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How long do I have to wait before I can move to Malta with the fast-track option of the Malta Individual Investor Program?

I want to get Maltese citizenship through the Malta Individual Investor Program (MIIP). A migration agent told me that through a fast-track method, I would be able to get residency in Malta within two weeks of applying, even before the MIIP application is approved. Is this true? How can I do this?


Answers
  • February 08, 2019

    Yes. This is so. Every applicant for the MIIP must of necessity reside in Malta for a period of 12 months before acquiring citizenship. This is done by granting the applicant residency in Malta, almost immediately upon application.

  • February 11, 2019

    The process of obtaining Maltese citizenship by naturalization through the Malta Individual Investor Program normally takes around 12 to 15 months. There is no fast-track option and the requirements included in the program need to be abided to for the application to be successful. For the application to be successful, the main applicant is required to prove that he/she has been residing in Malta for a period of not less than 12 months. Such a residency requirement may be satisfied with the presentation of connecting factors to Malta. Thus, to initiate the process of applying for the Individual Investor Program, the main applicant would need to apply for the issuance of a residence for him/ her and his/her dependants. The permit would entitle its holders to reside in Malta and to travel within the Schengen Area. It is important to note that such a permit is granted solely for purpose of initiating the application to the program, so if the application is rejected, the resident permit is also withdrawn.

  • Grant Thornton
    February 09, 2019

    Confirmed. In view of the residency requirements for the program, a residency permit will need to be applied for before the IIP application is filed.

  • BIZ Consult Limited
    February 09, 2019

    Your agent is correct. The first step in the IIP application process for main pplicants is to apply for an e-residency card. This is a mandatory step. The card will entitle the applicant to establish residency status in Malta and to travel freely within the Schengen Area. You must visit Malta to submit a biometric data and you will receive your e-residency card during one to two weeks after this.