Josef Mercieca
Tax Partner
The Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Regulations offers foreign individuals and their families the opportunity to obtain a certificate of naturalisation as a citizen of Malta on the basis of contributions towards Malta’s economic and social development.
Malta has been evolving to keep up with the continuously changing global dynamics providing high-net-worth individuals and their families the possibility to become part of a welcoming community with a variety of advantages including tax, fiscal and social benefits, distinctive lifestyle, high quality education and a stable economic ecosystem. Malta boasts an enviable combination of a Mediterranean climate, a thriving economy, long term political and social stability as well as a rich culture.
Upon granting of the Maltese citizenship, successful applicants and their dependants would benefit from the right to work, live and study in any member state of the European Union. A Maltese passport also grants Visa-free travel to over 180 jurisdictions, including the United States of America, Australia and Canada. The Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is a well-structured programme and facilitates the granting of Maltese citizenship following a thorough due diligence process conducted on the main applicant and their dependants.
Financial Requirements
In terms of the programme, applicants are required to invest in the economic development of Malta through a monetary contribution made to the Maltese national development and social fund, with the aim to provide resources for improvements across various sectors.
The government contribution varies depending on the length of the applicant’s residence in Malta, being either 12 months or 36 months:
- 36 months of residency - a contribution of €600,000 for the Main Applicant and €50,000 for each additional dependent;
- 12 months of residency - a contribution of €750,000 plus €50,000 for each additional dependent.
Applicants must also comply with other requirements stipulated within the Regulation, including the acquisition of an immovable residential property in Malta having a minimum value of seven hundred-thousand-euro (€700,000) or leasing a residential immovable property for a minimum annual rent of sixteen thousand euro (€16,000), which property shall be adequate and suitable for the applicant and his dependants.
Applicants are also required to make a donation, prior to the issue of the certificate of naturalisation, for a minimum of ten thousand euro (€10,000) to a registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare or artistic non-governmental organisation or society, or as otherwise approved by the Agency.
How can BDO Malta help?
BDO’s Team of specialists possess in-depth knowledge and experience of the related legislation and procedures to assist applicants and their dependants at every stage of the programme. BDO Malta is an accredited agent registered with the relevant authorities to represent individuals wishing to pursue Maltese citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment.