Malta is a European Union member state since 2004. Malta can offer Citizenship in an EU country that is stable, neutral and highly respected. It offers Visa free travel to more than 160 countries. Maltese citizenship will also grant the right of work and establishment in all 28 EU countries. Malta has a 7,500 year history, It has a highly cultured, well educated society. The government of Malta is democratically elected and has a very strong legal system and well established institutions. It enjoys a highly evolved educational system and excellent health services. Malta enjoys an excellent climate and is stable and safe with a very low crime rate. Malta has highly developed industry, tourism and financial sectors, and is well linked with Europe and the world.
IIP
To qualify for citizenship, the main applicant must be at least 18 years of age, provide proof of having been a resident of Malta for a period of 12 months preceding the issuing of a certificate of naturalization and meet the following investment requirements:
- The acquisition of real estate with a minimum value of EUR 350,000 to be held for at least 5 years; or –
- Lease a residential immovable property in Malta for a period of 5 years, at an annual rent of at least EUR 16,000; and –
- Make a non-refundable contribution to the National Development and Social Fund (see next tab for details)-
- An investment in stocks, bonds or special purpose vehicles for a minimum value of EUR 150,000 to be held for a minimum period of 5 years.
Applicants must have a Global Health Insurance coverage for at least EUR 50,000 for the main applicant and each of the dependents and must give proof that they can maintain the same for an indefinite period. Principal Applicants can include in their IIP application: –
- Spouse – in a monogamous marriage or in another relationship having the same or similar status to marriage. –
- Dependents of 18 years of age and under. –
- Dependents between the age of 18 and 26 years of age, who are not married and who are wholly supported by the main applicant and form part of the household. –
- Dependents over the age of 55 years (e.g. parents), who are wholly supported by and who form part of the household of the main applicant.
Contribution
In addition to legal and professional fees, the following non-refundable contributions and charges shall be required as a minimum to qualify for citizenship under the IIP:
How it works
- The principal applicant donates EUR 650,000 to the Government, buys EUR 150,000 Government bonds, either purchases a property valued at EUR 350,000 minimum or leases a property for a minimum of EUR 16,000 p.a, and pays EUR 7,500 in Due Diligence Fees
If the principal applicant has dependants which they would like to include in the citizenship application, then in addition to the primary settlements mentioned above, each dependant is subject to the following additional charges:
- A spouse donates EUR 25,000 to the Government and pays EUR 5,000 in Due Diligence Fees
- Child dependants aged 0-12 are subject to a contribution of EUR 25,000 and are exempted from Due Diligence Fees
- Child dependents aged 13-17 are subject to a contribution of EUR 25,000 and EUR 3,000 in Due Diligence fees
- Adult dependents aged 18-26 are subject to a contribution of EUR 50,000 and EUR 5,000 in Due Diligence fees
- Adult dependents aged 55+ are subject to a contribution of EUR 50,000 and EUR 5,000 in Due Diligence fees
Requirements
Applications must be accompanied by supporting identification and verification documents authenticated in English, together with: –
- Police conduct certificates –
- Proof that the main applicant has been a resident of Malta for a period of 12 months preceding naturalization –
- Medical certificates stating that the applicant and his dependents are not suffering from contagious diseases and are in good health –
- An affidavit of support for each dependent who is over 18 years of age. All applicants aged 18 years and over are obliged to attend in person in Malta to undertake the Oath of Allegiance.
Process
The application process begins with the establishment of residence in Malta, which is secured through either the leasing or purchasing of property and with the issuing of a Residence card. The main applicant is be required to establish a genuine link with Malta over a period of 12 months. However, this does not mean that the applicant is required to spend a whole year in Malta. After the granting of the Residence card, a supporting evidence for citizenship application is gathered and all application forms are filled in time for submission. On submission of the citizenship application, extensive Due Diligence is carried out by the relevant Authorities.
Following the successful outcome from the Due Diligence check and citizenship application, an applicant receives a Letter of Approval in Principle, qualifying them for a Maltese passport subject to fulfilment of additional requirements within a specific time frame. The requested qualifying requirements at this stage is the payment of the remainder of the Government contribution and the purchase of Government bonds.
Once the applicant has maintained residence in Malta for the required 12 months, and proof of the fulfilment of the remainder of the requirements of the Program is provided, an application for naturalisation can be made, at which point the certificate of naturalisation as a Maltese citizen and Maltese passport(s) are issued.
The application process for the Citizenship by Investment program requires the completion of several forms and the submission of certain types of documents in support of the information provided in the application forms. Typically the following documents are requested from each applicant including child dependants:
- Photographs
- Certified copy of passport(s)
- Certified copy of national identity cards
- Medical Insurance certificate
- Certified birth certificate
- Proof of residential addresses via utility bills where required
- Criminal record verification
- Certified marriage/divorce certificate
- Bank’s references
- Professional reference
Please note that Hippodermus Consulting, together with approved agents under this Program, will provide all the assistance with the preparation of these application forms and will assist clients with the right choice of supporting evidence. For further information on how the application process works, please contact us.
