Malta Citizenship

Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment

Overview:

Malta's Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (MEIN), introduced in 2020, replaced the previous Malta Individual Investor Programme (MIIP). This program allows individuals and their families to acquire Maltese citizenship through exceptional services to Malta, specifically through substantial economic contributions. The MEIN program is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals who can contribute significantly to Malta’s economic development while maintaining stringent due diligence standards to protect the integrity of Maltese citizenship.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for citizenship under the MEIN program, applicants must fulfill several key requirements, including a mandatory residency period, substantial financial contributions, and adherence to a rigorous due diligence process.

1. Residency Requirement:

- Applicants must establish residency in Malta for a minimum period before applying for citizenship. There are two options:

- 12-Month Pathway: Applicants must reside in Malta for at least 12 months before submitting their citizenship application.

- 36-Month Pathway: Applicants may opt for a longer residency period of 36 months, with a reduced financial contribution requirement.

2. Financial Contributions:

- The MEIN program requires a significant direct investment in Malta’s economy through three main financial commitments:

1. Contribution to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF):

- 12-Month Pathway: A minimum contribution of €750,000.

- 36-Month Pathway: A reduced contribution of €600,000.

2. Real Estate Investment:

- Applicants must either purchase a property in Malta with a minimum value of €700,000 or lease a property with an annual rent of at least €16,000. The property must be held for at least five years.

3. Donation to a Local Non-Governmental Organization (NGO):

- A mandatory donation of at least €10,000 to a registered Maltese NGO that is active in philanthropic, cultural, sports, scientific, or animal welfare initiatives.

3. Due Diligence and Background Checks:

- Malta is renowned for its comprehensive due diligence process, which includes four levels of background checks to ensure that only individuals of good standing are granted citizenship. This process involves:

- Background checks by international due diligence firms.

- Police clearance certificates from all countries where the applicant has resided for more than six months in the last 10 years.

- Financial audits to verify the source of funds.

- Due diligence fees apply: €15,000 for the main applicant, €10,000 for each dependent over 12 years of age.

4. Health Insurance:

- Applicants must have global health insurance coverage with a minimum coverage of €50,000 per person and must demonstrate that they can maintain this coverage indefinitely.

5. Oath of Allegiance:

- Upon approval, applicants and their dependents must take an Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of Malta, committing to uphold its laws and values.

Application Process:

The application process for the MEIN program is meticulously structured to ensure transparency and integrity. The key steps include:

1. Initial Application and Residency:

- Applicants submit their residency application through a licensed agent. Upon approval, a residency card is issued, marking the start of the residency period (12 or 36 months).

2. Submission of Citizenship Application:

- After fulfilling the residency requirement, the citizenship application is submitted, along with all required documentation and proof of financial contributions.

3. Due Diligence Process:

- The Maltese government conducts a thorough due diligence process, which can take several months. This step is crucial for ensuring the credibility and integrity of the program.

4. Approval and Final Contribution:

- Upon successful completion of due diligence, the government issues a Letter of Approval in Principle. The applicant must then complete the financial contributions and fulfill the property investment requirements.

5. Issuance of Citizenship:

- After completing all requirements, the applicant is granted Maltese citizenship and issued a Maltese passport. The entire process typically takes 12 to 36 months, depending on the chosen pathway.

Key Advantages:

1. EU Citizenship:

- As an EU member state, Malta offers its citizens the right to live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU countries, as well as visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries, including the United States and Canada.

2. High Quality of Life:

- Malta is known for its Mediterranean climate, robust healthcare system, excellent education institutions, and a thriving cultural scene. It is a stable, economically prosperous country with a high standard of living.

3. Strategic Location:

- Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Malta offers strategic access to key markets and is an attractive location for business and investment.

4. No Language Requirement:

- There is no requirement to learn Maltese or English, making it accessible for global investors.

5. Tax Benefits:

- Malta operates on a remittance-based tax system, meaning that individuals are only taxed on income that is remitted to Malta. There is no wealth, inheritance, or capital gains tax on worldwide income for non-domiciled residents.

Conclusion:

The Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program offers an exclusive pathway to EU citizenship for individuals who can make a substantial economic contribution to Malta. It is one of the most rigorous and well-regulated citizenship programs globally, ensuring that only individuals of high integrity and financial standing are granted citizenship. The program’s stringent due diligence process and mandatory residency requirement further reinforce its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of security and integrity. Malta’s strategic location, stable economy, and high quality of life make it an attractive option for global investors seeking EU citizenship.