The Maltese archipelago country is an excellent opportunity for a complete tourist vacation. However, many people dream of moving to the island for a specific purpose, such as to improve their English, study at a prestigious university, or find a job. So they choose the fastest way by simply sticking a visa in their passport.
However, there are at least two other ways to get to this beautiful republic and root there with a family or on their own. Let’s find out the difference between temporary and permanent settlement and explore the third way, which allows not only to have most of the rights and freedoms but also to become an official citizen of Malta, getting the opportunity to vote and work in the state enterprise.
Many people unite the concepts and confuse a visa with a residence permit, which is confused with an indefinite residence permit. The first is a permit to enter, issued by the department and pasted into the paper. In this case, one can enter and move around the country, but be sure to specify the reason for arrival, for example, the need to study in the state, medical treatment or work, and recreation.
However, whatever the reason for entry, this document does not give half the rights of a person with Residency by investment.
Residence permit and its features
The paper allows one to legally reside on the island and access all services without having a passport from this country. However, as with the visa, it is necessary to indicate the real reasons for staying and provide information about the place of future registration, which should be prepared in advance.
There are several ways to enroll temporarily:
- if it is necessary to study and get an international education;
- when a job is needed, and the territory has approved an agreement with the employer;
- in the case of a family reunion, marriage, or adoption.
The application is processed within three months, i.e., it is a reasonably quick way to get a permit, not counting the investment method, which gives more opportunities. However, there is one condition, without which Malta residency will simply remain a distant dream. It is to obtain a visa category D. This document is requested at the Maltese embassy in the home country of the person who wants to obtain a temporary residence.
Why is the country in demand for permanent residence
The fact that this region is a port, surrounded by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and beneficially bordered by Italy and Tunisia, already speaks volumes. It attracts the attention of both wealthy people of the world as well as people with average incomes. The natural landscapes and historical monuments of the area are admirable. Therefore, it is worth considering how to invest profitably to enjoy all the advantages of staying in this part of the world. A country is a safe place, most of the population is conflict-free, and terrorism and drug addiction are absent. Because of this, one can obtain the Maltese Residency and quietly realize their ideas without worrying about their life, reach the heights of business, develop as a person, to rest with benefit. Good environmental conditions, a stable microclimate, and endless sandy beaches give the confidence to settle on the Malta PR program.
Ways to obtain a second passport
There are several ways to get permanent residency – to live on the island for about five years with a residence permit, and apply for permission to settle indefinitely. And after living there for another five years, it is possible to apply for a second passport and officially apply for citizenship status on the island. To qualify for Malta Permanent Residence, one must meet the following criteria:
- age of majority;
- documentary proof that the resident has lived in Malta with a residence permit and paid all taxes;
- during this time and have no previous criminal record;
- Be sure to indicate the purpose of one’s relocation in one’s cover letter;
- Provide proof of income and confirm the ability to pay and trustworthiness;
- the prerequisite is a five-year residency, purchase, or lease of the property.
Once again, let’s focus on the difference between a permanent residence permit and a temporary one. The main thing is the time limit. If, at the end of the 5-year Malta residence permit, you have to leave the state or move to a higher level, the residence permit is an open-ended option. And suppose you want, after another five years. In that case, you can apply for the establishment of the status of a citizen, especially if there are prerequisites to this – you plan to work in a state enterprise or want to participate in the presidential election.
The application processing time is usually within eight months. After that, however, there are delays. To avoid this, wealthy foreigners use the advantage of getting Malta permanent residency. And develop those sectors of the economy which at the moment need it. According to Elena Ruda (agency Immigrant Invest), you can almost instantly become a citizen according to the law and draw up papers quickly. Malta is a loyal republic and allows dual citizenship, meaning two passports are retained, and their holder can move freely throughout Europe and travel without restriction.