Malta boasts the fastest route to European citizenship, an aspect we will illuminate in this post regarding the Malta Citizenship Process in 2023. To embark on your journey toward becoming a Maltese Citizen, peruse the following details.
Situated in the heart of Europe, Malta holds membership in the Schengen Area, providing the added benefit of visa-free travel to other EU countries. The Maltese Passport holds the prestigious 4th position globally, offering access to a staggering 188 Visa-Free destinations.
In a previous post, we delved into the details of the Malta Work Visa Process in 2023. Non-EU citizens, too, have the opportunity to apply for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme.
Comprehensive Information on the Malta Citizenship Process in 2023
Let's delve into the specific requirements of the Malta Citizenship program:
1) Obtaining Malta Citizenship through Residence by Investment
The Malta Residency by Investment program stands as one of the most sought-after avenues within the Malta Permanent Residence Programmes (MPRP). This program offers a straightforward path to residency through property investment, and there's no obligation to reside in Malta to secure citizenship.
Processing Time: A commitment to process applications within a span of 4 to 6 months from the submission of a complete and accurate application.
Benefits
- No residency obligations.
- The right to permanent residence in Malta.
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
- Access to Malta's affordable real estate market.
- Inclusion of up to four generations in a single application.
Requirements for the Malta Residence by Investment Program
To be eligible for Malta's permanent residency program, applicants must:
- Be third-country nationals, meaning they are non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens.
- Demonstrate stable and regular financial resources.
- The primary applicant must be a minimum of 18 years old.
- Exhibit capital assets totalling at least €500,000, of which a minimum of €150,000 must be in financial assets.
To be eligible for participation in the Malta Permanent Residency Program
1. Application Submission: Submit an application through a Licensed Agent.
2. Administrative Fee: A non-refundable administrative fee of €40,000 must be paid.
3. Property Requirement:
- - Rent a property in the South of Malta/Gozo for a minimum of €10,000 or €12,000 in the rest of Malta, OR
- - Purchase a property with a minimum value of €300,000 in the South of Malta/Gozo or €350,000 in the rest of Malta.
4. Government Contribution: If purchasing a property, a Government contribution of €28,000 is required; if leasing a property, the contribution increases to €58,000.
5. Dependent Fees: An additional €7,500 is applicable for each additional adult dependent, excluding the spouse.
6. Property Retention: The qualifying property must be held for a minimum period of 5 years, after which a residential address is mandatory.
7. Donation: A donation of €2,000 to a local philanthropic, cultural, scientific, artistic, sport, or animal welfare NGO registered with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations is necessary.
8. Travel Document: Applicants must possess a valid travel document.
9. Insurance Requirements:
- - A sickness insurance policy covering all risks across Malta is mandatory.
- - Travel insurance is required for journeys within the Schengen area.
To commence the application process for Malta Citizenship through residency by investment, please visit the official website of the Malta Government agency. This website offers comprehensive information about the Malta Citizenship Process for the year 2023, including access to all necessary forms, details about licensed agents, and helpful guides.
Other Maltese Residency Programs
Here are two of the most accessible and cost-effective pathways to attain Maltese citizenship through residency:
1. Malta Digital Nomad Visa Residency
Malta offers a Digital Nomad permit to remote workers who can perform their duties from their chosen location, whether they are self-employed, employed, or freelancers.
This permit initially grants residency for a period of 3 years, with the possibility of renewal for an additional 2 years. After residing in Malta for 5 years, individuals become eligible to apply for Malta Permanent Residency, and this path does not require any property investment.
For more detailed information, you can refer to our comprehensive guide on the Malta Digital Nomad Visa for 2023 or visit the official Malta Government Nomad Residency website.
2. Malta Startup Residence Programme
The Malta Startup Residence Programme offers a 3-year residence permit, which can be extended for an additional 5 years. During this period, beneficiaries have the opportunity to reside in Malta while launching their startup ventures.
If you are interested in pursuing this residency program in Malta, please visit the official Malta Startup Residence Programme website for further details.
2) Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization
Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization can be acquired through residing in Malta for either a period of 36 months or, in exceptional cases, 12 months.
Requirements for Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization
To be eligible for Maltese citizenship by naturalization, the following criteria must be met:
1. All applicants must be at least 18 years old.
2. A minimum investment of EUR 600,000 is required for a 36-month residence period, or EUR 750,000 for a 12-month residence period.
3. The investment must be allocated to government bonds or real estate.
4. The applicant must also purchase a residential property in Malta valued at a minimum of EUR 700,000, which must be held for a duration of five years.
5. Both the applicant and their family members are subject to a thorough due diligence process, which includes background checks and financial assessments.
Processing Time
The application process typically takes approximately 12 to 18 months.
Conclusion
Malta's Citizenship by Nomad Residency program or Startup program is considered one of the most favourable routes to obtaining Maltese citizenship.
The Residence by Investment program, on the other hand, is tailored for individuals who possess the means to afford citizenship without the requirement of residing in Malta.