island nation of Malta with its advantageous location in the Mediterranean, warm climate, ancient culture and high quality of life is not only attractive for tourists.In recent years, more and more wealthy foreigners dream of becoming citizens of this European country.What gives the former stronghold of the Knights of Malta such a strong attraction to his contemporaries?
This country, whose population is only four hundred and fifty thousand (as in a small regional center of Russia), since 2004 a full member of the European Union.Besides its citizens enjoy the benefits in the UK.Thus, the Maltese citizenship entitles to travel freely throughout Europe.Moreover, you can even go through the United States, as between the two countries signed an agreement on visa-free entry.
short excursion into the history
This little help is needed to understand why the Maltese legislation on citizenship permanently specified date "from September 1964 until August 1989".Previously, the island was a British colony.Since 1964, the political arena, a new independent state - Malta.But the citizens of the island powers have not lost the status of citizens of the British Commonwealth of Nations.And those who have family ties in a straight line to the British in general can have two passports - an independent country, and the old metropolis.Until July 31, 1989 was a law according to which the nationality of Malta was provided on the right site.That is, every baby born on the island, will automatically become a citizen of the country.To prevent the mass arrival of migrants to Malta to give birth, the government changed the law.Now automatically granted citizenship by right of blood.
How to get citizenship of Malta
There are several ways to have citizenship of the country.The first of them (we have mentioned) - automatic at birth.This means that every child, regardless of where he saw the light, it becomes Maltese, if at least one of his parents is a citizen of Malta.It is interesting that until 2000 only takes into account the position of the child's father.But then the law has changed in favor of gender equality.Now, were born outside the island maltiek children whose fathers are not citizens of the country can be naturalized by registration.This procedure does not require a residence permit or permanent residence on the island.It can go in any embassy of Malta without any linkages with accommodation.In addition to the consulates of the country abroad, registration can be issued, and the Department of Affairs Expatriation and Citizenship on the island.
Marriage
There are other ways to become a full citizen of the country.It marries a citizen / Coy Malta.But the work is troublesome.It should have been living for five years and only then get the passport of the citizen of the country.Too long to wait?But this happy five-year plan you can live anywhere: even in Russia, even in Malta, although a third State.
Naturalization
Another way to get the country's citizenship - naturalization in force long stays on the island.De jure, it takes five years of legal residence with the status of residence permit or a permanent resident, but de facto - all eighteen that six years more than in pereborchivy Switzerland.All questions about naturalization, that is, entry into the citizenship of Malta, has been interior minister.In practice, the court gives a positive response only when a person claims to refugee status or asylum for humanitarian reasons.It is noteworthy that the refusal of naturalization is issued not by the Ministry of Interior and Justice, and the country director of the institution «Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs».
Maltese Citizenship for investment
Let's go, as they say, on the other hand.Since the beginning of the global economic crisis, some states have come up with how to fill the national budget.Even before Malta joined the euro zone (2008), she was selling permanent resident status (permanent resident).To this end, the alien must meet the following criteria:
- its minimum income should not be less than twenty-five thousand euros per year;
- own capital in cash in the amount of four hundred thousand euros;
- during the first year of stay in the status he undertakes to purchase property on the island in an amount not less than 75 thousand euros or rent such, paying no less than two and a half thousand euros per year.
In addition, the applicant for permanent resident status is obliged to declare the sources of their income and pay taxes.In return, the government of Malta grants him such bonuses:
- without visas to enter and leave the country;
- live on the island or abroad, without time limits;
- to get visas to all countries that have embassies in Malta;
- tax relief on income translated into the country.
Citizenship through investment
What does it mean?Recently Malta sells citizenship.October 31, 2013 the government launched a program to attract foreign investors.According to her, the naturalization procedure is even easier than in the case of a permanent resident.You have to buy property, open a bank account in Malta with a round sum of it, pay taxes.Significant one-time financial injection will provide a passport of a citizen of Malta at an accelerated rate.
should be said that this country - a full-fledged member of the European Union, despite the fact that it entered into a union of 1 May 2004.This means that citizens of Malta are not subject to the transitional provisions limiting the movement of the labor force, such as in Central Europe.Thus, residents are free to seek employment in any European Power.
How much will it cost?
Initially, the government program included a simple infusion of investment in the amount of 65 thousand euros.But later the bill was finalized.What is the nationality of Malta at the moment?We believe.The head of the family has to pay into a special fund of 65 thousand for himself and 25 000 for each family member (spouse and minor children).Next, the main applicant will be forced to buy property in Malta.Its value is also strictly regulated: from 150 to 350 thousand euros.Next, you need to open a bank account in Malta, which put 14 thousand.Well, and the annual tax will be 4 200 conventional units per year.The newly signed commitment to acquire a citizen for five years of the securities in the amount of 150 thousand euros.
Do I need to go out with the Russian citizenship?
February 10, 2000 Malta adopted a law that abolishes the requirement of a single nationality.Now the citizens of the country can have two, and three passports of different powers.As you know, in the Russian laws and no ban on dual citizenship.There is no need to sign a commitment to renounce Russian passports.Entry into Maltese citizenship through investment does not provide for any compulsory residence on the island, nor knowledge of Maltese or English, or any other requirements, other than financial liabilities.
