For those who wish to relocate to Malta, there is plenty that needs to be considered prior to making the move to the Mediterranean island. However, there are also a number of benefits and advantages to becoming a Maltese citizen, hence why so many people look to do it each year.

Therefore, this guide will help you to understand the processes and highlight all the benefits of becoming a citizen in the idyllic country.

Becoming a Maltese citizen through a residence permit

There are a number of different ways of acquiring citizenship to the country and one of the easiest methods is to acquire it by becoming a resident of the country. Residents will need to spend six years in the country (with four years being uninterrupted). This can be done by obtaining a temporary residence permit, which can then be converted into a permanent permit.

Foreign citizens can also obtain a work permit and then a residence permit after which they can apply for becoming Maltese citizens under the same conditions.

Obtaining Maltese citizenship by marriage

Another option in becoming a citizen of Malta is by marrying into the country. By marrying a Maltese citizen, you would be eligible to qualify for residence, although certain conditions will need to be met. The foreign person applying for citizenship will need to have been married for at least five years to their spouse.

The requirements for the Maltese Individual Investor Program

The Individual Investor Program was established in 2014 under the Legal Notice no. 47/2014. The program was designed for foreign citizens applying for Maltese residence that will subsequently result in citizenship.

Individuals applying for the Investor Program must first meet certain strict criteria, must make contributions to the National Development and Social Fund and must also live in Malta for 12 uninterrupted months before obtaining citizenship.

Applicants to the Maltese Individual Investor Program will be subject to a thorough due diligence procedure. The applicant must also submit proof of Maltese residency for the last 12 months prior to the day of the release of the naturalization certificate. The applicant must also submit proof of holding a property in Malta. Other requirements involve:

• – a commitment that the applicant will hold the Maltese residency for at least five years by purchasing a property worth more than 350,000 euros or by renting a property with an annual rent exceeding 16,000 euros;
• – the applicant will contribute 650,000 euros to the National Development and Social Fund;
• – for dependents, an additional 25,000 euros must be deposited for each dependent;
• – the applicant must also invest 150,000 euros in stock or bonds approved by the Government; the investment must be for at least five years,
• – the applicant must also deposit at least 50,000 euros for the health insurance services and must submit a proof that this insurance can be maintained.

What are the documents to be submitted to obtain Maltese citizenship?

There are a number of documents that need to be submitted in order to obtain Maltese citizenship, which could be a process that take around six months to complete as they check everything required.

As such, the following paperwork is required to be submitted alongside the application form and documents previously requested. Submitting the following can help your request to happen in a more efficient manner:

• – proof of self-sustenance by filling in an economic self-sufficiency application,
• – copy of the passport,
• – copy of global health insurance,
• – bank statements as proof of financial resources,
• – an electronic identity registration form,
• – the application for naturalisation,
• – a medical report,
• – a statement of annual income and wealth information,
• – details about family, education and previous employment,
• – a clean criminal record.

Rules are strict, but that is what makes Malta such an appealing place to relocate to.

The advantages of obtaining a Maltese citizenship

There are, of course, many advantages and benefits to obtaining a Maltese citizenship, with many of them having been introduced because of their involvement with the European Union.

Non-Maltese nationals will receive the same rights as their counterparts, as they will have the right to live and work in the country, be able to travel freely to other European countries for business/pleasure, whilst also being able to hold dual citizenship – therefore not losing the identity one may already have with their home country.

Another reason as to why it is advantageous to having a Maltese citizenship is that taxation laws are extremely favourable. The tax level is incredibly low compared to most other countries in the world, therefore making the country especially popular for those with businesses. There are no taxes on inheritance, wealth or gifts, either.

How long does it take to obtain a Maltese passport?

It can take a few months to receive a Maltese passport as these requests are processed by the Identity Agency in Malta, who receive a vast sum of applications throughout the year. Local agents can be appointed to help speed up the process of filling out the application forms, though, which can be a huge benefit.