Malta

In 2025, the Malta Permanent Residence Programme underwent several changes — some favourable to investors, others more restrictive. For instance, the minimum participation cost was initially raised from €150,000 to €182,000, before being reduced to €169,000. Another amendment permitted investors to rent out their property, though only under specific conditions. This guide explores the current requirements, recent changes, benefits, and important considerations.

Anna Semenyuk

Mediterranean living and an English-speaking setting make Malta a natural base for remote work. The Nomad Residence Permit lets third-country nationals live there while working for foreign employers or clients. This residency route is designed more as a change of scenery than a long-term settlement option. Issued for 1 year, renewable up to 3 times, and not leading to permanent residence, it suits remote professionals seeking flexibility.  Learn how the Malta Nomad Residence Permit works in practice, who it suits, and what to consider before applying.

Julia Loko

Foreigners looking to obtain citizenship in Malta have several routes to choose from. Malta citizenship by naturalisation is the most popular and time-based pathway requiring 5 years of residence, stable ties, and proven integration in Malta. The alternative route is citizenship by merit. It relies on exceptional contributions linked to Malta and a discretionary assessment, not a fixed timeline. Since 2025, Malta no longer offers citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment.

Anna Semenyuk

A Malta residence permit may be granted on various grounds, the most common being employment, studies, family reunification, and investment of €30,000. The requirements and procedures depend on the type of permit. A residence permit holder has the right to relocate to Malta and travel visa-free within the Schengen Area. Investors may also obtain Maltese permanent residence. This is a lifelong status, although the residence card must be renewed every five years.

Julia Loko

As of March 2026, a Maltese passport gives visa-free access to 169 countries, including the Schengen states, the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, and Malaysia. Get to know what countries are visa-free for Malta citizens and the conditions of entry.

Julia Loko

Malta remains one of the few Schengen countries where a genuine non-domicile regime is still available for qualifying residents. For entrepreneurs with international structures, investors with international portfolios, family offices, and remote professionals, Malta’s non-dom framework can offer a practical long-term base. This guide explains how it works in practice: eligibility, tax mechanics, compliance, how it aligns with residence routes, key pitfalls, and how Malta compares with other jurisdictions.

Albert Ioffe

Golden Visas are often presented as investment vehicles, but for families, they function as long-term lifestyle frameworks. The programme chosen shapes children’s education, healthcare access, work and business rights, travel flexibility, and the route to future citizenship. This guide compares the most family-oriented options and highlights where each country stands out.

Mohamed Zakaria

To obtain a second passport, an individual can get married, confirm a familial relation to a citizen of the country, or undergo the naturalisation process. An alternative option is to acquire citizenship by investment. Two countries, Vanuatu and São Tomé and Príncipe, offer the fastest citizenship-by-investment program, with passports issued in just 2 months. The simplest programs are found in the Caribbean, featuring short processing times and no requirement for physical residency.

Albert Ioffe

At a time when mobility, tax exposure, and long-term security are increasingly uncertain, European Golden Visa programs offer a lawful way to secure residence abroad through investment, without giving up US citizenship. Countries such as Portugal, Greece, and Italy offer residency-by-investment pathways starting at €250,000. With a residence permit, you get legal stability, access to healthcare and education systems, and, in some cases, a route to permanent residence or citizenship.  This article explains how Golden Visas work for Americans, which EU programs remain open, what investment routes are available, and which legal and financial factors should be carefully assessed before applying.

Mohamed Zakaria

To become a citizen of an EU country, one can follow three paths: descent, naturalisation, and naturalisation after making an investment. Obtaining an EU country's citizenship can take 3 to 10 years, depending on the specific state and circumstances, as well as on the applicant's situation. 

Albert Ioffe

Many wealthy people are planning to move to Malta in order to transfer assets to the country and optimise taxation. In this article, we explain the conditions of taxation in Malta.

Albert Ioffe

Malta combines low employer on-top costs, generous tax refunds, and EU-leading GDP growth, which already makes it a smart base for doing business. Although only 2.4% of companies are foreign-controlled, they generate 43.8% of total value added — a clear sign that international firms tend to scale well in Malta\[1\]. One of the practical ways for entrepreneurs to move their business to Malta is through the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. It offers lifelong status, no minimum stay requirement, Schengen access, and a strategic EU location for reaching both European and Mediterranean markets.

Robert Outerbridge

In 2024, EU countries issued 3.5 million first residence permits to non-EU nationals — a clear signal of Europe’s global pull. For Saudi citizens, the EU’s Golden Visa programs offer a unique entry point. A qualifying investment secures residence, visa-free Schengen access, and the long-term prospect of EU citizenship. Explore which EU countries offer these visas — and how they differ in cost, benefits, and family coverage.

Mohamed Zakaria

Foreign nationals can obtain two main types of visas for Malta. Those staying for fewer than 90 days apply for a Schengen C visa, while stays exceeding 90 days require a National D visa. The D visa usually allows the holder to apply for a residence permit and is often issued for purposes such as employment, study, or family reunification. Wealthy individuals may obtain residency directly, without a D visa, by investing at least €30,000 for a temporary residence permit or €169,000 for permanent residency.

Julia Loko

Malta allows same-sex marriage, adoption, and equal access to investment programs for temporary and permanent residency.  Let’s explore in detail what makes the island one of the safest and most inclusive places to live in Europe.

Julia Loko

A temporary residence permit grants the right to live abroad for a set number of years. It is often tied to employment, university enrolment, family reunification, or investment. Over time, one may become eligible for a permanent residence permit. This status allows indefinite stay and typically comes with fewer restrictions. This article explains the key differences between temporary and permanent residence permits, covering how they work, who qualifies, and why they matter for those looking to settle abroad.

Vladlena Baranova

Most often citizenship of the European Union, EU, is obtained by naturalisation. You need to obtain a resident status and live in the country for several years. In some EU countries, there are investment residence permit programs that simplify the path to citizenship. In Malta, cosmopolitans can obtain citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment after 1 or 3 years of residence.

Albert Ioffe

Around 27.5 million foreigners live in EU countries with residence permits, according to Eurostat. For non-EU citizens, European residency enables them to live and work legally within the EU, travel visa-free across the Schengen Area, and have access to medical treatments and education. Countries like Italy, Portugal, and others offer residency by investment to non-EU wealthy foreigners, providing them with certain benefits in their host country.

Albert Ioffe

Newborn children acquire citizenship either by "right of blood" or "right of soil". In the first case, it is based on the citizenship of the parents, and in the second case, it depends on the country of birth. In some countries both these principles apply. We explain these concepts in detail.

Vladlena Baranova

Over the past decade, EU countries have collectively garnered approximately 25 billion euros in foreign direct investment through residency-by-investment programs. With an EU residence permit, investors are able to travel to the Schengen countries visa-free, establish a business, and, in some cases, receive tax benefits. Let’s discuss how investors can move abroad and the best places to do so.

Albert Ioffe

Ireland's residency by investment programme allows non-EEA citizens to obtain residency in the state. Investors who receive a residence permit this way get the right to work, study and start a business in a country with the second-highest GDP per capita in the world. Learn if you’re eligible for the programme and find the best investment option for you.

Elena Ruda

49% of all countries allow dual citizenship: the US, Caribbean states, Türkiye, and many others. With dual citizenship, one can choose better living conditions, receive social benefits, and have more opportunities to travel. Careful planning is essential when obtaining dual citizenship; it's important to verify whether the home country permits it to avoid losing the original citizenship. Continue reading to learn which countries offer dual citizenship and what is the easiest way to obtain one more nationality.

Vladlena Baranova

It is not possible to obtain New Zealand citizenship by investment, but there are investment residence permit programs in the country. Under their terms, applicants invest from 3 million New Zealand dollars in the country's economy. We will tell you why the status of a resident of New Zealand is attractive and whether you need to move to the country in order to obtain citizenship.

Elena Ruda

Maltese citizens can travel to 187 countries without visas. It puts Malta citizenship in the 10 most powerful in the global passport index. Cosmopolitans have an opportunity to get Malta citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment. Learn about the conditions applicants must meet to become Maltese citizens and other benefits of the country's passport.

Julia Loko

A residence permit by investment in Europe opens up opportunities for visa-free travel, a comfortable life, and business development.  Buying real estate is the fastest way to get a residence permit in several EU countries. Greece, Cyprus, and Malta provide unique opportunities for investors willing to spend at least €250,000 in exchange for the status. Let's compare the current conditions for obtaining a residence permit in Europe by investment.

Elena Ruda

Investors obtain Malta citizenship by naturalisation. Firstly, they get a residence permit and then apply for citizenship after one or three years. The minimum investment amount is €690,000. Malta passport holders can travel to more than 160 countries without visas. Foreigners become full-fledged Malta citizens if they pass a strict Eligibility Test. Dual citizenship has been accepted in Malta since 2000.

Julia Loko

Citizenship by investment is granted to foreign investors who make a significant contribution to a country's economy. This is a relatively fast way of obtaining a second passport.  18 jurisdictions offer citizenship by investment. Each has its own eligibility requirements and rules. The key is to choose the best option based on individual needs and preferences.

Lyle Julien

Wealthy people from all over the world buy properties abroad for various reasons. For example, to save money or get a holiday home. However, owning property is not enough to visit the country anytime or live there for as long as you want. That’s when a residence permit or citizenship is a must. Discover the countries where investors can combine business with pleasure by both purchasing liquid properties and obtaining a second passport or a residence permit.

Elena Ruda

If an immigrant does not have enough money to stay in the country, they can ask for help from a sponsor. The sponsor guarantees the government that the immigrant will receive financial support during their stay. Sponsors can be family members, friends, companies, or anyone else. Sponsors have certain responsibilities. First and foremost, their financial situation must allow them to help the immigrant while still being able to provide for themselves.

Vladlena Baranova

Foreigners apply for Latvia citizenship through naturalisation after residing in the country for 10 years. They meet residency requirements, demonstrate proficiency in Latvian, and take exams on Latvian history and culture. We wondered if there is any way to get a second passport in Latvia or other European countries faster. And indeed, there is.

Elena Ruda

Latvia introduced its Golden Visa program in 2010 to attract foreign investment and boost the national economy. Since its launch, the initiative has generated approximately €1.5 billion in revenue for the country and attracted over 20,000 applicants. Between 2013 and 2024, a total of 13,294 investors and their family members secured Latvian residence permits. Applicants can qualify by investing in Latvian companies, purchasing real estate, or buying shares or subordinated capital in local credit institutions. In the article, we outline the key requirements for obtaining a Latvian residence permit by investment and explain the steps to acquire Latvian citizenship.

Elena Ruda

It seems to only feel natural for Britons to seek variety. J.K. Rowling had completed the first three chapters of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone” while in Porto, Portugal, and Ian Fleming made James Bond’s ties with Switzerland obvious. It's estimated that around 5.5 million British citizens reside abroad. Britons move abroad to boost their quality of life, optimise taxes, and find a more affordable lifestyle. We’ve compiled a list of the best countries for Britons to move to.

Lyle Julien

Australia Business Innovation and Investment Visa is a government program designed to attract investors and business people who contribute to the national economy. Applicants can obtain an Australian Golden Visa for an investment of AUD 1.25 million or more or by starting a business in the country. Holders of business and investment visas have the right to reside in the country for 5 years and the possibility to obtain permanent residency in Australia.

Elena Ruda

Malta citizenship offers the opportunity to live, work, study, and build a European business. Besides, citizenship gives cosmopolitans a new quality of life: freedom to travel without visas and to live in a European country.  A foreigner can become a Maltese citizen by naturalisation, marriage, descent, or family reunification. The Maltese Government also attracts wealthy people willing to invest in the country’s economy with a simplified naturalisation path taking 1 or 3 years instead of the usual 5 years of permanent living on the island.

Julia Loko

An Ireland residence permit can be obtained for an investment of €400,000. The Investor Visa allows the holder to work, do business, and study in the country, and after five years of residence, they can apply for citizenship. We discuss who is eligible to apply for an Irish residence permit by investment, how to participate in the investment program and the grounds on which an Irish passport can be granted.

Elena Ruda

Many countries allow foreigners to obtain residence permits; however, some ways are more challenging than others.With a residence permit, you can live in another country for the long haul typically anywhere from 1 to 5 years. You can qualify for one in several ways: by proving your financial stability, owning property, or making an investment. Investment is one of the easiest ways to become a resident of a certain state. Many European countries have special programs designed for wealthy people who would like to become residents. Learn more about the easiest countries for getting a residence permit.

Albert Ioffe

No vampires remain in Romania — only about 300 castles they used to live in. Mediaeval fortifications aside, Romania boasts an attractive passport that will be even stronger once the country joins the Schengen Area in April 2024. Impressive travel freedom, low cost of living, and acres of pristine nature — what’s not to like? Beware of scam agents, though; sadly, Romania is notorious in this regard. The fraudulent documents the scammers issue could land one into trouble, like getting banned from the EU for life. Here's everything you need to know about the legal ways to get Romanian citizenship.

Elena Ruda

“Zero income tax country” might sound appealing to a wealthy person seeking to optimise their tax burden. However, there are several things to be considered when choosing a low-tax country to live in: the general lifestyle of the country, other taxes it imposes on its residents, and the availability of residency or citizenship for foreigners. Immigrant Invest experts share their ratings of the best tax-free countries to live in and an overview of other options.

Albert Ioffe

Real estate in Malta may be a good choice for investment: the objects are considered liquid assets, and the prices usually grow by 3 to 6% a year. Renting a property out may help you earn 3 to 5% of its cost annually. In addition, buying a property in Malta helps to get temporary or permanent residency or even citizenship in this country. Let’s take a closer look at Malta’s real estate and the benefits it may provide to investors.

Igor Buglo

Rating agencies and financial magazines estimate banks to choose the most reliable ones for individuals and companies. Global Finance, an American financial magazine, assesses banks that work worldwide and are suitable for foreign investors. In 2022 it estimated banks from 150 countries. The list of winners was based on how banks performed in the previous year and such criteria as reputation, management excellence, and leadership in digital transformation. Read on to discover the list of reliable banks for investors.

Albert Ioffe

The cost of living in Malta island is lower than in Austria and other West European countries. Most foreigners who move to Malta note that the average monthly expenses are about €1,600 per person.  Some of our clients recently moved to Malta. In this article, we explore prices and our clients’ experience of living on the island.

Julia Loko

State permission is required to live in the country. It is confirmed by the following documents: a residence permit, a permanent residence card or a citizen's passport. We will tell you the opportunities each status brings and how to choose the right one.

Vladlena Baranova

The main reason wealthy people choose Malta for immigration is an opportunity to move to one of the EU countries in several months. For example, obtaining a residence permit under the Malta Global Residence Programme takes 3—4 months. In comparison, getting a residence permit in France, Germany, or the Netherlands may be much more difficult. To move to Malta, wealthy foreigners may take advantage of immigration programmes: the Malta Global Residence Programme and the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. They allow obtaining a residence permit and permanent residency, respectively.

Julia Loko

Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta can be a safe haven with its pleasant climate and high living standards. A foreigner can get Malta’s passport by investing €600,000+ and living in Malta for 3 years or investing €750,000+ and living in the country for 1 year. Let’s discuss how to get Maltese nationality, who qualifies for it, what the requirements are, and how much it costs.

Julia Loko

Canada citizenship can be obtained by investing 1,200,000 of Canadian dollars in Quebec. This option is suitable only for those who plan to move to Canada for permanent residence. Canada citizenship cannot be obtained remotely: the applicant needs to confirm their knowledge of the language, ability to integrate into the local society and live in the country for three years. Only then can they apply for Canada citizenship. We consider the requirements for applicants and also offer alternative investment programs with less stringent conditions.

Albert Ioffe

As of October 2025, around nine million Americans are expats living in other countries. By moving abroad, they can maintain a high quality of life with more favorable conditions. Just before and after the President elections in the USA, the interest in relocation spikes among Americans, as various surveys put political and social unrest as one of the main reasons for US citizens to seek residency abroad, alongside high living expenses. We go over the best and easiest countries to relocate from the US, based on expat preferences and expert advice. The options include obtaining a residence permit or citizenship by investing in the country’s economy.

Albert Ioffe

Some countries grant citizenship not for money or years of residence but for excellence. Exceptional talent, achievements, and service can open the door to a passport. This rare path is reserved for those who stand out in science, business, culture, or sport and whose contributions align with national interests. Among the notable figures recognised in this way are Elon Musk and Tom Hanks. Explore how citizenship by merit works, which countries offer it, and what alternatives exist.

Vladlena Baranova

Malta has permitted dual citizenship since February 10th, 2000, and it's now the norm rather than the exception. This means that Maltese citizens can keep their foreign nationality in addition to their Maltese one.  Dual citizenship of Malta is obtained by birthright, marriage, descent, special services to the state, and naturalisation. Let’s explore all the paths to determine the easiest and fastest.

Julia Loko