The Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations (S.L. 188.05), as per Legal Notice 437 of 2020, allows for the granting of citizenship, by naturalisation to foreign individuals and their families who contribute to the economic development of Malta. This following a three year residence period, or by exception one year of residence.
This is referred to specifically as Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment.
The new regulations have been issued by a newly founded Government Entity – the Community Malta Agency, also known as Agenzija Komunita Malta by Legal Notice 436 of 2020.
Community Malta is responsible for accepting and processing applications for the acquisition of Maltese citizenship by naturalisation through exceptional service by investment. All applications for the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services, will undergo a rigorous and in-depth due diligence process carried out by the Community Malta Agency.
The criteria for applications include a number of requisites. As provided for by the Community Malta Agency, these include:
- Proof of residence in Malta for a period of 36 months, provided that this period may by exception be reduced to a minimum of 12 months, subject to an exceptional direct investment (of €600,000 and €750,000 respectively), to be effected prior the issue of the certificate of naturalisation;
- Purchase an immovable residential property in Malta having a minimum value of €700,000 or take on a lease a residential immovable property in Malta for a minimum annual rent of €16,000, which property shall be adequate and suitable for the applicant and his dependants, for a minimum period of five (5) years from the date of issue of the certificate of citizenship;
- Carry out an exceptional direct investment in Malta, in accordance with the Regulations (S.L 188.05); and
- Donate, prior to the issue of the certificate of naturalisation, a minimum of €10,000 to a registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare or artistic non-governmental organisation or society, or as otherwise approved by the Agency.
For more information about these new regulations please contact us.
