Ask A Question  | Learn more about Malta

Are there any ways to bypass the residency requirement for Maltese citizenship?

I am curious about the citizenship-by-investment program’s residency requirements. How long do I need to live in the country? Can I live with my uncle, a Maltese citizen, rent-free and still qualify?


Answers
  • Advocates Primei
    July 01, 2019

    No, the residency requirement cannot be bypassed or avoided. The program rules are clear that an applicant has to prove a minimum of one-year residence in Malta. The residence during that qualifying year does not have any particular requirements in terms of lease value or living arrangement. So yes, one can live with a relative during that year. The minimum rental amounts start applying as from when one attains the passport.

  • BIZ Consult Limited
    June 30, 2019

    The main applicant must be a resident of Malta for the entirety of 12 months, but he is not expected to live physically in Malta. He needs to spend three to four weeks during the first year of application. It is not possible to live rent-free with an uncle. The main applicant must rent an individual flat/house to live in.