Visa Types for Expats.
Moving to Malta: Residency and Citizenship Simplified.
Considering Malta as your new home? Good news: the path to residency and citizenship is straightforward, offering the benefit of access to the EU’s Schengen Region. However, it requires a significant investment, so careful consideration is essential.
Temporary Visas.
US and Canadian citizens (and citizens of 185 other countries) can stay in Malta for up to 90 days every 180 days with a valid passport. Starting November 2023, all non-EU visitors will need the ETIAS visa. Until then, your passport will be stamped with a Schengen short-stay C-Visa upon arrival.
To extend your stay, apply for a long-stay D-Visa at Malta’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Alternatively, consider the Nomad Residence Permit if you work remotely. This permit exempts you from Maltese taxes if you pay taxes in your home country.
Permanent Residency.
For longer stays, apply under one of Malta’s residence schemes. The most common is the Economic Self-Sufficiency program, available to EU citizens. Non-EU citizens can opt for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MMRP), which requires property investment and proof of substantial financial resources.
Requirements and Documentation.
For ETIAS, provide basic information like passport details and travel plans. The Nomad Residency Permit requires proof of a €32,400 annual income, healthcare insurance, and a long-term lease or home purchase.
For permanent residency, you need evidence of significant capital, property investment, a valid passport, and health insurance.
Citizenship.
Ways to gain citizenship include marriage, naturalization, or investment. Citizenship by investment involves a significant financial contribution and property purchase, with a cap of 400 applicants annually.
Processing Time and Costs.
ETIAS visa: €7, processing time 4 days to 2 weeks.
Nomad Residence Permit: €350, processing time up to 30 business days.
Permanent Residency: Roughly €100,000, processing time around 3 months.
Citizenship: Minimum €600,000, processing time 3-6 months.
Malta’s stable government, fast-growing economy, and temperate weather make it an appealing place to invest or retire. English as an official language adds to its attractiveness for expats.
Steps to move to Malta from Canada
Non-residents seeking to purchase property in Malta need to obtain a permit under the Acquisition of Immovable Property Act (AIP Permit). This permit grants non-residents the ability to acquire property in Malta, contingent upon fulfilling certain conditions.
Move to Malta from Canada
If you’re considering moving from Canada to Malta, you’ll find that initially, you do not need an entry visa and you can live and work in this country for 90 days. However, after this period, the immigration process becomes more involved for Canadian citizens. In the subsequent paragraphs, we’ll outline what relocating to Malta from Canada involves and the necessary formalities. Our team of immigration lawyers in Malta can assist you in navigating this process smoothly, ensuring a hassle-free and efficient relocation experience.
Steps for relocating to Malta from Canada
Canadian citizens seeking to extend their stay beyond 90 days in Malta are required to apply for a Schengen visa. Upon obtaining this visa, they can also acquire a residence permit for Malta, enabling them to legally reside and work in the country. Below are some accessible programs for those interested in immigrating to Malta from Canada:
1. Ordinary Residence Program: This program for long-term residency necessitates demonstrating an income of at least EUR 5,000 deposited in a Maltese bank account.
2. Malta Residency and Visa Program: Involves investments of at least EUR 250,000 in government bonds, along with a non-refundable contribution of EUR 30,000 to the Maltese government. This program grants a long-term resident permit in Malta, and our immigration lawyer in Malta can offer specialized legal guidance throughout the process.
3. Global Residence Program: Canadian citizens can participate in this program by making a minimum capital transfer of EUR 500,000 or showcasing an annual income of at least EUR 100,000. Notably, this program does not mandate becoming a tax resident.
4. Maltese Citizenship by Investment Program: For those aspiring to directly obtain Maltese citizenship, this program requires minimum investments of EUR 650,000 in government bonds. Our specialists can provide further information on relocating to Malta from Canada.
Benefits of the Schengen visa for Canadians
Relocating from Canada to Malta offers several advantages. Upon acquiring the Schengen visa, individuals can enjoy seamless travel across different countries without passport control at borders. Canadian residents who attain permanent residency in Malta are subject to a 15% income tax solely on income earned within Malta; income generated outside the country remains untaxed.
Moreover, as a permanent resident, there’s no mandatory requirement to reside in Malta, granting individuals the freedom of movement with such status. It’s worth noting that various immigration programs are available for those considering immigrating to Malta from Canada. Our team of Maltese immigration lawyers can provide comprehensive explanations of these programs, aiding in making informed decisions. Should you have any inquiries regarding Malta immigration, feel free to reach out to us at any time.
Key points about immigration to Malta
Here are some immigration statistics for Malta if you’re considering relocating from Canada:
– The net migration rate for Malta was approximately 1.800 per 1000 population in 2023.
– In 2022, Malta recorded a net migration rate of around 1.851 per 1000 population.
– Data shows that Malta had a net migration rate of approximately 1.903 per 1000 population in 2021.
If you’re planning to move to Malta from Canada, our specialists can provide legal support to facilitate the process. We can assist with the necessary documentation and registration with relevant authorities. Feel free to reach out to us if you’re considering immigrating to Malta from Canada.
