OBTAINING CITIZENSHIP IN MALTA
Malta is an island country located in the middle of the Mediterranean and is one of the smallest countries in Europe. Its capital, Valletta, is known for its historical and cultural richness and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Malta’s history dates back thousands of years and bears the traces of many civilizations. Since ancient times, Malta has been a meeting point for different cultures. The official language of Malta is Maltese, but English is also widely spoken and used as the language of instruction. The country’s economy focuses on sectors such as tourism, finance, sailing tourism, and language education. Malta is a member of the European Union and uses the Euro.
There are several ways to obtain Maltese citizenship: by birth, long-term residence, or investment. Citizenship by birth occurs when one is born in Malta, while long-term residence allows foreigners who have continuously lived in Malta for a certain period (usually five years) to apply for citizenship. For naturalization, any individual aged 18 or older can apply if they are stateless or a foreign national, have sufficient knowledge of Maltese and English, have lived in Malta for 12 months before the application, and have resided in Malta for at least four years. The application fee for those applying for citizenship after long-term residence is set at €450. Another option for obtaining citizenship in Malta is through investment. Applicants must purchase or rent property in the country and make a certain amount of donation in addition to the investment. This investment typically includes real estate purchases or government bonds. The cost of obtaining Maltese citizenship is approximately €632,000 plus legal fees and the cost of acquiring or renting property. Applicants must contribute €600,000 or €750,000 to the Maltese Government depending on their preferred residence duration. Additionally, applicants must donate €10,000 to a Maltese non-governmental organization. Furthermore, applicants must acquire property worth at least €700,000 or rent a suitable property with an annual rent of €16,000. The property must be held for at least five years. Applicants must make an additional €50,000 investment for each dependent family member. In return for this investment, applicants are granted Maltese citizenship and a Maltese (EU) passport. The benefits of Maltese citizenship include the right to travel, reside, and work freely within the EU, visa-free travel to over 180 destinations, and access to free high-quality healthcare and education. Malta also allows dual citizenship, enabling applicants to retain their original passports.
The documents and requirements needed to apply for Maltese citizenship are quite clear. Firstly, the application form must be completed and all necessary information provided. In addition to this form, a valid passport or identity document must be submitted to verify the applicant’s identity. Secondly, documents proving residence in Malta must be provided. These documents should demonstrate that the applicant has lived in Malta for a long period. Similarly, if applying for citizenship by birth, a birth certificate, or if applying for citizenship by marriage, a marriage certificate is required. If applying for citizenship by investment, documents proving the investment must be submitted. These documents should show the amount, nature, and validity of the investment. Additionally, in some cases, proof of proficiency in English or Maltese may be required. Finally, the application process and evaluation are conducted by the Maltese Ministry of Home Affairs. The process of completing and evaluating the application usually takes between 15 and 18 months. If your application is approved, Maltese citizenship and passport will be granted to you within 18 months at the latest. It is important to carefully meet the specified conditions during this process.
When looking at the advantages of Maltese citizenship, applicants can maintain their original citizenship as Malta allows dual citizenship. There is also no obligation for the applicant to reside in Malta after obtaining citizenship. Additionally, the Maltese passport is considered one of the most valuable passports. Firstly, they can travel freely within the Schengen area, facilitating travel within Europe and offering a wide range of freedom. Moreover, having the right to work and establish a business in Malta includes a wide range of employment and business opportunities. The ability to benefit from free or low-cost education and healthcare services is also among the privileges of Maltese citizens. This provides wider access to education and healthcare and enhances the quality of life. Tax advantages are another benefit offered to Maltese citizens. In some cases, tax reductions or exemptions can provide significant advantages in personal and business life. Finally, the ability to acquire and own property in Malta is an important advantage in terms of settlement and investment. This secures the property rights of Maltese citizens within the country and facilitates the acquisition of real estate for settlement or investment purposes.
In summary, there are certain conditions for individuals who can apply for naturalization as Maltese citizens. These conditions may vary depending on the method by which the applicant obtains citizenship. Firstly, the applicant submits the necessary documents to the Citizenship Services. After the documents are reviewed and verified, the application form is signed. Two sponsors are required for the continuation of the process, one of whom must be from certain professional groups and the other can be any Maltese citizen. Subsequently, an Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of Malta is taken and the completion of the process is awaited. If the applicant was born abroad, the Citizenship Services prepare a letter to the Civil Registry to register the identity card with the Civil Registry. This letter, along with the original birth certificates, is submitted to the Civil Registry, and upon completion of this process, the applicant is accepted as a Maltese citizen.
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