CITIZENSHIP & RESIDENCE IN MALTA :
As globalization becomes an increasing reality, citizenship and residence have become increasingly relevant issues among internationally mobile entrepreneurs seeking visa-free travel, politically stable environments, global mobility and tax convenience. Of course, this also applies to high-net-worth individuals and their families who seek the freedom in order to focus on the more important things in life; health, security and education.
Over the years Malta has always offered safe port to such candidates, and today reaches out to the global community by offering two leading programs within the international alternative global citizenship programs
The Malta Individual Investor Program (MIIP) is focused towards non-EU high-net-worth individuals and their respective families' citizenship status in a stable EU Member state following a thorough due diligence process and a significant contribution to the National Development and Social Fund established by the Government of Malta.
The Global Residence Program on the other hand, offers non-Maltese individuals the possibility of acquiring permanent residency status in Malta without the need of being physically present in Malta for a specific time period. This program offers selected candidates a privileged tax status, whilst simultaneously offering access to Malta's wide network of double tax treaties.
Principal Requirements
(1) Contribution to National Development and Social Fund
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Main Applicant: € 650,000
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Spouse: €25,00
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Children (up to 18 years) €25,000
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Unmarried Children (18 – 25) and ascendants: €50,000
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Each dependent parent 55 years: €50,000.
(2) A commitment to retain a residence in Malta for a period of at least 5 years, either through the purchase of a property (for which the minimum value must exceed €350,000),or through the leasing of a property (for which the minimum annual rent must exceed €16,000).
(3) An investment of €150,000 in Government approved financial instruments, which must be maintained for a minimum period of 5 years. Details on the particulars of this investment will be announced shortly.
(4) Proof of residence status in Malta for a period of 12 months prior to the grant of the certificate of naturalization
(5) All applicants shall be subject to a rigorous due diligence process to ensure that only reputable applicants are accepted.
Global Residence Program Principal Requirements:
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Within twelve (12) months from acquiring permanent status, applicant must show that s/he has either:
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Purchased property in Malta at a price not less than €275,000 (or €220,000 if the property is in Gozo or in certain defined areas in the south of Malta);
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Rented property for not less than €9,600 per annum in Malta, (or €8,750 per annum if the property is in Gozo or in certain defined areas in the south of Malta).
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Minimum tax liability of €15,000
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Proof of independent and sufficient means
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Sickness insurance coverage for all risks in Malta and the whole of the EU
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Must not reside in any other jurisdiction for more than 183 days in one year
Benefits of Program
Acquisition of Maltese permanent residence status, consequently permanent residence status in Europe. The right to do business, invest or take up employment in Malta
Reduced tax rates
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On income earned abroad and remitted to Malta: 15% flat rate, minimum €15,000 p.a
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On foreign income not remitted to Malta: 0%
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On income deriving from Malta: 35%
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Minimum Tax per family: €15,000 p.a.
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There is no additional tax for spouse, children or dependents.
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Schengen Visa providing freedom of movement within other Schengen countries namely
Austria, Belgium, CzechRepublic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
-Global Permanent Residence is inherited
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Spouse and dependents include
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Spouse or partner of stable relationship
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Children under the age of 18 years
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Children under 25 years if still financially dependent on main applicant
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Ascendants and other relatives shown to be dependent on the family of main applicant/spouse
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Employees who considered dependent and bona fide members of the household (for the first 2 years)
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No inheritance tax
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Double Tax Treaty relief is applicable
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Tax residence certificate is available
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