Malta

Residency & Citizenship by Investment

Although one of the smallest countries in the world, Malta offers some of the biggest opportunities — from a thriving economy that is highly diversified in multiple sectors, including financial services, high-value manufacturing, and tourism; as well as being a natively English-speaking member of the European Union and the Eurozone. Located in the central Mediterranean Sea, Malta’s strategic position plays an important role in its attraction to both visitors and investors eager to discover the many hidden gems of this remarkably picturesque and globally-acclaimed island.

WHY CHOOSE MALTA?

As an EU member since 2004, Malta is often considered the gateway to the Euro-Mediterranean region and has become an excellent choice for investment due to its stable political climate, growing economy, and booming tourist property market.

It also has some of the most reputable banks in the world — creating an optimal environment for investors looking to diversify their portfolio and seize opportunities worldwide:

  • Fastest permanent residency program in Europe;
  • Member of the European Union;
  • Member of the British Commonwealth;
  • Fastest growing economy in the EU, rated A+ by Fitch (2024);
  • Diverse business and investment opportunities;
  • First-class healthcare and educational systems;
  • Voted 2nd safest country in the world (World Risk Index 2020).

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MALTA PERMANENT RESIDENCY PROGRAM (MPRP)

To qualify for one of the fastest permanent residency programs (MPRP) in Europe, applicants must fulfill the investment requirements in addition to meeting the following criteria:

  • Be non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss national;
  • Main applicant must be 18 years of age, or older;
  • Have a certificate of good health from a reputable health system;
  • Proof of capital of either €500,000 in total assets, including €150,000 in liquid financial assets or €650,000 in total assets, including €75,000 in liquid financial assets;
  • Have a stable and regular source of income;
  • Have a clean criminal record.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MALTA’S EXCEPTIONAL INVESTOR NATURALIZATION (MEIN)

To qualify for Malta’s Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN), applicants must carry out an exceptional direct investment in Malta in accordance with the Regulations, and meet the following criteria:

  • Main applicant must be 18 years of age, or older;
  • Hold a valid residency status in Malta for minimum 12 months prior to the issuance of the certificate of naturalization;
  • Meet the required investment requirements;
  • Make a minimum donation of €10,000 to a government-approved non-profit organization;
  • Must be covered by an international health insurance policy;
  • Have no criminal record or criminal proceedings against;
  • Not considered a potential national security risk;
  • Maintain no reputational risk.

BENEFITS OF THE MALTA PERMANENT RESIDENCY PROGRAM (MPRP)

The Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP) grants applicants and their dependents a lifetime residence permit along with other exclusive benefits:

  • Obtain residency permit within 9 months;
  • The right to live and settle indefinitely in Malta;
  • Access to an excellent healthcare system;
  • Visa-free travel throughout the Schengen area;
  • No physical residency requirements during or after the application;
  • Inclusive program that allows the addition of dependents.

BENEFITS OF THE MALTA EXCEPTIONAL INVESTOR NATURALIZATION (MEIN)

Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN) offers citizenship in a highly respected EU member country to high-net worth individuals and their families who contribute to the nation’s economic and social development, and provides the following exclusive benefits:

  • Be part of the fast-growing economy;
  • Live in one of the safest countries in the world;
  • Access leading health care institutions and world-class education;
  • Obtain citizenship status that is inherited by future generations even if born outside of Malta;
  • Gain the freedom to travel to over 185 countries, including the USA, Canada, and Australia;
  • Gain the right to live, work, and study in all 29 Schengen countries, as well as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland.

INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MALTA PERMANENT RESIDENCY PROGRAM (MPRP)

Full Contribution Option

Applicants may rent a residential unit in Malta for five years for a minimum annual lease of €14,000, in addition to:

  • €60,000: Government contribution, and
  • €2,000: Donation to a registered NGO in Malta.

Reduced Contribution Option

Applicants may purchase a residential unit in Malta for a minimum value of €375,000, and hold it for a minimum of five years, in addition to:

  • €30,000: Government contribution, and
  • €2,000: Donation to a registered NGO in Malta.

INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MALTA EXCEPTIONAL INVESTOR NATURALIZATION (MEIN)

To qualify for citizenship, the main applicant must provide proof of residence in Malta, and fulfill the following contribution requirements.

Exceptional Contribution

All individuals and families applying for Malta economic citizenship must make a significant non-refundable investment in the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF) set up by the Government of Malta:

  • €590,000 to qualify after 36 months of residence, or
  • €740,000 to qualify after 12 months of residence, and
  • €50,000 for each included dependent.

Real Estate Investment

In addition to the prescribed contribution, the main applicant must either acquire a property in Malta worth at least €700,000 or rent one for at least €16,000 per annum for a minimum period of 5 years from the date of issuance of the Certificate of Naturalization.

Government Donation

Following the approval in principle, the applicant must donate at least €10,000 to a local non-profit organization.

The applicant can choose from numerous qualified philanthropic, artistic, sport, scientific, or cultural non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and societies registered in Malta.

APPLICATION FEES FOR THE MALTA PERMANENT RESIDENCY PROGRAM (MPRP)

Arton’s advisory fees cover legal and procedural representation for the main applicant and qualified dependents throughout the submission of the residence application. Advisory fees are non-refundable.

All application fees issued by the government of Malta and by Arton may be subject to change. Fees depend on the number of applicants and the complexity of the process.

ADMINISTRATIVE FEES AND CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE MALTA PERMANENT RESIDENCY PROGRAM (MPRP)

Main Applicant Administration Fee

  • €15,000 payable within one month of application submission
  • €35,000 payable within two months of receiving a Letter of Approval in Principle

Dependent Fees

€10,000 per each dependent such as the spouse, children, parents, and grandparents:

  • €5,000: Administration fee, payable for every dependent within 2 months from the issuance of the Letter of Approval in Principle
  • €5,000: Contribution is paid within 8 months from the issuance of a Letter of Approval in Principle

Additional fees apply for issuance of residence cards and if dependents are added to the application after the main applicant is approved.

APPLICATION FEES FOR THE MALTA EXCEPTIONAL INVESTOR NATURALIZATION (MEIN)

All application fees issued by the government of Malta and by Arton may be subject to change. Fees depend on the number of applicants and the complexity of the process.

RESIDENCY STAGE FEES

  • €10,000: Non-refundable deposit
  • €5,000: Residence permit for Main Applicant
  • €1,000: Residence permit for each dependent

ELIGIBILITY STAGE FEES

  • Due diligence fees – €15,000: Main Applicant
  • Due diligence fees – €10,000: Each dependent over 12 years of age
  • €1,000: Administrative fee per person

CITIZENSHIP STAGE FEES

  • €500: Administrative fee for Main Applicant
  • €500: Administrative fee for each dependent

Payment of additional due diligence, residence card issuance, and other administrative fees may apply.


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ARTON INDEX SCORE

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Updated yearly, the Arton Index is an overall assessment and comparative benchmark of the country and its investment program.


Malta

535,064

Population Growth: 0.33%

34,819 USD

GDP (per capita)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

26 billion USD

174

Visa free countries


LOCATION

Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily

CAPITAL

Valletta

DIFFERENCE

UTC +1

TOTAL AREA

316 km²

AGE DEMOGRAPHICS

0-14: 14.29%, 15-24: 11.03%, 25-54: 40.92%, 55-64: 13.25%, 65+: 20.51%

LANGUAGE

Maltese (official): 90.1% English (official): 6% Multilingual: 3% Other: 0.9%

RELIGIONS

Roman Catholic (official): More than 90%

GOVERNMENT TYPE

Parliamentary republic

CURRENCY

Euro (EUR)

EXCHANGE RATE

1 USD = 0.885 EUR