All ways to get Malta Citizenship for Indian citizens
Indians in Malta are the most popular non-EU nationality. They are attracted to the country by its high standard of living, developed economy, and comfortable climate. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Malta boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters, picturesque cliffs, and sandy beaches.
There are three ways to get Malta citizenship from India. One of them, by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment, requires a minimum investment of €610,000. In this article, learn how to get Malta citizenship for Indian citizens.
Described how to move to Malta from India
Fact checked byZlata Erlach
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All ways to get Malta Citizenship for Indian citizens
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3 ways to get Malta citizenship for Indian citizens
An Indian citizen can acquire Malta nationality by registration, naturalisation, or naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment.
By registration. If an Indian citizen gets married to a Maltese citizen, they can apply for a Maltese passport after 5 years of marriage. Widows or widowers can also apply if the marriage lasted for 5 years or there is a 5-year gap between the wedding and the application.
By naturalisation. A foreigner can become a citizen of Malta if they have lived in the country for 5 years. It is necessary to know Maltese or English on a level good enough to communicate with the authorities and the locals. It is also necessary to have two sponsors that can prove you are a good person and worthy of Maltese citizenship.
By naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment. To qualify, an investor needs to transfer €600,000 to the National Development and Social Fund and reside in Malta for three years. Another option is to invest €750,000 and live in the country for only a year before applying for citizenship. In both cases, there is also an obligatory expense of €10,000 that goes to an NGO in Malta.
5 benefits of a Malta passport for Indian citizens
1. Travel visa-free to 168 countries. This includes the European Union, the UK, Switzerland, and Norway. In Asia, holders of Maltese passports get to visit Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and the UAE without a visa. As for Australia, Canada, and the United States, Maltese citizens only need an electronic visa for entry. For instance, an Indian passport opens a visa-free route to 92 countries.
2. Possibility to include family members. An investor seeking a Maltese passport by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment is able to include their family in the application. Specifically, a spouse, children under 29 years old, parents, and grandparents. By choosing this path, an investor can move to a safe haven with the whole family.
3. High-quality healthcare. Malta enjoys a well-developed medical system. In 2021, life expectancy in Malta was 83 years, compared to 67 years in India. Medical insurance includes free examinations, treatment, and medications in clinics and hospitals.
4. Life in Europe. Maltese citizens get to reside in Malta or another country of the European Union, enrol in prestigious European educational institutions, look for job opportunities, or establish a business in any part of the European market.
5. Comfortable adaptation. A citizen of India will find it quite easy to adapt to life in Malta. The climate is warm too but does not have monsoons; the traffic is also on the left; and the English language is one of the official ones.
Drawbacks of a Maltese passport. The path to obtaining Maltese citizenship for Indians is rather long: it takes one or three years, depending on the amount of investment. It is also quite costly: expenses for a family with four members will be around €1,000,000 without accommodation.
Even though the Republicof Malta allows it to have dual citizenship, the Constitution of India does not. So an Indian citizen wishing to get a Maltese passport will have to give up their first nationality.
Requirements and documents needed to obtain Malta citizenship
The list of documents for citizenship by birth, by registration, and by naturalisation is quite similar. An applicant will need to provide a birth certificate, an ID, passport, or residence card, and a document that proves the applicant’s status. There is also a specific application form for each case.
As for citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment, there are more nuances.
If an investor from India wants to qualify, they should:
have no criminal records with imprisonment for 1+ years, excluding crimes of negligence, and not be prosecuted before the International Criminal Court;
be under no international sanctions;
have no visa denials for the USA or countries that have a visa waiver regime with Malta;
reside in the country for 1 or 3 years, depending on the investment;
pass stringent Due Diligence and checks.
The list of documents is excessive, and an applicant will need to submit them in several stages.
The necessary documents for Indian citizens to get Malta citizenship by investment can be sorted into several categories:
Personal documents. IDs, international passports, and residence permits of all applicants; a marriage certificate or other proof of status; birth certificates; and a military ID if applicable.
Financial statements. Bank statements for the last 6 months; proof of sources of income; confirmation of providing for each dependent; tax residency declarations.
Investment confirmation.
Confirmation of address in Malta. Either a real estate purchase agreement or a rental declaration form; for the latter, a landlord’s declaration is also needed.
Documents provided by lawyers. A power of attorney; a Level 1 Due Diligence from a licenced agent; the agent’s cover letter.
Other application documents. A submission letter; application forms K and ID 1A; a CV of the main applicant; a motivational letter with a decision to pick either 1 year or 3 years of residing in Malta; a certificate of good conduct; medical insurance.
Expenses for Malta citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment
The main expense associated with obtaining a Maltese passport is an investment. It is a minimum of €600,000 or €750,000 to obtain citizenship in 3 or 1 year, respectively. There is an extra investment of €50,000 per dependent family member. On top of that is a donation to an NGO of €10,000. Both the investment and the donation are non-refundable.
An investor and their family should have a place of residence in Malta. The minimum required price for the purchased estate is €700,000, and the minimum rent price is €16,000 per year. The lease agreement should remain in force for 5 years after obtaining citizenship.
How to get Malta citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment from India
To get Malta nationality, an investor and their family should pass all the checks, then get residence permits, and then fulfil the investment conditions. It is necessary to confirm the investment for 5 years after obtaining a passport.
The whole process takes 1 or 3 years, depending on the option that an investor chooses, plus additional time for application consideration, which might take up to a year.
Up to 2 weeks
Police Clearance
It is performed by the Maltese police for every applicant over the age of 18.
It is performed by the Maltese police for every applicant over the age of 18.
1 week
Collecting documents for residence permits
The list of documents includes passports, birth and marriage certificates, medical insurance, and a report from an agent.
The list of documents includes passports, birth and marriage certificates, medical insurance, and a report from an agent.
1 week
Purchasing or renting residential property
An investor should provide documents that prove their permanent address in Malta.
An investor should provide documents that prove their permanent address in Malta.
Several days
Getting medical insurance
The applicant might need to fill out a questionnaire from an insurance company. Medical insurance should be global, with a minimum cover of €50,000 per applicant.
The applicant might need to fill out a questionnaire from an insurance company. Medical insurance should be global, with a minimum cover of €50,000 per applicant.
About 2 weeks
Getting a residence permit
The application should be submitted within 6 months after the Police Clearance.
The applicant provides the original documents collected for the residence permit. In addition, they submit biometrics for each applicant, including children over 6 years old.
The application should be submitted within 6 months after the Police Clearance.
The applicant provides the original documents collected for the residence permit. In addition, they submit biometrics for each applicant, including children over 6 years old.
4—5 months
Eligibility Test
It is run by the Community Agency of Malta.
It is run by the Community Agency of Malta.
2—4 weeks
Application for citizenship
For applications after 3 years of residency, extra documents are needed. For example, recent bank statements, confirmation of the address in Malta, new certificates of good conduct, a new medical form, and any other documents that were renewed in the last 3 years.
For applications after 3 years of residency, extra documents are needed. For example, recent bank statements, confirmation of the address in Malta, new certificates of good conduct, a new medical form, and any other documents that were renewed in the last 3 years.
within 6 months
Getting citizenship
An investor’s family should visit an office of the Community Malta Agency to submit biometrics and to take the Oath of Allegiance. The passports are ready 4 working days later
An investor’s family should visit an office of the Community Malta Agency to submit biometrics and to take the Oath of Allegiance. The passports are ready 4 working days later
5 years
Confirmation of investment
An investor should submit an Annual Compliance Form to confirm they are following the rules of investment.
If an investor does not follow the rules, the Community Malta Agency can revoke their citizenship.
An investor should submit an Annual Compliance Form to confirm they are following the rules of investment.
If an investor does not follow the rules, the Community Malta Agency can revoke their citizenship.
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What to do after receiving the passport
Maltese passports are not issued for life. The validity period depends on the age of the passport holder. Children under 10 years old get a 2-year passport, and teenagers between the ages of 10 and 15 obtain a 5-year passport. Children over 15, as well as adults, get passports for 10 years.
To renew a passport, a Maltese citizen should apply three months prior to the expiration date. It is possible to do it in Malta, at the High Commission of Malta located in New Dehli, or in another consulate of the country.
Applicants 6 years of age and older should take a photograph, and applicants 12 years of age and older should also submit biometrics. In Malta, it takes 4 hours to get a new passport.
If something happened to the passport, its holder should submit a report of loss, theft, or damage to the Maltese Police or Consulate of the Republic, and then apply for a new passport issuance.
Where to move from India to Malta
Malta offers plenty of appealing regions and cities for living. Ultimately, the choice of region or city in Malta will depend on a family’s lifestyle and priorities. Immigrant Investment lawyers also consult on real estate, so you can make an informed decision based on your preferences.
Sliema and St. Julian’s. Located on the northeastern coast of Malta, Sliema and St. Julian’s are popular areas known for their vibrant atmosphere, cosmopolitan lifestyle, and waterfront promenades. These regions offer a wide range of amenities, including shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment options. They are also home to several international schools, making them suitable for families seeking quality education for their children.
Property for purchase in Silema and St. Julian’s
Malta, Sliema
€920,000 — €1,300,000
Apartments in a new residential high-rise project near the sea
176 m² — 211 m²
2—3 
2 
Valletta. As the capital city of Malta, Valletta is a cultural and historical hub with UNESCO World Heritage status. It offers a rich blend of old-world charm and modern conveniences. Valletta provides a variety of museums, art galleries, theatres, and historical sites, enabling families to immerse themselves in Malta’s history and culture.
While there are limited residential options within Valletta itself, nearby towns like Kalkara offer more housing choices.
Property for purchase in Valletta
Malta, Valletta
€1,510,000 — €3,370,000
Modern apartments not far from sea in Valetta123 m² — 281 m²1—3 1—3 Mellieha. Situated in the northern part of Malta, Mellieha is a family-friendly region known for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful beaches, and tranquil surroundings. The nearby sandy beaches of Gadira, Golden Sands, and Gein Tuffiha are all within a short drive. Mellieha is a popular destination for both foreign visitors and locals all year round.
This unusual city is located at an altitude of about 150 metres above sea level, offering a more relaxed and suburban lifestyle, making it ideal for families seeking a quieter environment. Mellieha also has various amenities, including schools, supermarkets, and recreational facilities, ensuring convenience for residents.
Key takeaways about Malta citizenship for Indian citizens
An Indian citizen can become a Maltese citizen by registration, naturalisation, or by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment — the minimum investment is €610,000.
Malta’s passport provides multiple benefits. Maltese citizens can reside in any EU member state, travel visa-free to over 180 countries, enjoy a high quality of life, and get access to the European business market, medicine, and education.
An Indian citizen cannot have dual citizenship, so after getting a Maltese passport for exceptional services, an investor will have to give up their Indian passport.
An investor can include in their application family members such as a spouse, children under 29, and parents aged 55 or older.
The process of getting citizenship is clear yet expensive and time-consuming. The investment amount is €600,000 if the investor plans to reside in Malta for 3 years and €750,000 for 1-year track to citizenship. Additionally, an investor donates €10,000 to a local NGO. There is an extra investment of €50,000 per family member.
A permanent address in Malta is necessary for Maltese nationality. One can choose between renting out or purchasing real estate. The annual price for the former is €16,000, and the lease should be kept for 5 years after getting citizenship. If an investor wishes to buy a house, the minimum sum is €700,000.
A Maltese passport obtained for exceptional services is valid for 10 years. It is necessary to apply for renewal three months before the expiration date.
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for citizenship and residence by investment programs in the EU, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East. Take advantage of our global 15-year expertise — schedule a meeting with our investment programs experts.
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