Investor Immigration in Malta

August 22 11:23 2012 by The Editor Print This Article

Malta Immigration

Welcome to the Malta Immigration Portal.  In these pages, you will find all information about moving to Malta, living in Malta, taking up residence in Malta, applying for residence permits in Malta as well as applying for Maltese Citizenship.

The inward movement of foreigners into the Maltese Islands is regulated by the Chapter 217 of the Laws of Malta: the Immigration Act. The Immigration Act regulates the exemption of foreign spouses of citizens of Malta and their dependents under 21 from the requirement of periodical permission from the Immigration Authorities, the granting of temporary residence permits, the granting of permanent resident permits, the granting of permission for foreigners to work in Malta.

Maltese Citizenship

Malta Citizenship by Investment Programme

In 2014, the Maltese Government introduced the Malta Individual Investor Programme aimed at attracting contributions to the Malta National Development and Social Fund by recognising significant contributions with the grant of Maltese citizenship. This had a quota of 1,800 families that was fully subscribed by 2020.

Maltese Citizenship by Direct Investment

Individuals and families who are willing to do business in Malta, invest in Malta or incorporate Malta in their lifestyle may acquire investor residency for 3 or 1 year and, upon passing a financial, criminal and reputational due diligence, may apply for Maltese Citizenship by Direct Investment conditional to making a significant qualifying direct investment in Malta.

Maltese Citizenship by Birth

Previously,  between 21st September 1964 and the 31st July 2001, all children born in Malta automatically acquired Maltese citizenship at birth. This was however changed to a mark a shift from the ius soli to the ius sanguinis principle and from August 2001, a person born in Malta acquired citizenship at birth only if born to at least one Maltese parent.

Malta Citizenship by Descent

Following the 2007 amendments the Citizenship Act now provides that those born outside Malta on or after the independence date, are entitled to apply for registration as Maltese citizens if they prove that they are the direct descendants of a Maltese ascendant born in Malta of a parent likewise born in Malta. However, if the applicant has parents, grandparents and other ancestors who are still alive and are also direct descendants themselves in this sense, they would also have to apply for Maltese citizenship under the new provision, as otherwise the Maltese citizenship link would have been broken down the line.

Maltese Citizenship by Adoption

From August 1989, a child adopted by Maltese citizens acquires citizenship automatically provided the child is under the age of ten (10) on the date of the adoption. However, this was not always the case since prior to January 1977 a person adopted by Maltese citizens normally acquired Maltese citizenship automatically.

In this section you will find FAQs on How to Get Maltese Citizenship,  How to choose a Maltese Citizenship Agent, and articles about the Grounds for Revocation of Maltese Citizenship under Maltese Law,  Dual Citizenship in Malta as well as Rules for the Renunciation of Maltese Citizenship.

Residence in Malta

Global Residence Programme

This residence programme is the latest version of the Permanent Residence program aimed at attracting investment in Malta and providing an alternative residence in Europe.  With a lower minimum tax requirement and lower thresholds for buying or renting property, the 2013 Malta Global Residence Programme ensures Malta's place at the top of world alternative residence destinations.

Malta Residence & Visa Programme

The MRVP is a Malta residence by investment programme granted investors and their families, including parents, grandparents and dependent children without age limitation, permanent residence after a processing time of six to eight months. This allows new residents to enjoy full visa-free assess to all the 26 countries in the Schengen Area as well as Permanent Residency in Malta, with the right European Long Term Residence at the end of 5 years living in Malta.

Malta's Retirement Programme

EU pensioners and retirees, old and young entering the Malta's Retirement Programme are entitled to favourable tax treatment of their pensions on relocating to Malta and remitting their full pension, which must form the larger part of their income in Malta.  Subject to tax only on a remittance basis, other foreign sourced income is not within the scope of Maltese personal tax.

Permanent Residence Scheme

Since the 1960’s, Malta has tried to create an inflow of foreign exchange and to generate foreign income into the Maltese economy. For this reason, Malta has continued with its policy of attracting foreigners of a certain level of financial standing to settle in Malta under the Malta Permanent Residence Scheme:

Work Permits

In respect of nationals from non-EU countries, the Government maintains a stricter policy and Work Permits for foreigners are granted subject to stricter eligibility rules.