The first citizenship programme in the European Union to be recognized by the European Commission is the Individual Investor Program (IIP), commonly referred to as the Malta Citizenship by Investment Programme, whereby it allows an individual who significantly contributes to the economic and social development in Malta and their families to be a citizen in Malta by a certificate of naturalisation.
This is designed to attract non-Maltese nationals and their dependents who have talent, expertise and business connections. Applicants are subject to a stringent routine vetting procedure and due diligence process, including thorough background checks, and must comply with the required contributions in exchange of the Malta citizenship.
A revised Malta Citizenship by Investment Programme
Please note that as announced by the Malta Parliamentary Secretary for Citizenship and Communities on the 3rd of July 2020, the Malta Citizenship by Investment Programme will be replaced by a revised programme at the end of September 2020. Please click here to read more. No applications are currently being accepted. More information will be provided once new programme is announced.
The Malta Citizenship by Investment Programme – applicable up to September 2020
Criteria and Requirements
By virtue of Legal Notice LN47/2014 the Government of the Republic of Malta has established the legal framework for the IIP. To qualify for citizenship, the applicant must satisfy the following:
- the applicant is at least 18 years of age;
- the applicant must provide proof of residence in Malta for a period of 12 months preceding the issuance of a certificate of citizenship;
- the applicant meets the investment requirements below:
- Purchase or Lease of Property
The applicant must either acquire a property in Malta having a minimum value of €350,000 or lease a property in Malta for a minimum annual rent of €16,000. This property shall retain for a period of at least 5 years, and cannot be let or sublet. - Stocks or Bonds Investments
An investment in stocks, bonds or special purpose vehicles identified by Identity Malta, for a minimum value of €150,000 to be held for a minimum period of 5 years.
- Purchase or Lease of Property
- The applicant must contribute to the National Development and Social Fund.
- The applicant 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.
Qualified Dependents
Main applicant may include his/her dependents, including:
- Spouse;
- Dependants of 18 years of age and under;
- Dependants between the age of 18 and 26 years of age, who are not married and who are wholly supported by the main applicant and form part of the household; and
- Dependants over the age of 55 years (e.g. parents), who are wholly supported by and who form part of the household of the main applicant.
Contribution Requirements and Fees
The applicants must satisfy the following contributions and fees: to the National Development and Social Fund which is payable on approval of application:
Contributions to National Development and Social Fund (payable on approval of application)
Main applicant | €650,000 |
Spouse | €25,000 |
Each Dependant child aged 0-17 | €25,000 |
Each Dependant child aged 18-26 | €50,000 |
Each Dependant aged 55 or above | €50,000 |
Due diligence fees (payable on submission of application)
Main applicant | €7,500 |
Spouse | €5,000 |
Each Dependant child aged 0-12 | Nil |
Each Dependant child aged 13-17 | €3,000 |
Each Dependant child aged 18-26 | €5,000 |
Each Dependant aged 55 or above | €5,000 |
Identity Malta Agency fees
Passport Fees (per person) | €500 |
Bank Charges (per application) | €200 |