With its location in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta has long been a naval stronghold for a variety of empires and powers from the Phoenicians to the British Empire and everything in between.
Malta gained independence from Britain in 1964 but remained as an independent sovereign Commonwealth realm until 1974 when the country officially became a republic. Today—although no longer part of the Commonwealth realm—Malta remains a member state of the Commonwealth of Nations. Malta also belongs to the United Nations, the European Union, and the Eurozone.
In 2014, the Individual Investor Programme was created by virtue of Legal Notice 47 of 2014 which allows citizenship to be granted by certificate of naturalization to individuals and their families who contribute to the economic and social development of Malta. The program is first citizenship program in the European Union to be recognized by the European Commission.
There are many benefits for obtaining Maltese citizenship including visa free travel to more than 160 countries, possible tax planning benefits, a stable political system, a high quality of life, and a stable economy.
To qualify, the main applicant must be at least 18 years of age, provide proof of having been a resident of Malta for at least 12 months preceding the issuing of certificate of naturalization and meet the following investment requirements:
Own/purchase real estate in Malta with a minimum value of €350,000 to be held for at least five years or lease a residential immovable property in Malta for a period of five years with an annual rent of at least €16,000.
Make a contribution (€650,000 for the primary applicant, with additional contribution amounts required for dependents) to the National Development and Social Fund
An investment of a minimum value of €150,000 in the form of stocks, bonds, or special purpose vehicles (to be identified by Identity Malta) to be held for a minimum period of five years
For full program details, visit the Maltese government’s Individual Investor Program page or contact us for a free consultation.
