Citizenship in Malta: Your Gateway to Europe and Beyond

Malta, a jewel in the heart of the Mediterranean, is offering opportunities for exceptional non-EU individuals (and their families) who seek to become EU citizens, through its flexible, thorough, yet efficient citizenship pathways.

Whether you're looking to embrace a new life in Malta or enjoy the benefits of full EU citizenship, understanding the legal frameworks and pathways is crucial. Here, we’ll explore both Maltese citizenship laws and EU regulations to help guide you through the process

Malta’s citizenship framework is regulated by national law and aligned with EU standards. Community Malta Agency is responsible for administering all Maltese citizenship-related matters. The only avenues to becoming a Maltese citizen are:
• Citizenship by birth or descent
• Citizenship by marriage
• Citizenship by naturalisation
• Citizenship by merit
• Citizenship by investment via the Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) Program

What is MEIN?

For high-net-worth individuals, Malta offers the MEIN pathway, which allows investors and their families to acquire citizenship through significant economic contributions to the island state of Malta, thus under EU Directive 2004/38/EC, guarantees the rights of EU citizens and their family members to move and reside freely within the EU, offering unparalleled freedom across borders.

MEIN is regulated by Community Malta Agency and Legal Notice 437 of 2020, which outlines the eligibility criteria, including residency requirements and contributions to Malta’s National Development and Social Fund.

Expenses

Applicants must make an investment of more than €600,000 (with a 36-month residency period) or €750,000 (with a 12-month residency period), alongside philanthropic donations and property investment.

Benefits

• Acquiring Maltese citizenship is not just about becoming a citizen of this beautiful island nation. It comes with far-reaching benefits within the European Union.
• As a Maltese (and EU) citizen, you can live, work, conduct business and study in any EU member state, including economic powerhouses like Germany, France, and Italy, with only the least of restrictions.
• Maltese citizens live in one of the statistically safest and stable communities on Earth. EU citizens benefit from world-class healthcare and education systems across Europe, thanks to reciprocal agreements and free movement regulations. Malta’s healthcare system ranks among the best in Europe, with Malta placed 5th in the Euro Health Consumer Index for accessibility and quality of care. Malta’s education system follows the British model, known for its high standards, and offers opportunities for students to progress through EU-recognized qualifications.
• Malta’s strategic location and membership in the European Economic Area (EEA) make it a hub for international business. Maltese citizens enjoy access to the EU’s single market, which facilitates seamless trade and investment opportunities across the continent.
• Maltese citizens have the obligation to participate in national and intra-organisational democratic systems, having the right to vote in EU elections and influence the direction of EU policies that affect trade, security, and digital innovation.
• Whole families are also eligible to apply along with the main applicant. These include the spouse and minor and/or adult children of the MA and/or spouse (adults must not be married and must be principally financially dependent on the MA).
• Can reside in Malta without contributing to its tax system
• Citizenship will be valid for a lifetime
• Settle in amongst an English-speaking population with a wide expat community construed of nearly 30% of the total Maltese population (NSO, 2023).
• Can tap into one of Europe’s booming real estate industries.
• Malta was one of the first EU countries to launch nation-wide 5G network
• Rather than being eligibility to travel throughout the Schengen zone for a total of 90 days out of 180 days, citizens are eligible to travel, live, work within the Schengen zone, as well as visa-free travel to the USA, the UK, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada and 181 other countries.
• Minors will benefit from a vast selection of prestigious governmental, church or private schools. On the other hand, adults can opt for language or evening classes.

“Liberty not only means that the individual has both the opportunity and the burden of choice; it also means that he must bear the consequences of his actions... Liberty and responsibility are inseparable.”
— The Constitution of Liberty

The power of regulation over individual freedom will shape the future of a safe host society. We all play a crucial part in the shaping of society, be it a descendent, a naturalised intellectual or a wealthy investors – we have the freedom to innovate and contribute for long-term societal growth.

Why Malta?

From an individualistic point-of-view, the concept of a strategic location is related to a point-of-interest; Many before us have considered Malta to be an ideal hub that offers refuge and any necessity that any individual seeks.

Although minute in relation to other EU giant states, and although its self-sufficiency peak was surpassed thousands of years ago, Malta has been thriving.

Malta has been part of the European Union for the last 20 years, as well as a member of the Schengen and Eurozones.

It receives European fuel via underwater interconnectors, or non-EU fuel via freight.

Trade-wise, it is a powerhouse, supplying it’s a-bit-over-than-half-a-million citizens with all the commodities anyone can imagine, as well as moving merchandise passing through the Red Sea towards EU or the Americas.

Malta can be deemed one big metropolitan city, with the East being the hub-that-never-sleeps, while the West offers a more rural ambiance.

With over 7,000 years of history, with a blend of Phoenician, Roman, and British influences, Malta stands as a living testament to the civilizations that have shaped its rich cultural tapestry. Its vibrant modernised society is a mixture of tradition and innovation. An example being that considering Malta’s very militarily active history, Maltese firework culture has evolved from firearms to visual fireworks to audio-visual fireworks.

Notwithstanding Malta’s extremely-dense population, one still finds beautiful beaches, picturesque hiking trails, clean, prestigious medieval villages, scrumptious Mediterranean cuisine food, and a laid-back vibe.

How We Can Help

At Harry International Malta Limited, we make the process easy. Our bespoke services are designed to help you navigate all aspects of your Golden Visa application and settling in Malta.

• Consultancy: We provide personalized advice to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and understand each step of the process.
• Application Handling: Leveraging a bespoke electronic data handling system, we manage all paperwork, from document preparation to final submission, ensuring a smooth process with no delays.
• Compliance: We ensure that your application abides to the competent agency’s standard, meeting all KYC/AML/TF requirements. Our team boasts over 5 years of experience in this field of business.
• Concierge Services: As per information provided in the Concierge Services page, for this visa application, Harry International Malta Limited will (i) guide up through the process of securing a permanent residential address and cost-effective insurances, (ii) connect you to ideal businesses, institutions and/or people to satisfy whatever wants or needs you have, and (iii) offers premium express services, including but not limited to expedited due diligence, same-day feedback, door-to-door relevant delivery services et al.

Let Us Help You Get There

At Harry International Malta Limited, we’re passionate about helping wealthy investors make the move to Malta with ease. We handle everything—from applications and form-filling to finding your new home, and settling in—ensuring you have a seamless transition. With years of experience in Maltese immigration law, global recruitment, and concierge services, we’re here to help you start your next adventure.

Get Started Today! or Download Our Free MEIN Guide

List of Documents required for the application

• Letter of Intent
• Agent proof of due diligence (KYC) and covering letter
• Proof and source of wealth and funds
• Proof that funds were legally obtained
• Bank statements from country of origin showing active banking
• Valid passport of all individuals within the application
• PCC of all individuals above the age of 18

Proof of family relationship, such as:

• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificate
• Divorce certificate (if applicable)
• Custody documents (if applicable)

• Biometric data for MA and any dependent over the age of 12
• Medical reports for yourself and your dependents. Medical reports are required to prove you do not have any contagious disease that could endanger public health in Malta
• Proof and declaration on dependency
• Proof of health insurance coverage in Malta
• GDPR form
• IF applicable, Change of Name document
• IF minor dependents are included in the application, parents’ declaration is required. IF custody was awarded, relative documentation must be provided.

In the case of de facto partnerships:

   • Joint bank accounts
   • Proof of relationship
   • Notarised affidavits from relationship witness

Proof of accommodation (following Approval in Principle)

   • N.B. Any documentation that is submitted for vetting and is not in the English language, must be accompanied by a certified translation.
   • N.B. Any documentation that was created in a state not recognised within the Hague Convention is required to be notarised and legalised prior to submission

Let the Adventure Begin

This is your opportunity to work from one of the most beautiful places in the world while experiencing new cultures and making connections. Pack your laptop and passport, and let Harry International Malta Limited guide you through the process.