Malta offers various pathways for non-EU nationals and their families to obtain permanent residency or citizenship, including the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) and the Malta Citizenship by Merit Regulations. Through these options, successful applicants and their dependents can enjoy the right to live, work, and study in Malta, as well as visa-free travel within the European Schengen Area.
Malta Citizenship by Merit
These regulations are designed to attract exceptional global talent, providing an option to obtain Maltese and, consequently, EU citizenship. It is important to note that the previous Citizenship by Investment Regulations have been officially appealed.
The Maltese Parliament recently approved an amendment to the Maltese Citizenship Act, which based on the existing “exceptional contribution” basis, specifically opens a pathway to citizenship for outstanding individuals in three categories:
- Philanthropist
- Technology Experts
- Entrepreneurs.
Applicants are assessed based on the applicant’s exceptional achievements, professional contributions, and genuine ties to Malta. Successful applicants will be granted Maltese citizenship, enjoying all the rights and benefits of EU citizenship.
Eligibility Requirements
- Main applicant:
The main applicant must be over 18 years old
- Spouse:
You may apply with your married, same-sex or unmarried partner
- Minor child:
Any children under 18 years old can be included
- Adult child:
Adult child under 29 years old in full time education can be included
- Criminal Record Check:
Each applicant aged over 16 must provide a criminal record certificate from their country of origin and any countries where they have lived for at least one year during the past 10 years
- Health Insurance:
Each applicant must hold valid health insurance covering stays in the Schengen Area
- Residence Permit:
Each applicant must first obtain a Maltese residence permit and hold this for 8 months
- Property Requirement:
The main applicant must hold a valid lease or ownership of residential property in Malta
- Contributions:
You will need to demonstrate exceptional services in specified areas
Procedure
- Consultation Meeting
Book a consultation meeting with our team to assess your eligibility and explore the relevant options that align with your goals. - Documents Preparation
We will guide you to collect the necessary documents for your Malta Citizenship by Merit application, including the certificate of no criminal record and relevant apostilled documents. - Initial Visit and Residence Application
The applicant must travel to Malta to submit a residence application. A residence card is typically issued within one month. - Submission of Proposal Letter
Our accredited lawyers in Malta (Licence reference code: AKM-ACCA) will assist you to prepare a comprehensive proposal to be submitted to the Community Malta Agency, outlining your background, proposed contribution, and post-naturalisation plans. - Evaluation and Due Diligence
The Community Malta Agency will conduct initial due diligence. If satisfied, the case will be referred to an Evaluation Broad, which may request additional information or an interview. - Approval in Principle
Upon recommendation by the Board, the Minister will issue a Letter of Approval in Principle. - Formal Naturalisation Application
The applicant must demonstrate:- Legal residence in Malta for at least 8 months (Holding a residence card);
- Property ownership or lease;
- Fulfilment of the proposed contribution;
- Proficiency in English or Maltese;
- Established genuine ties with Malta.
- Final Approval and Oath of Allegiance
After passing a second round of due diligence, the Minister may approve the application and issue the Letter of Approval. The applicant must take the Oath of Allegiance within six months.
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) offers Non-EU applicants the options to purchase or lease property in Malta. The MPRP provides lifetime benefits and imposes no minimum stay requirements in Malta. Importantly, the MPRP extends permanent residency to dependents, allowing children to retain their stays into adulthood, and even includes spouses of children and grandchildren.
Investment
Applicants must fulfil the following three conditions:
- Property Investment (choose one, must be held for 5 years):
Purchase a residential property in Malta valued at no less than €375,000; or
Lease a residential property in Malta with an annual rent of no less than €14,000. - Government Contribution (payable after approval):
You will need to pay €97,000 covering the main applicant, spouse and minor children, plus €7,500 per adult dependent. (Note: This fee includes a government administrative fee of €60,000 and a government donation of €37,000). - Charitable Donation:
Donate at least €2,000 to a recognized Maltese charitable organisation.
Eligibility Requirements
- Main applicant:
The main applicant must be over 18 years old
- Spouse:
You may apply with your married, same-sex or unmarried partner
- Minor child:
Any children under 18 years old can be included
- Adult child:
Adult child under 29 years old in full time education can be included
- Parents:
Parents and parents-in-law can be included
- Criminal Record Check:
Each applicant aged over 16 must provide a criminal record certificate from their country of origin and any countries where they have lived for at least one year during the past 10 years
- Health Insurance:
Each applicant must hold valid health insurance covering stays in the Schengen Area
- Asset Requirements:
Applicants must have assets worth at a minimum of €500,000, including at least €150,000 in liquid financial assets. Alternatively, applicants can show assets of €650,000, with a minimum of €75,000 in liquid financial assets
Procedure
- Consultation Meeting
Book a consultation meeting with our team to assess your eligibility and explore the relevant options that align with your goals. - Documents Preparation
We will guide you to collect the necessary documents for your MPRP application, including the certificate of no criminal record and relevant apostilled documents. - Submission of MPRP Application
Our accredited lawyer in Malta will submit your application to the Residency Malta Agency. This process typically takes 6-12 months. - Processing Stage
Upon submission, the Residency Malta Agency will review the application, conduct due diligence, and verify the source of wealth and applicant background. - Approval in Principle
Upon completion of the review process, an Approval in Principle will be issued. The applicant must then submit official forms and fulfil the investment requirements, including property rental or purchase, government contribution and charitable donation. - Final Approval and Biometric Verification
The Residency Malta Agency will issue final approval and schedule a biometric appointment in Malta. - Issuance of Residence Card
The Residency Malta Agency will formally issue the residency certificate and a 5-year residence card.
Our team conducts regular visits to Malta and has filmed a series of on-site interviews. Watch our exclusive videos showcasing lifestyle, housing, and investment opportunities.
If you’d like to find out whether you can apply for the Malta Citizenship by Merit regulations or Malta Permanent Residency Programme, feel free to contact our team to schedule a one-on-one consultation.
Our experienced team will provide a detailed analysis to help you navigate the process.
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