Malta is a Southern European island country consisting of an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. Malta has a very rich history and it can be said that is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

An advantage of living in Malta is the low cost of living than other countries in Europe. Malta enjoys one of the most favorable tax rates, 15% chargeable on income.

Additionally, Malta has one of the most successful citizenship programs by investment in the whole Europe which allows the investor to live, work and study in the EU Member States. The applicant can receive a residence card within 3 weeks and in the meantime, documents are being processed for the citizenship permit. Upon issuance of the residence card the applicant can travel throughout the Schengen area enjoying an unrestricted visa- free access to 168 countries worldwide before the issuance of the citizenship. The respective program was the first program which was accepted by the European Commission.

Citizenship by investment is when individuals are able to obtain nationality is a country through
making an investment within the country. The Maltese citizenship by investment program is one of the most popular in Europe and is obtained by making a real estate investment as well as contributions to a government fund and an investment in government approved bonds. It is officially known as Malta Individual Investor Program.

1. Visa free travel and freedom of movement within EU: As a full member of EU, whoever acquires Maltese citizenship is entitled to live and work
   anywhere in Europe. Maltese passport also allows visa-free travel to 168 countries worldwide
2. Tax efficiency: Malta’s tax system is based upon residency, not citizenship, meaning that you may not have to
   pay tax in Malta even if you obtain citizenship. Malta also has special tax schemes for new citizens
   which can result in additional tax efficiency. No Inheritance tax, no estate duty, no wealth tax, no
   municipal taxes, no property ownership tax.
3. Stability and security: Malta has one of the highest GDP in Europe and one of the lowest unemployment rates and is
   one of the safest countries in the continent.

In order to be eligible for the Malta Individual Investor Program you must:

• Be over the age of 18
• Have a clean criminal record

• Fit and proper: The fit and proper test involves a thorough background check to ensure that investors are of sound moral standing in their countries of origin and is done through checks in Interpol and the International Criminal Court. You are also required to submit a criminal record from the police in your country of origin.
• Good Health: Applicants of Malta citizenship by investment must show that they are in good health and must also be covered by an international health insurance policy.
• Biometric date: Upon applying for Malta citizenship by investment it is essential that all investors and their dependents provide biometric data to the Maltese government.

• €650 000 contribution to Maltese National Development and Social Fund: This contribution is non-refundable. Additional payments of €25 000 must be made for spouses and children (under the age of 25), €50 000 for older children and parents. The Maltese National Development and Social Fund contributes to Malta’s social spending and infrastructure and finances projects for education, healthcare and job creation.
• €350 000 investment in real estate: This investment must be maintained for at least 5 years in order for investors to maintain their Maltese citizenship.
• €150 000 investment in government and approved bonds: This investment must be made into shares or an investment fund and that has been vetted by the Maltese government.
• Applicants to the Malta Individual Investor Program must prove that they have a genuine link to the country. This means that investors must establish residence 12 months before applying for the program which entails purchasing or leasing an apartment. If investors intend to rent a property long term, they must be able to provide a copy of the lease agreement and proof of being resident in Malta for at least 183 days of the year. If investors choose to buy a property in Malta, there is no minimum number of days they are required to spend in the country, however they are not permitted to rent out their property during the 5 years they are required to maintain their investment.

1. Purchase a qualifying real estate in Malta and register for residency
2. Apply for Malta citizenship by investment, paying due diligence fees and deposit, submitting all of the correct forms and supporting paperwork, including criminal background check for main applicant and dependents from their country of origin.
3. After 120 days the Maltese government will officially confirm whether the application has been successful and provide conditional acceptance.
4. The investor must then pay what remains of the €650 000 contribution to the Maltandevelopment fund.
5. Provide evidence of property investment and €150 000 contribution to an investment fund.
6. Upon completion of all the specified requirements the investor and dependents will receive a naturalization certificate and be given a Maltese passport.

Please contact us for more information at info@gciecorp.com