The Malta Individual Investor Programme
Malta offers great opportunities to applicants of the Individual Investor Programme and their dependants, including a high standard of living, a stable political system and a robust economy.
The Individual Investor Programme of the Republic of Malta (IIP), by virtue of Legal Notice 47 of 2014, allows for the granting of citizenship through a certificate of naturalisation (i.e. citizenship) by investment to reputable individuals and their dependants provided they make a significant contribution to the social and economic development of the country, following a rigid and thorough due diligence process that includes detailed background checks.
Malta, a Member State of the European Union and an independent republic in the Commonwealth of Nations, consists of a small group of islands - Malta, Gozo, Comino, Cominotto, and Filfla – and is located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. The official languages are Maltese and English and the majority of the Maltese population speaks English fluently. Moreover, nearly all business on the island is transacted using the English language. The unit of currency in Malta is the Euro.
The key objectives for obtaining Maltese citizenship and the benefits gained will vary amongst individuals. However, generally speaking, such objectives and benefits may include:
- The gaining of citizenship within a well-respected and stable EU country
- Access to all investment opportunities in Malta and throughout the European Union
- Access to the Schengen Area
- Right of establishment in all EU States and Switzerland
- Visa-free travel to more than 160 countries in the world, including the USA
- Possible tax planning benefits
- Dependence on more than one passport (Malta has no restrictions on dual citizenship)
- Personal security
- A stable political system
- Good quality of life
- Better education for one’s children
Individuals wishing to pursue a Maltese Citizenship by Investment must be represented by an Accredited Person that is a licensed Maltese Authorised Registered Mandatory (ARM).
Mark Attard (CEO – BDO Consult Limited) holds licence no. IIP 032 and has fulfilled all requirements imposed by the IIP Regulations in addition to the requirements imposed on ARMs under other legislation.
It is important to note that applicants are subject to a thorough due diligence process which guarantees that only reputable applicants acquire Maltese citizenship. This process can be facilitated by engaging our firm in order to assist and guide you in respect of the documentation required on the principal applicant and all his/her dependants (if any).
- The principal applicant must be at least 18 years of age
- The applicant must be a resident of Malta for a period of 12 months preceding the issuing of a certificate of naturalisation. This involves the main applicant being in possession of a Maltese e-Residence card.
- The individual is required to make a contribution to the economic development of Malta through the payment of a non-refundable contribution (1) to the Malta National Development & Social Fund.
- The individual is required to, within four months of the issuance of a Letter of Approval in Principle, provide evidence that:
- The applicant has a Global Health Insurance coverage of at least €50,000 for the principal applicant and each of the dependants, and must give proof that they can maintain the same coverage for an indefinite period
- The applicant has acquired real estate in Malta with a minimum value of €350,000 to be held for at least 5 years; or has leased a residential immovable property in Malta for a period of 5 years, at an annual rent of at least €16,000 (Immovable property cannot be let or sublet)
- The principal applicant has made such other investments in Malta to an amount of €150,000 (held for a minimum of 5 years) in stocks, bonds, debentures, special purpose vehicles, or other investment vehicles, amongst others, as may be identified by competent authorities.
(1) Minimum Contribution Requirements
For successful applications, the following contributions to the Malta National Development & Social Fund/Consolidated Fund are non-refundable:
• Principal applicant €650,000 2
• Spouse €25,000
• Each dependant child aged 0-17 €25,000
• Each dependant child aged 18-26 €50,000
• Each dependant aged 55 or above €50,000
2 Included are €10,000 which are non-refundable irrespective of success
of application, (€5,000 for the Maltese e-Residence card and the remaining €5,000 to be paid on application).
The balance of €640,000 is to be contributed upon successful application.
DUE DILIGENCE FEES
The following non-refundable fees are payable to Identity Malta (The Government of Malta Agency) upon application:
- Principal applicant €7,500
- Spouse €5,000
- Each dependent child aged 13-17 €3,000
- Each dependent child aged 18-26 €5,000
- Each dependant aged 55 or above €5,000
- Passport fee per person €500 per person
- Bank charges €200 per applicant
- E-Residence card for dependants (optional) €1,000 per applicant
Applications must be accompanied by authenticated supporting identification and verification documents in English, together with:
- Police Conduct certificates
- Proof that the main applicant has been a resident of Malta for a period of 12 months preceding naturalisation. Persons resident in Malta one year prior to approval of their IIP application need not satisfy further residence requirements.
- Medical certificates stating that the applicant and his dependants are not suffering from contagious diseases and are in good health]
- An affidavit of support for each dependant who is over 18 years of age
Furthermore, all applicants aged 18 years and over are obliged to attend, in person, in Malta to undertake an Oath of Allegiance.
The process takes between 6 to 24 months.