Malta Individual Investor Programme (IIP) was introduced in 2014 with a single purpose: to attract high net worth individuals to make investments in Malta, and benefit from the advantages of Malta citizenship. This programme has been replaced with Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, in 2020. Our immigration lawyers in Malta can offer in-depth assistance and legal advice for international investors interested in gaining Maltese citizenship through investments. They can help you relocate to Malta or obtain a residence permit in Malta.
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The eligibility criteria for Individual Investor Programme in Malta
According to the Maltese Citizenship Act, foreigners of at least 18 years of age can apply for Malta Citizenship by Investment, as long as they respect a few conditions, such as:
- They need to have a clear criminal record – the Maltese authorities can make verifications with the International Criminal Court.
- They need to prove the source of funds for future investments in Malta.
- A medical report showing they do not suffer from contagious diseases needs to be provided.
- Applicants must be covered by international health insurance policies accepted in Malta.
- Significant non-refundable contributions to the National Development and Social Fund in Malta must be made by the applicants. if you want to know more in this topic and about how to move to Malta, get in touch with us.
The eligibility criteria must be fully understood at the time an investor is interested in Malta citizenship by investment programme. One of our Maltese immigration lawyers can offer the necessary information and legal support for international entrepreneurs wanting Malta citizenship. They can provide support for foreigners who want to immigrate to Malta.
What is the needed financial contribution for Malta citizenship by investment?
The contribution to the National Development and Social Fund overseen by the Maltese Government is subject to a set of rules for foreigners interested in Maltese citizenship by investment. The main applicant needs to invest at least EUR 750,000, followed by the family member’s contribution of EUR 50,000, including for parents and grandparents. Such financial contributions must be made within 4 months before Malta Letter of Approval in Principle is issued. If you have any concerns regarding the eligibility criteria for Malta citizenship by investment, you are invited to talk to one of our immigration lawyers in Malta for advice. Our experts can help you obtain the necessary visa and immigrate to Malta.
A residence permit in Malta can be obtained quite easily if you follow the procedures and formalities involved. One of our lawyers with experience in immigration matters can explain to you what are the steps to obtain this document and what are the criteria in this regard. Health insurance, a valid passport, and proof of domicile are needed, in addition to personal finances. We, therefore, invite you to contact us and discover the legal services offered to benefit from a simple and fast process.
Can I purchase real estate properties in Malta for gaining citizenship?
Yes, foreign investors can purchase or rent a property in Malta, as part of the application for citizenship by investments. Acording to the new rules, a property worth at least EUR 700,000 needs to be purchased, mentioning that the ownership must be maintained for at least 5 years. Property rentals are also available if a minimum annual rent of EUR 16,000 is provided. Support for obtaining a residence permit in Malta can be offered by our advisors. They can offer support if you want to move to Malta.
Gaining the second passport
Malta offers the second passport within a year of entering the citizenship investment programme. Such a passport allows foreigners with Maltese citizenship to freely travel to more than 166 countries worldwide (including the Schengen area countries) without applying for a specific visa. This benefit is also available for citizens wanting to visit the USA or Canada, mentioning that family members also benefit from such advantages. Enjoying a good quality of life, benefiting from a constant and productive economy, great education, and medical system are a few of the advantages of foreigners with Maltese citizenship. Gaining the second passport means making investments of at least EUR 750,000 in Malta. All the details you need to know about how to apply for a second passport by entering the Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment can be provided by one of our immigration lawyers in Malta. Here are some facts and figures about immigration and citizenship in Malta:
- A contribution of at least EUR 50,000 for each family member (spouse and minor children) needs to be made to enter the citizenship programme;
- Investments of at least EUR 750,000 needs to be made for obtaining the Maltese citizenship;
- Around 17.5% of the total population of Malta are foreigners, as figures for 2019 reveal.
FAQ about Malta citizenship by investment
We have prepared a set of questions for those who want to buy Malta citizenship. From here you can find out exactly what the procedures are and what you need to do. Specialized help for interested foreigners can be provided by our immigration lawyers in Malta.
- Who can buy malta citizenship?
Foreigners of at least 18 years of age can buy Malta citizenship? Along with this status, applicants also enjoy the Malta passport by investment. - What are the eligibility criteria for Malta citizenship by investment?
First of all, candidates must present a clear criminal record. It is to prove the source of investment. Also, you need health insurance, but also a medical report stating that you do not suffer from any contagious disease. - What does Maltese citizenship cost?
Malta citizenship cost starts at EUR 750,000 plus contributions for family members. A contribution of EUR 50,000 is required for spouses, children, parents and grandparents. More details on the new investment program can be found at our Malta immigration lawyers. - What is the Malta Letter of Approval in Principle?
The Malta Letter of Approval in Principle is a document issued by the authorities for those who have applied for Malta citizenship by investment. This means that the application has been pre-approved, and the authorities will continue with the checks. - Is it possible to invest in real estate to obtain malta passport by investment?
Yes, Malta passport by investment can also be obtained by purchasing a property. Its value should be at least EUR 700,000 in order to enter the program. It is forbidden to sell that property for at least 5 years. - Is it possible to rent a home in order to apply for a Malta passport by investment?
Yes, for an annual rental of at least EUR 16,000 you can access the Malta citizenship by investment programme. The formalities are simple and you can collaborate with our Maltese immigration lawyers. They can tell you more about Malta citizenship cost. - What are the advantages of malta passport by investment?
Malta passport by investment has many benefits, including the ability to travel without restrictions in over 166 countries. Also, those who have obtained a Malta passport by investment can travel to countries such as Canada and the USA. - What’s new in the program called Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment?
First of all, the minimum amount of investment has been changed to enter the Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program. Also, the rules for real estate investments have been changed. You can now buy a property worth at least EUR 700,000. - Do you also need to make donations to enter Malta citizenship by investment?
Yes, candidates can donate EUR 10,000 to cultural, artistic, non-governmental charities, among others. You can learn more from our Maltese immigration lawyers. More about Malta citizenship cost can be discussed with us. - How can an immigration lawyer in Malta help me?
A Maltese immigration lawyer can handle the formalities related to Malta citizenship by investment. He/she gets all the documentation and forms needed for the application. Foreigners interested in gaining this status can seek specialized legal advice and benefit from a simple and quick process.
Advantages of Malta passport by investment
The Maltese passport is issued to foreigners who successfully applied for the MIIP and have been accepted as residents of this country. This kind of passport, also called “the golden passport”, comes with numerous advantages, such as:
- Traveling freely throughout the entire Schengen area, as Malta is a member of this group since 2007.
- Access to prestigious colleges in Malta and other European universities without foreign student entrance requirements – this is the case for children of foreign investors in Malta.
- Having a Maltese passport means you acquired citizenship through the MIIP.
Malta Individual Investor Program is quite successful among Asian citizens who already gained residency, citizenship, and a Maltese passport. However, this program addresses all non-EU/EEA citizens interested in relocating to Malta and enjoying great standards of living. If you would like to know more about the Malta passport by investment program, and about how to move to Malta feel free to talk to one of our immigration attorneys in Malta.
MIIP application process – short details
It is important to note that preliminary due diligence and background verification are made by the Maltese authorities to foreigners applying to Maltese Individual Investor Program, including the family members. Information about the profession, about the bank account (some bank statements are needed), and the source of funds meant for investments in Malta will be solicited by the Maltese authorities who perform the verifications of the candidates. We also remind you that an international health insurance policy is needed, plus a cover letter showing the reasons for applying for a Maltese passport and the marriage certificate for those applying with the entire family. All the documents should be translated into English, mentioning that information about the translator responsible for such documents might be solicited. If you want to move to Malta, please get in touch with our agents.
Those interested in residency in Malta can contact our lawyers with experience in immigration matters. The formalities and procedures can be explained by our specialists who can successfully manage the necessary documents for the application. There is also the possibility to apply for spouse residency, that is, those who are married to a Maltese citizen. We mention that this status can be obtained in approximately 3 months or maybe even faster if you collaborate with our team of lawyers. Contact us fo
Investors interested in joining the Malta Citizenship by Investment programme are invited to contact our team of immigration lawyers in Malta for legal advice and support. They can help you relocate to Malta in a fast and reliable manner.