Malta Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment

The Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations (S.L. 188.05), as per Legal Notice 437 of 2020, allows for, following a period of residency, the granting of citizenship by naturalisation to foreign individuals and their families who contribute to the economic development of Malta.

This is referred to specifically as Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment and may be applied for after 36 months or by exception after 12 months of residing in Malta. Financially dependant family members of the main applicant may also be included in the application.

Benefits

Investment Value

There are three forms of investments required for the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Circumstances, namely a capital transfer, investment or leasing of a residential real estate property and a donation to a local voluntary organisation. The capital investment required is €600,000 for applicants who have resided in Malta for a period of 36 months, or by exception, €750,000 for applicants who have resided for a 12 month period. In either case, the applicant must show an investment in a real estate property for a minimum value of €700,000 or by leasing accommodation for a minimum of €16,000 per year for a period of five years. The third form of investment required is a donation for a minimum of €10,000.

Procedure & Timeline

1 June 2018

2-3 WEEKS

Applicant & adult dependants in good standing
Residency file preparation & submission
Choose residency period: 36 months or 12 months by exception
Pay €10,000 non-refundable deposit & residence card fees
Residency Card/s issued

2-3 MONTHS

Proposal of essential commitments to Malta
Eligibility for Citizenship file preparation & submission showing chosen residency period.
Payment of due diligence & admin fees
Local authorities start application review & due diligence checks.

4-5 MONTHS

Letter of Approval for Eligibility is issued enabling the applicant/s to apply for citizenship in 36 months’ time, or 12 months by exception, since the issuance of the residency card

UP TO 36 MONTHS
OR 12 MONTHS BY EXCEPTION

Essential Commitments: maintain connection and close ties with Malta

2-3 WEEKS

Declaration of any changes in the applicants’ circumstances
Citizenship Application file preparation & submission (after 36 months or 12 months residency is fulfilled)
Pay admin fee of €500 for every applicant

Letter of Approval in Principle issued

2-3 WEEKS

Applicants have up to 4 months to:

Evidence of 36 months, or 12 months by exception, residency
Rent or purchase of qualifying property (for 5 years)
Settle remaining Exceptional Direct Investment of €590,000 or €740,000 in case of 12 months residency by exception.
Donation of €10,000 to a local voluntary organization
Proof of essential commitments

Oath of Allegiance is taken, & certificate of naturalization is issued
Passport is applied for and issued within 5 working days