The Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services - Citizenship following Direct Investment
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The former programme, which was launched in 2014, has reached its quota resulting in this new, more exclusive programme, being launched. Through a Legal Notice, Malta launched the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations laying down the requirements needed for citizenship by naturalisation in line with the Maltese Citizenship Act. The number of certificates by Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment issued (excluding dependents) shall not exceed 400 per annum, and a total of 1,500 for the period of the regulations. The road to the grant of citizenship by direct investment may be one of two, one of 12 months or one of 36 months.
Phase 1 – The Residency Stage
The applicant is required to:
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Be in possession of a property in Malta; and
- Have passed the due diligence process undertaken by the Agency (be a person of good conduct).
Upon successful submission of this stage, the applicant and his family will be granted an e-residence card.
Phase 2 – The Eligibility Stage
Upon successful completion of the Residence Stage, the application proceeds to the “Eligibility Stage” during which the residency proposal letter, bank statements, marriage certificates and police conduct are submitted for consideration. At this stage, the applicant must indicate whether the applicable residence period will be one of 12 months or 36 months
Phase 3 – Full Citizenship Application Stage
The requirements for the Full Citizenship Application by Direct Investment are the following:
- Proof of residence for 12 months (contribution of €750,000) or 36 months (contribution of €600,000). An additional €50,000 by way of contribution shall be obligatory for each additional dependent;
- Acquire real estate in Malta having a minimum value of €700,000 or lease real estate in Malta at a minimum value of €16,000 per annum. All property must be maintained for 5 years;
- An undertaking to donate at least €10,000 to a registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare or artistic NGO.
The Agency may request additional documents in support of the application. Upon completion of the process, a recommendation is made by the Agency to the Minister, who ultimately possesses the discretion to determine whether or not the application should be approved.
An application for naturalisation as a citizen of Malta under the Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Regulations must be submitted by an Accredited Person. GVZH Advocates is accredited, and may assist you with your application.
