High-net-worth individuals always look to invest in countries that offer great returns. Malta is preferred not just because of the scenic landscape, beautiful beaches, and lifestyle. It is also because of its stability, the fact that it is an E.U. member country, and the booming economy.
Other countries across the globe could also be your choice. However, not all countries allow dual citizenship. When investing in dual citizenship, the first step would be to check the ones that allow the status. Once done, individuals need to understand the different possible ways of acquiring citizenship.
In Malta, foreign nationals can become citizens through:
- Citizenship by birth
- Citizenship by descent
- Malta Citizenship for exceptional services by Direct Investment
- Citizenship by marriage
Intrigued? Let us explain!
How to Become a Maltese Citizen by Birth
This way to citizenship is self-explanatory! Anyone born on or after August 1, 1989, shall be entitled to Maltese citizenship if their parents were citizens of Malta.
How to Become a Maltese Citizen by Descent
We know Malta makes allowances and grants citizenship to those born abroad but have a family connection to Malta. An individual need not be born in Malta to become a citizen, as long as:
- At least one parent is descended from an ancestor born in Malta.
- And that ancestor’s parent was also born in Malta.
- The living parents or grandparents must also apply for Maltese citizenship or be a citizen through the line of descent.
How to Acquire Malta Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment
The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is a residency route leading to citizenship in Malta. Investors can make a direct investment in the economy of Malta and donate and hold residential property.
Under the new route, you have two options:
- Citizenship after three (3) years of residency
- Citizenship after one (1) year of residency
The granting of Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is regulated by S.L. 188.05. The annual quota is 400 applicants, totaling 1,500 applicants for the whole scheme.
How to Obtain Citizenship by Marriage
Like descent, getting Maltese citizenship by marriage is a subset of the routes to citizenship, formally known as citizenship by registration.
An individual can get citizenship by marriage if they are:
- Married to a citizen of Malta, and the two have been married for at least five years.
- Stay married and live together on the date of application.
- Married to but legally separated from a citizen of Malta. (The marriage needs to have lasted for five years.)
- A widow or widower of a citizen of Malta.
Maintaining Dual Citizenship
The Maltese government has no restrictions on holding both Maltese citizenship and another country. Of all the possible ways to become a Maltese citizen, Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Service by Direct Investment is the most recommended. And once a foreign national has obtained dual and second citizenship in Malta, it is vital to maintain it.
It is not likely to have your Maltese citizenship revoked, but that does not mean you should not try to sustain it. A few ways to maintain dual citizenship in Malta:
- Keep your residential ties with your home nation.
- Maintain active bank accounts in Malta.
- Be engaged in Maltese society.
- Maximise the opportunities available to dual citizens.
Dual citizens in Malta must also renew Maltese passports or I.D. cards, valid for ten years from the date of issue. Moreover, you must maintain the real estate investments you have acquired during the citizenship application.
Dual Citizenship in Malta with Endevio
Dual citizenship is the next best investment for foreign nationals. And the island nation of Malta is waiting for you to call it home! You get the best of both worlds with dual citizenship: a second passport and residential ties to Malta.
You have various options in obtaining second citizenship in Malta. But before taking the first step to your application, you must ensure that your home country allows dual citizenship. And even after getting a hold of dual citizenship, your responsibilities do not stop.
You must maintain your second citizenship with regular visits to Malta. And you cannot afford not to renew your Maltese passport every ten years! Fortunately, dual citizenship in Malta is in safe hands with Endevio. Our team of citizenship experts will help you through the application process and keep track of your progress.
Endevio will help you maintain your dual citizenship with Malta through the application process and beyond. Contact us today!
