What is the Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment?
Designed for high-net-worth individuals and families, Malta grants citizenship to those who contribute to the country’s economic growth.
The Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is a path to Citizenship by Naturalisation. The programme follows strict due diligence standards.
Additionally, the regulations are limited to a maximum number of 400 successful applicants (families) per year, and the quota is 1,500 families for the entire programme.
Why Malta?
Malta may be one of Europe’s smallest countries, but its economic and political stability presents opportunities to foreign nationals. Located between Sicily and the North African coast, the island nation is part of the world’s largest economic zone.
Malta is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. In 2024, the island nation’s fast-growing economy is rated A+ by Fitch, presenting endless opportunities for investors. Malta was also ranked the 2nd safest country in the world and the safest country in Europe.
Furthermore, Malta is repeatedly recognised among countries with the best climate in the world. Notably, Malta's primary language is English.
The country’s beautiful weather, rich history and culture, and favourable regime for businesses continuously attract high-net-worth individuals across the globe.
Suggested reading: Top business opportunities in Malta
What are the benefits of becoming a Maltese citizen?
Becoming a citizen of Malta has both immediate and long-term benefits:
Business Opportunities
Becoming a Maltese citizen allows you to base your business in the EU’s fastest-growing economy. Malta also provides an opportunity for unlimited access to the EU, the world’s largest economic zone.
Additionally, the country has a stable and booming real estate market, enabling you to make the most from endless investment options.
Businesses also thrive through the country’s tax-efficient system with total freedom of capital and income movements. Moreover, investors can capitalize on the following industries:
- Aviation and Maritime
- Real Estate
- Medical Cannabis
- iGaming
Family and Legacy Protection
Through Malta Citizenship by Investment, investors can live in one of the world’s safest countries regarding disaster risk and wealth.
Maltese citizens have access to top-class healthcare, and children learn in the country’s top-rated educational system.
You can also protect your family legacy by passing on citizenship to future generations. Even if your descendants are born outside of Malta, they can still attain citizenship by descent.
Life, Work and Study Opportunities
You gain the right to live and settle, work, or study in any of the 27 EU states,
plus in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland.
Source: wikimedia.org
Travel
A Maltese passport is one of the world’s most powerful passports.
With a Maltese passport, you can travel visit nearly any country in the world with little to no restrictions. Essentially, a Maltese citizen can easily travel to over 180 countries visa-free, including 29 Schengen countries.
Eligibility Requirements for Malta Citizenship by Investment
The Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is available for:
- Main applicant, 18 years or older
- Dependents: Spouse, life partner
- Parents and grandparents of both spouses, subject to conditions
- Dependent children up to and including the age of 17
- Adult children aged 18 to 28 who are not married and primarily financially reliant on the main applicant.
Applicants must have no criminal record. In addition, they must have no denied visas in countries with visa-free agreements in Malta. Moreover, certain nationalities are not eligible for the programme.
Financial Requirements for Malta Citizenship by Investment
Under the NESDI programme, applicants are offered residence status in Malta, leading to citizenship by naturalisation. Applicants must comply with the following financial requirements.
Malta Citizenship by Investment Cost
| Investment/Contribution |
The applicant has two options: After one (1) year of holding residency status in Malta, a non-refundable contribution of €750,000 to the National Development and Social Fund set up by the Government of Malta (plus €50,000 per family member included in the application). After three (3) years of holding residency status in Malta, a non-refundable contribution of €600,000 (plus €50,000 per family member included in the application).
|
| Charitable Donation |
Applicants must also make a charitable donation of €10,000 to an approved charity/ non-governmental organisation registered in Malta. |
| Real Estate Purchase or Property Rental |
Applicants must purchase a real estate property with a minimum value of €700,000. Alternatively, the applicant can lease a property for a minimum annual rent of €16,000. The purchased or rented property must be retained for a minimum period of five (5) years from the date of issuance of the certificate of naturalisation. |
Depending on family composition, administrative and due diligence fees will also be applicable. Regardless of the applicant’s choice, the lifetime benefits will remain the same.
Taking the First Step Towards Maltese Citizenship by Investment
In conclusion, investing in Malta is investing in your family’s bright future. Citizenship in the island nation brings lifetime benefits that you could maximise and pass on to the next future generations. While the process for Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment might seem extensive, you do not have to complete it all alone. At Endevio, we have the all the necessary experts to take you through this process seamlessly. Take the first step and contact us or book a no-obligation meeting by clicking the button below.
