Maltese citizenship may be acquired by birth, registration, naturalisation or for exceptional services by direct investment. Novolegal’s private client practice assists clients requiring the acquisition of Maltese citizenship by identifying the applicable citizenship option and assisting with the application process. Novolegal’s private client practice also assists its clients with ancillary matters thereto such as real estate and any required permit, personal taxation as well as succession planning.
Foreign or stateless persons over 18 years of age who have resided in Malta for an aggregate period of 4 years and for a continuous period of 12 months prior to the submission of an application, are of good character, have suitable knowledge of Maltese or English, and who would be suitable citizens of Malta may submit an application to acquire Maltese citizenship. Prospective applicants must have two sponsors, one who occupies a profession such as a judge, magistrate, medical practitioner or parish priest, and another who is a citizen of Malta, to sign the application.
The Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services allows foreign individuals and their families who have rendered an exceptional contribution to Malta or to humanity, who are of particular interest to Malta or who are willing to contribute to Malta’s social or economic development through direct investment the possibility to obtain Maltese citizenship. Citizenship may be obtained following one year of residence in case of a higher direct investment or three years in the case of any other direct investment.
Eligibility requirements include purchasing a residential property for a minimum of €700,000 or taking on a lease of residential immovable property for a minimum annual rent of €16,000, which property must be retained for a minimum of 5 years. Furthermore, an exceptional direct investment of €590,000 in case of a three year residence or €740,000 in case of one year residence must be made following the residence period. A minimum donation of €10,000 must also be made to a registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare or artistic NGO must be made. The main applicant as well as family members must be covered by a global health insurance policy.
The Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services programme launched in 2020. For more information regarding the phased out Malta Individual Investor Programme, click here.
