Malta Individual Investor Programme (IIP)

In 2014 Malta launched its Individual Investor Programme (IIP) – a citizenship by investment programme which allows a main applicant and their family dependents be naturalised as Maltese citizens as a return for investing in property, bonds and the local economy.

The whole process takes between 12-15 months and involves a strict due diligence procedure which ensures only applicants with clean backgrounds who can make valuable contributions, both financially and socially are granted citizenship and the wealth of benefits that accompany it.

Benefits of the Malta IIP

• Free movement within the Schengen Zone and visa-free travel to over 182 countries, including the USA;
• Malta is a member of the British Commonwealth which gives all citizens the right to reside in all Commonwealth countries for up to six months at a time. Commonwealth countries include the U.K, Canada and Australia;
• The right to reside and work freely in all 28 EU member states, and Switzerland;
• Affordable qualifying government and investment contributions;
• Stable political, social, and economic environment;
• No minimum residence requirement to obtain and retain citizenship;
• English speaking, along with the local Maltese language and a high percentage of Italian fluency;
• Citizenship can be passed down through direct descendants;
• Malta is strategically located with excellent international air links to airports worldwide. It is three hours from London, 2.5 from Paris and a little under eight from Dubai.

The government agency responsible for administering the programme is Identity Malta and all applications must be submitted to them via a certified Accredited Agent.

Qualifying Requirements

Any person wishing to apply for citizenship must meet a set of criteria stipulated by Identity Malta. These include:

• Main applicant be a minimum age of 18 years old;
• Must have a clean criminal record and not be subject to any ongoing criminal investigation;
• Be covered by an indefinite global health insurance;
• Have acquired the status of resident of Malta for at least one year prior to the acquisition of citizenship;
• Must not have been denied a visa to a country with which Malta has visa-free travel arrangements;
• Be able to meet the Investment Criteria as specified in the Legal Notice.

The required Investment Criteria include a Government Contribution, an investment in local real estate and an investment in local bonds, stocks, equities or funds as listed in the Malta Stock Exchange.

Final Contributions to the National Development Social Fund

• Main applicant: €650,000
• Spouse of the main applicant: €25,000
• Each child under 18: €5,000
• Each unmarried child between 18-26: €50,000
• Each parent or grandparent dependent over 55: €50,000

Government Approved Investments

The main applicant is bound to invest €150,000 in any stocks, bonds, equities or funds which are listed on the Malta Stock Exchange. There investments are secure but do not yield interest, and they must be held for a minimum of five years, as of the issuance of the Invitation for Oath of Allegiance.

Property

The main applicant must hold title to a residential property in Malta or Gozo. This property may be rented or purchased but must be held for a minimum of five years, as of the issuance of the Invitation for Oath of Allegiance.

• Minimum purchase price: €350,000
• Minimum rental price: €16,000 per annum

The IIP is unique in that it was the first programme of its kind to gain full approval from the European Commission and it remains one of the few that offers full citizenship in return for investment as opposed to just permanent residence. This citizenship by investment scheme offers qualifying individuals and their families an opportunity to expand their business into Europe, as well as offering stability for them and their future. Malta is a beautiful, vibrant country and provides a safe environment to reside in with low crime rates, excellent healthcare and excellent public and private educational facilities.