CBI in Malta: Laws and Requirements for a Second Passport

Why Might You Need Legal Help with Citizenship by Investment?

You may need a lawyer to map the right route, avoid refusals, and manage Malta’s document-heavy and due-diligence-driven processes. Legal counsel is especially valuable for work permits, family reunification, appeals, and investment-based options like MPRP or CES.

Malta enforces strict checks under the Immigration Act (Cap. 217) and the Citizenship Act (Cap. 188). A lawyer can structure your application, coordinate employer or sponsor documentation, anticipate questions from Identita' or Community Malta Agency, prepare you for compliance interviews, and represent you in appeals before the Immigration Appeals Board.

How Does the Immigration Process Work?

The Malta immigration process generally involves choosing the correct route, submitting a complete file to the correct agency, and completing biometrics before a decision. Processing times vary by route, with work permits taking weeks and investment programs taking months.

1. Confirm the route and eligibility: employment, study, family, business, MPRP, Nomad, or CES.
2. Gather documents: identity, clean police conduct, health insurance, financial means, job contract or sponsor documents, and apostilles/legalisations where required.
3. Lodge the application with the correct body:
   • Identita' for work permits, family reunification, study, and most residence permits.
   • Residency Malta Agency for MPRP, Nomad Residence Permit, and Startup Residence.
   • Community Malta Agency for citizenship, including CES under S.L. 188.05.
4. Attend biometrics and any interviews or compliance checks.
5. Await the decision and collect your e-Residence card or approval letter.
6. After approval: register with Jobsplus (if working), obtain a tax number, register for healthcare, and meet ongoing conditions.
7. Renew or upgrade: maintain residence conditions, renew on time, and consider long-term residence or citizenship if eligible.
8. Appeal if refused: file to the Immigration Appeals Board under Article 25A of the Immigration Act within the deadline stated on your decision letter.

What are the Specific Malta Legal Requirements?

Malta has defined rules for each route, often requiring proof of means, clean police records, health insurance, and suitable accommodation. Below are the key pathways and their typical requirements and timelines in 2025.

Employment - Single Permit and Fast-Track Options

• Single Permit (S.L. 217.17): Combines residence and work authorisation for third-country nationals. Requires an employment contract, employer support, qualifications, police certificate, and health insurance. Typical processing is 8-12 weeks once a complete file is submitted. Government fees are roughly EUR 300-350 plus card issuance.
• Key Employee Initiative (KEI): Policy-based fast track for highly skilled roles with minimum salary thresholds and required qualifications. Target decisions in as little as 5-10 working days after complete submission.
• EU Blue Card: For highly qualified employment under EU rules. Requires higher salary and qualifications. Processing is often within the EU directive timeline, typically around 60 days for complete files.

Family Reunification

• Family Reunification Regulations (under Cap. 217): Allow legally resident third-country nationals to sponsor spouses and minor children, with conditions on accommodation, health insurance, and stable resources. Processing is commonly 2-3 months after complete submission, depending on checks.
• EU/EEA/Swiss family members: Different rules apply under the Free Movement of European Union Nationals and their Family Members Regulations (S.L. 460.17 under the European Union Act, Cap. 460). Registration certificates and residence cards are typically faster once eligibility is established.

Students and Researchers

• Residence for Study: Requires acceptance by a licensed Maltese educational institution, proof of funds, health insurance, and accommodation. Usually processed within several weeks. Part-time work rights may apply subject to Jobsplus rules.
• Researchers: Facilitated entry under EU rules, often with institutional sponsorship and accelerated processing.

Long-Term Residence

• Status of Long-term Residents (Third Country Nationals) Regulations, S.L. 217.05: Generally requires 5 years of continuous legal residence, stable and regular resources, health insurance, integration conditions, and clean conduct.

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

• Legal basis: Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations, S.L. 217.26 (Legal Notice 121 of 2021). Administered by Residency Malta Agency.
• Contribution: EUR 68,000 if purchasing property or EUR 98,000 if renting.
• Property: Purchase minimum EUR 350,000 in Malta or EUR 300,000 in Gozo/the South, or rent at least EUR 12,000 per year in Malta or EUR 10,000 in Gozo/the South.
• Fees and donation: Non-refundable administrative fee of EUR 40,000 (EUR 10,000 on submission, EUR 30,000 on approval) and a EUR 2,000 donation to a Maltese registered NGO.
• Other requirements: Clean police conduct, health insurance, and proof of assets or capital. Typical timeline is 4-6 months to approval in principle, followed by fulfilment of property and contribution conditions.

Nomad Residence Permit

• Administered by Residency Malta Agency. For remote workers or entrepreneurs earning income from outside Malta.
• Income threshold: At least EUR 42,000 gross annual income for the main applicant (check current guidance, as thresholds can update).
• Valid for 1 year, renewable if eligibility continues. Typical decisions in around 30 days after complete submission.

Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services (CES)

• Legal basis: Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations, S.L. 188.05 (Legal Notice 437 of 2020) under the Citizenship Act, Cap. 188. Administered by Community Malta Agency.
• Residence: 36 months of residence prior to eligibility, or 12 months via an accelerated route subject to higher contribution and enhanced checks.
• Contribution: EUR 600,000 for the 36-month route or EUR 750,000 for the 12-month route for the main applicant, plus EUR 50,000 per dependent.
• Property: Either purchase real estate of at least EUR 700,000 or rent at least EUR 16,000 per annum, both for a minimum of 5 years.
• Donation: EUR 10,000 to a Maltese registered NGO.
• Due diligence: Multi-tiered checks and government due diligence fees per adult dependent. The programme is capped at 400 main applicants per year and 1,500 in total.
• Timeline: Minimum 12 or 36 months of residence plus eligibility assessment, often totalling 14-20 months for the accelerated route or longer for the 36-month route.

What Malta Laws and Regulations Apply?

Malta immigration is grounded in national statutes and EU law. Below are key legal sources you will encounter in 2025.

• Immigration Act, Chapter 217 of the Laws of Malta.
• Citizenship Act, Chapter 188 of the Laws of Malta.
• Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations, S.L. 188.05 (L.N. 437 of 2020).
• Malta Permanent Residence Programme Regulations, S.L. 217.26 (L.N. 121 of 2021).
• Single Permit Regulations, S.L. 217.17 (implementing Directive 2011/98/EU - single application procedure for a single permit for residence and work).
• Status of Long-term Residents (Third Country Nationals) Regulations, S.L. 217.05 (implementing Directive 2003/109/EC).
• Free Movement of European Union Nationals and their Family Members Regulations, S.L. 460.17 (under the European Union Act, Cap. 460).
• EU Visa Code, Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, and Schengen Borders Code, Regulation (EU) 2016/399, as applied by Malta.
• Refugees Act, Chapter 420 of the Laws of Malta (for international protection).
• Appeals: Immigration Appeals Board procedures under Article 25A of the Immigration Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Malta work permits take in 2025?

Most Single Permits take about 8-12 weeks after a complete file is lodged with Identita'. Fast-track Key Employee Initiative cases can be decided in 5-10 working days, while EU Blue Card applications commonly conclude within 60 days.

Delays usually arise from missing documents, pending police checks, or labour market clarifications. If timing is critical, ensure your employer submits a fully documented file and consider KEI if you qualify.

Can I switch employers on a Single Permit?

No, changing employers requires a new Single Permit application tied to the new role. You cannot start the new job until the new permit is approved and issued.

This is because the Single Permit is employer and position specific under S.L. 217.17. Plan transitions early to avoid gaps in your right to work and residence.

Can my family join me in Malta?

Yes, if you hold a qualifying residence permit and meet the Family Reunification Regulations under Cap. 217. Spouses and minor children are typically eligible, subject to accommodation, income, and insurance requirements.

Processing is commonly 2-3 months for complete files. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens use free movement rules under S.L. 460.17, which follow a different, often quicker, process.

What is the difference between MPRP and CES?

MPRP grants permanent residence, not citizenship, in exchange for a contribution, property commitment, and due diligence. CES is a citizenship by naturalisation route after 12 or 36 months of residence with a higher contribution and stricter checks.

MPRP is faster and less costly but does not give a passport or EU voting rights. CES leads to Maltese citizenship and an EU passport, but it has annual and lifetime caps, stringent due diligence, and significant financial thresholds set by S.L. 188.05.

How does Malta compare to Caribbean CBI programs and Turkey or Vanuatu in 2025?

Malta’s CES is a premium EU route requiring residence and higher contributions, while the Caribbean programs and Vanuatu offer faster donation-based citizenship. In 2024-2025, the Caribbean harmonised donation minimums to USD 200,000 for a single applicant, ending the older USD 100,000 offers.

Grenada and Turkey stand out for access to the USA E-2 investor visa via treaty nationality, and Malta citizens are also E-2 eligible. For families, Antigua often has the most cost-efficient family pricing after harmonisation. Always compare total cost, including due diligence and government fees, not only headline donations.

Note: Figures are indicative ranges for 2025 and exclude exchange-rate movements, optional agent fees, and property transaction costs. Always seek current schedules, as governments update fees and due diligence requirements.

Do I need Maltese language for citizenship?

For CES there is no formal Maltese language exam, but Community Malta Agency runs comprehensive due diligence and integration checks. For ordinary naturalisation, authorities assess integration, conduct, and ties, and may interview you.

Long-term residence and other statuses may have integration conditions. Your legal representative will prepare you for any interviews or supporting evidence required.

What government fees should I expect?

Expect around EUR 300-350 for a Single Permit filing plus card issuance, several hundred euros for family or study permits, and EUR 40,000 administrative fee for MPRP, in addition to contributions, property, and a EUR 2,000 NGO donation. CES has substantial due diligence and processing fees on top of the EUR 600,000-750,000 contribution, property commitment, and EUR 10,000 donation.

Fees change periodically by legal notice or agency schedule. Check Identita', Residency Malta Agency, and Community Malta Agency fee tables before filing.

Can I appeal a refusal?

Yes, most negative decisions can be appealed to the Immigration Appeals Board under Article 25A of the Immigration Act. Deadlines are short, commonly within 15 days, and shorter in some scenarios like entry refusals or removal orders.

Appeals should address the legal reasons cited in the refusal and include corrective evidence. A lawyer can assess prospects and represent you at the Board.

Are there caps or quotas?

Yes, Malta’s CES is capped at 400 approvals per year and 1,500 main applicants in total. Other routes do not generally have formal caps but are constrained by eligibility and due diligence.

Some fast-track employment schemes have policy limits. Early planning is essential when caps or yearly processing windows apply.

How do Schengen rules affect Maltese residence?

With a valid Maltese residence card and passport, you can travel in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to entry conditions. The e-Residence card is not a travel document, so you must carry your passport.

Schengen visa nationals still require visas for entry into other Schengen states unless exempted by their residence status. Always check Schengen rules before travel.

When Should You Hire a Lawyer?

Hire a lawyer at the planning stage if your case involves employment sponsorship, family reunification, investment residence, or citizenship. You should also instruct counsel immediately after any refusal or if you face tight deadlines or complex due diligence.

Lawyers coordinate with Identita', Residency Malta Agency, and Community Malta Agency, ensure your file meets S.L. and Chapter requirements, manage apostilles and translations, and represent you at the Immigration Appeals Board. Investment cases and CES require particular care given enhanced checks and financial thresholds.

What are the Next Steps?

Decide your target status, confirm eligibility, and prepare a complete file aligned to Malta’s legal requirements. Then select a qualified lawyer or licensed agent to manage submissions, timelines, and compliance.

1. Define your goal: work, family, study, MPRP, Nomad, or CES.
2. Run an eligibility and risk check against Chapter 217, Chapter 188, and the relevant subsidiary legislation.
3. Assemble documents: police conduct, health insurance, financial evidence, employer or sponsor paperwork, and legalisations.
4. Choose the correct agency:
   • Identita' for work, family, study, and most residence authorisations.
   • Residency Malta Agency for MPRP, Nomad, Startup Residence.
   • Community Malta Agency for citizenship matters, including CES.
5. File early, track biometrics and appointments, and respond quickly to any queries.
6. After approval: meet all conditions, register with tax and health systems, and diarise renewals.
7. If refused: consult a lawyer immediately to assess appeal options and deadlines under Article 25A.

If you are weighing Malta against Caribbean, Turkey, or Vanuatu options, compare total cost for your family size, processing time, due diligence risk, and onward mobility such as Schengen access and E-2 treaty eligibility. A specialist can build a side-by-side plan tailored to your objectives and timeline.