The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment process allows for the granting of citizenship by a certificate of naturalization to foreign individuals and their families who contribute to the country’s economic development. This is possible following a 36-month (or, by exception, 12-month) residence period. Each application is subject to a stringent due diligence process, including thorough background checks. Community Malta Agency is the competent Maltese Government Agency responsible for administering the regulations. Henley & Partners (license number AKM-HENL) is an official agent for this regulated citizenship process.

Benefits of Maltese citizenship

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 186 destinations
• Access to a transparent and reputable financial centre and a prime jurisdiction for international business
• World’s strictest due diligence standards and vetting of applicants, thus ensuring only highly respectable applicants
• An attractive place to live or own a second home in, strategically located with excellent air links

Requirements of Maltese citizenship by naturalization

The application for Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is thoroughly checked and assessed and undergoes a four-tier due diligence process. To qualify, the following requirements must be fulfilled:

• Minimum age of 18 years for all applicants
• A contribution of at least EUR 600,000 for a minimum residence period of 36 months or EUR 750,000 for a minimum of 12 months
• The purchase of a residential property in Malta of at least EUR 700,000, must be held for five years. Alternatively, the lease of a residential property with a rental value of at least EUR 16,000 per annum, is also held for five years. Please note that the property cannot be sublet during this five-year period. A 36-month (or 18-month, by exception) lease agreement or property purchase is required during the residence period
• A donation of at least EUR 10,000 to a registered sport, cultural, scientific, philanthropic, animal welfare, or artistic non-governmental organization or society, as approved by the Community Malta Agency
• The legal residence of Malta for at least 36 months (or 12 months, by exception), which includes the lease of a residential property with a rental value of at least EUR 16,000 per annum, held for that same period. Applicants require a valid residence card in order to apply for citizenship

Procedures and time frame

Applications must be made on the prescribed forms and be accompanied by the appropriate fees and specific documents. Highly detailed due diligence checks are carried out and an application will be declined if it turns out that it contains false information or omissions.

If the Tier 1 due diligence checks completed by the Community Malta Agency are passed, the application for a residence permit will be submitted. After a residence has been obtained, an eligibility application will be submitted and further (tiers 2, 3, and 4) due diligence checks will be made by the agency and presented to the relevant Maltese minister, who will decide on the applicant’s eligibility to apply for citizenship.

If successful, a citizenship application will be submitted to the Community Malta Agency after 36 months of residence (or 12 months by exception). After the minister has decided if the applicant can be granted Maltese citizenship, the successful applicant will then be required to fulfil the exceptional investment, donation, and property requirements. Thereafter, the applicant will be invited to take the oath of allegiance in Malta and be presented with a Maltese certificate of naturalization.

The Community Malta Agency will conduct continuous monitoring for five years.

Dual citizenship

There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in Malta.