Malta Citizenship & Second Passport Guide

Mediterranean

🛂 Passport Rank: #7

✈️ Visa-Free Countries: 190

💰 Tax System: remittance

🗺️ Pathways: 3

Overview

Malta offers attractive pathways for residency and citizenship. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) provides permanent residency with Schengen access, while the Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) grants EU citizenship after a residency period.

Citizenship Pathways

Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

Cost: €150,000+ (renting)

Timeline: 0.5 years

Presence Required: None required

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) offers permanent residency in Malta for non-EU nationals through a combination of investment, property lease/purchase, and government fees. It grants visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.

Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN)

Cost: €712,060+ (36-month residency)

Timeline: 1.0 years

Presence Required: 12 or 36 months residency

Malta's Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) offers citizenship for significant direct investment and a period of residency. It provides full EU citizenship with visa-free access to numerous countries.

Nomad Residence Permit

Cost: €300 (application fee)

Timeline: 0.1 years

Presence Required: Must reside in Malta

Malta's Nomad Residence Permit allows remote workers from outside the EU/EEA to legally reside in Malta while working for employers or clients based outside the country. It offers a pathway to experience life in a European nation.

Step-by-Step Process

Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN)

: Submit Eligibility Assessment and Due Diligence Application — 1-2 months — €15,000 (main applicant) + €10,000 (dependents)
: Residency Application & Start Residency Period (12 or 36 months) — 1-3 months — €5,000 (main applicant) + €1,000 (dependents)
: Submit Naturalisation Application after residency period — 3-6 months — €600,000 (36-month) or €750,000 (12-month) contribution
: Make Investments: Property, Donation, Shares — Ongoing during residency — €70,000 (donation) + €10,000 (shares) + property (rent/buy)
: Take Oath of Allegiance and Receive Citizenship Certificate — 1-2 months — None

Pros & Cons

Advantages

EU citizenship (MEIN) with full rights
Schengen visa-free travel (MPRP & MEIN)
Stable economy and political environment
Favorable tax regime for residents
High quality of life and healthcare

Challenges

High investment costs for citizenship
Lengthy processing times for some programs
Strict due diligence procedures
Small island nation, limited opportunities

Requirements

Valid Passport — Copy of all applicants' passports, valid for at least 6 months.
Proof of Funds — Bank statements, audited financials showing source of wealth.
Clean Criminal Record — Police certificates from all countries of residence for 10+ years.
Medical Certificate — Proof of good health, free from contagious diseases.
Property Lease/Purchase Agreement — Evidence of fulfilling property requirement for MPRP/MEIN.

Tax System

System: remittance

New residents are taxed on income earned in Malta and foreign income remitted to Malta. Foreign-sourced income not remitted is generally not taxed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can family members be included in the application?

Yes, dependent children, spouses, and sometimes parents/grandparents can be included.

Is physical presence required for MPRP?

No minimum physical presence is required to maintain MPRP status.

What is the main difference between MPRP and MEIN?

MPRP grants permanent residency, while MEIN grants full Maltese (EU) citizenship.

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