Program Quick Facts
Investment Amount
€690,000
Fees and Expenses
From €22,000
Residency (Visa) Length
Permanent
Time to Obtain
1-3 years
Complexity
Complex
The Malta Citizenship by Investment program offers fast-track naturalization for eligible applicants.
An investment of €690,000+ is required to qualify for the program with a combination of donations, contributions and legal fees of approximately €22,000 for the main applicant.
To maintain eligibility, applicants must reside in Malta and demonstrate ties to the country and live in Malta most of the year.
Permanent residency is granted upon approval, with citizenship available after 1-3 years of continuous residence depending on the option (see below).
Dependents are included in the application with increased processing fees.
This program is ideal for high-net-worth individuals seeking expedited naturalization in Malta.
The program operates under the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations (Legal Notice 437 of 2020).
Who can apply for Malta Citizenship program?
Eligibility and requirements for the main applicant and family members.
Main Applicant Requirements
- Must be over 18 years old
- Must have no criminal record, prosecutions, or charges
- Must not be under sanctions
- Must have no visa denials to countries with a visa-free regime with Malta
- Must have provable legal income
Spouse/Partner Requirements
- Must be in an officially registered marriage or partnership
- Can be in a de-facto partnership where the relationship can be proved documentarily
- Same-sex couples are included
Children Requirements
Under 18:
- Including children from previous marriages
- Must be not married
- Must be financially dependent on the investor
Over 18:
- —
Special Cases (Any Age):
- —
Other Family Members Requirements
- Grandparents:
- Must be over 55 years old
- Must be financially dependent on the investor
Program Options, Fees and Requirements
Option 1: 1 year to citizenship with Rent of Accommodation
Applying for Malta citizenship with this route requires a rent of at least €16,000/year for 5 years. It's still fast, and doesn't cost as much as buying a property.
Feature: FastFeature: FlexibleRequirements:
NDSF Contribution
National Development and Social Fund contribution of €750,000 for the main applicant and €50,000 per family member.
Amount: €750,000
Charitable Donation
Charitable donation to a registered NGO in Malta.
Amount: €10,000
Rental of Property for 5 Years
Rental agreement for at least €16,000 per year for 5 years.
Amount: €80,000
Fees:
Eligibility Assessment
Assessment fee of €15,000 for the main applicant and €10,000 per family member.
Amount: €15,000
Residency Card Fee
Card fee of €5,000 for the main applicant and €1,000 per family member.
Amount: €5,000
Administrative Fees
Administrative fee of €1,500 per person.
Amount: €1,500
Health Insurance
Health insurance fee of €560+ per person.
Amount: €560
Option 2: 3 years to citizenship with Rent of Accommodation
Applying for Malta citizenship with this route requires a rent of at least €16,000/year for 5 years. It's a slower but more affordable path compared to other options.
Feature: Most affordableRequirements:
NDSF Contribution
National Development and Social Fund contribution of €600,000 for the main applicant and €50,000 per family member.
Amount: €600,000
Charitable Donation
Charitable donation to a registered NGO in Malta.
Amount: €10,000
Rental of Property for 5 Years
Rental agreement for at least €16,000 per year for 5 years.
Amount: €80,000
Fees:
Eligibility Assessment
Assessment fee of €15,000 for the main applicant and €10,000 per family member.
Amount: €15,000
Residency Card Fee
Card fee of €5,000 for the main applicant and €1,000 per family member.
Amount: €5,000
Administrative Fees
Administrative fee of €1,500 per person.
Amount: €1,500
Health Insurance
Health insurance fee of €560+ per person.
Amount: €560
Option 3: 1 year to citizenship with Purchase of Property
Investors purchase real estate worth at least €700,000. Ownership period is 5 years starting from obtaining citizenship, after which the property can be sold, and the money returned.
Feature: FastFeature: Most ExpensiveRequirements:
Property Purchase
Purchase of property worth at least €700,000.
Amount: €700,000
NDSF Contribution
National Development and Social Fund contribution of €750,000 for the main applicant and €50,000 per family member.
Amount: €750,000
Charitable Donation
Charitable donation to a registered NGO in Malta.
Amount: €10,000
Fees:
Stamp Duty
5% stamp duty on the property purchase price.
Amount: 5%
Notary Fees
Notary fees of up to 2% on the property purchase price.
Amount: 2%
Eligibility Assessment
Assessment fee of €15,000 for the main applicant and €10,000 per family member.
Amount: €15,000
Residency Card Fee
Card fee of €5,000 for the main applicant and €1,000 per family member.
Amount: €5,000
Administrative Fees
Administrative fee of €1,500 per person.
Amount: €1,500
Health Insurance
Health insurance fee of €560+ per person.
Amount: €560
Option 4: 3 years to citizenship with Purchase of Property
Investors purchase real estate worth at least €700,000. The ownership period is 5 years starting from obtaining citizenship, after which the property can be sold.
Requirements:
Property Purchase
Purchase of property worth at least €700,000.
Amount: €700,000
NDSF Contribution
National Development and Social Fund contribution of €600,000 for the main applicant and €50,000 per family member.
Amount: €600,000
Charitable Donation
Charitable donation to a registered NGO in Malta.
Amount: €10,000
Fees:
Stamp Duty
5% stamp duty on the property purchase price.
Amount: 5%
Notary Fees
Notary fees of up to 2% on the property purchase price.
Amount: 2%
Eligibility Assessment
Assessment fee of €15,000 for the main applicant and €10,000 per family member.
Amount: €15,000
Residency Card Fee
Card fee of €5,000 for the main applicant and €1,000 per family member.
Amount: €5,000
Administrative Fees
Administrative fee of €1,500 per person.
Amount: €1,500
Health Insurance
Health insurance fee of €560+ per person.
Amount: €560
Applying for Malta citizenship with this route requires a rent of at least €16,000/year for 5 years. It's still fast, and doesn't cost as much as buying a property.
Main Applicant | Spouse (additional) | Child (additional) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirements | |||
NDSF Contribution | €750,000 | €50,000 | €50,000 |
Charitable Donation | €10,000 | €0 | €0 |
Rental of Property for 5 Years | €80,000 | €0 | €0 |
| Fees and Expenses | |||
Eligibility Assessment | €15,000 | €10,000 | €10,000 |
Residency Card Fee | €5,000 | €1,000 | €1,000 |
Administrative Fees | €1,500 | €1,500 | €1,500 |
Health Insurance | €560 | €560 | €560 |
| Total Cost | €862,060 for main applicant | €925,120 for married couple | €988,180 for family of 3 |
| * Items marked with an asterisk are not included in the total cost calculation | |||
Benefits & Restrictions
Benefits | Restrictions and Drawbacks |
|---|---|
Warm Climate and High Quality of LifeMalta offers a Mediterranean lifestyle with a warm climate and a high standard of living, making it an attractive destination for expats and investors seeking comfort and stability. | Residency Presence RequirementApplicants must reside in Malta for a minimum of 183 days annually and demonstrate tangible ties to the country to maintain their residency status. |
Fast Track NaturalizationApplicants can acquire Maltese citizenship within 12 months, offering a streamlined route to permanent residency and citizenship under the Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program. | High Investment RequirementThe program requires a significant financial commitment, including a minimum investment of €690,000, making it suitable primarily for high-net-worth individuals. |
EU Schengen AccessSuccessful applicants gain access to the Schengen Zone, allowing visa-free travel across 27 European countries for personal and business purposes. | Remote Application Not PermittedAll applications must be submitted in person in Malta, as remote applications are not allowed under this program. |
Freedom to Work or Start a BusinessResidents enjoy the freedom to work, establish businesses, or invest in Malta's dynamic economy, contributing to their personal and professional growth. | Dependent Financial ObligationsIncluding dependents in the application may incur additional costs, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the program’s inclusivity. |
Low Tax JurisdictionMalta is recognized for its competitive tax regime, providing benefits for individuals and businesses through its territorial taxation system. |
Citizenship program vs other programs in Malta
| Criteria | Citizenship by Investment | Global Residence Programme> |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Amount | €690,000 | €220,000 |
| Residency Type | Fast Track Naturalization | Temporary Residency |
| Application Fees | €22,000 | €250,700 |
| Annual Income Requirement | €0 | €24,000 |
| Annual Presence Requirement | 183 days | 183 days |
| Key Perks | Instant Permanent ResidencyFast-Track NaturalizationEU Schengen AccessTerritorial Tax Country | EU Schengen AccessTerritorial Tax Country |
| Ideal For | HNWI | HNWIInvestorsEntrepreneursRetireesPerson of independent means |
How to apply for Citizenship program - Timeline
Due Diligence
Preliminary KYC checks conducted by AML officers.
Initial Clearance
Background checks conducted on all applicants aged 12 years and older.
Residence Permits
Obtain residence permits to begin the residency period.
Eligibility Assessment
Review of the applicant's eligibility for the citizenship program.
Minister's Approval
Approval granted by the minister, allowing applicants to apply for citizenship after 1 or 3 years.
Citizenship Application
Submit the citizenship application after fulfilling the residency requirements.
Final Approval
Final citizenship approval granted by the minister.
Fulfill Investment Conditions
Provide evidence of meeting all investment requirements.
Oath and Biometrics
Take the oath of allegiance and submit biometrics within six months of approval.
Passport
Receive the issued passports within several working days.
Malta Taxation at a glance
Key Information
Taxation Type: Territorial tax system
Special Regime: Non-Domiciled (Non-Dom) Regime
Normal Tax Residency: 183 days
Special Residency:
Income Tax Rate: 35
Program specific tax incentives:
Malta has tax exemption on foreign income not remitted to Malta under non-dom regime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Programs in Other Countries
CyprusPermanent Residency
Best For:
Cyprus Fast Track Permanent Residency allows you to obtain Permanent Residency by investing 300,000+ in the country.
