Benefits of Malta Citizenship by Investment

The new Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CES) provides foreign investors and their families with exclusive benefits, opening doors to a high-quality lifestyle, financial opportunities, and more. Here’s why investing in Malta citizenship is a smart choice:

1. Freedom to Move Across Europe
   With Malta being a full EU member, a Maltese passport grants the same benefits as an EU passport. This includes unrestricted rights to live, work, or conduct business in any EU country. Companies operating from Malta can benefit from the world’s largest trading bloc’s tariff-free trading, while individuals enjoy seamless travel across the Schengen Area.

2. Extensive Visa-Free Travel
   Holding a Maltese passport allows visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to over 170 countries. Besides the freedom to travel throughout Europe, Maltese citizens can explore destinations worldwide without the hassle of visa requirements.

3. Dual Citizenship Permitted
   Malta’s immigration investment program lets investors retain their original citizenship while acquiring a European passport. This dual citizenship is available within a 12- to 36-month period, depending on the duration of residence in Malta, enabling maximum flexibility for global citizens.

4. Citizenship for the Whole Family
   Through the Malta citizenship program, family members—including spouses and children—can gain EU citizenship. This advantage extends to the ability to work anywhere in the EU and access educational benefits such as tuition-free universities in Scandinavian countries. Additionally, children born to Maltese citizens automatically gain citizenship, ensuring future generations enjoy the same privileges.

5. Tax Advantages and Efficiency
   Malta’s taxation is based on residency, not citizenship, meaning that new citizens may not be liable for taxes in Malta if they reside elsewhere. The country’s favorable tax schemes include no tax on worldwide income or assets and a flat rate of 15% for foreign income remitted to Malta, with a minimum of €15,000.

6. A Stable and Secure Environment
   As one of the safest nations in Europe, Malta offers a peaceful lifestyle and boasts a strong economy with high GDP per capita and low unemployment rates. It is an appealing destination for those looking for political stability and security.

7. Enhanced Quality of Life
   Malta provides an exceptional lifestyle with its Mediterranean climate, historical sites, and modern amenities. Residents can enjoy the island’s cultural richness, recreational activities, and secure infrastructure. Malta’s commitment to freedom of expression and property rights further enhances the living standards for citizens.

8. Top-Tier Healthcare System
   The public healthcare in Malta is ranked among the world’s best. Funded through taxation and health insurance, it offers comprehensive coverage, including hospitalization, maternity care, and specialized treatments. Maltese citizens and residents can rely on high-quality medical services.

9. LGBTQ+ Friendly Society
   Malta leads Europe in LGBTQ+ rights, having consistently topped the ILGA-Europe rankings. The country has established progressive laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, including banning conversion therapy and ensuring equal rights. This dedication to inclusivity fosters a fair and welcoming society for all.

Investing in Maltese citizenship not only brings significant personal and financial benefits but also opens the gateway to a prosperous life in Europe. The advantages extend to your family and future generations, offering a path to security, opportunity, and a high standard of living.

Process of Obtaining Malta Citizenship by Investment (CES)

The pathway to acquiring Maltese citizenship by naturalization for exceptional services is divided into three stages, each with specific requirements and fees.

1. Residency

• Initial Step: The main applicant and any dependents must first apply for a Maltese residence permit. This is secured by passing a due diligence check conducted by the Community Malta Agency (CMA).
• Approval Process: Once the residence visa is approved, a permanent residence card is issued with a validity of 36 months. The applicant must visit Malta to submit biometric data for the residence card and secure a residence lease before submitting the application.
• Costs:
  • Residence Permit Fee: €10,000
  • Government Fees: €5,000 for the main applicant, plus €1,000 per dependent
  • Residency Card Fee: €27.50 per person

2. Citizenship Application

• Eligibility Submission: The citizenship application must be submitted within 12 months from the issue date of the residency card to avoid revocation.
• Due Diligence Checks: The CMA performs further due diligence to verify the application and may request additional documentation. The application is then presented to the Minister, who decides on the eligibility for citizenship.
• Processing Timeline: Approximately 120-150 days. Upon approval, applicants will receive a Letter of Approval in Principle.
• Associated Fees:
  • Due Diligence Fees: €15,000 for the main applicant, €10,000 per dependent aged 13 or above
  • Administrative Fees: €1,000 per person

3. Naturalization

• Final Steps: Once all requirements are met, applicants must take the Oath of Allegiance within six months of receiving the Letter of Approval in Principle.
• Outcome: Upon taking the oath, applicants receive Maltese citizenship, a passport, and a Certificate of Naturalization. Their names will be published annually in the Government Gazette.
• Payment Obligations:
  • Government Investment: €600,000 or €750,000 for the main applicant (depending on the residency duration), plus €50,000 per dependent
  • Charitable Donation: €10,000

Monitoring

The Community Malta Agency monitors applicants for five years to ensure compliance with program requirements. Citizenship may be revoked if obligations, such as maintaining residency for at least five years, are not fulfilled.

What Are the Tax Implications of Malta Citizenship by Investment?

Potential investors in this program who are looking to reduce their tax burden must know that the state has:

• No inheritance tax
• No estate duty
• No wealth tax
• No municipal taxes
• No property ownership tax

Malta is also an excellent country for American retirees.

For pension incomes of no more than €14,968 ($15,965) per annum, the tax exemption amount of 20 percent [capped at €2,864 ($3,055)] in 2022 will be raised to 40 percent of pension income [capped at €5,987 ($6,640)] during 2023.

This illustrates the Maltese government’s empathy toward elderly Maltese citizens, ensuring they’re taxed fairly and can maintain a good quality of life.