OBTAINING CITIZENSHIP IN MALTA

OBTAINING CITIZENSHIP IN MALTA

•         Malta is an island country located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the smallest countries in Europe. Its capital, Valletta, is known for its rich history and culture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Malta's history dates back thousands of years and bears the traces of many civilizations. Since ancient times, Malta has been a meeting point of different cultures. The official language of Malta is Maltese, but English is also widely spoken and used as a language of education. The country's economy is focused on sectors such as tourism, finance, sailing, and language education. Malta is a member of the European Union and uses the Euro.

•         There are several different ways to obtain Maltese citizenship: by birth, by long-term residency, and by investment. Citizenship by birth is granted upon birth in Malta, while for long-term residency, foreigners who have resided continuously in Malta for a specific period (usually 5 years) can apply for citizenship. Naturalization is granted to any individual over the age of 18 who is a foreigner or stateless, possesses sufficient Maltese and English language skills, has resided in Malta for at least 12 months prior to the application, and has resided in Malta for at least 4 years. The application fee for those applying for citizenship after long-term residency is €450. Another option is to obtain citizenship through investment in Malta, which requires purchasing or renting property and making a donation. This investment can typically include real estate purchases or investments in government bonds. The cost of obtaining Maltese citizenship is approximately €632,000 plus legal fees and the cost of acquiring or renting property. Applicants must contribute €600,000 or €750,000 to the Maltese Government, depending on their preferred length of residence. Additionally, applicants must donate €10,000 to a Maltese NGO. Furthermore, applicants must acquire property in Malta worth at least €700,000 or rent a suitable property with an annual rental cost of €16,000. The property must be held for at least five years. Applicants must also invest an additional €50,000 for each dependent family member. In return for this investment, applicants are granted Maltese citizenship and a Maltese (EU) passport. The advantages of Maltese citizenship include the right to travel, reside, and work freely within the EU, visa-free travel to over 180 destinations, and access to free high-quality healthcare and education. Malta also allows dual citizenship, enabling applicants to retain their primary country's passports.

•           The requirements and conditions for applying for Maltese citizenship are quite clear. First, you need to complete the application form and provide all the necessary information. In addition to this form, you must present a valid passport or identity document, which is used to verify the applicant's identity. Second, you must provide documents proving your residence in Malta. These documents must demonstrate that the applicant has lived in Malta for an extended period. Similarly, if applying for citizenship by birth, a birth certificate is required; if applying for citizenship by marriage, a marriage certificate is necessary. If applying for citizenship by investment, you are expected to provide documents proving the investment. These documents must show the amount, nature, and validity of the investment. In some cases, you may also be required to provide proof of English or Maltese language proficiency. Finally, the application process and evaluation are carried out by the Maltese Ministry of Home Affairs. The completion and evaluation process generally takes between 15 and 18 months. If your application is approved, your Maltese citizenship and passport will be issued to you within 18 months at the latest. It is important to carefully fulfill the specified conditions during this process.

•         Looking at the advantages of Maltese citizenship, Malta allows dual citizenship, so applicants retain their citizenship of their home country simultaneously. Applicants who obtain Maltese citizenship are also not obligated to reside in Malta. It's also worth noting that a Maltese passport is among the most valuable passports. Firstly, they can travel freely within the Schengen area, facilitating travel within Europe and offering freedom across a wide geographical area. Secondly, the right to work and establish businesses in Malta provides a wide range of employment and job opportunities. The possibility of accessing free or low-cost education and healthcare services is another privilege of Maltese citizens. This provides broader access to education and healthcare and improves the quality of life. Tax advantages are also among the privileges offered to Maltese citizens. In some cases, tax reductions or exemptions can provide a significant advantage in their personal and professional lives. Finally, the possibility of acquiring property and holding ownership rights in Malta is a significant advantage in terms of residency and investment. This secures the property rights of Maltese citizens within the country and facilitates the acquisition of real estate for residency or investment purposes.

•           In summary, there are certain requirements for individuals to apply for Maltese citizenship naturally. These requirements may vary depending on how the applicant acquired citizenship. First, the applicant submits the necessary documents to the Citizenship Services. After the documents are reviewed and verified, the application form is signed. Two sponsors are required for the process to continue; the first must be from a specific professional group, and the second can be any Maltese citizen. Then, the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of Malta is taken, and the completion of the process is awaited. If the applicant was born abroad, the Citizenship Services prepares a letter to the Population Registry requesting registration of the birth certificate. This letter, along with the original birth certificates, is submitted to the Population Registry, and once the process is complete, the applicant is granted Maltese citizenship.

 Law Faculty Student

Nehle HAMZAOĞLU