The small Mediterranean island of Malta is drawing immigrants from all around the world. Despite being one of Europe’s smallest and most densely inhabited nations, it has a lot to offer. Malta has a lot to offer foreigners searching for chances overseas because of its strong educational system, steady economy, and laid-back way of life.
The island is also progressing toward becoming a financial hub thanks to some extremely positive developments that, one can only hope, will be effective in generating employment for both current residents and newcomers.
Malta offers several ways to obtain a Maltese passport, one of which is citizenship by investment.
Benefits of having a Malta passport
With a Maltese passport, you can travel throughout Europe while living in Malta. The benefits of holding it are numerous.
Enjoy Visa-free Travel to 186 Countries
Being a citizen of Malta has various benefits, including the ability to travel freely within Europe without a visa. Visas are not required for entry into 186 nations, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. One of the world’s most durable passports is the Maltese one.
Get free access to healthcare and education
One of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems is found in Malta. According to a WHO survey, it is in the top five, and Maltese citizens can access free hospitalization, prescription drugs, prenatal care, and childbirth through state-funded programs.
Both transportation to and from school, as well as public schools, are free.
Benefit from the favorable tax system
Even if you become a citizen of Malta, you might not be required to pay taxes there. Additionally, there are unique tax policies for recent citizens that might aid in streamlining and simplifying your money.
The Maltese Passport “Power”
The number of nations you can visit without a visa or visa-on-arrival is referred to as passport power. 186 countries accept Maltese passport holders without requiring a visa, making it the eighth most useful passport in the world.
How to apply for a Maltese passport
Many non-EU citizens find Maltese citizenship to be a desirable choice. The Maltese government provides many options for obtaining this status, including ancestry, marriage, and financial involvement in the nation.
- If your family lives in Malta, you can become a Maltese citizen by descent
- Marrying a Maltese citizen will grant you citizenship in that country
- You can naturalize to become a Maltese citizen
- Citizenship in Malta can also be obtained by investment
Getting a Maltese passport by investment
A four-tier due diligence process is used to thoroughly examine and evaluate the application for Malta Citizenship by Investment. Your citizenship and passport will be issued if you fit the criteria for this program after just 12 or 36 months of residence in Malta, depending on your eligibility.
A Maltese passport is available to you under the following restrictions:
- You are 18 or older
- Pass the due diligence procedure and have no prior convictions
- Are not citizens of any of the nations listed as “banned” nations
- If you’re a resident for 36 months, you invest at least €600,000; for 12 months, at least €750,000
Maltese passport processing time
Although the application procedure might be time-consuming and tiresome, you must have all the necessary materials to prevent any issues. As a result, be sure to fill out their forms completely and truly.
The Community Malta Agency will determine if you meet all their requirements after receiving your application for a residence permit once you complete the Tier 1 due diligence checks. If so, a request for eligibility may be made. They conduct additional (tiers 2-4) screening and submit it for assessment and approval to the relevant Maltese minister.
It takes at least 36 months (or 12) of residence in Malta before you can live there and become a citizen.
After that, you’ll have to meet the investment requirements. After investing, you must take the oath and obtain a legal certificate of citizenship.
Agents from the Community Malta Agency will keep an eye on the situation for five years after citizenship has been conferred.
