Malta attracts tourists with its natural Mediterranean beauty, magnificent architecture, and delicious national dishes. It is a popular destination for those who want to learn an additional foreign language, obtain another higher education or create a profitable business. The Republic of Malta is notable for its booming economy and industry, good conditions for studying, working, and getting married, relatively low cost of living, mild Mediterranean climate, low crime rate, and friendly, welcoming population. Once here, many want to stay in this beautiful place. If you plan to stay in the country for years, you must consider getting permanent residence in Malta, find information about this investment program here.
The advantages of legal residence in Malta
Residents of this country have some benefits that anyone wishing to move here should be aware of:
- EU residency and free visa-free travel within the Schengen area;
- favorable conditions of the tax system;
- the opportunity to move your entire family;
- medical care on the island is one of the best in the world but costs less than in the EU countries;
- the Bologna system of education, university diplomas allow people to get a job in Europe;
- simplified procedures for applying for a work permit;
- it is possible to fly to different countries of the world on direct flights;
- citizenship can be inherited.
Resident status gives the right to reside in the country for as long as necessary legally and to leave when needed. Therefore, a second passport is promising and profitable. And it is also a real chance to start a new life in a newly developed country.
Schemes for obtaining a Maltese passport
There are several ways for foreigners to get Malta residence. You can become a full member of the Maltese community by one of these types:
- by birth and descent;
- by the investment program;
- by naturalization;
- by marrying a citizen of the republic;
- through registration.
Children born on the island of Maltese parents automatically receive citizenship. In addition, a descendant of a native Maltese can also become a resident.
As a specialist of the agency Immigrant Invest Victoria Atanasova points out, foreigners under 18 can get Maltese citizenship by participating in the state investment program. Obtaining a passport of the republic for investors includes three key steps:
- approval of the country’s residence permit for the applicant and all his family members;
- check for compliance with the terms of the program;
- applying for citizenship.
After receiving the official approval, the investor must, within six months, take the oath of allegiance to the Republic of Malta. As for the financial costs, the applicant must:
- to purchase Maltese securities worth 250 thousand euros and more;
- to buy a residential property worth 270 thousand euros or rent a house with an annual fee of 10 thousand euros per year;
- to pay an administrative fee of 30 thousand euros.
Maltese citizenship by naturalization can be obtained only by an adult foreigner who has lived on the territory of the state for a year or more and before that for another four years, has a good command of English, and does not threaten the public order, security and reputation of the country.
The procedure consists of the following steps: collecting and sending a package of documents to the relevant government agency, verification, interview with the police, oath of allegiance to the Republic of Malta, and obtaining a passport. A fee of 450 euros plus 50 euros for the certificate of citizenship is charged for processing documents.
It is also possible to become a resident through marriage to a citizen of the island. This way is popular among foreigners. But there is one strict condition – you must live in the marriage for at least five years.
The following categories can obtain citizenship through registration:
- spouse of a Maltese citizen who has lived together for at least five years;
- the widow/widower of a citizen of the country;
- a child whose mother was a Maltese citizen or might have been one had she not died;
- a former citizen of the republic wishing to regain his status;
- a descendant of the Maltese.
There are many ways, but you can choose the one that suits you best. But, of course, it all depends on your current status and your goals in moving to the Mediterranean Sea for permanent residence.
Additional categories that can obtain a residence permit in Malta
Such categories of foreigners can obtain Malta residence permit:
- specialists with high qualifications and professions that are in demand in the country;
- financially well-off people living in another country who can prove their income – 14 thousand euros per year (without the right to work in the republic);
- based on a study contract (for students);
- based on a work visa, but the employer will have to prove that he looked for and did not find an appropriate candidate locally, so he was forced to invite a foreigner;
- for family reunification if the spouse or other close relative has been legally residing on the island for more than 12 months;
- to reunite with your civil partner, however, you will have to prove that you have been in a relationship for more than two years and are both financially stable.
Now let’s talk about the financial investment that will have to be made in the state economy to make immigration a reality very shortly.
Minimum investment amounts for receiving a resident status
The applicant will have to contribute non-refundable money on four counts to move to Malta under the investment program:
- Buying or renting real estate: when buying – from 300 thousand euros, when renting – from 10 thousand euros.
- Voluntary charitable contribution – 200 euros.
- Contribution to the state fund – from 28 thousand euros.
- The administrative fee to the state is 40 thousand euros.
Malta’s permanent residence allows you and your family to move and settle down in a prosperous, warm, beautiful country and enjoy all the benefits of the new status by fulfilling specific requirements. And all this without tedious extensions or mandatory minimum physical stay in the republic. Malta is a loyal state that allows dual citizenship; you keep two passports. A bonus is a visa-free travel to more than a hundred countries, including all Schengen countries. So do not hesitate; choose the way, get Maltese residency, and move. The country will open up new opportunities for you, help you to go to a higher level, travel more, and enjoy a comfortable life!
