Located around 50 miles off the coast of Sicily, Malta boasts of beautiful landscapes and pleasant weather all year round. Post its independence from the British rule, Malta has recorded steady economic growth and has consistently had stable governance, rated by the Economic Intelligence Unit as a “full democracy” in 2016. Accordingly, not only has Malta become a popular place to visit for a holiday but also a great choice for settling down for many. In recent years, Malta has maintained an open door policy for the prospective citizenship seekers through its citizenship by investment programs. This program filters out the genuine and deserving applicants from the rest and has substantially increased the high-income group population of Malta. There has been a 12% increase in the ultra-rich population of Malta by virtue of the citizenship by investment program. Such trends ensure wider dissemination of wealth across different topographies and have enabled a steady influx of business opportunities in Malta.
The resounding success of the Malta citizenship by investment program relies significantly on the robust Maltese passport index and its central European location. The nation has been a member of the EU since the mid-noughties, and as such, the citizens of Malta also can travel or settle anywhere across the Schengen Area in Europe. This has enormously enhanced the Malta passport strength and made the Maltese passport extremely lucrative amongst the professionals as well as the students.
Why Global Mobility Is Important
Things move more quickly in the modern world. A huge part of this is greater global connectivity, allowing people to remove a lot of the traditional barriers caused by long geographical distances. You can now talk to someone face to face across the world in a few clicks and mere moments. Just consider how amazing that would be for people who would have to spend days travelling in order to make that possible in previous ages.
That’s just one simple example, and the benefits for businesses and the world at large have also been immeasurable. Of course, the flip side to this is that in order to remain on top in pretty much any kind of business venture, you can’t keep a slower pace than the competition. That means that an embrace of the globalised world is not just a matter of convenience but for many, it is a matter of business survival. Furthermore, the opportunities that are opened up from international access from a recreational and educational point of view are just as vast. So, we know that the benefits of international access are huge, and the consequences of remaining static potentially disastrous for some people, so what are the barriers?
Traditionally, those barriers are the regulations for access from the countries themselves, with the quality and strength of a person’s passport being the greatest tool in navigating through those waters. The ultimate goal is to be able to travel, work, live and learn in as many countries as possible either visa free or with a visa on demand. Essentially, the restrictions are the door, and the passport is the key. If that is the case, then the global index of passports is a guide to which keys open the most doors.
Virtually every market is now international. The benefits for wealth creation are therefore at once both obvious and vast. This is also the case when it comes to wealth preservation. Different policies on things like tax and immigration can have a great affect on how easily and effectively you can do business, and thus, are a measuring stick for the future potential of a business.
To go into the more personal side of the benefits, not only does travel allow you to expand your mind, experience new culture and learn new things, but it also allows for a retreat from political and even environmental instability. That’s not forgetting those who simply want to find a beautiful, quiet place to retire after a lifetime of hard work. Finally, it may also be necessary for people to have dual citizenship as a political stakeholder or any other such high network individual. Finding out which countries allow for access and how to access them is paramount regardless of the reason behind the move, so passport index and global rankings are a vital tool.
As you probably expect, the rankings are largely based on access: if a passport allows for you to work, visit and live in many more countries than another, it will almost certainly have a higher ranking. There are some other factors, but there is none more important than this.
Malta Passport Index Ranking
The Malta Passport ranking features among the top ten in the world. Ranked 4th in the world according to the Passport Index 2019, Maltese passport holders get visa-free access to 124 countries and a further visa-on-arrival benefit in 41 countries around the globe. The Malta Passport strength relies majorly on the nation’s political stability, pleasant climatic conditions, a booming economy, strategic location, and amicable migration policies. Malta has also opened its doors to non-natives of the country utilizing different citizenship programs. Consequently, the Maltese Passport ranking has climbed up the global ranking index significantly.
The passport index is a widely sought after interactive tool which gives an insight into the rankings of different passports in terms of their recognition, travel and career opportunities, mobility and overall quality. The portals usually collect data from the available resources like IATA and government agencies about the passport acceptability with respect to the immigration policies of different countries and compare the passports of a particular nation with another. Further, following a set methodology, they rank the passports according to the number of countries which allow visa-free travel, and alternatively visa on arrival travel, the holders of a particular passport. Often, the portals refer to the United Nations Human Development Index report to deduce the global perception of the countries. The Henley Passport Index, Arton Capital, and Ceoworld are some of the most popular passport indexes.
Passport index portals become an extremely helpful tool which evaluating the possibility of applying for secondary citizenship for either business, career or recreational purposes. They provide an opportunity to compare the regional trends alongside the progress reports of particular countries. Historically, Malta’s passport has recorded a steady rise in the ranking with its membership to the European Union in 2004. Further, with the development of citizenship by investment program Malta, various high network individuals from different corners of the world have grown attracted to Malta. This has enhanced its visibility on the global map and boosted its rankings on the Passport Index.
Passport indexes also enable applicants to assess which passports have more influence regionally. To continue with Malta’s example, with a visa-free score of 165, which is the same as that of the United States of America, the Maltese passport gives one access to most of Europe and North America. However, it leaves out major parts of Asia. Passport indexes empower applicants to make an informed choice while applying for the passport of a particular country. It also provides information about further strengthening one’s passport power by recommending secondary citizenships of countries that suit the goals as well as match with the profile of the candidate best. With the help of the passport indexes, applicants may greatly enhance their global mobility without the hassle of immigration formalities or additional expenditures towards visas and other related travel permits.
Henley Passport Index
Among the other portals, the Henley Passport Index Report 2019 highlights the global trends in terms of passport strengths and follows a specific methodology to derive the rankings. This comprehensive report not only provides an insight into the relative position of one nation versus the other but also highlights regional trends and the factors that trigger such patterns. The index is made in accordance with the data supplied by the International Air Transport Authority or IATA and engages in rigorous research and monitoring in order to maintain the accuracy of the information. The Henley Passport Index has been a one-of-a-kind publication and has time and again been used by international organizations and governments across the world for their respective reference.
The Henley Passport Index establishes the Malta passport strength as one of the highest anywhere thanks to the access it provides to the entirety of North America, South America, Europe, Australia and large chunks of Africa and Asia. The openness of the different countries to the Maltese passport holders, a favorable perception of Malta for economic partnerships, its myriad tourist attractions and strategic political standing in the contemporary times has resulted in an impressive Maltese passport ranking.
Why Apply For A Maltese Citizenship?
First and foremost amongst the best reasons to apply for a Maltese Citizenship is the country itself. It is an astonishingly beautiful destination. In fact, you may be amazed that they can fit so much magic in a country with a little over four million in population. Relatively small though it may be, it stands tall amongst the top ten of global passport indexes. A part of this success is due to its excellent infrastructure and stable government.
Alongside that, it has an excellent standard of public services, including the likes of quality transport, communications, education and healthcare. These services are vital to the high quality of life its residents enjoy, just as much as the warm, favorable climate that Malta is famous for. Not only does Malta have preferable weather, at least in the eyes of most people, than much of Europe, they also offer all this for much lower costs of living.
On the international stage, Malta also excels. They are a member of the European Union, which is a large factor in the high ranking of their passport. Subsequently, they are also part of the Eurozone, alongside the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations. Being a member of the European Free Trade Association also has huge business advantages. As a compliment to the freedom its citizens enjoy from a legal perspective when it comes to travel, it is also backed up by practicalities in the form of world class air and sea links to the vast majority of the world.
The wide array of Maltese citizenship benefits has enhanced the Maltese Passport ranking. To make things easier, acquiring Maltese citizenship is no longer constrained by descendants or birth but in fact, can be procured employing a popular program called Citizenship by Investment. The Malta citizenship requirements are relatively simple, and the procedures are hassle-free and prompt. Moreover, the acquired citizenship does not make it mandatory to live in Malta unless desired.
Benefits of the Maltese Passport
There are numerable reasons why a Maltese passport is so sought after, and why the Malta Passport index ranks among the absolute best in the world.
- There are 124 countries that are available to access completely visa free with this passport. In addition, there are also 41 countries that you can access with a visa on arrival, including the US and many others.
- Why so many different countries? In large part, this is due to the fact that Malta is part of the European Union, meaning its citizens are able to live and work in 28 European member countries. Switzerland is also part of this scheme.
- This can also all be made available within the space of four months with the fast track option, and the citizenship process can be completed in its entirety within a year.
- An application also extends to the dependents of the primary applicants. This means their wife/husband, children, and entire families in fact. Also, citizenship can be passed on through descendancy.
- Tax benefits: there is no need to pay tax for six months.
- Residence in a beautiful, culturally and historically deep, politically stable and economically prosperous country, with business-related benefits and great travel links.
- Lastly, all of this allows you to keep your original citizenship, as Maltese citizenship facilitates a dual citizenship option. It does not require any tests, language or otherwise (in fact, English is commonly spoken in Malta). You also will not need to permanently reside in Malta, nor complete any other similar requirements, such a military service
Maltese Passport Requirements
The Malta Passport ranking has seen a steady rise by virtue of the unique citizenship by investment program. It follows a smooth and convenient procedure and involves a fairly reasonable investment when pitted against all the benefits that it brings. The program primarily calls for a contribution towards the development of Malta, an investment in government stocks and a purchase of property in Malta.
Maltese citizenship may be procured through a particular procedure with stringent rules. The reason for this is to validate the credibility of the candidates who ultimately are successful in their application. This is done through a diligence test across four-tiers, which are necessary in order to receive citizenship. During these tests, the candidate will be subject to a comprehensive financial background check which will ensure that the money the applicant possesses is all earned in accordance with the law.
When it comes to the main Maltese passport requirements, there is a clear separation between the non-financial and the financial. Whereas the non-financial requirements pertain to an immaculate criminal record verified by credible sources, testimony to good health and a minimum age of 18 years, the financial requirements are slightly more elaborate.
However, the overall Malta citizenship application process requires three categories of financial requirement. However, these payments only need to be made once the candidate has received precursory approval from the government, thereby avoiding any issues that may occur from payment being received and approval not being given.
- The three categories break down into an investment of €150,000 into stocks, bonds, securities or debentures: the only caveat is they must be both approved by the government of Malta and appear on the Malta stock exchange. Vitally, this must be maintained for half a decade.
- There must also be donations made towards the Malta National Development and Social Fund, alongside the investment in real estate in the country. Once again, this must be maintained for half a decade. To be clear, this means that over a five year period, letting or subletting that property is not allowed.
- Finally, there are a few additional fees. These are known as due diligence fees, and they are €7,500 for the main candidate, an additional €3,000 for any children, and €5,000 for spouses.
Necessary documentation for Maltese citizenship applications
A number of documents are required to be submitted as part of the Maltese passport application and must be notarized for use within the country of Malta. These include:
- Necessary personal information regarding the applicant’s employment, education and family
- The applicant’s certificate of birth and relevant marriage certificate (in English)
- Evidence of the applicant’s current residence, such as utility bills
- Evidence of the applicant’s income source, such as bank statements and tax statements from their origin country
- A health certificate issued from a registered practitioner of medicine, in addition to at least €50,000 coverage in a global health insurance policy
- Banker and lawyer references, as well as a certification from police evidencing a clear criminal record within all the countries that the applicant has resided in over the last ten year period. This includes an FBI clearance from US applicants.
Currently, the Malta Passport ranking stands at fourth worldwide. Blessed with a politically advantageous location, breathtaking scenic beauty, and an agreeable climate, Malta offers a taste of the Mediterranean paradise. It is home to cosmopolitan culture and a highly receptive social structure. Moreover, Malta has a broad scope of visa-free travel available to its citizens along with profitable business opportunities with global partners. It is not surprising that the Maltese passport ranking is soaring high. Citizenship by investment programs provides a chance to acquire the citizenship of Malta. The investment required is well balanced out by the benefits earned endorsed by the impressive statistics of the Maltese passport index. Its international fame as a valued member of major international organizations, a thriving economy, and competent governance makes it an attractive destination to establish a second home. Whereas, for business people and diplomats, the Malta passport index becomes a vantage point to strengthen their reputations and prospects on the professional front.
Finally, considering that many countries are currently getting tougher on immigration policy, negatively affecting many in their personal and professional lives, Malta offers hope to the younger generations. This is reflected in the excellent passport ranking Malta holds, the many benefits it offers, and the international community clearly agrees based on its credentials. Importantly, we want to reiterate that none of this requires a person to give up their native nationality or citizenship, nor leave to live in Malta permanently. Going by the trends portrayed by the Maltese passport index, the acquirement of a Maltese passport and citizenship is a wise investment for securing the future.get in touch with us for citizenship planning today!