Malta Citizenship

Frequently asked questions

• Which investments can be returned?

  Only investments related to buying real estate can be returned. Property purchased for €700,000+ can be sold for a profit after 5 years, as real estate in Malta is constantly increasing in value.

• Do minor children have to pass Due Diligence?

  All family members are applied to pass the Eligibility Assessment. Learn more about Due Diligence.

• What guarantees can your company give?

  No one can guarantee that your application for Malta citizenship will be accepted. Moreover, if a company claims that the guarantee is 100%, you probably deal with scammers. Learn about how to avoid scammers when obtaining second citizenship.

  The government authorities decide to grant Malta citizenship. The decision is preceded by an in-depth check of the applicants' background and the legality of their income sources.

  Immigrant Invest conducts an internal background check to determine the chances of obtaining citizenship. The check occurs at the first stage of our collaboration, even before signing a Service Agreement with a client. The lawyers also prepare a list of documents to minimise the probability of the application rejection.

• Can I get Malta citizenship for exceptional services without the agent’s help?

  It is impossible to apply for Malta citizenship without a licensed agent; the requirement is stated by the Maltese Citizenship Act.

  Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent authorised to assist applicants in preparing and submitting documents.

• What is the minimum investment amount needed?

  The minimum required investment is €690,000. The sum includes non-refundable contributions to the National Development and Social Fund and a non-governmental organisation and the cost of renting real estate.

• Are there any additional costs when renting real estate in Malta?

  The tenant usually covers utility bills. The average utility expenses in Malta are €60—170 for an apartment of 85 square metres, including electricity, water, and garbage collection.

• Can I get Malta citizenship without investing in the country’s economy?

  Yes, you can. There are six main paths to Malta citizenship:

  1. Standard naturalisation. In this case, a foreigner must live in Malta permanently for at least 5 years. In addition, an applicant for citizenship must pass exams in the Maltese or English language and the country’s history and law. The list of required documents includes written confirmation that several Maltese citizens vouch for the applicant.

  2. Marriage to a Maltese citizen. Citizenship application becomes available after 5 years of marriage. During this time, spouses don’t have to live in Malta permanently.

  3. Family reunification is suitable for those who have close relatives among Maltese citizens. Parents, grandparents, and siblings count.

  4. Maltese ancestry must be proven with documents. In this case, citizenship is granted without getting a residence permit, passing exams and residing in the country before application.

  5. Political asylum or refugee status. Refugees must prove that their life is in danger or they are discriminated against in their country of origin. Citizenship can be obtained after 6 years of living in Malta.

  6. Exceptional services. In this case, the passport is granted by the Maltese President personally to scientists, artists, sportsmen, businessmen, and politicians. There are no fixed criteria for this category.

• What duties arise after obtaining citizenship in Malta?

  Investors must take the following steps immediately after their citizenship application is approved:

  1. Rent or buy a residential property in Malta.

  2. Get an architect’s report stating the market value of the rented or purchased property.

  3. Get or renew health insurance before obtaining a passport.

  4. Sign an Annual Compliance Form during the first 5 years of citizenship. The form confirms compliance with the conditions attached to their certificate of naturalisation.

• Can my future children become Maltese citizens?

  Yes, newborn children of Maltese citizens are also entitled to this status.

  To get a Malta passport for a child, parents must apply for registration in the Public Registry. You’ll need to submit the child’s original birth certificate with an apostille and the marriage certificate.

  Then, you may apply for a passport for the child in a consulate or visit Malta and submit documents there. Both parents must be present. One of them may apply themselves if only they have been given a permit by another parent in the presence of the consul.

• How fast can I become a Maltese citizen?

  Malta citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment requires residency for 1 or 3 years.

  The procedure requires additional time to get a clearance, a residence permit and final approval, to fulfil the investment conditions and to receive passports. Usually, these steps take several months.

• Do I have to visit Malta to become a citizen?

  Yes, an applicant must visit Malta to get the status.

  Investors get Malta citizenship by naturalisation, which means they must live in the country for a decent time with a residence permit. Also, applicants must pass some procedures in person, such as applying for residency, submitting biometrics, taking the Oath of Allegiance and receiving passports.

• Is Malta dual citizenship allowed?

  Yes, Malta allows its citizens to have multiple citizenships. A person may be required to choose one citizenship only if it’s the rule in another country.