Malta Citizenship by Exceptional Investment (MEIN)
In the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, boasting magnificent geography is the archipelago of Malta. The three main inhabited islands are Malta, Gozo and Comino, with Malta being the largest and most developed. These islands lie in an idyllic Mediterranean setting with golden and red sand beaches, rocky coves, lagoons and hidden beaches. All are surrounded by many shades of brilliant, warm, turquoise waters. With an annual average temperature of 23°C (or 73°F), Malta is a year-round paradise for swimming, sunbathing and the many water sports and activities, including incredible snorkelling, scuba diving and free diving. Inland you can find everything from cathedrals, temples and ancient ruins to cobblestoned streets with quaint architecture and thousands of restaurants. A vast option of delicious cuisines can be enjoyed, as well as unique signature dishes. The charm of the local population and vibrant culture can only be matched by the unbelievable landscape and beauty that is Malta.
The Republic of Malta has a parliamentary democratic government system and is a member of the European Union and the Commonwealth. It also has the fastest economic growth rate of the European Union at 4% according to 2020 figures. The official languages of the country are Maltese and English. The tax system is different for residents and primary residents (those residing in the country for more than 183 days per year). Residents are only taxed on income made in Malta. Primary residents are taxed on foreign and personal income. The corporate tax rate is 35% with exemptions available and there are no estate and gift taxes. Malta has a standard VAT rate of 18% with reduced rates for the tourism sector at 7%, some medical and household items, care services and electricity at 5%, with 0% on some food items, medicines, gold and passenger transport. Malta passport holders gain Visa-free access to over 180 countries. Professionals at IRC can manage your initial application and citizenship transition after 1-3 years of residence.
Benefits of Malta Citizenship
- Full Citizenship and Passport granted to the applicant, their children, spouse, dependent unmarried children under 29 and dependent parents and grandparents over the age of 55
- Passport with Visa-free travel to 184 countries including the EU, the US, Canada, Australia and Japan.
- An exclusive opportunity with yearly and total application limits
- No restrictions on Dual Citizenship with Citizenship by descent
- No presence is required in the country
How to Become a Citizen
The Maltese government has established one of the strictest due diligence vetting programs in the world for Citizenship by Investment. The governing authority, the Community Maltese Agency, oversees the Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment and has implemented a 4 tier system. This system has specific requirements with the option of a 1 year residency program or a 3 year residency program, both transitioning to citizenship. A dedicated Relationship Manager will be appointed to oversee the applicant’s process for five years. After the 1 or 3 year residency has been completed, the bulk of the financial investment will be made and full citizenship and passport holder status will be granted to the successful applicants. For both of the 1 and 3 year residency plans two donations are required.
1 Year Residency Path to Citizenship
- A minimum of 750,000EUR donation to the National Development and Social Fund
- A minimum 10,000EUR charitable donation to a worthy cause, which is agency approved and in the areas of culture, science, animal welfare or sport
- The purchase of residential real estate costing a minimum of 700,000EUR or a lease agreement at a minimum of 16,000EUR for the duration of the residency, without the option of subletting
- For single applicants including government, due diligence and the above donations, the minimum investment is 877,500.EUR + 50,000EUR per dependent + property costs
3 Year Residency Path to Citizenship
- A minimum of 600,000EUR donation to the National Development and Social Fund
- A minimum 10,000EUR charitable donation to a worthy cause, which is agency approved and in the areas of culture, science, animal welfare or sport
- The purchase of residential real estate costing a minimum of 700,000EUR or a lease agreement at a minimum of 16,000EUR for the duration of the residency, without the option of subletting
- For single applicants including government, due diligence and the above donations, the minimum investment is 759,500.EUR + 50,000EUR per dependent + property costs
Legal Requirements
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and of outstanding character
- Applicants must be in good health and have health insurance
- Applicants must not be engaged in a criminal court case, or be identified as a security or reputational risk
- Applicants must not have a Visa restriction to any of the 184 Visa-free travel countries
For More Information
For additional information please don’t hesitate to contact the IRC. We provide professional assistance from the beginning to the end of the process and ensure a secure transaction. Additional assistance can be provided to find and acquire real estate.