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Malta Golden Visa
Malta Citizenship by Investment Program
Malta Golden Visa Investment Program for US Expatriates: When it comes to Golden Visas, the Malta Golden visa is one of the most popular for US Person Expatriates seeking to escape the clutches of the US Tax system. It provides significant travel rights throughout the EU. The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment process (MEIN) is a citizenship program and not a residence program (Malta also has a different “Resident” program as well). Since MEIN is a citizenship program, the person can obtain citizenship and a passport — which is crucial for those using the Golden Visa as to expatriate from the United States — just gaining foreign permanent residence without citizenship does not provide the opportunity to obtain a passport from that country.
Malta Visa by Investment Program
The Citizen By Investment program in Malta is technically referred to as Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment process (MEIN). (Malta Individual Investor Program). The recent updated version of the program only allows a limited number of applications for the program — and only a fraction of those who apply will be approved. Citizenship can be accomplished within three years, and sometimes within one to two years.
Malta Travel Opportunities
Malta is part of the EU and a member of the 26 country Schengen Area. As a result, the Malta Golden visa provides significant amount of travel opportunity visa free — or visa on arrival.
Investment Requirements
There are multiple investment components required:
Investment Maltese National Development and Social Fund
A non-refundable investment into the Maltese National Development and Social Fund.
As provided by the NDSF:
- The National Development and Social Fund (“NDSF”) is a Government Agency established on 6 January 2015, by virtue of Subsidiary Legislation 188.03, “Individual Investor Programme (“IIP”) of the Republic of Malta Regulations” made under the Maltese Citizenship Act Cap. 188.
An applicant must make a non-refundable investment as follows:
- 600,000 EUR and 36 months of Residence; or
- 750,000 EUR and 12 months of Residence
- 50,000 EUR for dependents as well is required
Real Estate
In addition, the applicant must either lease a property (at least 16,000 EUR per year) for five years or purchase a property worth at least 700,000 EUR — and hold on to that property for five years.
Donation
The individual must also make an investment of at least $10,000 EUR do an improved organization in Malta.
Fees
- There are additional fees, including
- Residence Permit Fee
- Eligibility Fee
- Administrative Fee
Employment & Study Allowed with the Visa in Malta
Unlike some other Citizen-by-Investment Visas, the Malta visa permits the applicant to work and attend school in Malta.
Malta Currency
Euro (EUR)
Malta Golden Visa: A Robust Citizen by Investment Program
In conclusion, the Citizenship-by-Investment program for Malta is a very robust program. It allows for travel throughout the EU and Schengen Area, along with the ability to attend school and/or work in Malta. The process for obtaining citizenship is generally about three years although there is an expedited process which does require an additional investment.
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