Malta Unveiled: Exploring Culture, Heritage, and Citizenship

Malta is a unique island in Southern Europe that stands out because of its picturesque locale and magnificent scenic beauty. The sandy beaches, shimmering blue clear waters, and distinctive architecture make Malta a picture-perfect destination for adventure seekers. Malta isn’t a new country. The first inhabitants here date back to 5900 B.C. and were mainly farmers.

Malta Architecture

In terms of area, Malta is the world’s tenth smallest country. However, by population, it doesn’t lag behind. Malta is the European Union’s most densely populated country. Does its appealing sceneries tempt you to the core? Are you thinking of seeking a second citizenship in Malta? We will learn more about it in this article. In fact, in more detail, we will explore Malta’s culture, heritage, and citizenship rules.

An Exploration of Malta’s Rich Culture and Heritage

Maltese culture is interesting. It is a blend of the cultures and traditions of different societies that have inhabited Malta over the years. These include the Mediterranean cultures alongside the cultures of the ruling nations, such as the Normans, French, British, Romans, and Arabs, who have long controlled Malta.

Maltese food and music bear testimony to this fascinating cultural confluence. If you’ve tasted Maltese cuisine, which stands out due to its lip-smacking seafood platter, you will know it is a fantastic amalgamation of British, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cultures.

When mentioning Malta’s heritage, we cannot miss the appealing temples that throng the city and speak volumes about its rich culture. The temples are ancient, dating to 4000-2500 BC. Not many details about temple builders are retrieved. However, evidence shows that animal sacrifices included a part of their rituals.

Malta’s state religion is Roman Catholicism, and 98% of the island’s population are Catholics. Each village and town in Malta has an annual celebration commemorating its patron saint. The celebration is filled with grandeur and involves band marches, colorful fireworks, and processions with the patron saint’s statue. Other festivities include Santa Maria, marking the Virgin Mary’s ascent into heaven, Mnarja, and much more.

Malta's blue waters make it a hub for numerous water sports, such as jet skiing, surfing, kayaking, and more. So, if you have a profound love for adventure, you know where to head amid the beauty and serenity.

Can You Reside in Malta? - Maltese Citizenship Rules

If you’ve visited Malta before, you may not be able to resist becoming the country’s citizen. Suppose you aren’t a citizen of Malta by birth. In that case, there are other ways to acquire Maltese citizenship - the citizenship by investment program, officially known as the MEIN (Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalization), is one of them. You must be keen to learn more about the same, right? Here are some facts about the same.

Eligibility for Maltese Residence by Investment

Here is what you need to take the privilege of Malta’s Global Residence Program:

The primary applicant has to be above eighteen years of age.
The main applicant and their family must be in the best of their health.
The primary applicant should consent to support the members included as dependants in the application.
The applicant and dependants should bear testimony of having a clean criminal record.
You may include family members, such as spouses and kids under eighteen. You can also include unmarried, dependent children up to 25. Parents and grandparents above 55 may even be added.
A non-refundable investment of a minimum of €600,000 should be made upon residing in Malta for 36 months. Likewise, if the applicant has lived in Malta for a year, he would have to invest more—around €750,000. An additional contribution of €50,000 is needed for each dependent.
Alternatively, you may buy a residential property in Malta for a minimum valuation of €700,000 and maintain its ownership for at least five years. OR, you may acquire a property on a lease at a minimum rent of €16,000. In this case, you must retain the rented property for at least five years.
You can even donate €10,000 to any organization the Community Malta Agency approves. Donations can also be made to any registered animal welfare, philanthropic, cultural, scientific, sports, or non-governmental organization.

To apply for citizenship, you must acquire a valid residency card. When you purchase real estate, you get an e-ID card and an identity document from Malta.

Malta Street

What are the Benefits of the Malta Investment Program?

If you have acquired residence in Malta through an investment program, you will benefit in several ways. Here are some of them:

It allows you and your family to live, study, and work throughout the European Union. Your kids will have the privilege of getting access to universities and public schools, similar to other citizens of Malta. With Malta showing steady progress in economic growth, Maltese citizenship also gives you the scope to set up your business there.
As a Maltese citizen, you can enjoy the various benefits of the European Union and travel to 187 countries without a visa. Some of these include the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
You will also have the privilege of accessing their healthcare systems, which are pretty advanced and ranked by the World Health Organization as one of the top five. Health insurance covers medical services like pregnancy, hospitalization expenses, childbirth, specialists’ treatments, etc.
Living in Malta is one of the world’s safest places, as crime rates are low. Most crimes are considered petty. The murder rates here are one of the lowest when compared to that of the entire world.
When you stay in Malta for at least 183 days, you will receive tax benefits on your income and capital gains each year.

Conclusion

If you wish to live in one of the most beautiful countries of the world, consider opting for their citizenship by investment programs. By meeting the criteria mentioned above, you can avail yourself of the benefits of living in one of the most peaceful cities in the world. For more details on Malta’s residence by investment program, the experts at Global Residence Index will be able to extend further support.

Travel guide to Malta