Identity Malta updates Citizenship Rules

Identity Malta, the agency responsible for the administration of the Malta citizenship by investment program has issued a circular to all Accredited Agents advising of some changes to the rules applying to the Malta Individual Investor Programme. The announced changes are set out below:

Prohibited Countries

Identity Malta Agency has updated the list of prohibited countries and is now not accepting applications from nationals of the following countries: 

• Chad
• Iran
• Libya
• North Korea
• Somalia
• Syria
• Venezuela
• Yemen
• Afghanistan

Investments

In terms of regulation 4(1)(e) of the Individual Investor Programme of the Republic of Malta Regulations (S.L.188.03), Identity Malta Agency hereby notifies that the investments referred to in regulation 7(6) of the said regulations, can be made in debt or equity securities listed on the Official List of the Malta Stock Exchange. Investment in these securities may also be achieved through an investment in collective investment schemes that are authorised by the Malta Financial Services Authority.

The investment must be pledged for a minimum of five years from the date of issue of the Letter of Approval in Principle referred to in regulation 7(5) of the said regulations.

An application for naturalisation as a citizen of Malta under the Individual Investor Programme must be submitted by an Accredited Person. GVZH Advocates is accredited by Identity Malta (Identity licence number 013), and may assist you with your application. For further information about how we can help you with your citizenship and/or residency requirements, kindly contact us on privateclients@gvzh.mt.