A second passport is the latest status symbol and high net worth individuals (HNI) are buying a second passport through various Citizenship by Investment Programmes (CIP) in exchange to an investment or consideration in the country granting the citizenship.
More high net worth individuals are seriously weighing their options in order to expand their business interests. Investors primarily seek increased global mobility, better security and education, diversified business opportunities and tax planning strategies, and an overall improved quality of life.
Why Malta?
With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, Malta is a hidden gem in the centre of Mediterranean. The archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino, with a total population of over 420,000 inhabitants occupying an area of 316 square kilometers.
This Mediterranean paradise is famous for its stunning coastline. Its crystal clear waters have earned Malta the undisputed reputation of the ultimate diving hotspot. Voted as one of the world’s best diving locations, Malta is home to hundreds of reefs, caves, and ancient wrecks.
With its sandy beaches and Comino’s picturesque lagoons, a luxury yacht charter in Malta is the epitome of a Mediterranean cruising adventure.
Malta’s stunning wonders are also located in its iconic capital, Valletta. Built after the Great Siege of 1565, Valletta is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This fortified city houses one of the world’s highest concentration of historical monuments including the renowned Grandmaster’s Palace and St John’s co-Cathedral, home to world famous artistic masterpieces by Caravaggio and Mattia Preti. Valletta is also the European Capital of Culture for 2018.
Malta is also a popular film location and has been the perfect backdrop for numerous films and TV shows since the late 1960s. The efforts of the Malta Film Commission has attracted high profile movie stars like Tom Hanks, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Madonna, Russell Crowe, Sean Connery and Roger Moore.
By The Sea, Cutthroat Island, World War Z, Gladiator, Troy, Munich, Game of Thrones and Ron Howard’s 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, are only some of the iconic movies and TV shows shot in Malta.
Malta’s Thriving Economy
Malta, which took this opportunity, is attracting a wealth of talent and economic prosperity. Malta has been the centre of the financial services and economy in the Mediterranean for decades. Despite its size, Malta has thrived even during severe economic downturns that hit the world and that put to test the world’s strongest economies.
Malta’s endeavours have enabled the country to overcome its limitations and attract foreign direct investment in various sectors including information technology, superyacht and vessel registration and management, business aviation, financial services, and the world’s leading online casinos and iGaming companies.
Four months ago, the Maltese Parliament passed three laws establishing the regulatory framework for blockchain, cryptocurrency and distributed ledger technology (DLT). Since then, Malta has become known as the World’s Blockchain Island, quickly attracting interest from thousands in the crypto community to set up shop on the island.
With over 80,000 registered companies at the Companies Registry House within the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) within a diversified economic activity, Malta is the country to be to facilitate international trade and business with partners in the EU, Middle East and beyond. As a member of the European Union and the Commonwealth, Malta provides peace of mind for those who wish to invest or retire on this beautiful island. Malta boasts of a stable economy and a sound political climate. Rich in history and culture, Malta offers a robust financial services regulatory framework, state-of-the-art healthcare services, and high-level education. It is the destination of choice for entrepreneurs and investors.
The Maltese Citizenship
The Government of Malta designed a programme that is intended to take Malta to the world, to expand the country’s horizons and bring to Malta people who are not only willing to invest, but who, despite its size, believe in the country’s potential and ongoing prosperity. The Malta Individual Investor Programme (IIP) is designed for high net worth individuals who intend to obtain dual citizenship and to those seeking to relocate their family or business to Malta and the EU. It is considered one of the strongest passports in Europe.
Key benefits of the Malta’s Citizenship by Investment Programme are:
- Maltese passport is obtained within a relatively short timeframe
- Maltese citizenship can be acquired and extended to all dependent family members
- visa-free travel to over 160 countries, including Schengen area, UK, USA, Australia and Canada
- legal status to live, work and study in any of the 27 EU countries
- additional benefits in the UK as a citizen of the Commonwealth
- full member of the European Union
- a stable economy characterized by steady growth and ranking 2nd best among the 28 European countries
- attractive tax incentives.
To be eligible for Maltese citizenship under the Individual Investor Programme, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age. If certain criteria are met, the applicant may also add to the citizenship application his/her spouse, as well as children and parents or grandparents.
Further Information
Additional information is available here. For all other questions on getting citizenship in Malta, please contact us.
