How to move from the USA to Europe as an interracial LGBTQ+ couple

Piper and Zoe, a couple from Philadelphia, USA, own a travel agency, with Piper managing most of the business while Zoe works as a video editor for a blogger.

As 2024 began, tensions grew in the USA in anticipation of the upcoming presidential elections. Given the prevailing societal mood, the prospect of a Republican victory felt increasingly likely, which made Piper and Zoe, as members of the LGBTQ+ community, anxious. They feared that such a shift could lead to restrictive laws against LGBTQ+ rights and a rise in racism.

Seeking a more inclusive environment, Piper and Zoe decided to pursue a second passport, ideally in Europe. On a friend’s recommendation, they consulted Immigrant Invest and learned about the opportunity to obtain Maltese citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment in 1 or 3 years.

Becoming Maltese citizens in such a short time seemed appealing to the couple, so they started exploring the option.

While on a business trip to Europe, Piper took a 2-hour flight from Barcelona to Malta to meet with representatives from Immigrant Invest and explore the island.

The Immigrant Invest team guided her through the requirements and procedures for obtaining a Maltese passport for exceptional services. The investor fulfils several options, buying or renting a residential property being one of them.

Piper initially decided to buy real estate, as she and Zoe had already agreed on moving from the USA. Immigrant Invest then showed her suitable properties for investment.

Piper,

Entrepreneur from the USA

Immigrant Invest offered several options, but one apartment in Valletta stood out for me. With its spacious kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea, and three bedrooms, it perfectly matched my vision. 

I could already imagine converting one room into my office and using another as a guest room. I couldn’t resist and have already invited a few close friends over.

I'm thrilled with the choice and can’t stop imagining Zoe and me strolling along the historic streets or enjoying wine on our balcony with a view of the waterfront.

A month later, Piper returned to Malta with Zoe. After careful consideration, they decided to proceed, with Piper acting as the main applicant.

Unmarried same-sex couples can obtain Malta citizenship together. The main investor applies and includes their partner in the same application, without filing a second one.

Other advantages attracted the couple too:

1. Malta is part of the EU, with democracy and equality as core values.

2. According to the ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map 2024, Malta ranks as the most LGBT-friendly country in Europe.

3. English is an official language in Malta, meaning Piper and Zoe would not need to learn any new language to integrate into society.

4. Malta is a developed country with a high quality of life yet remains 25% more affordable than the USA.

5. Citizenship is life-long and granted to investors under a simplified procedure, where the applicant doesn’t have to live in the country permanently and take exams.

To obtain Malta citizenship, investor must fulfil three mandatory requirements:

1. Make a contribution to the National Development and Social Fund — €600,000 for obtaining citizenship in 3 years or €750,000 for obtaining it in 1 year. An additional €50,000 is required for each family member included in the application.

2. Donate to a non-governmental organisation — €10,000.

3. Buy residential estate or rent it for five years — for €700,000+ if purchasing or for €16,000 per year if renting.

When purchasing a housing, applicants pay a 5% stamp duty and notary fees of up to 2%.

Before making all the investments, the applicant obtains a residence permit. For this, they are required to sign a lease agreement for €12,000+ per year.

Additional fees include:

• €15,000+ for the Eligibility Assessment;

• €5,000+ for issuing residence permit cards;

• €1,500+ as an administrative fee.

Piper and Zoe are currently awaiting the results of their Eligibility Assessment, which they expect to receive around early March. If successful, they will be eligible to apply for citizenship by October 2025. Immigrant Invest will continue to support them throughout each stage of obtaining their Maltese passports.

Following the election results in the USA, Piper and Zoe are grateful they chose to relocate to Malta. They now enjoy the island’s tranquillity, warm climate, and lower cost of living compared to Philadelphia.

The couple is exploring Malta, as Piper is considering opening a hotel and is on the lookout for an ideal location. They also plan to travel outside Malta, hoping to visit other European countries, especially during the Christmas season.