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 and fulfill other conditions.
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 holding a Residency Status in Malta. Financially dependant family members of the main applicant and the spouse/partner may also be included in the application.
Benefits
- Visa free access to 180+ destinations including the USA, Canada & Australia
- English speaking country
- Eligible family members - spouses/partners, children up to 28 yrs, dependant parents & grandparents
- Visa free travel in the Schengen Area
- Right to live & work in all EU countries
Investment Value
There are three forms of investments required for the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Circumstances, namely a capital transfer, purchase 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 held Residency Status in Malta for a period of 36 months, or by exception, €750,000 for applicants who have held Residency Status in Malta 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 financial criteria is a donation of a minimum of €10,000 to a Maltese voluntary organisation.
Procedure & Timeline
2-3 WEEKS
Applicant & adult dependants in good standing
Residency file preparation & submission
- Choose residency status period: 36 months or 12 months by exception
Pay €10,000 non-refundable deposit towards the Exceptional Direct Investment & 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 status period.
Payment of Government 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’, or 12 months by exception, from the date of issuance of the residency card
UP TO 36 MONTHS
OR 12 MONTHS BY EXCEPTION FROM ISSUANCE OF RESIDENCY CARD
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 status 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:
- Provide evidence of 36 months, or 12 months by exception, residency status
- 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 status by exception.
- Donation of €10,000 to a local voluntary organisation
- Proof of essential commitments
- Oath of Allegiance is taken (all family members must come to Malta for the Oath), & certificate of naturalisation is issued
- Passport is applied for and issued within 5 working days
