Reading Time: 4 min

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

As a same-sex interracial couple, we started feeling uncomfortable in the USA as certain political voices grew louder and gained more supporters. This led us to consider relocating to a more tolerant environment in Europe.

Thanks to a dear friend and ally, we found out about Immigrant Invest’s services for those looking to move abroad.

With their assistance, we have already obtained residence permits in Malta and are now waiting for the opportunity to apply for Maltese passports.

Piper and Zoe

Piper and Zoe,

Entrepreneurs from the USA

Clients’ names and photos have been changed

Malta citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment for US nationals

This case was provided by our expert

Frederick Ellul
Frederick Ellul

Lawyer and Immigrant Invest's partner in Malta

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

Investors’ background

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.

Piper’s trip to Malta and why the couple decided to obtain citizenship there

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

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.

Citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment in Malta

Valletta is a Maltese capital, an old city rich with touristic sites, such as St John’s Co-Cathedral, Ħaġar Qim, Grandmaster’s Palace and Armory, and the Grand Harbour

Requirements for the Malta citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment

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.

Individual cost calculation for Maltese citizenship

Individual cost calculation for Maltese citizenship

Piper and Zoe’s pathway to Malta citizenship for exceptional services

Piper and Zoe decided to pursue Malta citizenship after holding residence permits for 1 year. This means their journey to citizenship will take approximately 1 year and 4 months in total.

They will need to spend around €1,611,000.

1

1 day, August 6th, 2024

Preliminary Due Diligence

Before signing an agreement, Immigrant Invest conducted a preliminary Due Diligence check using international databases. This assessment reduced the risk of refusal to 1%.

Piper and Zoe passed Due Diligence, and Immigrant Invest proceeded with the agreement.

2

+ 2 weeks

Clearance

The Community Malta Agency conducted background checks, reviewing Piper and Zoe against Interpol, Europol, and other databases.

3

+ 1 weeks, €767,500

Choosing a residential property

Planning to move to Malta, Piper and Zoe bought a modern three-bedroom apartment for €715,000, previously recommended by Immigrant Invest. At this stage the couple paid €37,500 as stamp duty and €15,000 as notary fees.

The property transaction was managed by Immigrant Invest, who signed the sales and purchase agreement and helped with registration at the Maltese address.

4

+ 3 weeks

Documents preparation and biometrics submission

Immigrant Invest assisted Piper and Zoe with gathering documents and completing government forms. Since the documents were already in English, no translation was necessary.

Piper and Zoe also submitted their fingerprints in person.

5

+ 2 weeks, €6,000

Acquisition of residence permits

Immigrant Invest filed the application, and 2 weeks later, Piper and Zoe received their residence permit cards. The fees were €5,000 for Piper and an additional €1,000 for Zoe.

The cards are valid for 36 months.

6

October 29th, €25,000

Application for the Eligibility Test

As a rule, investors have 12 months to apply for the Eligibility Assessment needed for citizenship approval.

Piper and Zoe decided to apply early, submitting their application 3 weeks after receiving their residence permits. They paid €15,000 for Piper’s assessment and €10,000 for Zoe’s.

The Eligibility Assessment will require at least 4 months to complete.

Piper and Zoe’s life in Malta

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.

Schedule a meeting

Let's discuss the details

Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.

Prefer messengers?