Maltese Citizenship Programme

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The Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services Programme launched on the 20th of November 2020 replacing the Individual Investor Programme (IIP).

This new programme allows individuals and their dependents to be naturalized as Maltese citizens in return for exceptional services to Malta in the areas of science, research, sports, arts and culture, or for exceptional services in the form of direct investment and entrepreneurship. This programme is designed as a residence programme leading to citizenship.

The Maltese Passport confers on its holder the right to live, work, study and set up business in all EU countries and enjoy the rights of an EU citizen together with visa-free travel rights to 184 countries. A Maltese passport also gives its holder access to Malta’s reputable education and health-care systems.

Through this new programme, naturalisation may be granted in two ways:

  • Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Merit;
  • Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment.

Under both methods, certain conditions must be satisfied. For instance, the applicant must prove residence in Malta and have proof of title of residential property in Malta. Additional requirements shall include satisfaction of fit and proper criteria, donations to a Maltese NGO, undertaking to make an exceptional investment and further monetary contributions.

Applications under this programme are capped at 400 applications yearly and 1,500 in total.

E&S Group has accumulated a wealth of experience in all matters related to residency in Malta. Our expert team guides clients through all the stages of gaining legal residency and citizenship through all the various applications and programmes available.

Such services include-

  1. Advising Clients on the application process;
  2. Assistance throughout all the stages of the application.

The main applicant under this programme has to be at least 18 years in age and may also include dependents in his application. Applicants should also prove satisfaction of the following criteria:

If applying for naturalisation for exceptional services by Merit:

  1. Proof of residence in Malta for a minimum period of 8 months preceding the date of application;
  2. Proof or title of residential property in Malta;
  3. Proof of exceptional services being rendered to Malta or to humanity;
  4. If applying on the basis of exceptional interest to the Republic of Malta, such interest needs to be backed up with an endorsement from a designated competent authority;
  5. A recommendation by two people who are qualified to act as sponsors.

If applying for naturalisation for exceptional services by Direct Investment:

  1. A proof of residence in Malta for a period of 36 months preceding the date of application, which may be reduced to 12 months in case of an increased exceptional direct investment;
  2. An undertaking to purchase or rent an immovable property with a minimum value which satisfies the thresholds described further below;
  3. Undertaking to make an exception investment as described further below;
  4. Prior to the issuance of the certificate, the individual must provide proof of an undertaking to donate to any approved Maltese philanthropic NGO.

All applicants are required to undergo rigorous due diligence checks. If either of the following facts materialise, the applicant would be disqualified from applying under this programme. This applies if the applicant or any of his dependants;

  • Have been indicted of an offence before the International Criminal Court;
  • Are listed with INTERPOL or EUROPOL;
  • Are an actual or potential threat to national security, public policy or public health of Malta;
  • Are charged or found guilty of crimes related to terrorism, money laundering, funding of terrorism, crimes against humanity, war crimes or any other crimes infringing fundamental human rights and the good order of the family;
  • Have been at any time found guilty of, charged with, interrogated or suspected of crimes punishable with more than a year’s imprisonment;
  • Is, or is likely to be involved in any activity which may cause disrepute to the Republic of Malta;
  • Have been denied a visa to any country with whom Malta has visa-free travel arrangements;
  • Are listed in International sanctions with restrictive measures on them.

Generally applicable fees:

Due Diligence Fees

(non-refundable)

Applicant€15,000
Dependant€10,000

 

Administrative Fees

(non-refundable)

Eligibility Application€1,000 (per applicant)
Citizenship Application€500 (per applicant)

 

If applying for naturalisation for exceptional services by Direct Investment, the following contributions and investments should also be met:

Residency Stage

(to acquire the residence permit under this programme)

Applicant€5,000
Dependant€1,000

 

Property in Malta

(to be retained for a minimum of 5 years from issuing of citizenship certificate)

Purchasing Immovable Propertyminimum value of €700,000
Renting Immovable Propertyminimum annual rent of €16,000

 

Direct Investment
Applicant: 36 months residency€590,000€10,000 non-refundable deposit at residency stage
Applicant: 12 months residency€740,000€10,000 non-refundable deposit at residency stage
Dependent€50,000

 

Donation to NGO

(the NGO/society is to be approved by the Malta Community Agency)

Applicant€10,000 (minimum)

Dependent means any person qualifying as a family member of the applicant and includes;

  • The spouse of the applicant;
  • A child (including an adopted child) of the applicant or the child of the spouse of such applicant, who is under the age of 18;
  • An unmarried child who is financially dependent on the applicant and is between the age of 18 and 29;
  • A parent or grandparent of the applicant or of any of the applicant’s dependants who is 55 years or more and who is wholly or largely maintained by the applicant;
  • A child of the applicant or of the applicant’s spouse who, at the time of the application, is a person qualified as person with a disability.

Testimonials

"According to our experience, E&S Consultancy team is made up of well-trained and skilled professionals who are always there to satisfy your business needs with reference to Maltase law. Their work is well organized and carried out in a precise and timely manner. I look forward to continuing my cooperation with E&S Consultancy."

Giorgio Crotta & Marco Compagnino - FIDINAM & Partners

"E&S assisted us with various transactions related to the expansion of our client's global structure. They have provided reliable tax advice; their expertise and efforts have been commendable. We would recommend E&S as an effective service provider."

Mitchell B. Kops & Jill Kelly - Withers Bergman

“E&S Consultancy really provides quality advice with commercial understanding. I have never experienced such a combination of know-how, pro-activeness and entrepreneurial thinking from any advisor. We are very impressed by the professionalism, attention to detail and efficiency of their staff. E&S Consultancy is an excellent firm which knows how to look after its customers."

Florian Karrer - Walters & Karrer Internacional

"Christian Ellul of E&S Consultancy has assisted us with advising on a number of transactions through Malta with particular tax driven expertise involved. We have found their tax and legal services very professional and efficient, with a client-driven approach and sound value for money investment for clients. We can, therefore, recommend E&S Consultancy as a law firm to be used in Malta."

Javier Morera - Broseta Abogados

"I've known E&S Consultancy for many years. They are knowledgeable, friendly and extremely helpful. Their team of experienced professionals has always offered courteous and immediate assistance. They are the best!"

Florian Karrer - Walters & Karrer Internacional

"We are happy to have E&S Group as our legal and transaction consultants. Their reliable and prompt advise on Maltese regulations and requirements has been extremely helpful throughout. Through our interactions with Mariella, Deborah and Anton among others, we find their team to be courteous, skilled, and promptly available to assist us as needed."

Prashanth Swaminathan, CEO of XDAT

“Having E&S as a reliable and trusted firm in Malta handling all the complexities of our corporate operations has been a real pleasure. I would recommend E&S Consultancy to anyone who is seeking the right partner when setting up in Malta"

Eric Benz, CEO of Changelly

"Applying for the MPRP is a complex project but with E&S team, the whole process didn’t seem to be as complex. The team first explained the process and then created a very detailed work activity tracker explaining each activity clearly. The team was very quick to respond to any clarifications and gave us confidence, helping in every step to make the process doable. One of the key areas for E&S’ success in guiding us was the painstaking detailed documentation and steps to be followed. Moreover, the process moved fast, and we got our approval the first time, in one shot. I would strongly recommend E&S for MPRP process as with them, you will get it done successfully and faster than others.  For me, I see the full form of E&S as Efficiency and Success for its clients."

Rangin Lahiri - CEO & Founder of YVC Europe Ltd

"E&S provides comprehensive, holistic and dedicated professional services related to company incorporation, Advisory, Risk & Compliance, Tax & Legal, Accounting and others. In the past 6 years, I have used most of these services and the company has very competent employees and professionals who understand the scope of the work and seek to deliver excellence in all the tasks they adhere to.

E&S can be considered as a one-stop shop services provider especially for start-ups. I will not hesitate to recommend E&S to others who want to use the professional services they offer due to their service oriented, and high level of professionalism."

Michael Gatt – Global Gaming Group (CFO)

"I always feel at ease when E&S’s legal team answers our Human Resource questions from the perspective of the company. They are not only very responsive to any questions, but also extremely patient. E&S are aware of the requirements of our organisation and, if they foresees any issues, advises us accordingly. I wholeheartedly recommend E&S Group to my other co-workers with particular reference to Dr Anthea and Dr Jade who are very reliable to handle inquiries."

Kathleen Dilley - Royce Technology

"We have had the pleasure of working with E&S since 2009, and their commitment to delivering high-quality results with a meticulous and professional approach has made them an invaluable partner in our long-standing collaboration."

Anna Davies at ANCROFT Corporate Consultants, London, UK

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"According to our experience, E&S Consultancy team is made up of well-trained and skilled professionals who are always there to satisfy your business needs with reference to Maltase law. Their work is well organized and carried out in a precise and timely manner. I look forward to continuing my cooperation with E&S Consultancy."

Giorgio Crotta & Marco Compagnino - FIDINAM & Partners January 26, 2017

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"E&S assisted us with various transactions related to the expansion of our client's global structure. They have provided reliable tax advice; their expertise and efforts have been commendable. We would recommend E&S as an effective service provider."

Mitchell B. Kops & Jill Kelly - Withers Bergman January 26, 2017

default image

“E&S Consultancy really provides quality advice with commercial understanding. I have never experienced such a combination of know-how, pro-activeness and entrepreneurial thinking from any advisor. We are very impressed by the professionalism, attention to detail and efficiency of their staff. E&S Consultancy is an excellent firm which knows how to look after its customers."

Florian Karrer - Walters & Karrer Internacional December 27, 2018

default image

"Christian Ellul of E&S Consultancy has assisted us with advising on a number of transactions through Malta with particular tax driven expertise involved. We have found their tax and legal services very professional and efficient, with a client-driven approach and sound value for money investment for clients. We can, therefore, recommend E&S Consultancy as a law firm to be used in Malta."

Javier Morera - Broseta Abogados December 27, 2018

default image

"I've known E&S Consultancy for many years. They are knowledgeable, friendly and extremely helpful. Their team of experienced professionals has always offered courteous and immediate assistance. They are the best!"

Florian Karrer - Walters & Karrer Internacional December 27, 2018

default image

"We are happy to have E&S Group as our legal and transaction consultants. Their reliable and prompt advise on Maltese regulations and requirements has been extremely helpful throughout. Through our interactions with Mariella, Deborah and Anton among others, we find their team to be courteous, skilled, and promptly available to assist us as needed."

Prashanth Swaminathan, CEO of XDAT May 9, 2019

default image

“Having E&S as a reliable and trusted firm in Malta handling all the complexities of our corporate operations has been a real pleasure. I would recommend E&S Consultancy to anyone who is seeking the right partner when setting up in Malta"

Eric Benz, CEO of Changelly July 23, 2019

default image

"Applying for the MPRP is a complex project but with E&S team, the whole process didn’t seem to be as complex. The team first explained the process and then created a very detailed work activity tracker explaining each activity clearly. The team was very quick to respond to any clarifications and gave us confidence, helping in every step to make the process doable. One of the key areas for E&S’ success in guiding us was the painstaking detailed documentation and steps to be followed. Moreover, the process moved fast, and we got our approval the first time, in one shot. I would strongly recommend E&S for MPRP process as with them, you will get it done successfully and faster than others.  For me, I see the full form of E&S as Efficiency and Success for its clients."

Rangin Lahiri - CEO & Founder of YVC Europe Ltd January 3, 2023

default image

"E&S provides comprehensive, holistic and dedicated professional services related to company incorporation, Advisory, Risk & Compliance, Tax & Legal, Accounting and others. In the past 6 years, I have used most of these services and the company has very competent employees and professionals who understand the scope of the work and seek to deliver excellence in all the tasks they adhere to.

E&S can be considered as a one-stop shop services provider especially for start-ups. I will not hesitate to recommend E&S to others who want to use the professional services they offer due to their service oriented, and high level of professionalism."

Michael Gatt – Global Gaming Group (CFO) June 14, 2023

default image

"I always feel at ease when E&S’s legal team answers our Human Resource questions from the perspective of the company. They are not only very responsive to any questions, but also extremely patient. E&S are aware of the requirements of our organisation and, if they foresees any issues, advises us accordingly. I wholeheartedly recommend E&S Group to my other co-workers with particular reference to Dr Anthea and Dr Jade who are very reliable to handle inquiries."

Kathleen Dilley - Royce Technology June 14, 2023

default image

"We have had the pleasure of working with E&S since 2009, and their commitment to delivering high-quality results with a meticulous and professional approach has made them an invaluable partner in our long-standing collaboration."

Anna Davies at ANCROFT Corporate Consultants, London, UK June 14, 2023

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[testimonials_cycle theme="clean_style" count="-1" order_by="date" order="ASC" show_title="0" use_excerpt="0" show_thumbs="1" show_date="1" show_other="1" hide_view_more="0" output_schema_markup="1" show_rating="stars" testimonials_per_slide="1" transition="fade" timer="5000" pause_on_hover="true" auto_height="container" show_pager_icons="1" prev_next="1" display_pagers_above="0" paused="0"]"We have worked with E&S Group for the last 18 months and we have found the people working there to be experienced and knowledgeable, in particular Dr. Deborah Vella and Nicole Said, Director and Head of Corporate Administration respectively. Both are professional and great to work with.  We hope that we can continue our collaboration for many years to come."

Mr Stephen Balzan, Director at ACT Advisory Services (2023) June 14, 2023

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"We've been honoured to cultivate a robust partnership over several years, focusing mainly on joint efforts with Dr. Deborah and Dr. Jade. The highlight of our collaboration is not just their expansive legal proficiency, but also their steadfast dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism. We deeply appreciate our straightforward and clear communication, underpinned by mutual understanding and respect, which consistently prioritizes the requirements and interests of our shared clientele."

Mr Ali Zarzouri, Business Development Manager at Malte Conseils (2023) June 14, 2023

"We have worked with E&S Group for the last 18 months and we have found the people working there to be experienced and knowledgeable, in particular Dr. Deborah Vella and Nicole Said, Director and Head of Corporate Administration respectively. Both are professional and great to work with.  We hope that we can continue our collaboration for many years to come."

Mr Stephen Balzan, Director at ACT Advisory Services (2023)

"We've been honoured to cultivate a robust partnership over several years, focusing mainly on joint efforts with Dr. Deborah and Dr. Jade. The highlight of our collaboration is not just their expansive legal proficiency, but also their steadfast dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism. We deeply appreciate our straightforward and clear communication, underpinned by mutual understanding and respect, which consistently prioritizes the requirements and interests of our shared clientele."

Mr Ali Zarzouri, Business Development Manager at Malte Conseils (2023)

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