Citizenship by Direct Investment Programme (ESDI)
The Malta Citizenship by Direct Investment Programme (formerly known as the Individual Investor Programme, IIP) is a citizenship-by-investment initiative introduced in 2021 as an enhancement to the previous programme. Participants in this programme are granted Maltese citizenship and receive a Maltese passport.
Holding a Maltese passport not only allows individuals to study, work, and reside in any country within the European Union, but it also offers visa-free travel to over 180 countries worldwide.
Check Your Eligibility for Malta Citizenship by Investment
Applicant Must:
- be at least 18 years of age;
- be a third country national or a EU, EEA or Swiss national;
- be in possession of a valid travel document
- yield evidence of twelve (12) months or 36 (month) residency. In order for the Main Applicant to be concordant with this obligation, s/he would not need to reside physically here in Malta, however s/he would be instructed to produce evidence of visits and valid links to Malta;
- maintain a Global health insurance policy (minimum annual coverage of €50,000) that covers the Main Applicant and his dependents;
- satisfy the rest of the application requirements
Maximum number of Applications
Applications under these regulations by direct investment shall not exceed four hundred (400) yearly and one thousand five hundred (1,500) in total.
What is the Process for Citizenship by Investment in Malta?
Phase 1 – Your Application
A residence card valid for thirty-six (36) months will be issued prior to submitting the Citizenship application and marks the commencement of the residency period. This residence card will entitle the holder to reside in Malta, as well as travel freely within the Schengen area. We have broken down the applicable costs for a citizenship by investment below.
The applicable costs of the residence card are:
- Non refundable deposit EUR 10,000
- Residence permit fee, main applicant: EUR 5,000
- Residence permit fee, per dependent (if any): EUR 1,000
Phase 2 – Due Diligence
Following the 12 month or 36 month Residency period and submission of the Malta Citizenship application, the Malta Community Agency will carry out a due diligence check which would take approximately six months to complete.
This is called the M1 Phase and submission must take place within 12 months from the issuance of the residency card.
Application is checked for completion and correctness, ensuring that all the forms have been provided and are adequately completed, together with all the supporting documents and their validity.
An Eligibility Application in process as an M1-A, in which case it can proceed to the next stage unencumbered, or become an M1-B which implies that elements of the application are missing, inadequate or not in line with the criteria provided in this handbook. Amendments can be dealt with accordingly.
The process is designed to ensure that the details provided in the Malta citizenship application are accurate and that the approval of the application would not harm the security or reputation of Malta.
The fees paid for the due diligence check are listed below and are not refundable if the application is refused:
- Main Applicant EUR 15,000
- Spouse and any dependent over age of 12 EUR 10,000
- Citizenship Eligibility Administrative Fee (each applicant: EUR 1,000),
- Citizenship Administrative Fee (main applicant: EUR 5,000, dependents: EUR 1,000 each).
Phase 3 – Processing the Malta Citizenship by Investment Application
In the final stage of processing, the application documentation is vetted and if found complete, a due diligence update is carried out. The Agency will present to the Minister its findings, for his decision for approval in principle. Applicable administrative fees are to be collected.
Phase 4 –Investment in Malta
If the applicant is approved from the Due Diligence process, a letter of approval will be issued by Malta Community Agency requesting the Main Applicant to proceed with his contributions/investments.
A. Government Contribution Fee towards national development and social fund of Malta.
- 12 month option (EUR 740,000) or 36 month option (EUR 590,000);
If the applicant is accompanied by qualfying dependants, a further investment of EUR 50,000 per dependent is to be made.
B. Philanthropic Donation of EUR 10,000 to a registered sport, cultural, scientific, philanthropic, animal welfare, or artistic non governmental organisation or society as approved by Community Malta Agency.
C. Acquisition of a Qualifying Property Holding in Malta or Gozo.
The property would need to be retained for a minimum period of 5 years and cannot be used for commercial purposes. In terms of the regulations, a qualifying property is an immovable residential property situated in Malta that is either:
Purchased for a minimum consideration of EUR 700,000 or leased for not less than EUR 16,000 per annum.
During the first five (5) years from the grant of the certificate of Maltese citizenship, the Community Malta Agency may request the applicant to provide any information or documentation as required and may also subject the applicant to an interview.
Phase 5– Completion
Once the 12-month or 36-month residency period has been satisfied and the contributions/investments have been made, IMA will issue a letter inviting all members of the family to visit the department to sign an Oath of Allegiance.
The certificate of naturalisation and Maltese passport are then issued within approximately seven (7) working days of the Oath of Allegiance.
Authorised Mandatory
According to Maltese law, all applicants must appoint an Authorised Registered Mandatory (ARM) or an Accredited Agent to submit their applications on their behalf. Dr. Mark George Hyzler is an accredited agent and ARM and is fully licensed to manage and submit applications efficiently and in compliance with the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get Malta citizenship by Investment?
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria as a third-country national, including age, valid travel document, and proof of residency or visits to Malta.
- Application Process:
- Phase 1: Apply for a residence card valid for 36 months, which marks the start of your residency period.
- Phase 2: After completing your residency, submit your citizenship application. This phase includes a due diligence check that takes about six months.
- Investment Requirements:
- Pay a non-refundable government contribution, either €740,000 for a 12-month option or €590,000 for a 36-month option. An additional €50,000 is required for each qualifying dependent.
- Make a philanthropic donation of €10,000 to an approved NGO.
- Acquire a qualifying property in Malta or Gozo, either purchased for at least €700,000 or leased for a minimum of €16,000 per year, which must be held for a minimum of five years.
- Final Steps: After fulfilling residency and investment requirements, all family members will sign an Oath of Allegiance, and the certificate of naturalization along with the Maltese passport will be issued within approximately seven working days.