As of the 1st of January 2021, citizens from the United Kingdom (UK) will no longer have the automatic right of free movement to member states of the European Union (EU) to live and work.
Whilst the United Kingdom officially left the European Union in January 2020, the following 12 months transition period largely meant the new rules did not come into full effect until now.
The free movement of people, goods and services between the EU and UK has now come to an end, bringing significant change to UK citizens living, working and travelling in the EU.
UK nationals travelling to the EU will now be required to hold a visa for EU stays longer than 90 days in a 180-day period.
UK nationals already living in European member states are now subject to new arrangements specific to each member state, such as residency registration.
In the EU member state of Malta, UK citizens legally residing in Malta before 1 January 2021, have up until 30 June 2021 to register for a new residence status to secure their existing rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. A new residence document valid for a period of 10 years will be issued and automatically renewed on application, provided that the relative conditions remain satisfied.
UK citizens wishing to take up residency in Malta in 2021 will now need to apply for a visa.
Malta offers Non EU citizens a number of residency programmes by investment.
These include:
Such programmes require the applicant to meet the minimum investment criteria and in most cases extends to financially dependant family members of the main applicant.
Malta has also recently announced new regulations for Maltese citizenship. The new regulations provide for the Granting of Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, following a period of residency.
For further information about residency and citizenship in Malta, please contact us.
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Disclaimer
Whilst we endeavour to provide precise and timely information, there can be no assurance that such article is accurate as of the date it is received. The information provided herein is merely intended for general information purposes and cannot be construed as professional advice without seeking an appropriate consultation.
