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Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (ESDI)
The Services by Direct Investment (ESDI) program provides a fast-track route to citizenship for high-net-worth individuals. It offers direct citizenship, granting a Maltese passport with benefits like visa-free travel to over 180 countries and the ability to live, work, and study across the EU. We proudly partner with AE Business Advisors (ESDI license #AKM-BAIL.), who have successfully helped hundreds of high-net-worth individuals and their families relocate to Malta.
Benefits
Applicable for 4 Generations & Valid for Life​​​
The main applicant can include immediate family members across four generations in the initial application. Citizenship granted to all applicants is lifetime valid, and their descendants can apply for citizenship through registration.
Living & Doing Business in the EU
Investors can work in any EU member state with equal employment rights, become self-employed, or start a business with a corporate tax rate as low as 5%.
Access to Local Healthcare and Social Benefits
Maltese citizens can use local healthcare services including diagnostic examinations and treatment at low cost in high-quality clinics and hospitals. Certain medications are provided for free.
Prestigious Education across the EU
Maltese citizens enjoy public and higher education at a reduced cost or even free of charge. Some educational institutions offer stipends as well. Maltese students can study in any EU member state without a student visa.
Retaining Your First Citizenship
Both the USA and Malta allow their citizens to hold multiple passports. Investors can use healthcare services across the EU with their health insurance, enjoy low-cost compulsory education (ages 5-16) in Malta, and use public transport for free, both on the road and at sea.
Visa-Free Travel to 180+ Countries
The Maltese passport is one of the most powerful passports in the world. Maltese citizens can travel to 180+ territories visa-free including the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan.
Requirements
1. At least 18 years old
2. A clean criminal record
3. Not from a country sanctioned by Community Malta Agency
4. Take out health insurance covering risks across Schengen for all applicants
5. Complete the contribution, donation, and real estate investment requirements
(see below)
6. Pose no potential threat to Malta’s national security, public health, or public interest
Main Applicant
In officially registered marriage or unregistered civil partnership with the main applicant
Spouse
Under the age of 29, unmarried and principally dependent on the main applicant
Adult Children
At or above the age of 55, principally dependent on the main applicant
Parents & Grandparents
Stages & Fees
1. Residence Stage
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Pay a non-refundable deposit of €10,000
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Apply for a residence permit for all applicants: pay €5,000 for the main applicant and €1,000 per dependant
How we can help
Paperwork & Represenation
We and our partners at AE will manage the entire application process for you, handling all paperwork, and attending meetings with authorities
* If you'd like to work directly with AE, feel free to use UStoMalta as a referral code to receive a $150 discount for any immigration-related service (for new clients only)
If you decide ESDI is not for you, we will be happy to guide you through other residency programs available
Timeline
01
Power of Attorney
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Prospective applicant gives a power of attorney to the agent to act on his/her behalf for the entire application.
02
Residence Permit
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Agent performs Tier 1 due diligence on prospective applicant and submits residence application.
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Agency performs Tier 1 due diligence and obtains the 1st police clearance.
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Applicant visits Malta within 6 months to capture biometrics, submit residence application, and pay the deposit and application fees.
03
Eligibility Application
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Agent submits citizenship eligibility application to the Agency.
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Applicant pays due diligence and administrative fees.
04
Due Diligence
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Agency performs Tier 2 due diligence and ensures correctness and completeness of the application. The Agency may request further information and documents.
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Agency performs Tiers 3 and 4 due diligence and presents the application and its findings to the Minister.
05
Eligibility Decision
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Within 6-8 months, the Agency informs the agent of the Minister’s decision whether the applicant is eligible to apply for Maltese Citizenship.
06
Citizenship Application
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After 12 months or 36 months of residence, the agent presents the Citizenship application to the Agency.
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Applicant pays the administrative fees.
07
Update Due Diligence
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The Agency informs the agent of the Minister’s decision whether the applicant can be granted Maltese Citizenship, and issues Approval in Principle for a positive outcome.
08
Citizenship Decision
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Agent submits citizenship eligibility application to the Agency.
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Applicant pays due diligence and administrative fees.
09
Investments
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Within 4 months of receiving Approval in Principle, applicant fulfils the exceptional Investment, donation and property investment requirements.
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The Agency reviews the fulfilment and issues an invitation for the Oath of Allegiance.
10
Oath of Allegiance
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Within 6 months of receiving Approval in Principle, applicant visits Malta to take the Oath of Allegiance.
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Applicant is granted Maltese Citizenship and is issued with a Certificate of Naturalization.
11
Monitoring
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The agent files annual compliance in relation to property and health insurance requirements for the first five years from the date of the oath of allegiance.