Malta is an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, located south of Sicily, Italy. It comprises three inhabited islands – Malta, Gozo, and Comino – and several smaller uninhabited islands. Malta has a rich history, dating back over 7,000 years, and is home to numerous historic sites and landmarks.
The Maltese archipelago covers a total land area of around 316 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest countries in the world. Despite its small size, Malta has a diverse landscape, with rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, rolling hills, and picturesque villages.
Malta’s capital city, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its historic fortifications, narrow streets, and beautiful baroque architecture. Other popular tourist attractions in Malta include the Megalithic Temples of Malta, the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island, and the Azure Window on the island of Gozo.
Malta is also known for its cuisine, a fusion of Mediterranean and North African flavors. Traditional Maltese dishes include:
- Pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta cheese or pea puree).
- Ftira (a type of bread filled with tuna, olives, and other ingredients).
- Rabbit stew.
In addition to its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Malta is a popular destination for business and investment. The country offers a range of incentives for foreign investors, including tax benefits, investment grants, and access to the European Union’s single market.
The Malta Citizenship by Investment Program, also known as the Malta Individual Investor Programme (MIIP), is a citizenship program that offers individuals and their families the opportunity to obtain Maltese citizenship through investment.
The program was launched in 2014 and is administered by Identity Malta, a government agency responsible for the country’s citizenship and residence programs. The MIIP has gained popularity due to its fast processing time, investment options’ flexibility, and Maltese citizenship benefits.
To be eligible for the MIIP, applicants must be at least 18, have a clean criminal record, and pass a due diligence check. In addition, they must make a non-refundable contribution to the Maltese government and invest in property or securities in Malta.
The contribution to the government starts at €650,000 for the principal applicant. It increases depending on the number of dependents included in the application. The investment in property or securities starts at €350,000 and must be held for at least five years.
Once approved, the applicant and their family members are granted Maltese citizenship. They are entitled to live, work, and study in Malta and the European Union. They can also travel visa-free to over 180 countries and territories worldwide, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
In addition to the benefits of Maltese citizenship, investors in the MIIP can also take advantage of the country’s favorable tax system, which includes no wealth or inheritance tax and a flat rate of 15% on personal income tax.
The Maltese passport is a travel document issued to citizens for international travel. It is recognized as one of the strongest passports in the world, allowing its holders to travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries and territories.
The Maltese passport is a biometric passport that contains a microchip that stores the holder’s personal information, including their name, date of birth, photograph, and fingerprint data. The passport cover is burgundy, with the words “European Union” and “Malta” written in gold.
The Maltese passport contains 32 pages, with additional pages available for frequent travelers upon request. It is valid for ten years for adults and five years for children under 18.
In addition to its use as a travel document, the Maltese passport can also be used as proof of identity and citizenship for Maltese citizens. It is important to note that the passport must be updated and renewed before its expiration date to remain valid for travel.
Holders of Maltese passports enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries and territories worldwide, including many popular tourist destinations and business hubs.
Some of the most important countries that allow Maltese passport holders to enter visa-free or with visa-on-arrival include:
United Kingdom
Maltese passport holders can travel to the United Kingdom for up to six months without a visa.
Schengen Area
Without a visa, Maltese passport holders can travel to all 26 countries in the Schengen Area, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
Australia
Maltese passport holders can travel to Australia for up to three months without a visa.
Singapore
Maltese passport holders can travel to Singapore for up to 30 days without a visa.
Hong Kong
Maltese passport holders can travel to Hong Kong for up to 90 days without a visa.
United States
Maltese passport holders can travel to the United States for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Canada
Maltese passport holders can travel to Canada for up to six months without a visa under the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program.
Japan
Maltese passport holders can travel to Japan for up to 90 days without a visa.
Brazil
Maltese passport holders can travel to Brazil for up to 90 days without a visa.
South Korea
Maltese passport holders can travel to South Korea for up to 90 days without a visa.
It is important to note that visa requirements can frequently change, so Maltese passport holders should check the visa requirements of their intended destination before traveling, especially if they plan to stay for an extended time or engage in activities such as work or study.