Investors from non-EU and non-EEA countries looking to relocate to Malta can benefit from the golden visa program through investments in this country. There are two important programs that can be in the best interest of an entrepreneur. As for the legal requirements for buying a golden visa in Malta, we suggest you talk to our team of local lawyers in Malta who can also explain the entire procedure, with respect to the applicable laws.
Moving to Malta through the golden visa program requires meeting specific requirements that are presented below.
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Qualification requirements for those who want to apply for a Malta golden visa
First of all, it is important to note that moving to Malta under the golden visa addresses only non-EU citizens. These must comply with the Citizenship Act which was amended in 2014 with the purpose of accommodating the procedures for those who want to buy citizenship by investment.
These must meet the following requirements in order to be accepted into the golden visa/citizenship by investment scheme:
- they must be at least 18 years old at the time the application is submitted,
- they must pass a fit and proper test which will require a background check from the authorities,
- they must pass a medical examination and file a health certificate,
- they are required to make contributions to the National Development and Social Fund, as well as investments under the conditions of the program.
Those who want to move to Malta through golden passports and have questions about the requirements can rely on our specialists who can explain to them all the legal steps and procedures they must comply with.
Golden visa countries offer the option to move to a favorable jurisdiction or only occasionally visit it physically, depending on the applicant’s preferences. The right to live, work, study, and receive healthcare in the respective state, however, is available by having residency there. We invite you to explore your options with the help of our agents in the respective countries.
If you are interested in starting a business in Malta, we can put you in touch with our local partners.
What are the requirements for obtaining a Malta golden visa in 2023?
The golden visa program for Malta was launched in 2015 and entered into force in the same year, as an amendment provided by the Maltese Immigration Act. The following criteria are important for foreigners interested in placing their investments in Malta:
- the accepted candidates are those from EU and EEA and of at least 18 years of age;
- a contribution of at least EUR 30,000 is necessary at the time you apply for golden passports;
- renting or buying a property is a mandatory rule for each candidate;
- a minimum investment of EUR 250,000 is also another requirement for obtaining the golden visa for Malta.
Investing in Maltese government bonds a minimum of EUR 250,000 for a period of five years grants the indefinite residency for foreigners in Malta. It is good to know that the imposed sum of EUR 30,000 represents the contribution to the Maltese State Fund. We remind you that our team of attorneys in Malta is at the disposal of foreign investors interested in golden visa countries.
If you want to move to Malta on a golden visa/citizenship by investment, all requirements will be explained by our specialists.
The Malta investment visa – the newest immigration scheme
The Malta golden visa is one of the most appealing programs in Europe and the European Union, as it encompasses several programs reunited under one. The latest such program is the Individual Investor Program which was included in the country’s immigration legislation and which targets citizenship.
Even if the European Union has issued specific conditions about these programs which have determined several countries to renounce such schemes, Malta has found the resources to amend its golden visa requirements so that the program keeps on running. Moreover, the investment visa has been recognized by the European organisms.
At the end of 2020, the new golden visa program was amended with new conditions, among which the most important refers to the minimum amount to be injected and the timeframe for obtaining Maltese citizenship.
Under a minimum investment of 600,000 euros, a foreign citizen can obtain Maltese citizenship within 3 years, while for an investment of 750,000 a Maltese passport can be obtained within 1 year. Through this new program, the authorities hope to attract high-net-worth individuals who are genuinely interested in participating in the wellbeing of this country.
Our specialist can offer more information on the conditions related to obtaining a Malta investment visa. We can also advise on other golden visa countries.
All applications for the investment visa are now processed by IdentityMalta, an agency created for this purpose.
The Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment
Not long ago, the authorities have created the Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (MEIN) which targets ultra-high net worth people which makes it one of the most desired citizenship by investment countries.
Under the new Malta golden visa scheme, the requirements are slightly different, and these imply:
- a minimum contribution of 600,000 euros to the National Development Fund,
- the possibility of maintaining Maltese residency for 36 months.
For those interested in acquiring Maltese citizenship by investment faster, there is also a quicker possibility which implies a higher contribution of 750,000 euros and proof of being able to maintain Maltese residency for 12 months.
For those who want to bring family members to the country under the Malta golden visa program, the following additional financial requirements apply:
- for each dependent, an additional contribution of 50,000 euros must be made,
- 700,000 euros must be committed to the purchase of a residential property,
- the alternative is 16,000 euros that must be used for renting a property,
- another 10,000 euros must be donated to philanthropic, cultural, sport, or scientific projects.
What should be noted about the real estate investment is that the amount of money must be kept for 5 years. The value of the rental agreement (16,000 euros) is calculated per year.
Moving to Malta through a golden visa is one of the quickest ways of obtaining a European Union residency. Even if there are other countries that offer access to EU citizenship, Malta is one of the appreciated destinations in Europe.
If you want to buy a golden visa, you can rely on our specialists who can also direct you to other programs, such as those developed by Ireland, the UK, or Greece.
If you want to enter programs in citizenship by investment countries, you can rely on our advisors for detailed information.
Real estate rental as an option for investment immigration to Malta
Malta is one of the few countries to create a special immigration program under which renting a property is an option. Moreover, the value of the respective real estate is not high. There are also other requirements to comply with but generally speaking, this is a great option for those who are not sure if they want to obtain Maltese passports from the beginning. This is also a suitable option for those interested in retiring here.
Here are the main conditions when renting a property with the intention of obtaining a Malta golden visa:
- the value of the rental contract must be at least 10,000 euros per year if the estate is located in Southern Malta or the Island of Gozo;
- if the real estate is based in other regions of Malta, the minimum value of the contract is 12,000 euros;
One must be careful when choosing this option, as the Malta golden visa requirements in this form apply to single applicants. When immigrating with family members, the value of these contracts is higher. Also, donations and contributions to government-established funds are required.
Before making any choice, we invite you to discuss with our specialists in order to make an informed decision.
The process of obtaining a golden visa in Malta
The procedure of obtaining a golden visa in Malta is rather simple, however, due to the paperwork that needs to be carefully prepared, it is recommended to use specialized services. According to our golden visa agents in Malta:
- the applicant must first submit a request for a residence permit,
- following that, the documents for the due diligence of the authorities must be filed,
- provided that the eligibility criteria are met, an Approval on Principal from the Community Malta Agency (CMA) will be issued,
- then, the successful candidate will be naturalized.
One of the greatest benefits of the Malta goldenvisa is that the applicant and family members (where applicable) will obtain citizenship after moving here.
If you need support in applying for residency or citizenship by investment in Malta, do not hesitate to request our agents’ help. The new Malta golden visa requirements can be explained by our lawyers.
The benefits of a golden visa in Malta
Traveling freely in the Schengen Area is probably the most important benefit offered to foreign investors in Malta who have obtained the golden visa for Malta. Besides that, the family members can benefit from the same rights of living and working in Malta as the main candidate. The indefinite leave to remain is granted to foreigners who obtain the golden visa through the governmental program which gained success from the first time it was implemented in Malta. Likewise, one must know that there is no age limit for dependent children of foreign investors in Malta. We remind that Malta is part of the Schengen Area and a significant financial player on the international market.
If you have any questions on the Malta golden visa requirements, you can send them to our consultants.
Tax advantages as Maltese resident
There are no specific tax requirements if you obtain European citizenship in Malta through an investment program. The only way you or your family’s tax situation will alter once you become a Maltese citizen is if you choose to establish a tax residence. Or, to put it more simply, unless you have a residence in Malta.
You can maintain your non-domicile status and benefit from a very favorable tax exposure even if you move to Malta. In addition, you are only required to pay taxes on income earned within the nation. Moreover, no foreign income nor any capital gains derived outside of Malta will be subject to taxation.
Why does the Malta golden visa address non-EU citizens only?
The Malta investment visa is quite appealing for people from all over the world, however, it is a known thing that it only addresses non-EU citizens. This happens because Malta is an EU member state and citizens of these countries have other options (simpler options) for moving here without having to apply for any visa no matter if they want to work or start their own businesses here.
In order to attract persons from other parts of the world, but mainly investors, many EU countries have enabled golden visas. After Cyprus, which was one of the first states in the world to create such a program, others have followed its example.
Malta was one of the European countries to create a balanced program that targeted investors and high net worth individuals interested in living and enjoying life in one of the most beautiful countries on the Old Continent.
The Malta golden visa requirements are now diverse and adapted to the needs of all those interested in immigrating here.
What has changed in the Golden Visa Scheme in Malta in 2023
A recent amendment in the legislation provides for a new authority to be in charge of the Malta Golden Visa Scheme in 2023. This is the Community Malta Agency. The requirements remain the same, however, an expedited procedure has also been set in place.
Those who want to apply for a golden visa in Malta in 2023 must meet certain requirements, among which they can invest 600,000 euros for a 3-year residence permit or 750,000 euros for a one-year permit. Updated information can be given by our specialists in this country.
Specialized assistance in buying a golden visa in Malta
Malta has several programs, each with its own requirements when it comes to golden visas. Under some of them, a foreign applicant can obtain permanent residency, while under others they can opt directly for citizenship.
Our specialists can guide you in making a suitable choice. They will explain all the requirements, provide background checks to see if you qualify for the selected type of visa, but they will also offer assistance in preparing the necessary documents for immigration.
No matter the program you choose, you can rely on us to be your reliable partners.
FAQ on the Malta golden visa scheme
Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions on the Malta golden visa and its requirements:
- How many citizenship by investment schemes does Malta have?
Malta has a citizenship by investment and a residency scheme, each with its requirements.
- How long does it take for the application for the golden visa to be approved?
The application procedure takes between 6 and 8 to complete, as it depends on various factors.
- Will I obtain Maltese citizenship automatically after entering the golden visa program?
You will obtain a Maltese passport after entering the country, however, our agents can offer more information on this aspect.
- What are the main benefits of this program?
The Malta golden visa will enable you to live and work here but also anywhere else in the European Union. Apart from this, you will be able to freely travel to all EU and Schengen states.
We invite you to get in touch with our lawyers in Malta if you need legal assistance for buying a golden visa in Malta in 2023.