The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program offers foreign individuals and their families the opportunity to acquire Maltese citizenship by fulfilling certain economic criteria. This process involves a 36-month residence period (or 12 months, by exception), after which, upon meeting the requirements and undergoing a stringent due diligence process, the applicant is eligible to be granted citizenship by a certificate of naturalization.

The Community Malta Agency is the competent Maltese Government Agency responsible for overseeing and regulating the program. Golden Passport Agency acts as an official agent, providing guidance and handling the application process, ensuring compliance with all necessary legalities.

Benefits of Maltese Citizenship:

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 190 destinations, including popular destinations across Europe, the UK, and more.

• Access to Malta’s transparent and reputable financial center, making it a prime jurisdiction for international business.

• Opportunity to include a spouse, children, parents, and grandparents in the main application.

• Access to excellent international schools and the opportunity to attend universities in the European Union with reduced fees or free education in certain countries. Golden Passport Agency can assist in securing the best educational opportunities for your family.

• Malta offers an excellent living environment, with strategic location and excellent air links making it an attractive place to live or own a second home.

• World’s strictest due diligence standards to ensure that only qualified applicants are granted citizenship.

Requirements for Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation:

To qualify for Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

2. Economic Contribution:

   • EUR 600,000 contribution for a minimum residence period of 36 months, or EUR 750,000 for a minimum of 12 months.

3. Property Investment:

   • Purchase of residential property in Malta worth at least EUR 700,000, which must be held for five years, or

   • Lease of a residential property with a rental value of at least EUR 16,000 per annum, held for five years. The property cannot be sublet during the five-year period.

4. Donation:

   • A donation of at least EUR 10,000 to a registered organization in Malta involved in sport, culture, science, philanthropy, animal welfare, or the arts, approved by the Community Malta Agency.

5. Residence Requirement:

   • Applicants must maintain legal residence in Malta for at least 36 months (or 12 months by exception). This includes a residence card obtained through the residence permit granted by Malta authorities.

Procedure for Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation:

The process involves several key stages:

1. Application Submission: Applicants must complete the prescribed forms, submit the appropriate fees, and provide specific documentation. Detailed due diligence checks are carried out, and the application will be declined if it contains false information or omissions.

2. Tier 1 Due Diligence: The Community Malta Agency conducts an initial round of checks. If the applicant passes these checks, the residence permit application will be submitted.

3. Residence Period: Applicants must legally reside in Malta for the required period—36 months for most or 12 months by exception. During this time, the property must be purchased or leased, and the required donation must be made.

4. Eligibility Application: After the residence period, the applicant may apply for eligibility. The Community Malta Agency will conduct further due diligence in tiers 2, 3, and 4, and the application will be presented to the relevant Maltese minister for approval.

5. Citizenship Application: If the application is approved, a citizenship application will be submitted after the completion of the required residence period. The applicant will need to fulfil the investment, donation, and property requirements before the application is considered.

6. Oath of Allegiance: Once citizenship is granted, the applicant will be invited to take the oath of allegiance in Malta and will receive their certificate of naturalization.

7. Post-Citizenship Monitoring: The Community Malta Agency will conduct continuous monitoring for a period of five years after citizenship is granted.

Dual Citizenship:

There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in Malta, allowing applicants to retain their original nationality while becoming Maltese citizens.