EXCEPTIONAL SERVICES BY DIRECT INVESTMENT (ESDI)
Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea that is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. It has a strong economy and a well-educated, English-speaking population. Its location between Europe and other continents makes it a convenient place to conduct business.
The Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations (ESDI), allows for the granting of citizenship by a certificate of naturalisation to foreign individuals and their families who contribute to the economic development of Malta. Every application is subject to a stringent due diligence process, including thorough background checks.
With the continuously changing global dynamics and evolving geopolitics, there is an ever-growing number of high-net-worth individuals who are willing to invest and relocate, giving themselves and their family members the chance to broaden their horizons while becoming part of a welcoming community. Investor interest will remain high, and their innovative ideas may result in possible mutually beneficial partnerships. This phenomenon enriches human capital and consequently attracts more market leaders who keep adding value with their business baggage.
Malta is a forward-looking microstate merely 316 km2 of land at the crossroads of the Mediterranean which embraced this opportunity, ventured into this industry, and is now right in the centre of this phenomenon, creating a melting pot of business know-how, experiences, skills and funding that are positively contributing to its society, stimulating business and increasing job creation.
The Granting of Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment is regulated by the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations (S.L. 188.06).
Eligibility and requirements – ESDI
The requisites for filing an application are:
- Provide a proof of residence in Malta for a period of thirty six (36) months, provided that this period may by exception be reduced to a minimum of twelve (12) months, subject to an exceptional direct investment (of six hundred thousand euro [€600,000] and seven hundred fifty thousand euro [€750,000] respectively), to be effected prior the issue of the certificate of naturalisation;
- Purchase an immovable residential property in Malta having a minimum value of seven hundred thousand euro (€700,000) or take on a lease a residential immovable property in Malta for a minimum annual rent of sixteen thousand euro (€16,000), which property shall be adequate and suitable for the applicant and his dependants, for a minimum period of five (5) years from the date of issue of the certificate of citizenship;
- Carry out an exceptional direct investment in Malta, in accordance with the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations (S.L. 188.06); and
- Carry out an exceptional direct investment in Malta, in accordance with the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations (S.L. 188.06); and
- Donate, prior to the issue of the certificate of naturalisation, a minimum of ten thousand euro (€10,000) to a registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare or artistic non-governmental organisation or society, or as otherwise approved by the Agency.