Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (MEIN) Policy
The new Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (MEIN) policy was publically announced on the 20th of November 2020 with improved rules and regulations.
The Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment policy grants foreign individuals and their dependent families to obtain Maltese Citizenship by making a direct investment into the country. After an initial one to three years of residency, individuals may apply for Maltese Citizenship through a Citizenship by Naturalization route. Following the acquisition of Maltese Citizenship, applicants can secure a Maltese passport, opening them up to a world of possibilities in the European Union.
The policy has an annual maximum quota of 400 successful applications. Across the full duration of the policy, the maximum number of applicants that will successfully be granted Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment has been set to 1,500.
Legal Basis
The Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is regulated by the Maltese Citizenship Act Legislation S.L. 188.05 which was published in the Legal Notice 437 of 2020.
Key Facts
Minimum total costs: EUR 705,000
Preparation of application: 2-3 months
Government processing time: 12-24 months
Visa free travel: 184 countries
Benefits of Maltese Citizenship
Language
Live in an English-speaking population EU member country combined with the Euro currency
Destinations
Easy access to all the major cities in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa via direct flights within a short distance, operated by leading, low-cost airlines
EU Passport
Malta Passport: own one of the most powerful passports in the world that allows dual-citizenship
Quality of Life
Malta has excellent quality of life, coupled with favorable tax regimes. Additional, the country offers an excellent healthcare and education system
Live & Work
Freedom to live, work, study and set up business in every EU country member state and Switzerland
Real Estate
Access to an established and stable property market, offering a large selection of quality property with investment options across the European Union
Travel
Visa-free travel or visa on arrival access to more than 180 countries with Maltese Citizenship and Maltese Passport
Finances
Freedom of income and capital movements
Malta Citizenship by Naturalization Application Requirements
Under the MEIN procedures, high-net-worth individuals and their dependent family members are granted citizenship in Malta through direct investment into Malta’s development. The required contributions and investments are as follows:
1. Government Contribution
A compulsory contribution to the Government of Malta before acquiring citizenship is a must, which can be made through one of two routes:
Expedited procedure: The applicant may apply for citizenship in Malta after 12 months (one year) of being a Maltese resident and contribute €750,000 to the Government in the form of a non-refundable donation + €50,000 for each additional dependent family member
OR
Standard procedure: The applicant may apply for Maltese citizenship after 36 months (three years) of being a resident in Malta and contribute €600,000 to the Government in the form of a non-refundable donation + €50,000 for each added family dependant;
2. Investment in Property
Applicants are required to invest in property in Malta by purchasing or renting. An investment of at least €700,000 is required if purchasing a property. If opting to lease a property in Malta, the rent must be a minimum of €16,000 per year and must be held for at least five years from the date of the certificate of Citizenship;
3. Compulsory Donation
A philanthropic donation of €10,000 to a registered non-governmental organization or society in various industries including but not limited to culture, science, sport, artistic, and environmental.
MEIN Policy Eligibility Criteria
Certain criteria apply to individuals to be eligible for the Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalization policy, as seen below:
The main applicant must be 18 years old or older;
Proof of direct investment towards the development of Malta;
Proof of being a resident in Malta for one (in the case of the expedited route) or three years (in the case of the standard route) before acquiring the certificate of naturalization;
Applicants and all dependents must have a global insurance policy;
Proof of purchase or rent of property in Malta;
Applicants must comply with and pass all due diligence and background checks which include having:
A clean criminal record
Proof of source of funds and wealth
Not being a potential security risk to Malta
Not having previously been denied entrance or visa to a country that has visa-free travel with Maltese residency and citizenship
Applicants will need to take the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of Malta
Dependents need to be eligible according to the below categories, they must either be:
The spouse (in a monogamous marriage) or partner with the same or similar status - gender-neutral
A child (or adopted child under the age of 18) of the main applicant or their spouse
A child (or adopted child under the age of 29) of the main applicant or their spouse that are economically and financially dependent on the main applicant and is unmarried at the time of the application acceptance
A child (or adopted child over the age of 18) of the main applicant or their spouse with a disability
A parent or grandparent over the age of 55 who is financially and economically-dependent on the principal applicant
MEIN Processing Fees
The Maltese Government undertakes dedicated and scrutinous checks for their policies and each application is subjected to due diligence and background checks. This applies to both the main applicant as well as any dependent in the Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN) procedures application. Due diligence fees apply:
€15,000 for the main applicant
€10,000 for each individual dependent
Additionally, administrative fees, residence application fees, and citizenship application fees also apply.
If false/omitted information is realized, the applicant’s application will be suspended immediately and considered ineligible.
Our Guidance & Assistance
Through our dedicated experience in the field and building our dependable network over the years, we are confident in our abilities to successfully guide and support you through Citizenship and Residency programs.
Citizen Lane respects every client’s unique situation and will be able to discuss details in confidence. We will provide you with comprehensive advice and find the appropriate solution for you and/or your family. Visit us at our offices located in Malta, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, or contact us by phone/email/contact form. Our team is ready to arrange a WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom call with you.
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