Malta is among the preferred destinations for persons looking for great business opportunities in a country that provides a stable economy and a wide range of advantages for foreigners. Malta’s investment visa program is quite successful among foreign investors from non-EU countries who can also obtain citizenship in this state. Our immigration lawyers in Malta are at your disposal if you want to obtain a visa for Malta or immigrate to Malta.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for Malta Permanent Residence and Visa Program? |
Non-EU citizens who want to make investments in Malta and gain residency |
|
Malta Permanent Residence and Visa Program requirements for investors |
– be at least 18 years of age, – purchase a property worth at least EUR 350,000 or rent of at least EUR 16,000/year, – annual incomes of at least EUR 100,000 |
|
Health insurance required (YES/NO) |
Yes |
| Verification of financial resources | Maltese authorities solicit specific financial documents to prove the source of income. |
| Are family members allowed in the program? (YES/NO) |
Yes |
| Contribution fee for Malta investor visa applicant |
EUR 30,000 |
| Family member financial contribution to enter the residency program |
– EUR 30,000 for spouses and children, – EUR 5,000 for parents and grandparents |
| Malta Individual Investor Program requirements |
Investments of at least EUR 650,000 or EUR 150,000 in financial instruments |
| Citizenship requirements for foreign investors in Malta | Living at least 1 year in Malta |
| Support for company relocation in Malta | We can manage the formalities for business formation, such as drafting the documents, apply for licenses and permits, register for taxation. |
| Legal advice for citizenship application (YES/NO) |
Yes |
| Time frame for getting Malta investor visa |
Around 4 months |
| Free case evaluation |
We evaluate your case before providing the necessary solutions. |
| Reasons to choose Malta for investment |
– economic and political stability, – great tax system, – business opportunities, – low crime rate |
| Police certificate required |
A clear criminal record is required |
Table of Contents
What is the eligibility for an investment visa program?
MRVP or Malta Residency and Visa Program is the same thing as Malta’s investor visa program which is subject to specific conditions, such as:
- Be of at least 18 years of age and have a clean criminal record.
- Purchase a residence worth at least EUR 350,000 or rent one for at least EUR 16,000 per year.
- Purchase government bonds of EUR 250,000 and own them for at least 5 years.
- An annual income of at least EUR 100,000 needs to be proved.
Besides these requirements, European health insurance that needs to cover the entire family is needed. For a better understanding of the investment conditions in Malta and the type of visa involved you should talk to one of our immigration lawyers in Malta. They can also help you obtain Malta citizenship, and help you immigrate to Malta.
Are there any residency requirements for a Maltese visa for investors?
Yes, foreigners must use the purchased or rented house in Malta, alongside their family members. It is forbidden to rent or sublet the property you purchased in Malta, as part of your visa application. All the conditions about how to obtain a residence permit in Malta can be explained by one of our advisors if you get in touch with us.
If you want to apply for a residence permit in Malta, we advise you to get in touch with our local specialists. They can explain the procedures and formalities involved and take care of preparing the necessary documents. We mention that this document can be obtained in approximately 3 months, and the requirements include the presentation of a valid passport, health insurance, and proof of domicile. As for the permanent residence permit, it can be obtained after a stay of at least 5 years in Malta, with a temporary permit.
Malta Citizenship Investment Scheme
MIIP is the Malta Individual Investor Program that aims at ultra-high-net-worth individuals who make substantial investments in this country. A minimum contribution of EUR 650,000 needs to be made by a foreign investor in Malta. There is also the option of investing EUR 150,000 in varied financial instruments accepted by the Maltese government. Renting a property in Malta for at least one year and EUR 16,000 is also an option for investors in Malta. MIIP comes with important benefits, like obtaining citizenship after living at least one year in Malta and having a second passport that allows free travel and no border controls in numerous countries worldwide. Those interested in this kind of program are advised to solicit legal guidance from our team of immigration lawyers in Malta.
Can authorities make some verifications for investors in Malta?
Yes, the Maltese authorities have the right to make a series of verifications, including the criminal record. The same authorities can proceed with due diligence and verify if the applicant for a Maltese Investor Visa has a reputable status to join a specific investment program. It is important to note that the Maltese government collaborates with the International Criminal Court, however, a police certificate is required prior to the application for a Maltese Investor Visa. You can discuss all the legal aspects with one of our advisors and see how you can be helped from a legal point of view.
Relocating the company to Malta
Company relocation is often the choice of foreigners wanting a change the market and make profits in countries that provide special or better business conditions. This is also the case for entrepreneurs interested in Malta’s great business environment. The relocation is not complex, but it is best to pay attention to a few requirements:
- First of all, the entrepreneur will have to de-register the company in the home country and announce the Trade Register about the relocation.
- A declaration stating the relocation needs to be signed by the administrators of the business prior to the relocation.
- The Articles of Association will have to be modified at the time the relocation is made.
- The foreign company will then be registered with the Maltese authorities.
In terms of business advantages and economic stability, Malta is a great option for international investors who want to expand their horizons and make profits in other markets too. They can benefit from a skilled workforce, great infrastructure, sea exits to countries worldwide, low company costs, an appealing tax system, and huge benefits for high net-worth investors. The following facts and figures can show why you should choose Malta for investments:
- in matters of numbers, Malta registered a total FDI stock of around USD 207,000 in 2018;
- Malta signed more than 50 double tax treaties to avoid fiscal evasion and protect the profits from paying taxes twice;
- around 97% of the total FDI stock registered in Malta in 2018 was directed to the financial and insurance sector, one of the most prolific in the country, supervised by Malta Financial Services Authority;
- reduced tax rates are applicable to companies established in Malta’s free trade zones;
- for a minimum contribution of EUR 650,000, foreigners can obtain Maltese citizenship. The family members are also included in this program.
Maltese startup visa – Attracting entrepreneurs
The Maltese startup visa was recently introduced by the authorities and is aimed at those who want to establish their businesses in this country. The purpose of this type of visa is to attract innovative businesses with the potential for rapid development. The business conditions in Malta are extremely appreciated by foreigners, as are the living conditions, and if you are interested in the Maltese startup visa, we invite you to talk to our immigration lawyers in Malta. You will also be able to discover the Maltese investment visa requirements, to get an idea of the conditions for accessing this program. Among them, we mention:
- Citizens of third countries are suitable candidates for obtaining the Maltese startup visa.
- Interested candidates must have a business history as well as present a reliable idea.
- If all the formalities involved are respected, the beneficiaries can receive permanent residence in Malta.
Who is eligible for a Maltese business visa?
The Maltese business visa is the same as the Malta Schengen business visa and is addressed to those who are involved in business-related interests and who come from third-world countries. This type of visa can be issued for 90 days in 180 days and allows one or more entries, depending on the plans of the businessman and the events established in Malta. As for eligibility, we remind you:
- A standard form provided by the authorities is completed.
- The passport must meet all the regulations imposed. Passports older than 10 years are not accepted.
- Applicants must prove that they are coming to Malta for business purposes. An invitation letter should be sufficient if addressed to the Maltese Embassy.
- Medical insurance with a coverage of at least EUR 30,000 is also needed in this case.
- Maltese business visa is issued for those who want to enter Malta but also travel to other countries in the Schengen area.
- Information about financial funds to cover the expenses of the stay during the validity period of this visa is also required.
If you want to know more about Maltese business visa requirements, we invite you to contact our specialists. Our local advisors can provide information about Maltese investment visa requirements if interested in such status.
How long does it take to get a Maltese business visa?
The Maltese authorities will analyze each case individually, and the Maltese business visa issuance process will depend on the number of applications, the candidate’s history, and the validity issued. The issuance of this visa should not exceed 15 working days, but there are also cases in which it can be issued in 30 or 60 days if there are complexities. Therefore, those interested in a Maltese business visa must apply in advance and plan their trip.
Short facts about Malta
There are multiple reasons why Malta should be in the plans of those who want to open their own business or develop existing ones. In addition to the optimal business conditions offered in this country, foreigners can enjoy a high standard of living and can be part of different communities, thanks to Malta’s expat-friendly status. And when we say this, we emphasize the fact that there is one immigrant for every 4.5 Maltese citizens, which amounts to around 98,000 expats in Malta.
You can find out information about citizenship in Malta from our team of lawyers if you are interested in this status. You can make an investment of at least EUR 600,000 or purchase a property worth at least EUR 350,000, plus related contributions, where applicable. The process of obtaining citizenship is not difficult, but to be safe and avoid problems related to documents, we advise you to contact us whenever you want.
FAQ about Malta investor visa
1. Who can access a Maltese investor visa program?
Foreigners of at least 18 years of age, with a clear criminal record who acquire a property of at least EUR 350,000 can apply for Malta Investor Visa.
2. Can I rent a property in Malta and join the residency and visa program in Malta?
Yes, property rentals worth at least EUR 16,000 per year grants the access to Malta Residency and Visa Program. One of our Maltese lawyers can explain the legal aspects of this significant program.
3. Can investments in governmental bonds allow foreigners to apply for Maltese residency?
Yes, purchasing government bonds of at least EUR 250,000 in Malta is another option for foreigners who want to relocate on legal terms to this country. One of the conditions is to own such government bonds for at least 5 years.
4. Do I need health insurance for a Maltese investor visa application?
Yes, European health insurance is required by the Maltese authorities for foreigners interested in a Maltese investor Visa, including for family members. All the requirements for Maltese visas can be entirely explained by one of our specialists. Talk to us if you want to move to Malta.
5. What are the requirements for ultra-high net worth individuals who want to make investments in Malta and obtain residence?
Ultra-high net worth individuals from foreign countries can enjoy the benefits of visa and residence programs available in Malta. With a minimum investment of EUR 650,000 made in Malta, such individuals can join the visa and residency programs available.
6. Can Malta investor visa grant citizenship to applicants?
Malta Individual Investor Program is available for ultra-high net worth individuals and can grant citizenship after living at least one year in the country. There are other advantages too that can be discussed from a legal point of view with our Maltese lawyers. They can help you move to Malta.
7. How powerful is the Maltese passport?
The Maltese passport is obtained right after citizenship and comes with varied benefits. Among these, the Maltese passport allows free travel among Schengen area countries, as there are no restrictions involved. If you would like to relocate to Malta, you can get in touch with us and discuss about Maltese business visa.
8. Is company relocation an option for foreigners who want to invest in Malta?
Yes, company relocation is a relatively straightforward process through which foreign entrepreneurs can start activities in Malta. The first step in relocation is to de-register the company from the country of origin and then handle the formalities of incorporation in Malta.
9. Are there any residence permit fees in Malta?
Around EUR 5,000 is the fee that must be paid by the main applicant for a resident permit in Malta, while about EUR 1,000 is imposed for each family member. Talk to our experts and see how you can be helped to obtain a Maltese business visa.
10. How can a Maltese immigration lawyer help foreigners in visa and residency matters?
The requirements involved in visa and residence permits enter the attention of our specialists in immigration matters in Malta. All the legal aspects implicated in a visa and residence process can be attentively managed by our Maltese immigration lawyers. we are here to help you move to Malta.
Working with our immigration lawyers in Malta
Immigration rules for foreign investors may seem complicated at first glance. Legal issues related to certain visas or residence permits in Malta can only be explained by an immigration lawyer with experience in this field. It is recommended to consider specialized help offered by experts in the field and to make sure that any visa or residence permit application takes place without problems and without fear that it could be rejected.
Our clients benefit from complete, reliable, efficient, and transparent attention when they decide to collaborate with us. The specialized legal services are offered according to the presented case, and therefore customized accordingly. A free case evaluation or requesting a callback are two important options that you can use when getting in touch with us.
International entrepreneurs from non-EU/EEA countries can choose Malta for investments, respecting a few conditions. You are invited to talk to one of our immigration lawyers in Malta and find out more about the investor visa program. Contact us at any time and find out how you can relocate to Malta.