Malta Citizenship Applications

The Malta Residence  Citizenship Programmes  A comparison

Applying for Maltese Citizenship

Before starting the Malta Citizenship Application process, applicants for Citizenship by Investment are advised to start the one year residence requirement (genuine link requirement) running by visiting Malta to formally take up residence in Malta.  At this stage, a deposit on account of the €650K contribution is due: €5,000 for the main applicant. €1,000 per dependent.

On completing the application file with the assistance of a licensed immigration attorney, the accredited person files a formal application for Maltese Citizenship by Investment, paying the due diligence fees, passport fees and a deposit of €10,000 on account of the €650K contribution, less any payments made on applying for residency.

Within 90 days from application, Identity Malta must confirm the formal validity of the application package presented.  At latest within 120 days from application, an in principal approval is to be issued, confirming the applicant as eligible for Maltese citizenship subject to satisfying the remaining contribution, investment and property requirements within the applicable timeframes.

The next steps, that are, the taking of the oath of allegiance and the issue of a certificate of naturalisation and issue of the relative passports may only take place at least six months from the application date, subject to the minimum of 1 year of satisfying the residence requirement.

Our Malta Citizenship Application Services

For over ten years, our immigration lawyers have represented numerous individuals in Malta Citizenship Applications with the Department of Citizenship & Expatriate Affairs in matters related to the acquisition of Maltese citizenship under the grounds available under the Maltese Citizenship Act.   At the onset of the Maltese Citizenship by Investment under the Maltese Individual Investor Programme (IIP), the firm's managing partner Jean-Philippe Chetcuti  has  filed a number of applications for citizenship by investment.  Malta Citizenship Application services may only be offered via Accredited Persons and applications to Identity Malta are to be made by an Accredited Person.

The firm enjoys a sterling reputation in the areas of citizenship and residence planning and in the handling of legal and tax matters relevant to the structuring of personal wealth and business interests worldwide.  The firm has been successfully handling visa, residence permits, special tax status applications, but also citizenship processes under the Maltese Citizenship Act, for over 10 years. Chetcuti Cauchi Advisors Ltd is an Authorised Registered Mandatory, authorised and regulated by the Government of Malta to handle and submit applications for residence permits under the Global Residence Programme.

Our Citizenship & Residence Planning team is led by partners Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti and Dr Priscilla Mifsud Parker.

  • Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti acts as the firm’s managing partner and served as the Chairman of STEP, the Society of Trust  & Estate Practitioners (Malta branch 2013-2016) and on the executive committee of IFSP, the International Bar Association (Immigration and Nationality Law Committee and Individual Tax and Private Client Committee), and the Malta member of the Global Section of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.  Jean-Philippe co-founded the Malta Association of Family Enterprises, which he represents at the European Family Business.
  • Dr Priscilla Mifsud-Parker is a private clients lawyer specialising in immigration law and in trusts and estates. She is a member of the Maltese Chamber of Advocates and served as Technical Chair of STEP, holding the position of Malta branch chair since 2020.

Our Citizenship Services

Approved Agent

Applications for Maltese Citizenship by Investment are to be made to and processed wholly by Identity Malta.  Applicants must be represented by an Accredited Person that is a licensed Maltese Authorised Registered Mandatory (ARM).  Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti (Chetcuti Cauchi Advisors Ltd) holds licence no. IIP 001 and Mr Kenneth Camilleri holds licence IIP 124 and have satisfied the additional requirements imposed by the IIP Regulations over and above the requirements for ARMs under other legislation. The programme imposes more responsibilities on ARMs to ensure the highest standards of quality are maintained throughout the application process, for the protection and benefit of applicants and the reputation of the Maltese citizenship by investment programme.

Application Stage

We offer the services of:

  • advising you on your chances of success before filing your application;
  • providing you with pre-immigration legal and tax advice;
  • guiding you with the preparation and forwarding of the necessary documentation;
  • vetting and preparing all supporting documentation for submission;
  • corresponding and liaising with the government authorities on your behalf during the application process;
  • keeping you informed with the progress of your application;
  • assisting you with the purchase / rental of property in Malta including applications for AIP permits (foreigners need AIP permit to purchase property in Malta), reviews of your contract, liaising with the notary.

Why Chetcuti Cauchi

The law firm is a leader in investment migration law and advises international families on all aspects of taxation, citizenship and residence law.  The law firm's Maltese citizenship law practice is lead by immigration lawyer Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti and senior partner Dr Priscilla Mifsud Partner.

Law Firm

  • Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates is a law firm bound by professional secrecy: lawyer-client privilege is fully protected under Maltese law,
  • The law firm covers the full spectrum of private client law services.

Quality Service

  • Full partner attention on all matters.
  • Full concierge services available in a friendly and personalised environment.
  • Full-service multi-disciplinary law firm specialising in the use of Malta in international legal and tax planning, company & trust formation & management.

Experience:

  • Chetcuti Cauchi enjoys a sterling reputation in the areas of citizenship and residence planning and in the handling of legal and tax matters relevant to the structuring and planning of personal wealth and personal interests and business worldwide.
  • Over ten years’ experience in citizenship and residency applications, specialising exclusively on Malta in an international context.
  • An outstanding success rate in residence and citizenship applications, through an honest professional assessment of applicants prior to filing and a problem solving approach.

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Key Contacts

Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti

Senior Partner, Tax & Immigration

+356 22056111
jpc@ccmalta.com

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