Malta is the inaugural European nation to implement the most expedited citizenship program. There are two methods to become a citizen of Malta. 1. Birthplace determines citizenship, while residency determines Malta’s citizenship. Malta offers the most expedited process for obtaining citizenship in all of Europe. How to become a citizen of Malta will be the subject of this post. To learn how to become a citizen of Malta, continue reading.
Malta is situated in Europe and is a member of the Schengen territory. This implies that a visa is not required to enter any other EU country. The Malta Passport was ranked as the fourth-best passport in the globe. It permits visa-free entry for 188 countries. In our most recent post, we discussed the process of obtaining a work visa for Malta. Individuals who are not citizens of the European Union are eligible to participate in the Malta Permanent Residence Program.
Check Also: Malta Work Visa Process – Visit Here
Details of Malta Citizenship Process:
Let us discuss the requirements for the Malta Citizenship Program straightforwardly:
Malta Citizenship through Residence by Investment
Malta Residency by Investment is one of the most renowned Malta Permanent Residence Programs. The MPRP is a straightforward residency-by-investment program that is predicated on the acquisition of property. It is not necessary to reside in the area in order to become a citizen.
- Processing Time: It is guaranteed that a complete and accurate application will be processed within a four to six-month timeframe.
Benefits of Malta Citizenship Process:
- Access to the European Union (EU): Malta is a member of the European Union (EU), which grants Maltese citizens the right to travel, work, and reside freely in all EU member states.
- Visa-Free Travel: Holders of Maltese passports are eligible to travel to more than 180 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Schengen Area countries without a visa or with visa-on-arrival access.
- Stable Economy and Living Conditions: Malta’s economy is both stable and expanding, and the country boasts exceptional healthcare and education systems. These factors guarantee a secure and comfortable lifestyle.
- Tax Benefits: Maltese residents may take advantage of advantageous tax conditions, such as the absence of inheritance tax, estate duty, and wealth taxes, as well as opportunities for effective tax planning.
- High Quality of Life: Malta is an appealing location to reside in due to its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and pleasant Mediterranean climate.
- Education and Healthcare: Maltese citizenship grants access to top-tier healthcare and education facilities throughout the European Union and in Malta.
- Business and Investment Opportunities: Malta, an EU member state, provides a strategic location for business in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Additionally, citizenship can simplify investment and business operations.
- Family Inclusion: The citizenship process frequently enables you to include family members, such as spouses and dependents, to provide them with the same benefits as you.
- Dual Citizenship: Malta permits dual citizenship, which does not necessitate the renunciation of one’s original nationality. This allows individuals to maintain connections to their native country while simultaneously utilizing the advantages of Maltese citizenship.
- Cultural and Language Advantage: Malta’s rich history and the fact that English is one of its official languages facilitate the integration of expatriates into society and the effective conduct of business.
Requirements of Malta Residence by Investment Program:
To be eligible for the perpetual residency program in Malta, you must:
- be from a third country and not from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
- Consistent and reliable sources of income.
- The primary applicant must be at least 18 years of age and demonstrate that they possess a minimum of €500,000 in capital assets, with a minimum of €150,000 of that amount being financial assets.
To Participate in the Malta permanent residency program, applicants must:
- Utilize a licensed agent to apply.
- You are unable to recoup the €40,000 processing fee.
- Rent a house for a minimum of €10,000 in the southern region of Malta/Gozo or €12,000 in the remainder of Malta.
- Purchase a residence in the southern region of Malta or Gozo that costs a minimum of €300,000, or €350,000 in the remainder of Malta.
- If you acquire a residence, you are required to pay a government contribution of €28,000. If you lease a residence, you are required to pay a government contribution of €58,000.
- Pay an additional €7,500 for each adult child you have in addition to your spouse.
- hold the qualified property for a minimum of five years. Following that, you will require a residential address.
- Contribute €2,000 to an NGO in your vicinity that is registered with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organizations and is dedicated to the welfare of individuals, animals, or the environment.
- demonstrate that they possess a valid travel document.
- Acquire health insurance coverage in Malta to protect against all potential hazards. Obtain travel insurance when traveling through Schengen.
For information on how to register for citizenship through residency by investment, please visit the Malta Government Office’s official website. This contains all the necessary information regarding the process of becoming a citizen of Malta in 2024. All forms, agent names, and helpful advice are available on that website.
Other Maltese Residency Programs
The following are two of the most straightforward and cost-effective methods of obtaining citizenship in Malta through residence.
- Digital Nomad Visa Residency
- Startup Residence Program
Malta Digital Nomad Visa Residency
Malta offers a Digital Nomad Pass to remote workers who are capable of working from home. He or she has the option of working for themselves, for another individual, or as a freelancer.
A residency permit for nomads will be issued to you for three years. Subsequently, you may renew it for an additional two years. After residing in Malta for five years, it is possible to petition for permanent residency. No land purchase or investment is required to accomplish this.
Malta Startup Residence Program:
The Malta Startup Residence Program provides individuals with a three-year residence permit that can be extended for an additional five years. They are permitted to reside in Malta during this period while they establish their own enterprise.
For additional information regarding this residency program in Malta, please consult the Malta Startup Residence Programme website.
Malta Citizenship by Naturalization
By naturalization, it is possible to become a citizen of Malta after residing there for 36 months (or, in certain circumstances, 12 months).
Requirements of Maltese citizenship by naturalization:
- All applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- The minimum investment required is EUR 600,000 for a 36-month stay or EUR 750,000 for a 12-month stay.
- The funds must be deposited into government funds or property.
- Additionally, the applicant is required to acquire a residence in Malta for a minimum of EUR 700,000 and reside there for a minimum of five years.
- A due diligence procedure, which encompasses financial evaluations and background checks, must be completed by the individual and their family.
Processing Time:
The response typically takes 12 to 18 months to be received. In summary, the Nomad Residency Program or the Startup Program are the most effective methods for obtaining citizenship in Malta. The Residence by Investment scheme is designed for individuals who possess substantial wealth and are not required to reside in Malta to obtain citizenship.
Conclusion:
Malta provides individuals with a diverse array of options for obtaining citizenship, which are based on their lifestyle choices and income levels. The Startup Program and the Nomad Residency Program are both excellent options due to their emphasis on business opportunities and flexibility.
Conversely, the Residence by Investment plan is the optimal choice for individuals who possess substantial wealth but a limited amount of time to reside in Malta. In order to become a citizen of Malta in 2024, it is imperative to be aware of the necessary steps and the anticipated duration of the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
How long does it take to get citizenship in Malta?
Obtaining Maltese citizenship by naturalization is the longest route, taking at least seven years. Foreign nationals without family ties in Malta can become citizens if they have lived in the country for four (4) cumulative years with a permanent residence and residence permit in the last six (6) years.
-
How hard is it to get citizenship in Malta?
Applicants must have lived in the country with a permanent residence and residence permit for a cumulative period of four years within the last six years. Upon meeting these criteria, they can initiate the citizenship application process through naturalization.
-
Can I have a UK and Maltese passport?
This section gives HM Passport Office staff information about nationality in Malta. Dual nationality has been recognized in Malta since 10 February 2000. Before 10 February 2000, before 21 September 1964, citizens could hold both British and Malta nationality status.
