Relocation to Malta
Malta is home to numerous foreigners who enjoy great living conditions, a proper business environment, and an advantageous educational system. The insular state provides numerous business opportunities, so the company relocation to this country can be a great solution for international investors in Malta. All the requirements for obtaining a visa for Malta can be explained by one of our immigration lawyers in Malta.
Who needs a visa for Malta?
Non-EU and EEA citizens, alongside the ones from UK and Switzerland, all of them considered third-country nationals, need to apply for a visa before relocating to Malta. In the case of foreign workers in Malta, a work permit is needed, a document that can be granted with the help of the Maltese employer or company owner. The Department of Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs deals with the Single Permit applications and issue the work permits for non-EU citizens wanting to live and work in Malta.
How can I relocate my company to Malta?
The company relocation process in Malta is quite simple and follows a series of steps that need to be attentively measured and respected. One of our immigration lawyers in Malta can provide legal assistance and support for foreign entrepreneurs who want to relocate their businesses in Malta. Here are some important steps that form the company relocation process in Malta:
- The company owners need to create a resolution stating the relocation to Malta.
- The Certificate of Good Standing is part of the documents for company relocation.
- The administrators of the company in Malta need to sign a declaration comprising the decision of relocation to Malta.
- The Articles of Association of the foreign company must comply with the applicable laws in Malta – specific modifications need to be made.
A foreign company needs to be incorporated with the Maltese Trade Register, in order to legally activate, and before that, such information must be presented to the local authorities before starting the relocation process. In terms of entities, the limited liability company is the most used business structure in Malta that can be selected for company relocation in this country. One of our Maltese immigration lawyers can provide full assistance and guidance for company relocation in Malta, including for obtaining the needed licenses and permits for future activities in this country.
Other steps involved in Malta relocation
Foreign citizens wanting to relocate to Malta need to take care of other aspects too, such as accommodation or property rentals, a residence permit, and funds for sustaining the living in this country. If the accommodation part is simple due to the variety of properties available for rent or purchase, things change when it comes to obtaining permanent residence. According to the Malta Residence Programme, high net worth individuals must purchase a Maltese property worth no less than EUR 350,000 or pay around EUR 16,000 for an annual property lease. These aspects should be considered at the time the relocation to Malta is established. The Maltese authorities are entitled to verify the criminal record of foreigners wanting to relocate to Malta, in order to eliminate the suspicion of being a potential threat for this country. We mention that citizens from Iran, Afghanistan, and North Korea cannot apply for Malta Residence and Visa Programme. Here is a short recap of the steps involved in Malta relocation that you should consider before making this movement:
- Apply for the necessary type of visa if you are a citizen from non-EU/EEA countries.
- In the case of companies, prepare the necessary documents, among which, a declaration stating the relocation to Malta.
- Make proof of a health or medical insurance available in Malta.
- Look for accommodation in Malta – rent or buy a property.
- Register with the Maltese authorities and apply for a residence permit.
- Companies must register with the local authorities in the case of relocation, and then for taxation purposes.
The main steps for relocating to Malta can be explained by one of our immigration lawyers in Malta who can guide you throughout the visa application in Malta. They can also help you obtain the residence permit for Malta. Here are some facts and figures about immigration in Malta:
- There are around 99,000 foreigners living in Malta, as the latest statistics for 2019 reveal.
- According to the Malta Residence and Visa Programme, an investment of EUR 250,000 in government bonds can grant permanent residence.
- Non-EU/EEA citizens of at least 18 years of age can apply for the Malta Visa and Residence Programme.
Interested in moving to Malta? Feel free to get in touch with one of our immigration lawyers in Malta and find out how we can help.
