The Malta Golden Visa, under the Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, requires a non-refundable contribution starting from $649,550 for applicants opting for the 36-month residency route. Those choosing the 12-month residency option need to contribute $981,200.

Additionally, applicants must either purchase property valued at a minimum of $770,000 or rent property at a minimum annual rent of $17,600

The processing time for the Malta Golden Visa can vary based on several factors, including the due diligence process and the completeness of the provided documentation. Generally, once all required documents are submitted and the necessary investments are made, applicants can expect the process to take approximately 13 months.

Under the Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, the timeframe for acquiring Maltese citizenship can vary based on the residency option chosen. If applicants opt for the 12-month residency route, they can expect to acquire citizenship roughly within a year. However, if they select the 36-month residency option, the process will take closer to three years. This duration includes the necessary due diligence and processing times.

Once the application for the Malta Citizenship by Investment program is approved in principle, applicants are required to fulfill their investment commitments. This includes making the non-refundable contribution to the National Development and Social Fund and either purchasing or renting a property in Malta. It's crucial to note that all investments must be maintained for a specified period, as outlined in the program's guidelines.

The Malta Citizenship by Investment Program is open to reputable individuals and their dependents who can prove a genuine link to Malta. Eligibility criteria include:

•    Clean criminal record, verified through a comprehensive due diligence process.
•    Commitment to the stipulated investment requirements, including the contribution to the National Development and Social Fund and property purchase or rental.
•    Proof of a stable and legal source of income and wealth.
•    Successful completion of a medical examination, ensuring the applicant and their dependents are in good health.

Indeed, there are certain nationalities that face restrictions. As per the current guidelines, nationals from Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Venezuela are not eligible to apply for the Malta Citizenship by Investment Program. However, it's worth noting that exceptions might be made on a case-by-case basis, especially if applicants can demonstrate they have been residing outside these countries for an extended duration or have significant ties to another nation.

Absolutely. The Maltese CBI program offers a comprehensive family inclusion feature. Apart from the main applicant, the application can encompass the spouse, minor children, unmarried adult dependent children up to the age of 29, and dependent parents or grandparents over 55 years. Each family member might have associated contribution fees, and their inclusion is contingent upon passing the requisite due diligence checks.

The Maltese authorities are renowned for their rigorous due diligence procedures, ensuring that only reputable applicants are granted citizenship. The due diligence process encompasses:

•    Comprehensive background checks to verify the applicant's personal and professional history.
•    Scrutiny of the source of funds and wealth to ensure legality.
•    Verification of personal character through references, interviews, and other means.
•    Criminal record checks to ensure the applicant doesn't have a record of serious crimes.
•    Monitoring of international sanctions lists and other global databases.
This meticulous process ensures that Malta's reputation remains intact and that the nation's security is not compromised.

Once you have acquired Maltese citizenship through the Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program, there is no mandatory long-term physical residency requirement. However, depending on the chosen pathway for citizenship (12-month or 36-month residency option), there is an initial residency obligation that must be fulfilled as part of the application process. After securing citizenship, you're free to decide on your residence, but maintaining a genuine link with Malta is encouraged.