Obtaining Maltese Residency: The Ultimate Guide
Malta, an archipelago located at the heart of the Mediterranean, is a perfect mix of nature, history, and culture. With stunning beaches, amazing cuisine, wonderful weather, rich history and a booming economy, many people dream of living in Malta. However, before you can enjoy all the benefits of living in Malta, you need to go through the process of obtaining Maltese residency.
Obtaining Maltese residency can be a complex process with several requirements and procedures involved, but it is attainable if you have the necessary information. This article serves as a comprehensive guide, providing you with all the details required to obtain Maltese residency.
Types of Residency
1. Ordinary Residence: This is the most common type of residency in Malta and is described as a legal way of living in the country for a continuous period. You can obtain ordinary residence by proving that you have a stable income source, buying or renting a property in Malta, and not having a criminal record.
2. Permanent Residence: Permanent residence is the right to reside in Malta indefinitely, and it can be obtained after residing in Malta for five years continuously. To apply for permanent residence, you must prove that you have been living in Malta for five years, have a stable income source, and are not a threat to national security.
3. Special residence program: The special residence program is a program aimed at attracting high net worth individuals to Malta. It offers tax incentives, an easy visa application process, and fast-track services for citizenship applications.
Requirements for Maltese Residency
1. Financial stability: To obtain residency in Malta, you must have a stable and sufficient income source. The income must be at least €15,000 per annum if you are single and €20,000 per annum if you are married or in a civil partnership. The income requirement increases by €2,500 for each dependent.
2. Property ownership or rental: You must either own a property in Malta or rent a property for at least six months to prove that you genuinely reside in Malta.
3. Health insurance: You must have comprehensive health insurance coverage, either by a private insurer or the Maltese government.
4. Police conduct certificate: You must provide a police conduct certificate from the country of origin if you are not a Maltese resident.
5. Proof of legal stay: You must provide evidence of legal entry into Malta, such as an entry visa or residence permit.
Application Process for Maltese Residency
The application process for Maltese residency is straightforward, and it can be completed online or in person.
Step 1: You must obtain a Maltese identity card, which you can apply for at the Department of Citizenship & Expatriates Affairs (DCEA).
Step 2: Submit your application, including all the necessary documents, online or in person at DCEA.
Step 3: You will receive a residence permit after the application is approved.
Step 4: Ensure that you follow all the rules and regulations that come with the residency permit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need to be physically present in Malta to apply for residency?
A: No. You can apply for Maltese residency from your home country, but you must have visited Malta at least once.
Q: Can I work in Malta with a residency permit?
A: Yes. With a Maltese residency permit, you are allowed to work in Malta as an employee or self-employed person.
Q: What is the special residence program, and how can I apply for it?
A: The special residence program is a program for high-net-worth individuals, providing them with tax incentives, an easy visa application process, and fast-track services for citizenship applications. You can apply for the special residence program through a licensed intermediary, such as a lawyer or a consultancy firm.
Q: How long does it take to obtain residency in Malta?
A: The process of obtaining Maltese residency takes between two to three months, depending on how fast all the necessary documents are processed.
Q: Can my family members accompany me if I obtain residency in Malta?
A: Yes. You can apply for your family members to accompany you in Malta by submitting the necessary documents to the Maltese government.
Conclusion
Maltese residency offers a fantastic opportunity for people to live and work in this beautiful Mediterranean country. This guide has provided a detailed explanation of the requirements and processes involved in obtaining Maltese residency. With this information, you can approach the residency application process with confidence and ease.