Malta Residency by Investment under the Individual Investor Programme

Malta, also known as the Republic of Malta, is a small island nation located in Southern Europe. Despite its small size, Malta is dubbed the "heart of the Mediterranean" due to its excellent natural advantages in climate and landscape. Moreover, according to the WHO, Malta's healthcare system ranks fifth in the world. With its strategic geographic location, Malta serves as a maritime hub between Asia, Europe, and Africa, and stands out in industries such as shipbuilding, maritime, transportation, and tourism.

What is the Malta Residency by Investment Program? 

The Maltese government, due to its small size and sparse population, places great emphasis on attracting foreign investment. The Malta Citizenship by Investment Program, also known as the Malta Individual Investor Programme (MIIP), was launched in November 2013, creating opportunities for foreign investors seeking citizenship in this European nation. With a quick processing time and straightforward procedures, MIIP has garnered significant interest from investors.

A key feature of the MIIP is the Maltese Citizenship Act No. 47, which stipulates that only 1,800 applications can be approved for citizenship under this program.

Benefits of Maltese Citizenship 

When becoming a citizen of Malta, investors will enjoy many benefits, such as: 

• Easily live, travel, study, and work in EU countries. 

• Visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to over 160 countries, including the United States and Canada.

• The right to enter the U.S. for business or tourism purposes without a visa, only needing to apply online through the ESTA system 72 hours in advance.

• Access to free public health and education benefits.  

• Malta allows dual citizenship and has global tax treaties to avoid double taxation, with no taxes on real estate (in most cases), net worth, inheritance, and gifts.

• Expanding residency opportunities for a family of four generations.   

Beneficiaries 

Investors participating in the MIIP can sponsor accompanying family members, including:

• Legal spouse. 

• Children (including adopted children) under 18 years old.

• Children aged 18 to 26, unmarried, and financially dependent on the applicant. 

• Parents and grandparents (on both sides) aged 55 and above, financially dependent on the applicant.

• Children aged 18 and older with physical and mental disabilities who live with and are fully dependent on the applicant.

Conditions for Investors

Investors must meet the following conditions:

• At least 18 years old.

• Commit to and make mandatory investment contributions.

• Have health insurance.

• Clean criminal record.

• Meet the minimum residency requirement in Malta (maintain permanent residency for 12 months).

Applicants will not be approved for citizenship through MIIP if they:

• Provide misleading information.

• Have a criminal record

• Are subject to a criminal investigation.

• Pose a potential threat to Malta's national security.

• Participate in activities that destabilize Malta.

• Have been denied a visa to a country for which Malta offers visa-free entry and have never been reissued a visa.

Process to Participate in the Program 

To participate in the MIIP, applicants must follow these steps:

• Submit an application through a licensed agency.

• Pay a non-refundable administrative fee of €40,000.

• Invest in real estate:

• • Rent a property for a minimum of €10,000 in South Malta/Gozo or €12,000 in the rest of Malta; or

• • Purchase a property with a minimum value of €300,000 in South Malta/Gozo or €350,000 in the rest of Malta.

• Make a government contribution of €28,000 if purchasing a property or €58,000 if renting a property.

• Hold the qualifying property for a minimum of 5 years.

• Pay an additional €7,500 for each parent or grandparent of the main applicant and/or spouse who is a dependent.

• Donate €2,000 to a registered local non-governmental organization recognized by the Commissioner for voluntary organizations engaged in charitable, cultural, scientific, artistic, sports, or animal welfare activities.

• Hold a valid passport.

• Purchase health insurance to cover risks in Malta.

• Obtain travel insurance when traveling throughout the Schengen area.

Processing Timeline (12-24 months) 

Step 1 (10 days)

Purchase or lease a property and apply for a Residence Permit (e-Residence Permit) with the Malta identification agency. The investor travels to Malta to obtain the Residence Permit and undergo biometric data collection.

Step 2 (120 days)

Pay fees including initial deposits, application processing fees, passport fees, bank fees, and submit the citizenship application. 

Step 3 (4 months) 

Cơ quan nhận diện Malta xem xét hồ sơ. Nếu hồ sơ được chấp thuận, nhà đầu tư sẽ nhận được thư chấp thuận (Letter of Approval in Principle). Nếu bị từ chối, thẻ cư trú sẽ bị tước trong vòng một tháng. 

Step 4

After approval, the investor proceeds to transfer the investment funds.

Step 5 

Interview and oath-taking.

Step 6

Receive the Maltese passport and become a Maltese citizen.

Conclusion 

The Malta residency investment program through the Malta Individual Investor Programme opens up many opportunities for investors and their families. With a robust legal system and many attractive benefits, it's no surprise that this program has garnered significant interest. If you are seeking a safe and effective residency investment opportunity, consider the MIIP program and contact us for more detailed advice.