The Link Between Taxation and Citizenship by Investment in Malta
Nicky Gouder explains the nuances of the terms resident and domiciled and how each has different implications for taxability in Malta.
More popularly known as the Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN) Policy, the MCESDI is the successor policy to the country’s erstwhile Individual Investor Program, which was discontinued in 2020. By virtue of Malta’s membership in the EU, Maltese citizens not only enjoy freedom of movement, but also freedom of settlement, in all other EU countries.
Program page sponsor
Program Type | Semi-Direct Citizenship Program |
Time to citizenship | 12-36 months |
Time to permanent residency | 12-36 months |
Minimum investment | EUR 690,000 |
Physical presence requirement | 2 weeks per year (de facto) |
Application processing time | 12-36 months |
Grants visa-free travel to | 185 destinations, including Schengen countries |
Contribution types available | Donation, Property Investment |
General program requirements
Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment in Malta has two separate timeframes depending on the size of the investment. All applicants must both make donations and maintain a home in Malta, whether pruchased or leased.
Contribution to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF)
€600,000 contribution, which will grant you citizenship after 36 months; OR
€750,000 contribution which will grant you citizenship after 12 months.
€50,000 additional contribution per dependent.
Property Investment or Long lease
€700,000 purchase an immovable residential property in Malta; OR
€16,000 per annum lease a residential immovable property in Malta.
Neither option may be sublet out and must be held for a minimum of five years from the date of issue of the certificate of citizenship.
Donation
€10,000 donation to a registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare or artistic non-governmental organisation or society, or as otherwise approved by the Agency.
Due diligence fees
€15,000 for a single applicant.
€25,000 for a primary applicant and souse.
€10,000 for additional dependents aged above 12.
Government fees for issuance of residence card
€10,000 for a single applicant.
€15,000 for a primary applicant and souse.
€5,000 for additional dependents.
Program benefits
Requirements to qualify for citizenship
After making an initial deposit, the applicants must visit Malta for the residence card application. This initiates the 12 or 36 month residency period. The physical presence of the applicant is required for biometrics to be captured in Malta.
The Government of Malta vets each application in a thorough due diligence check, during which time submitted information is examined and verified. This is a 4 tier due diligence process. During this time applicants must purchase or lease their qualifying property.
After either 12 or 36 months the applicant can apply for citizenship and must appear in Malta to pledge allegiance to complete the citizenship program.
Legislation upon which this program is based:
Individual Investor Programme of the Republic of Malta Regulations 2014 (LN. 47 of 2014) and Maltese Citizenship Act (CAP.188)
No statistics available until 2022.
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Nicky Gouder explains the nuances of the terms resident and domiciled and how each has different implications for taxability in Malta.
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Programs that offer citizenship within months in exchange for investments or donations, with minor/no physical presence requirements.
Programs that offer citizenship in exchange for investments following a 1-2 year period, with minor/no physical presence requirements.
Bulgaria Investor Program (discontinued)
Malta MEIN
Programs that offer residence permits within months in exchange for passive investments, with limited physical presence requirements.
Andorra Residence Without Lucrative Activity
Anguilla Permanent Residency Program
Australia BIIP Investor Streams
Bahamas Economic Permanent Residence
Barbados SERP Program
Bermuda Economic Investment Certificate (EIC) Program
Brazil Investor Visa (VIPER)
Cambodia My 2nd Home
Cayman Islands Investor Visa
Colombia Investor Visas M and R
Costa Rica Investor Visa
Curaçao Investor Permit Program
Cyprus Golden Visa
Georgia Investor Visas
Greece Golden Visa
Guernsey Investor & Entrepreneur Residency
Ireland Immigrant Investor Program (discontinued)
Italy Investor Visa
Latvia Investor Visa
Luxembourg Investor Visa
Malaysia M2H Visa
Malta Permanent Residence Program
Mauritius Permanent Residency Program
Monaco Carte de Séjour
Netherlands Investor Visa
New Zealand Investor Visa
Nicaragua Investor Permanent Residency Program
Panama Qualified Investor Visa
Philippines Special Investor Residence Permit
Portugal Golden Visa
Russia Investor Visa
South Korea Investor Visa
Spain Golden Visa
Taiwan Golden Visa (APRC Plum Blossom Card)
Thailand Elite Residence Program
UAE Golden Visa
UK Investor Visa (discontinued)
United States EB-5
Programs that offer residence permits within months to those who can demonstrate income or personal wealth above a certain level, usually requiring that the holder not take up employment locally.
Argentina Rentista and Pensionado Residency
Austria Independent Means Visa
Barbados Welcome Stamp
Gibraltar Category 2 HNWI Residence
Greece FIP Visa
Indonesia Retirement Visa (KITAS)
Ireland Independent Means (Stamp 0)
Italy Elective Residency Visa
Jersey High Value Residency
Mexico Legal Residency Visa
Nicaragua Pensionado and Rentista Visas
Panama Rentista Retirado Visa
Paraguay Permanent Residency Program
Portugal D7 Visa
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
Uruguay Independent Means Visa
Programs that offer residence permits within months to those who physically relocate to start and/or run a business. Startup and entrepreneur visas fall under this category.
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