The benefits of citizenship by investment in Malta

Published: 23 May 2022

There is more to Malta than just warm weather, beautiful scenery and crystal clear waters.

Thanks to the opportunities the country offers, it has long been an attractive spot for foreign investors. Plus, you gain access to a country that is a member of the European Union.

In this article, we look at the benefits of citizenship by investment in Malta for you and your family. Let’s start by looking at the country’s golden visa scheme, which has seen some changes in recent years.

What is the Malta Golden Visa?

In 2020, the government in Malta overhauled their golden visa, with the new programme launching in 2021.

The new system is called the Malta citizenship by naturalization for exceptional services by direct investment. Of course, that name is a little long, so it is often called the Malta MEIN.

The Malta Golden Visa Programme is a semi-direct scheme. What this means is that citizenship is granted after a period of 1-2 years. For Malta, it takes 12-36 months, depending on the investment type.

By contributing to the country’s economic development, foreign investors and their families are granted citizenship by a certificate of naturalization.

You should be aware that every citizenship application is subject to strict due diligence checks by the Community of Malta Agency. Keep in mind that if you are thinking about applying for the golden visa, spaces are limited.

There is currently a cap of 1,500 applications, and only 400 successful applications are allowed per year.

What are the benefits?

Numerous benefits come with holding a European passport. The Maltese citizenship by investment scheme allows high net worth individuals to take advantage of those. Let’s take a look at the benefits for successful applicants.

Freedom of movement

Malta is a member of the EU. As a citizen, you can live and work anywhere within the EU member states. You also enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone.

Visa-free travel

The Maltese passport is considered one of the strongest in the world, so freedom of movement extends beyond the EU. The Maltese passport allows visa-free travel to around 185 countries, including the USA and Canada.

World-class healthcare

Malta has an exceptional healthcare system, ranked fifth globally by the World Health Organization (WHO). The system is funded by health insurance and taxation. Services covered under health insurance include hospitalisation, prescriptions and pregnancy/childbirth.

Stability

Malta has a stable political climate and a rapidly-growing economy, thanks to the country’s golden visa scheme driving more money into the country.

Tax efficiency

Malta has a favourable tax system and provides excellent business opportunities. Companies benefit from low-income tax and no capital gains or inheritance tax. The country also offers special tax schemes for new citizens to improve tax efficiency.

How to obtain citizenship in Malta

The Maltese government sets out the investment requirements for the golden visa.

It takes 12-36 months to get citizenship in Malta. How long it takes all depends on the investment option and the minimum investment amount.

You should be aware that you must make a donation and have a home in Malta.

Main investment – contribution to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF)

• Citizenship after 36 months: A €600,000 contribution
• Citizenship after 12 months: A €750,000 contribution
• A €50,000 contribution for each dependent

Real estate investment/long lease agreement

• You must purchase a property worth at least €700,000 or;
• Rent a property of at least €16,000/year for a minimum of five years

Charitable donation

• You must donate at least €10,000 to an approved sector. This can include animal welfare, culture or artistic non-governmental organization

How Holborn can help

There are numerous benefits to dual citizenship for foreign nationals, especially in European countries.

However, the application process can be complex. Having an expert guide you through the process and make sure all of your paperwork is in order can help.

At Holborn, our team of specialists provide clients with a complete end-to-end service to secure residency and citizenship globally.

We work with some of the world’s most trusted schemes, including the Malta Golden Visa Programme.

With our award-winning client service and expert advice, you can be sure that you are in safe hands. Contact us using the form below to find out how we can help you secure your golden visa today.