Malta Citizenship Benefits
With the continuously changing social and political environment a number of high-net-worth individuals are willing to invest and relocate themselves and their family members to countries which can offer more stability, safety and peace of mind. The Granting of Maltese Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is a route through which, investors can enjoy various benefits by investing in Malta. Upon attaining Maltese citizenship, investors are able to reside freely in Malta, and travel to over 180 countries without a visa.
Malta has been a member of the EU since 2004 and of the Schengen Area since 2007.
What are the benefits of Maltese Citizenship?
Throughout the years, Malta’s economic stability and political congruence on socio-economic issues have appealed to various foreign investors seeking a safe, yet competitive jurisdiction to invest and do business. Since accession to the European Union in 2004, traditional markets have been expanding and new niches are being introduced, thus contributing to its steady economic growth. Families adapt quickly to life in Malta given that English is Malta’s official language and is spoken by everyone on the island.
Maltese Citizenship – The advantages
The acquisition of Maltese citizenship by direct investment offers numerous benefits to foreign investors. The following are a number of benefits which successful applicants may enjoy:
Maltese Citizenship after 3 years or exceptionally after 1 year of Residence
The applicant must hold residence status in Malta for at least 36 months with an exception of 12 months against a higher investment, before applying for citizenship. Once a residence application is submitted, the applicant and adult family members are issued with a Maltese residence card.
Visa Free Travel to over 184 countries
Maltese nationals enjoy visa-free or visa on arrival access to over 184 countries and territories, ranking the Maltese passport within the top 10 passports globally.
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Safety & Stability
Malta is ranked by various indexes as one of the safest countries not only in Europe but also worldwide. This is determined by various factors such as respect to other cultures and religions, multi-culturalism, freedom of press, women-safety, minimal exposure to natural disasters and Malta’s economic and political stability. As an EU Member State, Malta is recognized globally as a safe and secure place wherein investors feel themselves part of a welcoming community.
Family Members may be Included
In a Maltese Citizenship application submitted under these Regulations, the applicant may include the following dependents:
- The spouse in a monogamous marriage or partner having the same or similar status. The term spouse shall be construed as gender neutral
- A child of the Main Applicant or the spouse under the age of eighteen (18)
- An economically dependent and unmarried child of the Main Applicant or the spouse who has not yet attained the age of twenty-nine (29), at the time when the citizenship application is accepted by the Agency
- A child of the Main Applicant or the spouse, including an adopted child who at the time of the application has attained the age of eighteen (18) and is qualified as a person with a disability
- An economically dependent parent or grandparent of the Main Applicant or the spouse above the age of 55
Read more about Malta Citizenship and family applications
Citizenship for life with the right to settle, stay and reside permanently in Malta
The applicant and all family members get the right to settle, stay, work and reside permanently in Malta with no restrictions.
Rental Option Available
The Granting of Maltese Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment allows a property rental option without requiring the purchase of property. In addition, the required investment in property need only be made on approval, and not at the outset.
Right to hold Dual Citizenship
With effect from February 2000, Malta allows dual and multiple citizenship. The Constitution of Malta holds that dual or multiple citizenship is permitted in accordance with any law for the time being in force in Malta. Thus, under Maltese law one is not obliged to renounce his original citizenship.
Free Healthcare & Education
All Maltese citizens enjoy free healthcare and education. Malta enjoys one of the best health systems in the world and has been ranked by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the top five countries for overall healthcare services. Maltese health care is funded through national insurance and taxation, and citizens enjoy free medical services such as hospitalization, prescriptions, pregnancy, childbirth and treatments by specialists, thus covered by state fund. Malta and Gozo both have a main hospital and a network of smaller regional health centres.
Maltese citizens also enjoy free public schools for children living both in Malta and Gozo. Transport to and from school is also paid by the state. Since Malta is a bilingual country, both English and Maltese are spoken in the classrooms. Apart from public schools, one can find a good number of independent and international schools that cater for foreigners in Malta.
The University of Malta is publicly funded and is also free for Maltese citizens. In addition, students receive a stipend as well as an allowance for academic-related expenditure.
Citizenship is Passed down to Future Generations
Citizenship obtained under the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations gives the rights of full citizenship for life and can be passed on to future generations by descent irrespective of where the child is born..
Get in Touch
Managing Partner of ACC Advisors Ltd. Dr Mifsud Parker is a member of the Malta Chamber of Advocates and is an accredited Malta Citizenship Agent by Agenzija Komunita Malta holding licence AKM-ACCA. ACC’s team of Malta Citizenship lawyers has several years of experience in Malta citizenship law, immigration, taxation, trusts and estates and property law.