Malta Citizenship

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The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment process allows for the granting of citizenship by a certificate of naturalization to foreign individuals and their families who contribute to the country’s economic development. This is possible following a 36-month (or, by exception, 12-month) residence period. Each application is subject to a stringent due diligence process, including thorough background checks. Community Malta Agency is the competent Maltese Government Agency responsible for administering the regulations. 

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 180 destinations
   
• Access to a transparent and reputable financial centre and a prime jurisdiction for
  international business
   
• Opportunity to include a spouse, children, parents, and grandparents in the main
  application
   
• World’s strictest due diligence standards and vetting of applicants
   
• An attractive place to live or own a second home in, strategically located with
  excellent air links
   

The application for Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is thoroughly checked and assessed and undergoes a four-tier due diligence process. To qualify, the following requirements must be fulfilled:
 

• A minimum age of 18 years for all applicants
   
• A contribution of at least EUR 600,000 for a minimum residence period of 36
  months or EUR 750,000 for a minimum of 12 months
   
• The purchase of a residential property in Malta of at least EUR 700,000, which must
  be held for five years. Alternatively, the lease of a residential property with a rental value of at least EUR 16,000 per annum, also held for five years. Please note that the property cannot be sublet during this five-year period. A 36-month (or 18- month, by exception) lease agreement or property purchase is required during the residence period
   
• A donation of at least EUR 10,000 to a registered sport, cultural, scientific, philanthropic, animal welfare, or artistic non-governmental organization or society, as approved by the Community Malta Agency
   
• Legal residence of Malta for at least 36 months (or 12 months, by exception), which includes the lease of a residential property with a rental value of at least EUR 16,000 per annum, held for that same period. Applicants require a valid residence card in order to apply for citizenship
   

Applications must be made on the prescribed forms and be accompanied by the appropriate fees and specific documents. Highly detailed due diligence checks are carried out and an application will be declined if it turns out that it contains false information or omissions. 

If the Tier 1 due diligence checks completed by the Community Malta Agency are passed, the application for a residence permit will be submitted. After a residence has been obtained, an eligibility application will be submitted and further (tiers 2, 3, and 4) due diligence checked will be made by the agency and presented to the relevant Maltese minister, who will decide on the applicant’s eligibility to apply for citizenship. 

If successful, a citizenship application will be submitted to the Community Malta Agency after 36 months of residence (or 12 months by exception). After the minister has decided if the applicant can be granted Maltese citizenship, the successful applicant will then be required to fulfil the exceptional investment, donation, and property requirements. Thereafter, the applicant will be invited to take the oath of allegiance in Malta and be presented with a Maltese certificate of naturalization.
 

The Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program (previously named the Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program) was launched in January 2017 to attract foreign direct investment to and boost growth in the country’s real estate sector. The program allows applicants to choose from a number of different types of economic contributions to Turkish society, thereby developing the country’s economy. 

With the city of Istanbul embracing Europe and Asia on the Bosphorus Strait, Turkey is a transcontinental Eurasian country. Its location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it a country of significant geostrategic importance. 

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 110 destinations including Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore
• Citizenship of a country that enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, beautiful scenery, and a high standard of living
• Full citizenship granted to the applicant and included family members
• Eligibility for an E-2 Investor Visa in the USA after being domiciled in Turkey for three years, valid for a five-year renewable period
• Access to a transcontinental Eurasian country that is a stable economic, financial, and political hub between Europe, Western Asia, and the Middle East 

To qualify for citizenship, the main applicant should fulfil one of the following investment requirements:

• Acquire at least USD 400,000 worth of real estate
• Invest a minimum of USD 500,000 in fixed capital contributions
• Deposit at least USD 500,000 into a Turkish bank account
• Commit at least USD 500,000 into government bonds
• Commit at least USD 500,000 into real estate investment fund share or venture capital investment fund share
• Commit at least USD 500,000 into a private pension system for a minimum holding period of three years
• Create jobs for at least 50 people, as attested by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Ser vices
• The main applicant may include their spouse, dependent children below the age of 18, and children of any age who are living with disabilities in their application.
   

After applicants have chosen the qualifying investment option, a residence permit application shall be made on the family’s behalf. The main applicant is then required to open a bank account in Turkey. 

Once all application documents have been prepared (including applicable certifications and translations), the investment can be completed and the documents submitted to the government. Contributions must be made in Turkish lira, equivalent to the USD amount. Successful applicants are required to visit the country to submit biometrics for the residence application. Applications are typically approved within three to five months, following which the citizenship documents are issued. The passport application can then be submitted. Please note that Turkish gift and inheritance taxes apply to worldwide assets held by Turkish citizens. We recommend that you seek appropriate professional advice in this regard.