Why should one consider Maltese citizenship through investment?

General information about Malta

Malta is a small island country located in the very center of the Mediterranean Sea. The island is 90 kilometers from Sicily, the Italian island, and 280 kilometers from the African coast. The archipelago includes three main islands: Malta, the largest one where most of the population lives; Gozo, a small and picturesque "sister" island with about 40,000 residents; and almost uninhabited Comino.

Economic stability and investments

Despite its modest size, Malta consistently ranks high in various global rankings related to quality of life, citizenship opportunities, and economic stability.

This sovereign country is a member of the European Union and is also part of the British Commonwealth, which offers its citizens numerous advantages for traveling to the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries, such as Canada and Australia.

Investments in real estate in Malta are considered some of the most reliable and profitable. Due to its limited size, stable economy, and popularity among foreign investors, the real estate market remains active even in challenging times. Recent data shows that in the fourth quarter of the past year, average property prices increased by6.2%With rental yields at the level of5-7%per year on an average mortgage loan that does not exceed3%Many foreigners view real estate acquisition as a reliable means for long-term financial planning.

Safety

Moreover, Malta is known as one of the safest countries in Europe. The crime rate here is minimal, allowing little ones to play outside without much worry. Malta attracts not only travelers but also entrepreneurs due to its numerous tax benefits and various programs aimed at developing the private sector.

This creates attractive conditions for optimizing tax expenses and conducting business.

Education system

The educational system in Malta also deserves high praise and provides graduates with the opportunity to enroll in high-quality educational institutions both within the country and abroad. This includes universities:

• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Australia
• Many other countries in Europe

Official documents and business correspondence are conducted in English, which significantly facilitates the exchange of information for English-speaking residents.

Residency programs

The residency programs in Malta are aimed at various groups of investors, taking into account their financial situation and desires. This provides options ranging from long-term visas to obtaining citizenship through investment.

Thus, Malta turns out to be not only an island with a rich historical heritage and cultural lifestyle but also an attractive destination for investment, education, and safe living.

This country, having developed over a long period of time, continues to delight its citizens and guests with a high standard of living, as well as a healthy and sustainable economy.

Program for obtaining citizenship through investment

The program that allows individuals to obtain citizenship through investment is known as the "Malta Individual Investor Programme" (MIIP). This initiative was launched in 2013, and the acceptance of the first applications began in 2014. Currently, around 1,200 applications from foreign citizens have been registered.

Quotas and the prospects of the program

According to the current legislation regulating the MIIP, the right to obtain Maltese passports is available to 1,800 families from other countries. Given the successful performance of this program, as indicated by the Maltese authorities, analysts suggest that the quota may be increased in the future.

Investment obligations

On average, each family participating in the program invests over 700,000 euros, which could lead to a total investment in the country's budget of up to 1.2 billion euros. This figure only accounts for direct investments, excluding administrative costs associated with the program.

Requirements for participants

To participate in the Malta Individual Investor Programme, potential applicants must first confirm their good health and provide documents proving the absence of financial and criminal offenses. Health status can be confirmed with a medical certificate from a licensed physician, either local or from the applicant's home country. The verification of financial and criminal records is conducted with particular diligence.

Language requirements

Knowledge of the local language is not a mandatory requirement for investors participating in MIIP, as both Maltese and English are officially recognized languages in Malta. However, this does not apply to the naturalization process, which may require knowledge of the language.

The cost of participating in the program

The minimum investment cost for obtaining citizenship is less than one million euros for a married couple. It should also be noted that as the family size increases, the cost of participating in the program becomes more advantageous.

Investment guarantees

Moreover, an interesting point is that applicants do not risk losing their entire investment. The main investments are made only after receiving preliminary approval for citizenship issuance. The amount of 150,000 euros that a program participant invests in Maltese securities can be redeemed after five years, during which all dividends earned are credited directly to the applicant's account.

Credit terms

The opportunity to obtain a loan at an annual interest rate of 3.5% is available for those planning to purchase real estate in Malta.

Summary of participation conditions

The conditions for participating in the Maltese passport program for investors include mandatory investments, among which refundable ones can be highlighted. These important features of the program emphasize the interest of foreign investors seeking access to European citizenship and the opportunities it provides.

Acquiring real estate for at least €350,000 or renting properties worth from €16,000 per year is considered the second option available for those looking to invest their funds. It's important to understand that rental costs are not refundable; however, purchasing real estate is a very profitable way to allocate capital.

Investment options

Possible investments also include government bonds or investment funds in Malta, with a minimum investment amount starting from €150,000.

Irreversible investments

As for non-refundable contributions, their amount varies:

• Main applicantI must transfer €650,000 to the Malta Economic and National Development Fund.
• Spouse- €25,000;
• Children under 18 years old- €25,000;
• Children aged 18 to 26 years (not married) - €50,000;
• Financially independent parentsover 55 years old - €50,000.

Conditions for obtaining citizenship

It is important to pay attention to the additional regulations regarding obtaining citizenship. Applications for Maltese citizenship can only be submitted through officially accredited financial and legal companies, whose role is to verify the submitted documents and assess the applicant's reliability. One such company is act-maltavip ltd, which has significant experience in this field.

Residency

A candidate for citizenship must become a resident of Malta for a period of at least one year, during which they must be present in the country for 15 to 30 days. After this period, they will be issued a certificate of naturalization, and upon taking the oath, they will receive a passport.

MIIP program

The MIIP program, approved by the European Union, involves a limit of 1,800 applications for passports. According to current information, this limit may be reached by the middle of next year.

Advantages of Maltese citizenship

Obtaining Maltese citizenship offers numerous benefits for foreign investors:

• Free travel to163 countrieswithout a visa or with a notification visa, including such states asCanada,Japan,U.S.andAustralia;
• The right to permanent residence in any countryEuropean Unionand also inSwitzerland,Norway,IcelandandLiechtenstein.

Tax benefits

From a tax perspective, significant benefits are offered, as taxes are levied only on income earned in Malta or on foreign income that is transferred to Maltese accounts. Capital earned outside of Malta is not taxed, there are no inheritance, property, or wealth taxes, as well as local fees. Malta has signed an agreement with Russia to avoid double taxation.

Return on investment

A portion of the investments in the program is refundable, which makes it particularly attractive for those considering obtaining citizenship through investment.

Malta and its advantages for Commonwealth citizens

Malta, which is part of the British Commonwealth of Nations, offers numerous advantages for those living and working in countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia. The process of obtaining a residency card takes no more than thirteen months. For the main applicant and their family, this document, which opens up opportunities for permanent residence within the European Union, is issued just a few days after the application is submitted.

Citizenship and its opportunities for relatives

Citizenship can be granted to all immediate relatives of the main applicant. This category includes:

• Children under 18 years old (or up to 26 years old if they are not married and do not have a stable income).
• Parents who have reached the age of 55.

These conditions open up wonderful prospects for retirees and create new opportunities for children. Foreigners who have obtained Maltese citizenship and wish to settle on the islands have access to even more attractive offers.

Real estate and obtaining citizenship

It is important to note that to participate in the citizenship program, there is a minimum property value requirement, which is€350,000For that amount, you can buy a two or three-bedroom home in a prestigious area, but such apartments may not have a sea view. Alternatively, you could consider one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartments with a partial or distant sea view.

If you want an apartment with a direct sea view, be prepared for a price starting from€800,000This is exactly the amount from which house prices in decent areas start.

The process of acquiring real estate

The procedure for purchasing real estate in Malta is characterized by its simplicity and high level of security. This security is ensured for several reasons:

• All transactions are carried out exclusively through accredited notaries, which gives them legal validity.
• The notary verifies the legitimacy of the transaction and is responsible for the legal consequences for a period often years.
• Neither party to the transaction receives the original sales contract; they only receive notarized copies, while the originals are kept in the state archive.

Credit terms for purchasing real estate

There is also the possibility of purchasing real estate with a loan, and this process is not particularly difficult. The borrower needs to:

• Make a minimum deposit30%the cost of housing as a down payment.
• Confirm the presence of a stable income that should exceed the monthly loan payments by at leastfour times.

The loan term can reach25 yearsor will last until the borrower turns65 years oldThe interest rate is usually around3% per annum.

Key stages of obtaining citizenship

When it comes to the main stages of obtaining Maltese citizenship, this process involves several key steps that must be completed for a successful conclusion of the entire procedure.

The process of obtaining Maltese citizenship

An applicant wishing to acquire Maltese citizenship begins this process by signing an agreement with an accredited agent (AA), who holds a special license from a government agency called "Identity Malta" (IM).

The process of obtaining Maltese citizenship

During the first three months after submitting the application for Maltese citizenship and attaching all the necessary documents, government authorities thoroughly examine many key aspects of this process.

First of all, the correctness of the application itself is checked, regarding both formal requirements and the essence of the submitted data. Next, the authorities confirm the accuracy of the information provided by the applicant.

The reputation of the candidate for Maltese citizenship and their close relatives is also evaluated in accordance with the program's requirements. It is also important to confirm the fulfillment of all financial obligations that are necessary for the successful completion of the citizenship application process.

Financial obligations

These costs include:

• expenses for reliability verification services,
• fees for passport processing,
• banking fees
• non-refundable deposit.

In addition, the legality of the sources of funds that the applicant intends to invest in the program is subject to verification.

Communication with the authorities

After 30 days following the completion of the described review, the authorities of Malta are required to provide the candidate with written information regarding the status of their application. This notification may indicate one of three decisions:

• either preliminary consent for obtaining citizenship,
• either a refusal,
• either a request for additional documents needed to complete the process.

Preliminary approval

If the application has received preliminary approval, the competent authority issues what is known as a Letter of Approval in Principle, indicating that within four months from the date of receipt, the applicant is required to provide evidence of the existence of:

• valid insurance policy,
• either a lease agreement,
• either a document confirming the purchase of real estate in Malta.

Contribution to the fund and certificate of naturalization

Within five days of receiving this letter, the candidate will be informed about the need to make a contribution to a special fund aimed at supporting the economic and national development of the country.

After fulfilling all financial obligations and at least one year has passed since receiving the residency card, the Ministry of Internal Affairs issues a naturalization certificate.

This document comes into effect only after it is pronounced.oaths of loyaltyIn the Republic of Malta, after which applicants will be able to obtain passports of the country's citizens.

The total processing time for citizenship

The overall processing time for citizenship under the "Individual Investor" program can range from six to twenty-four months. It is crucial to meet all the program's requirements.

On average, the process takes from the application submission to receiving the passport within12-14 monthsYou can find the complete list of required documents for obtaining Maltese citizenship on official resources.

Recommendations for successfully obtaining citizenship

To achieve the highest success in the process of obtaining Maltese citizenship, it is strongly recommended to collaborate witha reliable companywith extensive experience in this field.

Such a professional approach will ensure that all conditions for a successful completion of the process are met and will increase the chances of achieving the desired result. Choosing the right partner is the key to success in this challenging endeavor.

The importance of the relationship between the state and investors

Alice Tananaeva, a partner at Act Maltavip Limited, emphasizes the critical importance of having reliable connections between government representatives and investors. She notes that for an intermediary, in addition to significant experience working with clients, it is crucial to maintain stable communications with authorities, which allows them to stay informed about the latest news and changes.

The company was founded by two key players in their field: the well-known Maltese consulting organization Act Advisory Services Limited and Maltavip Ltd., which has been successfully working with Russian-speaking clients in Malta since 2006.

Services of the company Act Maltavip Limited

The main focus of Act Maltavip Limited's activities is to provide professional services within various immigration programs available in Malta. Among the company's partners is the prestigious Maltese agency Frank Salt Real Estate Ltd., which offers clients a wide selection of real estate options thanks to an extensive database.

All these factors, including the unique range of services offered, long-term reputation, and personalized approach to Russian-speaking clients, contributed to Act Maltavip Limited being awarded the gold prize at the Homes Overseas Russian Awards in 2017.

Tips for acquiring Maltese citizenship

The employees of this company are in constant contact with government agencies that deal with residency and citizenship issues in Malta. For those considering the possibility of becoming a citizen of Malta, there are several key points to pay attention to:

• The process of obtaining citizenship: it is allowed only through licensed agencies. When choosing a specialist, make sure they have the appropriate license.
• License checkThis information can be found on the official Identity Malta portal—the government agency responsible for the citizenship application process.
• Cost of servicesThe total cost of such services usually ranges from 45,000 to 50,000 euros for the main applicant. Be cautious if you encounter significantly higher or lower rates.
• Transparency of tax informationIt's not worth hiding existing legal or tax issues. Many audits are conducted at a high level, and attempts to conceal information can lead to negative consequences.
• Preparation of financial documentsFuture applicants should ensure proper preparation of their financial statements and transparency of their income sources, as this is an important aspect of the citizenship application process.
• Studying a new countryLearn about all the features of life in Malta, including culture, language, tax systems, and the educational structure. A deep understanding of these aspects will help you adapt more quickly to your new environment.

Following these recommendations will significantly simplify the process of obtaining Maltese citizenship.

Conclusion

The conclusion of this article summarizes the魅力 of Malta — a country that, despite its compact size, offers numerous opportunities for living, business, and investment. As the author, I am deeply impressed by how this island nation has managed to combine a high quality of life with a developed economy and outstanding programs for investors.

Economic stability

One of the main reasons Malta continues to attract the attention of foreigners is the stability of its economy. The real estate market is not only resilient to crises but also shows steady growth, making investments here particularly appealing. Considering the comprehensive support for businesses and the tax incentives provided by the government, Malta is becoming an ideal place for doing business and optimizing taxation.

The "Citizenship by Investment" program

Moreover, the "Citizenship by Investment" program opens new horizons for foreign citizens, offering reasonable conditions and transparent processes. People who aspire to obtain a Maltese passport can be assured that their investments will be protected and the citizenship acquisition process will proceed without unnecessary complications and bureaucracy.

Safety and comfort

I can't help but mention the level of safety that prevails on these islands. The low crime rate allows residents and tourists to enjoy life without worrying about their safety. This is especially important for families with children, who can stroll the streets with peace of mind, as well as for those looking for a reliable and safe place to live.

Result

Overall, Malta is not just a country with beautiful landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. It is a dynamically developing state that actively supports its citizens and investors, creating opportunities for growth and prosperity. Anyone considering relocation or investment should view Malta as one of the most attractive options in terms of quality of life, safety, and economic potential. I hope this article has conveyed all these aspects and inspired you to further explore this amazing country.