The Golden Visa for Malta program is a residency-by-investment scheme that allows high net worth individuals to obtain a Maltese passport within one to three years by making a substantial investment in Malta. The program offers a pathway for third-country nationals to obtain a Residence-by-Investment Certificate, which can lead to citizenship or permanent residence in Malta. The program is particularly attractive to investors looking to include several generations under one application.
To be eligible for the Malta Golden Visa program, applicants must make an investment of at least €750,000 to the national development fund or purchase a property worth at least €700,000. Applicants must also meet the program’s due diligence requirements, which include a background check and a police clearance certificate. Once approved, applicants can enjoy the benefits of living in Malta, which include a high standard of living, a favorable tax regime, and access to the European Union.
Investing in the Malta Golden Visa program offers several benefits, including the ability to obtain a Maltese passport, which is highly regarded and provides visa-free travel to over 180 countries. The program also offers a favorable tax regime, including a flat tax rate of 15% for non-domiciled individuals. Additionally, Malta offers a high standard of living, with excellent healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- The Malta Golden Visa program offers a pathway to obtain a Maltese passport within one to three years.
- To be eligible, applicants must make an investment of at least €750,000 to the national development fund or purchase a property worth at least €700,000.
- The program offers several benefits, including a favorable tax regime, a high standard of living, and access to the European Union.
Eligibility and Application Process
Understanding Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Malta Golden Visa program, applicants must fulfill specific requirements. Firstly, applicants must be third-country, non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. Secondly, they must be at least 18 years of age and have a clear criminal background. This also applies to all family members included in the application.
Additionally, applicants must provide proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members during their stay in Malta. This includes bank statements, proof of income, and other financial documents. Applicants must also pass due diligence and background checks conducted by the Maltese authorities.
Golden Visa for Malta: Application Steps
The application process for the Malta Golden Visa is straightforward and typically takes between four to six months to complete. The process involves several steps, including:
- Submitting the application form and supporting documents to the Malta Residency Visa Agency (MRVA).
- Paying the application fee, which varies depending on the investment option chosen.
- Waiting for the MRVA to conduct due diligence and background checks.
- Receiving an eligibility letter of approval from the MRVA.
- Investing in Malta by purchasing or leasing property or making a donation to the National Development and Social Fund.
- Completing the remaining steps of the application process, including obtaining health insurance and opening a bank account in Malta.
Due Diligence and Background Checks
Due diligence and background checks are an essential part of the Malta Golden Visa application process. The MRVA conducts these checks to ensure that applicants and their family members do not pose a security risk to Malta or the European Union. The checks include criminal record checks, police certificates, and other security checks.
In conclusion, the Malta Golden Visa program is an attractive option for high-net-worth individuals looking to invest in Malta and gain access to the European Union. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and due diligence requirements, applicants can ensure a smooth and successful application process.
Investment Options and Contributions
Malta’s Golden Visa program offers several attractive investment options for applicants to choose from. These investment avenues include real estate, a government contribution, and a donation to a local NGO.
Real Estate Investment
One of the investment options for the Malta Golden Visa program is real estate investment. Applicants can invest in real estate property, which can be either purchased or rented. The minimum investment amount is €350,000 for purchasing a property or €16,000 per annum for renting a property. The property must be held for a minimum of five years from the date of purchase or rental agreement. The property value must also be maintained throughout the period of ownership.
National Development Fund Donation
Another investment option for the Malta Golden Visa program is a donation to the National Development Fund (NDF). The NDF is a government fund that supports various projects in Malta, including social and economic development. The minimum donation amount is €600,000. This donation must be made to the NDF before the issuance of the Golden Visa.
Other Investment Avenues
Apart from real estate investment and NDF donation, the Malta Golden Visa program also offers other investment avenues. These include financial investment, government contribution, and others. The government contribution is €30,000 for the main applicant and €5,000 for each dependent. The financial investment option requires an investment of €150,000 in stocks, bonds, debentures, or special purpose vehicles. The other investment options are subject to individual assessment and approval by the Maltese government.
In conclusion, the Malta Golden Visa program offers several investment options for applicants to choose from. These investment avenues include real estate, NDF donation, government contribution, and others. Applicants should carefully evaluate each investment option and choose the one that best suits their needs and goals.
Benefits of the Malta Golden Visa
Malta’s Golden Visa program offers several benefits to its applicants. These benefits include residency and citizenship advantages, family inclusion, healthcare access, education, and travel freedom.
Residency and Citizenship Advantages
The Golden Visa for Malta program provides the opportunity for non-EU citizens to obtain Maltese citizenship by investment. This citizenship allows the investor and their family members to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union. Furthermore, the successful applicant can travel without a visa to over 140 countries worldwide, including the Schengen Area.
Family Inclusion and Healthcare Access
The Malta Golden Visa program allows investors to include their family members in their application. This includes spouses, children, and dependents. Successful applicants and their families can benefit from Malta’s high-quality healthcare system, which is considered one of the best in the world.
Education and Travel Freedom
Golden Visa holders and their families can enjoy the freedom to travel and study anywhere in the European Union. This includes access to top-rated universities and educational institutions. Furthermore, Malta’s Golden Visa program offers a path to Maltese citizenship, granting investors a Maltese passport, which is one of the strongest passports in the world.
In conclusion, Malta’s Golden Visa program offers several benefits to its applicants, including the opportunity to obtain Maltese citizenship by investment, travel freedom, family inclusion, and access to education and healthcare.
Living in Malta
Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea with a rich history and culture. The country boasts a warm climate, beautiful landscapes, and a welcoming local community. In this section, we will explore what it is like to live in Malta, including insights into real estate and lifestyle, as well as cultural and economic factors.
Real Estate and Lifestyle
Malta offers a range of residential real estate options, including apartments, townhouses, and villas. The country’s real estate market is known for being competitive, with high demand and limited supply. However, the government has taken steps to encourage investment in the sector, including the introduction of the Malta Residence and Visa Program (MRVP), which offers residency to non-EU citizens who purchase or rent property in Malta.
In addition to a thriving real estate market, Malta offers a high quality of life, with a range of cultural and recreational activities available. The island is home to a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and museums showcasing local and international artists. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including hiking, swimming, and water sports.
Cultural and Economic Insights
Malta has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and British, among others. The country’s architecture, cuisine, and language reflect this diverse history. The Maltese language, for example, is a unique blend of Arabic, Italian, and English.
In terms of the economy, Malta has a strong services sector, with financial services, tourism, and gaming among the key industries. The country has a well-educated workforce, with a high literacy rate and a strong education system. The healthcare system in Malta is also highly regarded, with both public and private options available.
Overall, Malta offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a high quality of life in a warm and welcoming environment.
Also check: Golden Visa for New Zealand.