EUROPEAN CITIZENSHIP PROGRAM: MALTA
Malta
Capital City: Valleta
Malta, a Mediterranean Island with a high quality health care, 300 days of sunshine in a year and Visa Free Travel to all Schengen Member States is an ideal Citizenship to hold.
Malta, an EU country since 2004, with one of the strongest passports in the world just announced its Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment. Under the governing regulations, an Investor can gain Maltese Citizenship after 36 months or by exception after 12 months of residence in Malta, with visa-free travel possibility to more than 185 destinations, one being the United States of America.
By virtue of Malta’s membership in the EU, Maltese Citizenship not only enjoy freedom of movement but also freedom of settlement in all other EU Countries.
Malta is one of the few countries that has a Visa Waiver Program [VWP] with the US. Under the VWP Maltese Citizens are permitted to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a Visa.
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICES BY DIRECT INVESTMENT
Condition of Eligibility – Main Applicant
Malta has three options one can employ to acquire citizenship. There are three forms of investment required for the grant of Citizenship for exceptional circumstances: –
- A capital transfer.
- Investment or leasing of a residential real estate property.
- A donation to a local voluntary organization.
There is a fixed minimum financial requirement for each type:
- Capital Investment Requirement of €690,000 for applicants who
have resided in Malta for a period of 36 months,
- Purchase of Property of a minimum value of Ꞓ700,000; and
- leasing of property for a minimum value of Ꞓ16,000 annually.
There is a minimum residency requirement of one year prior to the issue of the Certificate of Naturalisation.
Like any other jurisdiction, there are the fees for Due Diligence &Background Checks, Naturalisation, Travel Documents and Bank Charges with a 12 months processing time.
Malta Program Requirement in a Nutshell
Citizenship by Naturalisation for exceptional services by Direct Investment in Malta has two separate timeframes depending on the size of the investment. All applicants must both make donations and maintain a home in Malta, whether purchased or leased.
Contribution to National Development and Social Fund (NDSF).
- A contribution of €600,000 which will grant you Citizenship after 36 months; or
- A contribution of €750,000 which will grant you Citizenship after 12 months; and a
- Contribution of €50,000 for each additional dependent.
Property Investment or Long Lease
- Purchase of immovable residential property in Malta at a minimum value of €700,000; or
- Lease of an immovable residential property in Malta at an annual rental of €16,000.
There is a holding period from the date of issue of the Certificate of Citizenship before the investment can be divested out to a new Purchaser.
There is no subletting of the Leased Property.
Donation
You can make a contribution of €10,000 to a registered Philanthropic, Cultural, Sport, Scientific, Animal Welfare or Artistic, Non-Governmental Organisation or Society or as otherwise approved by the Agency.
Due Diligence Fees
Due Diligence Fees are never left out in any citizenship or residency program. The payable fees for Due Diligence are: –
- €15,000 for Single Applicant;
- €25,000 for a Primary Applicant and Spouse;
- €10,000 for additional Dependents aged 12 and above.
Government fees for Issuance of Residence Permit
- €10,000 for a Single Applicant;
- €15,000 for Main Applicant;
- €5,000 for all other Dependents
The passport is a permanent document. Ascendant and descendant generations can form part of one application.
Every applicant is required to satisfy the following conditions and main eligibility criteria.
General
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must not be a beneficiary under any other Malta Residence Program
- Must be in receipt of stable and regular sources of income that are sufficient to maintain yourself and your dependents in Malta.
- Must be in possession of valid travel document
- Must be in possession of a health insurance policy in respect of all risks normally covered for Maltese Nationals.
- Must be a “fit and proper” person – A thorough due diligence investigation will be carried out on the main applicant and dependents (if any), specifically looking at criminal background/charges, whether subject of international sanctions, business/professional affairs, sources of wealth and health history.
- Must not be a potential threat to National Security, Public Policy or Public Health.
- Must not be involved or likely to be involved in any activity which may cause disrepute to Malta.
Residency
- The main applicant can apply for Maltese citizenship after 36 months of legal residency in Malta, which, by exception, may be reduced to 12 months.
- The Main Applicant must provide proof of residence and other connecting factors to Malta.
Immovable Property
The Main applicant must hold qualifying immovable property for residence for a minimum period of five years from the date of issuance of the Certificate of Naturalization, as follows:
- By acquiring immovable property in Malta with at least €700,000. or
- By leasing immovable property in Malta with a minimum annual lease payment of €16,000.
Eligible Dependents
An eligible dependent would be a family member of a main applicant and shall include:
- The spouse of the main applicant.
- Minor children (younger than 18 years) of the main applicant and/or of the spouse.
- Adult children (younger than 29 years) of the main applicant and/or of the spouse, who must be married and must be financially dependent on the main applicant,
- Children under 18 years who are mentally or physically disabled and who must be supported by the main applicant.
- Parents and/or grandparents (older than 55 years) of the main applicant and/or of the spouse who must be financially dependent on the main applicant.
Are you interested in acquiring Malta Residency and Citizenship, then Contact Us!
WhinChester Corporate & Immigration Services PowerHouse is a fully mandated Immigration Service Provider and is sufficiently manned with professionally trained immigration specialists to handle your application. We have a dedicated team of experienced professionals who provides concierge services which includes property management, lifestyle management and personal assistance.
Our Services
When you retain WhinChester to handle your Malta application, we will provide:
- Assistance towards the successful completion of the application process
- Real Estate (including Property Management) services and support
- Direct Tax Compliance Services
- Bank Account Opening Services
- Permit renewals and other general compliance services
- Concierge services (including lifestyle management and personal assistance
MALTA PERMANENT RESIDENCE PROGRAM [MPRP]
The Malta Permanent Residence Program (the “MPRP”) was introduced in Malta in March 2021 by means of legal notice 121 of 2021. The MPRP is designed to attract individuals interested in taking up residency in Malta. In addition to taking up residency in Malta, you will also be entitled to enjoy visa-free travel across the Schengen Area (90 days out of 180). Up to four dependents can be applicants in one and the same application.
The expected processing time for Residency in Malta is between 4 – 6 months from the submission of the complete and correct application pack.
Condition & Eligibility – Main Applicant
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be able to communicate in English
- Must be a third country national (i.e. not Maltese and Non – EU/EEA/ Swiss National)
- Must not be a beneficiary under any other Malta Residence Program.
- Must hold qualifying immovable property for residence for a minimum period of 5 years and other residential immovable property thereafter.
- Must be in receipt of stable and regular sources of income that are sufficient to maintain himself and his Dependents in Malta.
- Must be in a possession of a valid travel document.
- Must be in possession of health insurance in respect of all risks normally covered for Maltese Nationals.
- Must possess assets having a value of not less than €500,000, out of which a minimum of €150,000 shall be in the form of financial assets for a period of 5 years.
- Must be a fit and proper person – a thorough due diligence investigation will be carried out on the applicant and dependents (if any) specifically looking at criminal background charges, international sanction, business/professional affairs, sources of wealth, profile and
- Must not be a potential threat to National Security, public policy or public health.
- Must not be involved or likely to be involved in any activity which may cause disrepute to Malta.
ADMINISTRATIVE FEES AND CONTRIBUTION
- A non-refundable administrative fee of €40,000.
- Dependents on the title of the qualifying property pay a contribution of €28,000 (if buying property) or €58,000 if renting property).
- A contribution of €7,500 for each parent or grandparent of the main applicant or of the spouse.
Contact us for your Malta Permanent Residency Card.
WhinChester Corporate & Immigration Services PowerHouse is a fully mandated Immigration Service Provider and is sufficiently manned with professionally trained immigration specialists to handle your application. We also assist beneficiaries to comply with all necessary recurrent requirements including compliance and renewals. We have a dedicated team of experienced professionals who provides concierge services which includes property management, lifestyle management and personal assistance.
MALTA GLOBAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM [GRP]
The Global Residence Program (the “GRP”) was introduced in Malta by means of Legal Notice 167 of 2013. The GRP is designed to attract individuals to take up residence in Malta. The individuals need to be third country nationals and must satisfy certain requirements and conditions.
As a successful applicant you will obtain a special Malta tax residence status, pursuant to which a flat income tax rate of 15% would be applied for any income arising outside of Malta that would be remitted to Malta, subject to minimum annual Malta income tax of €15,000.
On the other hand, any income derived from inside Malta would be subject to a flat income tax rate of 35%. There is no minimum amount of foreign-sourced income that has to be remitted to Malta, as long as the minimum annual Malta income tax of €15,000 is paid.
Eligibility Criteria
Each applicant must fulfill the following:
- A donation of €2,000 to a locally registered NGO
- Must be able to communicate in English.
- Must be in receipt of stable and regular sources of income that are sufficient to maintain yourself and your Dependents in Malta.
- Must purchase a property with a minimum value of €220,000 (if the property is in the South of Malta. €275,000 for properties in Central and Northern Malta; or must rent property with a minimum annual rent of at least €9,600 if the property is situated in central or northern Malta and €8,750 if the property is situated in Southern Malta.
- Must be a “fit and proper” person – a thorough due diligence investigation will be carried out on the applicant and dependents (if any), background, business/professional affair, source of wealth investigation for reliability and must be in good state of health.
We can help with your Maltese Residency and Citizenship. WhinChester Corporate & Immigration Services PowerHouse ensures full satisfaction of the application process geared towards approval. We are professionally manned to handle your application.
We at WhinChester Corporate & Immigration Services PowerHouse will look at your interests to give you the best value for money. Timely processing of your application, quick delivery of your Maltese Residence Permit. Contact us today!. You will get an instant acknowledgment. The fields marked with an * are mandatory
Malta Program Brief
Eligible applicants who contribute to the economic development of Malta would be eligible to apply for Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services for themselves and other family dependents, subject to a due diligence process and after being legal residents of Malta for one or three years.
Benefits of Maltese Citizenship
- Visa-free and Visa-on-arrival travel to and around 185 countries and territories.
- Citizenship descends from generation to generation.
- Never ending Citizenship. Ability to live, work and acquire Maltese property in your own private right.
- Dual Citizenship permitted.
Family Dependents
The 2020 regulation provides for the following persons to be included in the family application.
- The Spouse of the main applicant in a monogamous marriage or a person with an equivalent relationship such as a civil union or another relationship with similar status, cohabiting relationship.
- Biological and Adopted children of the Main Applicant and Spouse who are:
- Under 18
- Above 18 but with a disability
- Between 18-28 but unmarried and wholly maintained or otherwise largely supported by the Main Applicant.
- Parents and Grandparents 55 years and above, who are wholly maintained or largely supported by the Main Applicant or Spouse of the Main Applicant.
Application Process
The Applicants can get qualified upon the completion of a three stage process;
The Residency Stage
- The Eligibility Stage
- The Citizenship Stage
The Residency Stage - 1
Applicants must first apply to the Community Malta Agency through an authorized agent like WhinChester Corporate & Immigration Services PowerHouse for residency in Malta. Residency status is initially issued for 36 months and applicants aged 18 and over must hold residency status in Malta for at least 12 months to submit their application for Maltese Citizenship.
The time frame between submission of a residency application to the issue of the relevant e-residency card is 15 working days.
Process
- You must enter into a contract for services with WhinChester Corporate & Immigration Services PowerHouse as your Agent who will arrange the submission of your residency application and ensure the relevant payments are made to the Community Malta Agency on your behalf.
- Community Malta Agency will afterward make contact with us to inform that the main applicant/dependents must attend biometrics appointment and, potentially, an interview within a six month clearance.
Costs
Applicable costs at the first stage, which is the Residency Stage:
Part payment of Non-Refundable investment Deposit
Residence Permit
Residence Card
Eligibility Stage - 2
Before completing the residence requirement and in general within 12 months of the issuance of the residence card, the main applicant must apply through us for an eligibility assessment with the Community Malta Agency.
Once you pass the eligibility assessment and complete the residence requirement (12-36 months or 36 + months), you can now apply for Citizenship.
Process
Upon receiving the application for an eligibility assessment, Community Malta Agency issues a formal receipt (including a payment voucher) within two working days.
- Upon receipt of the relevant fees due at this stage, Community Malta Agency performs Tier 2 due diligence on the main applicant/dependents. Further due diligence maybe required at this stage.
Community Malta Agency then performs Tier 3 & 4 Due Diligence.
- The Minister then decides whether to grant or refuse the application together with the Due Diligence Report to the responsible Minister for consideration.
The Minister then decides whether to grant or refuse the application for Citizenship. If approved, a letter of approval is issued and the converse goes if the application is denied; the notice of decline is issued. A letter of approval is expected to be issued within 120–150 calendar days of payment of the fees due at this stage.
Fees
At the eligibility stage, the following fees become payable
Due Diligence fee
Administrative Fee
Citizenship Stage - 3
At this stage the applicant must make the relevant investment, the total cost off which differs depending to how long the applicant resided in Malta under the Residency stage.
Upon completion of this stage, the main applicant/dependents receive Citizenship of Malta.
Process
- The Main Applicant must fulfill all the following requirements:
- Make an Exceptional Direct Investment; The amount due for the exceptional direct investment varies according to whether the applicant has resided in Malta for (a) 36 months or (b) between 12 and 36 months.
- Make a Real Estate Investment (either a purchase or rental) to be held for a minimum of five years.
- The Real Estate chosen must be fit for the main applicant and dependents to live in.
- Make a donation; and
- Pay the administrative fees
- The main applicant must give an undertaking to complete and fulfill all the requirements and evidence of completion of the residence requirement, must be provided.
- Approximately five working days from the provision of the relevant undertaking/evidence of completion of residence, an invitation to travel to Malta to take the Oath of Allegiance
is administered to the Main Applicant and any dependant age 18 or over.
- The Oath of Allegiance must be taken in Malta within six months of the issue of the letter of approval and the applicant will not be allowed to take the Oath unless:
- All requirements are fulfilled and fees paid, and
- The applicant undertakes in writing to observe and fulfill all obligations for a period of five years from the issuance of the Certificate of Naturalization.
- The Certificate of Naturalization is issued.
- The Community Malta Agency conducts continuous monitoring of the main applicant /dependant for five years, and the main applicant/dependants must complete and file a compliance form at the Community Malta Agency every year for the first five years from the date of the taking of the Oath of Allegiance.
Cost and Fees
The following costs and fees apply:
Exceptional Direct Investment
Real Estate Investment
Donation
Administrative Fee
That’s the extent of the application process. Should you be interested, do not hesitate to contact us today. WhinChester – your most trusted immigration services provider. Schedule a free consultation.
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