Since 2015, Malta has had a Permanent Residence program for investors. In 2021, amendments and additions were made to the law. Passports are issued after 1-3 years of naturalization, making direct investments, and passing a reliability check.
Financially independent individuals do not need to know the language or pass tests on local culture and history. Children born in Malta become Maltese citizens by right of blood and soil. Here, we detail how to obtain citizenship through the state investment program and explain its advantages.
Living Standard
The island state is home to 518,540 people. The high population density per square meter is due to its geographical location and the shortage of land. There is no natural gas and little fresh water, so resources are imported from the continent. The quality of life index is moderate. According to Numbeo, Malta ranks 49th in terms of comfort, ahead of Russia and Turkey.
Healthcare, safety, income, and real estate prices are rated above average. Since 2016, residential property prices have been increasing by up to 5% per year. Purchasing power is low. In terms of cost of living, Malta ranks 35th out of 140 countries. The minimum expenses amount to 785 EUR per person.
Every fifth resident is a foreigner. In Valletta and provincial towns, 12% of the population are Italians and 10% are British. The number of emigrants from CIS countries has significantly increased over the past two years. In 2024, due to sanctions, residence permits are not being issued to citizens of certain countries and Belarusians. Relocants are obtaining residency in Romania or Bulgaria through simplified programs and then moving to the Maltese archipelago. There are schools with teaching in Russian, the church conducts liturgies in Slavic.
Advantages of Maltese Citizenship
Obtaining this status offers numerous benefits. These are relevant to anyone who wishes to live in the island republic with its Mediterranean climate, improve living conditions, expand their business, and receive a good education.
Developing business environment
The government is interested in attracting investors, freelancers, and self-employed individuals. They earn money at home and invest in the local economy. Entrepreneurs open startups or relocate existing companies with their teams.
They are involved in maritime logistics, pharmaceuticals, and developing the entertainment and tourism industries. Businesspeople have the opportunity to bring their companies to the European market, which has 450 million clients. Digital nomads and business people are granted residence permits and, in the near future, citizenship by the authorities.
Visa-free entry
Up to 400 passports are issued to foreigners within a year, without requiring them to renounce their original citizenship. New EU citizens are automatically granted the same rights as other Europeans. They are free to choose their location, work, receive medical treatment, and get an education in any state of the Union, including Norway and Liechtenstein.
Tax benefits
Residents pay low rates on income and assets. The law does not provide for inheritance taxes, capital taxes, or municipal taxes. Real estate transaction fees are payable under certain conditions. Non-residents are also not charged interest on global income.
Healthcare and education
The country ranks 19th in the quality of healthcare in the world. Healthcare services are free for Maltese citizens. Residents are also assisted by private health insurance. Children attend educational institutions for free, and private schools offer favorable financial programs. After graduation, students enroll in the national university, the University of Science and Technology, the College of Arts, and the Tourism Institute. The diplomas of these institutions are recognized worldwide.