Due to treaties between member nations of the European Union (EU), immigration restrictions are less strict for EU residents hoping to immigrate to Malta. Form CEA/21 Application for a Registration Certificate (EU nationals) is only three pages long and no fees are charged to obtain a resident permit. If obtaining an education in Malta, European immigrants have a right of residence in the country. Malta immigration law requires all immigrants from EU member nations to be self sufficient, requiring a minimum annual income of 14,000 euro, as of 2010. EU citizens may also immigrate to Malta with few restrictions if they are accepting employment in Malta or if they are starting up a business.
All countries other than EU member states must apply for a resident permit. Form CEA/20 Application for a Residence Permit for Non-EU/EEA Nationals is five pages long. The fee to become a resident for one year or less is 23.29 euro, while the fee to become a long-term resident of Malta (five years or less) is 116.46 euro as of 2010. Prospective residents must include documentation. Some documentation required includes photographs, proof of financial means, evidence of health insurance, birth certificates and employment licenses. All immigrants must be employed or self employed, studying at a college or university, economically self sufficient or retired.
Immigrants who have permanent resident status in Malta may apply to become a citizen of this country if they meet certain qualifications. Potential citizens must be fluent in either Maltese or English and must show good moral character. Potential citizens must have resided in Malta for five years and must be present in Malta in the year proceeding the date of the citizenship application.
In certain circumstances, individuals may circumvent immigration requirements to become a citizen of Malta. If you have been married to a citizen of Malta for at least five years or you are a widower who would have been married to a citizen of Malta for five years had they not passed away, you can apply for immediate citizenship. People born of Maltese parents outside of the country can qualify for automatic citizenship. A number of documents will have to be provided to the Maltese government such as marriage certificates and birth certificates.
