Malta
Malta also offers a Citizenship by Investment program, known as the Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CSDI). This is a fast-track route for individuals who contribute significantly to the country’s economy.
Citizenship by Investment Overview
Malta offers Citizenship by Naturalization through two main pathways: ordinary naturalization and exceptional naturalization. The process generally requires a person to have lived in the country for a number of years, demonstrated integration into Maltese society, and fulfilled other specific criteria.
Investment
A donation to the National Development and Social Fund such as €650,000.
A real estate investment €350,000 or leasing property with a minimum rent of €16,000 per year.
Government Bonds or Investments: Applicants must also invest in government bonds (typically around €150,000).
Benefits
Malta is part of the European Union (EU), meaning Maltese citizens enjoy the benefits of EU citizenship, including the right to live, work, and travel freely within the EU.
Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization
Malta’s citizenship by naturalization is a flexible process that allows for both long-term residents and those making substantial investments to obtain citizenship. Whether through a standard residence-based application or the Citizenship by Investment program, Malta provides attractive pathways to EU citizenship for individuals meeting specific criteria.
Benefits of Maltese citizenship
EU Citizenship: Malta is part of the European Union (EU), meaning Maltese citizens enjoy the benefits of EU citizenship, including the right to live, work, and travel freely within the EU.
High Standard of Living: Malta offers a stable and high standard of living with a robust healthcare system, educational facilities, and a favorable tax regime.
Business Opportunities: Being an EU member state, Malta offers various business opportunities, particularly in finance, technology, and tourism sectors.
Procedures for Maltese citizenship by naturalization
The procedures for Maltese citizenship by naturalization involve several steps that must be followed meticulously. For ordinary naturalization, the applicant must first meet the residency requirement of having lived in Malta for at least five years, with the final year being continuous before the application. The process begins by submitting an application to the Maltese Citizenship Unit, along with required documents such as proof of legal residence, good character (police clearance certificates), financial stability, and evidence of integration into Maltese society. The application is then reviewed, and if it meets all criteria, the individual is invited for an interview and, upon approval, receives the citizenship. For exceptional naturalization, the procedure is discretionary and involves submitting evidence of extraordinary contributions to Malta, such as investments or achievements in key sectors. In such cases, the government evaluates the application, and a recommendation may be made for approval by high-level officials. Throughout both processes, applicants must undergo rigorous due diligence, including background checks, and, if successful, are granted Maltese citizenship along with the right to hold dual citizenship.
