After the closure of the Montenegrin investment citizenship program at the end of 2022, the Maltese citizenship program, MEIN, remained the only offer in Europe for investors looking for a passport.
Unlike Montenegrin CIP it is a two-pronged process. First investor applies to become a resident of Malta (takes about 1 month), and then after least 12 months, investor may apply for citizenship of Malta. So, you get Malta Golden Visa at the first stage and pass to naturalization process at the second stage.
Finally, family members may be included as dependents: a spouse, children under 29 years old, parents, grandparents.
Location
Malta, officially known as the Republic of Malta, is a beautiful Southern European Island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, lying 95 km south of Italy. Positioned between Sicily and North Africa, the country is the smallest member of the European Union by population, with only half a million people, but also by area, making it the fourth-most densely populated country in the world while being the tenth-smallest. Alongside Cyprus, Malta has the lowest violent crime rates in Europe. Combined with a laid-back lifestyle, proximity to the sea and on average 300 days of sunshine.
To apply for the Maltese citizenship via MEIN program (The Maltese Exceptional Investment Naturalisation), you must have a permanent address in Malta. The investor either buys a property on the island or rents it. A minimum is set for each option. If you want to buy property in the property, then in the amount of at least €700.000. If you rent, then at a rate of at least €16,000 per year. In addition, investor would have to transfer contribution to NDSF and make a charity donation at the final stage of processing.
Maltese Residence Scheme for Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs from third countries will be eligible to acquire residency in Malta through the new Startup Residence Scheme. It seems like local government wants to bring a large number of internationals to the country. According to Eturbo News report, the new program grants a 3-year residence permit to founders, as well as co-founders and core employees together with their immediate family members.
In order to benefit from this residence program, foreigners are required to make an investment of at least €25,000 (approximately $30,901) in a paid-up share capital or tangible investment. Those who plan to become part of this Maltese Residence Scheme will need to travel to Malta and also pay taxes locally. After completing 5 years in this country, third-country nationals will be eligible to file an application for long-term residency.
