Malta has been operating its successful citizenship by investment program since 2014, providing a pathway for high net worth individuals to acquire Maltese citizenship and passport in exchange for an economic contribution. In 2023, Malta remains a highly popular destination for those looking to secure European citizenship in a short timeframe with minimal residence requirements. But why exactly is Malta’s program still considered so lucrative this year? In this article, we break down the key benefits of Malta’s citizenship by investment scheme.
Fast Processing Times:
One of the main appeals of Malta’s program is the relatively quick processing time, especially compared to other European investment citizenship programs. While actual timeframes depend on the application volume, most applicants can expect to obtain citizenship within 12-14 months from submission of the application. This is significantly faster than countries like Cyprus which can take upwards of 2 years. The accelerated route to citizenship is a major advantage for investors who want to obtain their second passport quickly.
Visa-Free Access to 180+ Countries:
Gaining Maltese citizenship means obtaining a Maltese passport, which provides extensive global mobility. According to the 2023 Henley Passport Index, the Maltese passport ranks 7th in the world, providing visa-free access to over 180 destinations including the entire Schengen Area, UK, Singapore, Japan and Canada. The passport not only offers travel freedom but also serves as an invaluable “Plan B” for high net worth families seeking security, options and flexibility. The wide visa-free access opens doors for business, education, investment and leisure.
No Residence Requirements:
Malta has no minimum residency requirements for citizenship investors, either before or after the granting of citizenship. Applicants do not need to reside in Malta at all in order to qualify for citizenship. This is a major advantage compared to other investment migration programs in Europe which require applicants to spend considerable time in the country before becoming eligible for citizenship. The ease of access has made Malta popular among global investors who prize convenience and mobility.
Attractive Tax Regime:
Malta offers an advantageous tax framework that is highly appealing to foreign investors seeking to optimize their tax exposure. Some key benefits include - no tax on worldwide income for non-residents, no wealth, inheritance, gift or capital gains taxes, attractive income tax rates capped at 35%, and over 70 double taxation agreements. Malta’s tax regime allows new citizens to structure their affairs in a tax-efficient manner not possible in many other countries.
Investment Options:
Malta offers multiple investment options depending on an applicant's particular requirements. The most direct route is by investing €650,000 into Malta’s National Development Fund. Applicants can also invest €600,000 into real estate purchases, €750,000 into government bonds, or enter a 3-5 year property rental contract. The program’s flexibility makes it suitable for investors with diverse needs and investment appetites. The real estate investment stream allows families to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle too.
Schengen Area Access:
Maltese passport holders have full rights to live, work and study in any of the 27 Schengen Area countries. They can relocate their families and businesses to economic powerhouses like Germany, France and the Netherlands. Malta is the only citizenship by investment country that grants this Schengen benefit. For high net worth individuals wanting unrestricted access to Europe, Malta remains an unrivalled option.
Citizenship for Generations:
Unlike some countries, Malta allows citizenship to be passed on indefinitely to future generations. This means children and grandchildren can inherit the citizenship and also offers estate planning flexibility. There are no limitations on the number of dependents who can be added to a primary applicant’s Malta citizenship application.
No Language Requirements:
Many second citizenship programs require language proficiency or integration exams that can be challenging for applicants. Malta removed the language requirement in 2017, making the process more straightforward. Applicants only need a basic grasp of English to pass the interview stage. There are no formal exams required.
Add Dependents to Application:
The main applicant can include their spouse, children under 26, and parents over 55 in their citizenship application. All can acquire citizenship at the same time as the main applicant. There are no limitations on dependents as long as sufficient fees are paid. Being able to obtain citizenship for one’s entire family is a key benefit of the Malta program.
EU Citizenship and Residence Rights:
As an EU member country, Malta provides successful candidates full EU citizenship status. This gives citizens the right to live, work and study in any of the 27 EU member states. Maltese passport holders can relocate freely to leading European countries like Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, among others. It essentially gives unique residency privileges across the EU.
Reputation and Reliability:
Malta has built a reputation for running a transparent, efficient and reputable citizenship program since inception in 2014. The program's popularity and success is evidence of its credibility. The process is very structured with clear requirements and timeframes. When compared to some newer programs, Malta stands out in terms of its reliability and stability. The government’s track record provides peace of mind to investors.
Malta provides foreign investors one of the most straightforward and accelerated routes to European citizenship, with an array of benefits attached. The efficient application process, visa-free travel, tax optimization possibilities, range of investment options and ability to add dependents make Malta lucrative. Its reputation as one of the pioneers of European investment migration programs also cements its status as a recommended destination in 2023 for high net worth individuals and families seeking an alternative citizenship.
Reach out to get more details about Malta Citizenship By Investment (MEIN).
About The Author
Harshit Dabhi
Digital & Content Strategist
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