The Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment

Malta’s Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (NESDI) program allows foreign individuals and their families to become citizens of Malta by contributing to the country’s economic development. The program was introduced in 2020 and is regulated by the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations (S.L. 188.06).

An interested applicant must make a minimum investment of €600,000, if the applicant is a resident of Malta for a minimum period of 36 months prior to submission of the application.

Alternatively, an investment of €750,000 is required where an application is submitted before the completion of the 36 months residence requirement. Additional fees apply for each dependent.

Applicants must undergo a strict background check and due diligence process. They must apply for residency through a licensed Malta citizenship authorised agent and give such agent a power of attorney to act on their behalf for the duration of the application process.

What makes Malta an ideal choice?

• Member of the European Union (EU);
• Member of the Schengen Area;
• Member of the Commonwealth;
• A fast-growing and stable economy in the EU rated A+ by Fitch;
• (March 2024) and A2 by Moody’s (May 2024);
• Political and Social stability with good quality of life;
• Excellent business and investment opportunities;
• English is an official language and language used for doing business;
• Euro (€) currency;
• Top 10 safest European countries (World Risk Index 2024);
• Repeatedly voted as having the best climate in the world;
• Multiple excellent air and sea connections.

How it works:

1. Engagement: The applicant gives the agent a power of attorney to act on his behalf for the entire application process.

2. Residency: The agent performs Tier 1 due diligence on the applicant (and any dependents) and submits residency application. The Government Agency performs Tier 1 due diligence and obtains first policy clearance. Visit to Malta by the main applicant and all adult dependents to submit biometric data.

3. Eligibility Stage:  The Agent submits the citizenship eligibility application to the Government Agency within 12 months from when the residency card has been issued.

The necessary documentation and detailed information on the applicant and any dependents shall be submitted. The Government Agency performs a thorough due diligence process and ensures correctness and completeness of the application, following which such findings are presented to the Minister. Upon approval, an eligibility letter of approval is issued.

4. Citizenship Stage:  Upon completion of the applicable residency period (12 or 36 months), documentation with respect to the application shall be submitted. The Government Agency further updates its due diligence on the applicant and presents its final findings to the Minister. On the Minister’s instructions, the Government Agency informs the Agent about the Minister’s decision if the applicant can be granted Maltese Citizenship, and if successful issue a final letter of approval.

5. Obligations:  The Applicant fulfils the Exception Investment, Donation and Property requirements within 4 months from the date of issue of the final letter of approval.

6. Oath of Allegiance: The Applicant and adult dependents are invited to come to Malta to take the Oath of Allegiance. The Applicant and adult dependents are granted Maltese Citizenship and are issued with a Certificate of Naturalisation and a Maltese Passport.

Benefits of Maltese citizenship

• Citizenship in a well-respected, economically, and politically stable European country;
• Citizenship status that is inherited by future generations even if born outside of Malta;
• Freedom of movement within the EU and Schengen area, as well as Visa-free travel to 183 countries through the acquisition of a Maltese (and EU) passport;
• Right to live, work, study, and retire in any EU member state;
• Possibility to maintain dual citizenship with the home country, for so long as residence status is maintained in Malta;
• Eligibility may also extend to the applicant’s dependents, which includes spouses or equivalent, children, parents and grandparents, subject to certain conditions.

Who is eligible?

An individual shall be eligible if the following criteria is satisfied:

• Is at least 18 years old;
• Provides proof of residency in Malta for the applicable 12 or 36 month period, as required by the Regulations;
• Purchases a residential property in Malta having a minimum value of €700,000 or leases a residential property in Malta for a minimum annual rent of €16,000, which must then be held for a minimum period of 5 years from the date of issuance of the certificate of naturalisation;
• Carry out an exceptional direct investment in Malta, in accordance with the Regulations;
• Donate, prior to the issuance of the certificate of naturalisation, a minimum of €10,000 to a registered philanthropic, sport, cultural, scientific, animal welfare or artistic non-governmental organisation, as approved by the relevant agency from time to time;
• Have indefinite global health insurance coverage (including any dependents);
• Have a clean criminal record and not be subject to any international sanctions;
• Not be considered a potential national security risk;
• Not be involved in any activity which may be of a reputational risk to Malta;
• Not subject to any criminal proceedings;
• Not have been denied a visa to a country with whom Malta has visa-free travel arrangements and has not subsequently obtained a visa from that same country.

Financial Requirements:

For more information about Maltese citizenship, contact us on info@vaialegal.com.

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