MALTA CITIZENSHIP

This editorial on Malta Citizenship provides an overview on the benefits and rules for Malta Citizenship by Investment under the Malta Individual Investor Programme. Launched in the beginning of 2014, the number of Malta Citizenship applications had already reached 900 by September 2015.

Maltese Citizenship: The Benefits

There are a number of the reasons why an increasing number of foreigners are opting for a second passport in the European Island of Malta::

No visa required for over 163 countries
including UK, US, Canada, Australia
(Cyprus: 151, St Kitts: 131)
Approval in under 4 months.
Passport in hand within 6 - 12 months of application.
Quality first: applicants are thoroughly vetted, HNW and reputable individuals.
Tried and Tested: Chetcuti Cauchi have secured the very first passports under the programme and remain a top players in Citizenship and Residency by Investment.
Investment & Contributions only required on approval.

Malta Citizenship: Why Malta?

A pleasant climate and a hospitable English-speaking people.
A peaceful and safe way of life & high standard of living.
A rich cultural and historical heritage.
Freedom of movement into & out of Malta.
A pro-business and Tax-friendly environment..
Easy repatriation of capital & income out of Malta.
Taxation of Maltese Citizens on a source & remittance bases for non-doms resident in Malta.
Favourable, tax-friendly procedure for moving your possessions to Malta.
Over 60 Malta double taxation agreements with key countries.
A highly respected jurisdiction for incorporating tax efficient onshore companies
Excellent banking centre with the presence of major international banks
Excellent access by Sea and the Malta International Airport

Malta Citizenship: Eligibility

Applications for Maltese Citizenship by Investment will be accepted from persons over 18 years of age who are in good standing, and may include a spouse, minor children, dependent unmarried children between 18 and 25 years of age and dependent parents over 55 years of age. Applications may be made on a commitment for the following eligibility criteria:

A non-refundable Contribution of €650,000 to the Maltese Social & Development Fund;
AND
Investment in Approved Securities €150,000 - Government Bonds yielding approx 4.3% interest
AND
Purchase property at minimum €350,000 or rent at €16,000 for at least 5 years.

Malta Citizenship: Application Process

Applications are not directly to the Maltese Government but via Accredited Malta Immigration lawyers.
Only application & due diligence fees and €10,000 of the total contribution is payable at time of application. The balance is payable only on final approval.