This article is a due diligence guide for obtaining Maltese citizenship. Predominantly, the Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is one of the leading citizenship programmes in Europe. Launched in 2020, the programme replaced the successful Individual Investor Programme (IIP) and is aimed at attracting foreign investors.
Investors can acquire Maltese citizenship after one or three years of residency, depending on the investment path they take. Like all the residency and citizenship programmes available across the globe, Malta follows a due diligence process for all applicants.
Due diligence for the Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment involves several steps. Since the whole regulation is capped at 1,500 successful applicants (400 per year), it is crucial to trust the right agents to help you through the process. Endevio is registered as Company Services Providers by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).
What are the steps you have to go through for your Maltese Citizenship?
The current due diligence guide for obtaining Maltese citizenship covers the entire process, starting from connecting with a licensed agent in Malta down to receiving the Maltese passport:
Step 1. Initial Due Diligence
Firstly, the agency oversees the background checking of applicants and identifies possible problems in the application. Primarily, this step helps the applicants know how feasible it is to acquire citizenship in Malta.
Step 2. Acquire Police Clearance
Secondly, applicants for the Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment must have a clean criminal record. Once this is done, the applicant must obtain a police clearance, ensuring that he/she have passed the initial due diligence through Europol and Interpol.
Step 3. Residence Permit Application
Residency in Malta validates that the applicant is an immigrant in the country. It is also an assurance that the client is committed to investing in the country. During this stage, the agency will need the following documents for the residence permit:
- International passport of the family members
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificates of the children
- Birth certificate of the main applicant or their spouse if the parents are included in the application
- Medical insurance certificate for all family members
- Bank statement
- Lease agreement in the main applicant’s name
Step 4. Acquire Residence Permit
Subsequently, to acquire the permit, the main applicant and all dependents should visit Malta for the biometrics. They are not required to stay in the country when waiting for the permit cards, usually issued in two weeks. Moreover, applicants only obtain a residence permit if they have a residential address in Malta.
Step 5. Due Diligence
After receiving the residence cards, the main applicant and family members go through elaborate due diligence. The agency will require a collection of necessary documents for every applicant. The careful checking takes at least four months (120 to 150 days).
Step 6. Citizenship Conferment Application
Thereafter, when the applicant succeeds the due diligence, they can apply for citizenship not earlier than a year or three years of residency.
Step 7. Investment Completion
Importantly, four months after the submission and approval of the application, the applicant must confirm that they have made the investments in Malta. Note that Malta’s citizenship law allows the applicant to change their investment option.
Step 8. Get Maltese Passport
Finally, the applicants must revisit Malta for biometrics and take the oath of allegiance. After the oath, applicants receive their certificates of naturalisation and passports. Congratulations on your Maltese citizenship!
Acquire Maltese Citizenship with Endevio
In conclusion, Endevio is a notable Malta-based firm that delivers excellence in the international market. Our experts know the Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment inside and out, assuring clients legal and precise application processing.
