EU / Maltese Citizenship by Investment
The Individual Investor Programme
The Malta Individual Investor Programme (IIP)
The Individual Investor Programme (IIP) is the first citizenship programme within the European Union (EU) which has been recognised by the European Commission.
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The aim of this programme is to attract to Malta applicants who wish to relocate to an EU country, and who are willing to share their expertise and business connections.
In exchange, the Republic of Malta has a lot to offer to IIP applicants and their dependents, including a high standard of living, a stable political system, as well as an ever-growing economy. In fact, even during the challenging times of the financial crises, Malta has managed to maintain economic growth. Being a member of the European Union since 2004 and of the Schengen area since 2007, Maltese citizenship also grants access to investment opportunities in Malta and throughout the European Union.
This programme subjects applicants to a thorough due diligence process, which ensures that only reputable applicants acquire Maltese citizenship. However, when granted, the citizenship by investment is valid for life, and eventually it is also passed on to the applicant’s descendants.
Do You Qualify for Malta/EU Citizenship by Investment?
The Malta Individual Investor Programme (IIP) has been introduced through an amendment to the Maltese Citizenship Act, Chapter 188 of the Laws of Malta, which provided for the enactment of Legal Notice 47 of 2014. This legal notice allows the granting of citizenship by certificate of naturalisation to affluent applicants of an impeccable reputation (as well as their dependants) who are willing to invest in the economy of the Maltese Islands, subject to due diligence checks.
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Eligibility
There are strict eligibility requirements which must be satisfied for a person to be accepted as a citizen of Malta through the IIP. These requirements include age, financial status, health, investment in Malta and genuine connection to the islands.
Age
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To qualify under the regulations, the Main Applicant for Malta Citizenship by Investment must be at least 18 years of age.
Good Health
Applicants must show they do not suffer from a contagious disease and that they do not carry a disease requiring treatment that could impose a burden on the Maltese health system. This proof must be provided by a medical practitioner.
Fit and Proper
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Applicants must show that they are in good standing and have an impeccable reputation. Through the IIP process, they will also undergo a 'fit and proper' test which includes a four-tier due diligence test throughout the application process. For this reason, applicants must also provide a clean police conduct certificate, which is rigorously verified. This is intended to ensure that only deserving and reputable applicants are allowed to be granted Maltese citizenship.
Contribution
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To qualify for Malta citizenship by investment, the main applicant is required to contribute at least €650,000 to Malta. Of this contribution, 70% will go into a fund set up by the Government of Malta and run by a board of trustees. The rest goes to the consolidated fund. Spouses and children are required to contribute €25,000, while unmarried children between the ages of 18 and 25 and dependent parents must contribute €50,000 each.
Qualifying Investment
The applicant is required to invest at least a sum of €150,000 in stocks, bonds or special purpose vehicles which are identified by Identity Malta, and which must be held for a minimum period of 5 years.
Qualifying Property
Applicants are required to purchase a property which costs at least €350,000 and which must be held for at least 5 years following the purchase. Alternatively, applicants may lease property (minimum rent of €16,000 per annum) for a period of 5 years.
Health Insurance
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Applicants must have global health insurance coverage for at least €50,000 for the main applicant and each of the dependants, and must give proof that they can maintain the same for an indefinite period.
Genuine Connection
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The candidate must also prove that in the 12 months prior to receiving Maltese citizenship, such applicant has built a genuine connection with Malta. This can be proved by the recurring physical presence on the islands before citizenship is granted as well as membership of local organisations such as sports clubs.
Dependants
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The main applicant may also add dependents to a citizenship application:
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The spouse from a monogamous marriage or in another relationship having the same or similar status to marriage;
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A child, including an adopted child, of the main applicant or of the spouse, who is less than 18 years of age;
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A child of the main applicant or of his spouse who is between the age of 18 and 26 years, is not married and who proves that he/she is wholly maintained by the main applicant and form part of the household;
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A parent or grandparent of the main applicant or of his/her spouse above the age of 55 years who prove that they are wholly maintained or supported by the main applicant and form part of the household of the main applicant; or
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A child of the main applicant or of the spouse of the main applicant who is at least 18 of age, is physically or mentally challenged, and who is living with and is fully supported by the main applicant.
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