Insights

Differences Between Citizenship and Permanent Residence

Citizenship and permanent residency are two different legal statuses. Permanent residency allows an individual to live and work in that country permanently. Essentially, an individual must meet specific requirements such as having a job offer or family ties. Once obtained, a permanent residency permit typically needs to be renewed every few years.

Alternatively, citizenship is the status of a person recognised under custom or law as being a legal member of a sovereign state or part of a nation. Typically, most countries grant citizenship based on descent from a citizen, place of birth, marriage to a citizen, or having served in the armed forces or civil service. Additionally, in some jurisdictions, citizenship may be granted through naturalisation.

Top 13 Differences between Malta Citizenship and Malta Residency

What are the differences between Citizenship and Permanent Residence?

1. Voting Rights and Running for Public Office

Firstly, citizens can vote or run for public office, whereas residents are not typically afforded those same rights.

2. Cancellation or revocation of status

Secondly, citizenship is a status that can’t be generally revoked. Permanent residency, on the other hand, is a status that can be cancelled. Therefore, it is more difficult to lose one’s citizenship status than it is to lose one’s permanent residency status.

3. Minimum stay requirements

In addition, citizens are not required to reside for a minimum amount of time to maintain their citizenship status. Conversely, residents are usually required to live in the country for a specific period to keep their residence status.

4. Passport application

Moreover, citizens can usually apply for a passport, while permanent residents typically cannot.

5. Length of status

Lastly, citizenship is for a lifetime while permanent residency is conditional and requires renewal.

Citizenship or Permanent Residence in Malta

Foreign nationals have two options to live in Malta: the Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, which grants citizenship, and the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP). Both citizenship and permanent residence in Malta offer several benefits to investors. However, given the differences that exist between citizenship and permanent residency from a legal perspective, several individuals struggle to decide which is more suitable between the two.

Citizenship in Malta

The Maltese government launched the Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, a.k.a. Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations in 2020. Primarily, the programme grants a certificate or regulations permit to highly talented high-net-worth individuals and families who can contribute to the economic development of Malta.

Becoming a citizen of Malta entails several benefits, including business and travel opportunities, family security, access to world-class education and health care institutions, and a quality lifestyle.

Permanent Residency in Malta

Through the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals can settle in Europe’s leading investment location. Fundamentally, permanent residency holds many benefits, including visa-free travel to the Schengen countries. After five years of residence, you eventually gain the right to live, work and study in EU countries.

How can Endevio help you?

Live in Malta and enjoy the country’s multiple benefits for citizens and permanent residents. You can successfully move to the island nation with your family, whatever programme you go for, the Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment or the MPRP.