 10,000 to a non-governmental organisation or association that is registered in the fields of sport, culture, science, philanthropy, animal welfare, or the arts, as authorised by the Community Malta Agency.
Applications must be submitted using the required forms, along with the necessary fees and supporting documentation. Applications that turn out to contain misleading information or omissions will be rejected after thorough due diligence investigations are completed.
The application for a residency permit will be filed if the Community Malta Agency’s Tier 1 due diligence checks are successful. After establishing residency, an eligibility application will be submitted, and the agency will conduct additional (tiers 2, 3, and 4) background checks before presenting the results to the appropriate Maltese minister, who will decide if the applicant is qualified to seek citizenship.
After 36 months of residence, a citizenship application will be made to the Community Malta Agency (or 12 months by exception). The successful applicant will next need to satisfy the exceptional investment, contribution, and property conditions following the minister’s decision on whether to give Maltese citizenship. The applicant will thereafter receive a Maltese certificate of naturalization and be invited to swear the oath of allegiance in Malta. The Community Malta Agency will perform ongoing surveillance for a period of five years.
As of 10th February 2000, according to the Citizenship Act of Malta, a Maltese resident may obtain and maintain foreign citizenship/s in addition to his or her Maltese citizenship. Malta does not have any restrictions on issuing passports, although your current nation of origin can prevent you from having more than one Maltese passport. In addition, there are specific steps you must take in order to obtain dual citizenship.
