What is Malta Citizenship by Investment?
Malta Citizenship by Investment allows foreign nationals to gain Malta citizenship through a qualifying investment. As an EU member state, Malta offers visa-free travel to over 180 countries, including the Schengen Area, UK, USA, and many more. The Malta Individual Investor Program (MIIP) offers a path to permanent residency in Malta, eventually leading to full citizenship.
At Sahin Legal Consultancy, we guide clients through the Malta Citizenship by Investment process, ensuring that all requirements are met for a successful application.
Eligibility for Malta Citizenship by Investment
To qualify for Malta Citizenship by Investment, applicants must meet the following criteria:
✅ Minimum Investment: Applicants must make a contribution to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF), invest in real estate, and purchase Malta government bonds.
✅ Clean Criminal Record: Applicants must have no criminal record in their home country or any country of residence.
✅ Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage for the applicant and dependents.
✅ Residence Requirement: Applicants must reside in Malta for at least 12 months before applying for citizenship.
📌 Family members (spouse, children, parents, and grandparents) can also apply for citizenship under the program.
Investment Options for Malta Citizenship by Investment
Malta offers a combination of donations, real estate investment, and government bond purchases:
1. National Development and Social Fund (NDSF) Contribution
- Minimum contribution: €650,000 for a single applicant.
- Additional contribution for dependents:
- €25,000 for the spouse.
- €25,000 for each child.
- €50,000 for parents and grandparents (if included).
- This is a non-refundable donation that directly supports national development and social initiatives in Malta.
2. Real Estate Investment
- Minimum investment: €350,000 in Malta property or €300,000 in Gozo or Southern Malta.
- The property must be held for at least 5 years before it can be sold.
- Alternatively, applicants can choose to rent property for at least €16,000 annually in Malta or €14,000 annually in Gozo or Southern Malta.
3. Government Bond Purchase
- Minimum purchase: €150,000 in government-approved bonds.
- These bonds must be held for 5 years, after which they may be sold, but the applicant will not receive a refund of the purchase price.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Malta Citizenship by Investment
Step 1: Choose Your Investment Option
- Decide between the NDSF contribution, real estate investment, and government bond purchase. Each option has its specific requirements and financial implications.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
📌 Valid Passport (with at least 6 months validity).
📌 Proof of Investment (donation receipt, contract, or proof of bond purchase).
📌 Criminal Record Certificate (from your home country and any other country of residence).
📌 Proof of Financial Stability (bank statements, tax returns, business records).
📌 Health Insurance (valid in Malta for the applicant and dependents).
📌 Proof of Source of Funds (evidence showing the legal origin of the investment funds).
📌 Completed Application Form – Signed and filled out.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- Submit your application and all supporting documents to the Malta Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).
- Pay the processing fees (non-refundable government fee).
Step 4: Due Diligence and Background Check
- Malta conducts thorough due diligence checks to ensure that applicants and their family members meet the necessary legal, financial, and personal criteria.
- Processing time for due diligence: Typically 3-4 months.
Step 5: Make the Investment
- After preliminary approval, applicants will be asked to make the required investment (donation, real estate purchase, or bond purchase).
- The investment must be made only after the due diligence process is completed and confirmed.
Step 6: Citizenship Approval
- Citizenship is granted after due diligence and investment confirmation.
- Processing time for citizenship approval: Typically 12-18 months from the submission of the application.
Step 7: Apply for Malta Passport
- After obtaining Malta citizenship, applicants can apply for a Malta passport.
Processing Time for Malta Citizenship by Investment
🕒 Application Processing Time: 12-18 months from submission of the application.
🕒 Due Diligence: 3-4 months.
🕒 Final Citizenship Approval: Typically 1-2 months after the investment is confirmed.
Benefits of Malta Citizenship by Investment
✔️ Visa-Free Travel to over 180 countries, including Schengen Area, UK, USA, and Canada.
✔️ Dual Citizenship Allowed – Malta permits dual nationality, so you can keep your original citizenship.
✔️ No Worldwide Income Tax – There are no taxes on global income for Malta citizens.
✔️ Citizenship for Life – Once granted, citizenship is permanent and cannot be revoked.
✔️ Pathway to EU Residency – Malta is an EU member state, and its citizenship grants you residency rights in all EU countries.
✔️ Family Reunification – Your spouse, children, and parents (under certain conditions) can also be included in your application.
✔️ Business Opportunities – Malta offers a stable economy with access to the EU market for entrepreneurs and investors.
Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
❌ Proving the Source of Funds
Solution: Provide clear documentation of the legal source of your funds (bank statements, tax records, and business income).
❌ Delays in Processing
Solution: Submit complete and accurate documents and ensure no gaps in the application to avoid delays.
❌ Investment Requirements
Solution: Work with an experienced consultant to ensure that your investment meets the program criteria.
FAQs About Malta Citizenship by Investment
Q1: Can my family apply for citizenship with me?
- Yes, your spouse, children, and parents (under certain conditions) can apply for citizenship with you.
Q2: What is the minimum investment required for citizenship?
- The minimum investment is €650,000 for a donation to the National Development Fund (NDSF), or €350,000 in real estate.
Q3: How long do I have to stay in Malta to retain citizenship?
- You must reside in Malta for at least 12 months before applying for citizenship.
Q4: Can I sell my real estate after receiving citizenship?
- You must hold the property for at least 5 years before selling.
Q5: How long does it take to get Maltese citizenship?
- Citizenship approval typically takes 12-18 months after the submission of the application.
Why Choose Sahin Legal Consultancy for Your Malta Citizenship by Investment Application?
✅ Expert Legal Guidance – We help you choose the best investment option for Malta citizenship.
✅ Comprehensive Document Review – Ensuring all documents are complete and meet the program’s requirements.
✅ Application Support – We assist with document submission, due diligence, and investment confirmation.
✅ Fast-Track Processing – We expedite your application to ensure timely approval.
📞 Call us today to start your Malta Citizenship by Investment application!
📍 Based in London – Assisting clients worldwide with Malta Citizenship and immigration services.
