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Residence and Citizenship in Malta

Why people seek residence and citizenship in Malta

Malta has become one of the most sought-after destinations for those pursuing a residence permit in Malta and citizenship by investment in Malta due to its unique blend of strategic advantages. As a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, Malta offers visa-free access to 26 European countries, simplifying both business travel and personal mobility. The country’s robust legal framework, based on English common law, guarantees strong property rights and transparent corporate regulations. Its Mediterranean location boasts over 300 sunny days per year, pristine coastlines, and a temperate climate, enhancing quality of life for families, retirees, and professionals alike. English is an official language, facilitating integration for international residents. Coupled with a competitive tax regime—flat income tax on remitted income, no wealth or inheritance taxes—and a streamlined path to a second passport in Malta, the archipelago stands out as a gateway to Europe, driving demand for both how to get Malta visa information and program enrollment among high-net-worth individuals worldwide.

Types of residence permits and citizenship programs

Malta’s immigration framework offers multiple pathways tailored to different applicant profiles, each leading toward long-term settlement and potential citizenship under the Maltese Citizenship Act:

• Citizenship by Investment (Individual Investor Programme): Requires a contribution of €600,000 to the National Development and Social Fund, a minimum €700,000 property purchase or €16,000 annual lease, and €10,000 charitable donations. After three years’ residency, applicants obtain full citizenship and a Malta golden visa.
• Permanent Residence Programme: Applicants invest €250,000 in government bonds, €47,000 administrative fees, and make real-estate commitments—generally €300,000 purchase or €10,000 yearly rent. After five years, they secure permanent residence Malta with Schengen access.
• Malta Residence and Visa Programme: Non-EU nationals contribute €30,000 and pay administrative fees (€5,500 for main applicant), plus rental/purchase obligations. Fast approval within three months grants a residence card and EU travel rights.
• Global Residence Programme (GRP): Focused on high-net-worth individuals from approved jurisdictions, requiring annual minimums of €100,000, with flexibility on property and bond investments—leading to long-term residency status.
• Work and Study Permits: Non-EU nationals can obtain employment permits through local sponsorship, or student visas for accredited universities such as the University of Malta, both serving as stepping stones toward long-term residence.

Each pathway ensures applicants meet due diligence, health screening, and language requirements, offering structured routes from initial entry visas to eventual naturalization under Maltese law.

Requirements and application process

Securing a Malta golden visa or permanent residence involves careful preparation and compliance with government protocols. The general process includes:

• Engage Licensed Agent: Applicants must contract a government-appointed agent to manage documentation, liaise with Identity Malta, and coordinate due diligence.
• Document Compilation: Gather authenticated passports, birth and marriage certificates, police clearances from all countries of residence, medical certificates, proof of funds and anti-money-laundering documentation, and property lease or purchase agreements.
• Application Submission: Agents submit applications and fees to Identity Malta or the Citizenship by Investment Unit. Processing times range from three months (residence permits) to 12–14 months (IIP citizenship).
• Due Diligence Screening: Government and third-party firms perform background checks to verify applicants’ integrity, financial sources, and absence of criminal records.
• Approval and Card Issuance: Upon provisional approval, applicants receive residence cards; IIP applicants complete contributions and attend a citizenship oath ceremony, obtaining full passports thereafter.
• Compliance Monitoring: Residence permit holders must maintain property commitments and annual fees; IIP citizens must satisfy residency days and charitable donation requirements before naturalization is confirmed.

Legal framework and government policies

Malta’s residence and citizenship programs operate under a comprehensive legal structure that balances investor interests with national security and social development:

• Citizenship Act (Cap. 188): Defines eligibility, investment thresholds, and naturalization criteria for the Individual Investor Programme (IIP), including residency, contribution, and good character requirements.
• European Union (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations: Implement EU directives governing Schengen entry rights, non-discrimination, and mutual recognition of residence permits across member states.
• Investment Services Act: Regulates due diligence, anti-money-laundering protocols for investment agents and service providers engaged in residency and citizenship transactions.
• Malta Residence Programme Regulations: Outline the eligibility and procedural rules for permanent and visa programmes, including property obligations, government contributions, and administrative fees.
• Data Protection Act: Ensures the confidentiality of applicant information, aligning with GDPR standards for personal data management during application processing.

Lifestyle, mobility, and long-term benefits

Obtaining a second passport in Malta or permanent residence unlocks a myriad of advantages that enhance personal and professional life:

• European Mobility: Visa-free travel to the entire Schengen Area, the UK, Ireland, and over 180 countries, facilitating business and leisure globally.
• Tax Optimization: Flat 15 % tax on foreign-sourced income for non-dom residents, no wealth or inheritance taxes, and favorable corporate rates, enabling efficient wealth management.
• Education & Healthcare: Access to EU-accredited universities and public healthcare systems, plus private medical services, all delivered in English for seamless integration.
• Cultural & Recreational Amenities: Historic cities like Valletta (UNESCO), Mediterranean beaches, yachting marinas, international arts and music festivals, and a dynamic culinary scene blending Maltese, Italian, and North African influences.
• Political Stability & Safety: Malta ranks among the safest EU countries, with stable governance, low crime rates, and robust civil liberties under EU legal frameworks.
• Economic Opportunity: Residence permits facilitate business setup in sectors like fintech, iGaming, maritime, and renewable energy, leveraging Malta’s strategic Mediterranean location and EU market access.

How VelesClub International helps

VelesClub International delivers comprehensive, end-to-end services for clients seeking residence or citizenship in Malta:

• Customized Programme Selection: We assess your objectives—global mobility, tax planning, family security—to recommend the optimal pathway: residence permit in Malta, permanent residence Malta, or citizenship by investment in Malta.
• Due Diligence & Documentation: Our specialists coordinate with licensed agents and third-party firms to compile and verify all required documents, managing anti-money-laundering checks and government interactions.
• Application Management: From initial submission to Identity Malta or IIP Unit through final approval and card/passport issuance, we oversee every step, ensuring transparent timelines and proactive updates.
• Investment Structuring: We liaise with real estate developers, fund managers, and financial institutions to structure compliant investments and contributions that satisfy programme requirements and optimise returns.
• Post-Approval & Integration Support: We facilitate relocation logistics—housing search, schooling, banking—coordinate tax planning strategies, and provide ongoing compliance monitoring to secure long-term residency and citizenship benefits.