MALTA CITIZENSHIP PROGRAM

Citizenship by Investment Program

WHY MALTA?

The Republic of Malta offers its investors the advantages of being a member of the British Economic Community as well as a politically and economically stable environment. Malta has overcome the financial crisis positively and has attracted attention along with Germany as one of the two countries that has managed to maintain its economic growth in the European Region. The Maltese banking system ranks among the top in the world in terms of reliability.

Malta has been a member of the European Union since 2004 and has been part of Schengen since 2007. Thanks to the citizenship obtained through this program, full citizenship rights are obtained for life and future generations can also benefit from the same rights. Maltese citizenship also provides access to all investment opportunities open to Malta and European Union citizens to be made in Malta and the European Union.

In accordance with the Malta Citizenship Act that came into force in November 2013 and the amendments made to Malta Law Chapter 188, Maltese Citizenship by Investment can be granted. With the latest regulations made in February 2014, the Malta Investor Program was approved by the European Union and its legal framework was established.

BENEFITS OF MALTESE CITIZENSHIP

• Schengen Residence Status granted with the application
• 166 visa-free destinations including the USA, UK and Canada,
• Citizenship/passport granted within 1 year,
• Status that includes family members and is transferred to future generations,
• European Union member state citizenship and the right to live permanently in EU countries,
• Social rights provided to citizens in education and health,
• Offers tax advantages

ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS FOR CITIZENSHIP

The main applicant is expected to be over 18 years of age and to have fulfilled all of the following investments.

1. Contribution to National Development and Social Assistance (Non-refundable amount)

In order to be eligible for Maltese citizenship by investment, the main applicant must contribute €650,000. Spouses and children must contribute €25,000. Unmarried children between the ages of 18 and 26 and dependents over 55 years of age must each contribute €50,000.

2. Real Estate Investment

The applicant must purchase real estate for €350,000 or rent for a total of five years at €16,000 per year. This investment is expected to be held for 5 years.

3. Bond/Share Investment

The applicant will invest at least €150,000 at certain intervals in bonds and shares approved by the Maltese government to be protected for five years. This investment is expected to be made in financial instruments that are expected to benefit the island and are confirmed by the government.

TAX EXEMPTION

Resident taxpayers who do not reside in Malta benefit from tax exemption. Accordingly, those who live in Malta but whose permanent addresses are not Malta are not taxed on income from foreign sources, and similarly, any capital income acquired outside Malta is not subject to tax, whether exempt or not. Tax can only be applied to income and capital income earned in Malta. A citizen who does not reside in Malta can only be taxed on income from Maltese sources.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The following processes are aimed to be completed in 12-14 months to have a prestigious Malta Passport:

• The process begins with the signing of the Consultancy Service Agreement.
• Together with the document preparation, travel to Malta for Residence Permit Application.
• With the Residence cards obtained within 1 month, the right to free movement in the EU and Schengen area is obtained.
• After the preliminary approval of the citizenship application is received, the relevant contribution and investment amounts are paid
• After the citizenship has been finalized, travel to Malta for passport application and citizenship oath is realized.