My Experience So Far as a Malta Passport Holder

6 years ago I’ve decided to move permanently to Europe. But with that decision, came many others. The most important one was: which passport should I apply for to serve as a second passport?

Malta passport came to be the chosen one. Why? I read about its advantages and compared it to other golden visa programs. Also, I did consult different immigration consultancy firms specializing in the Maltese passport.

And I ended up contacting a specialized immigration consulting firm. Nowadays, they have a full guide on how to get a Malta passport, check it here. Getting Maltese citizenship, isn’t that difficult, as long as you get the right advice. However, it can be somehow lengthy and involve a lot of paperwork.

After starting the application, I never looked back. In fact, I’m now a proud holder of the Malta passport. Here is what I’ve learned during the process.

I’m an American Citizen, but I now live in Malta

Malta is a small country located between Italy and Tunisia. It’s a beautiful island with a rich history and culture. If you’re looking for a new home as an American, then Malta may be the perfect choice for you.

It’s a safe haven for expats, and it offers a wide range of employment opportunities. There are plenty of jobs available for those who speak English, and there are also plenty of jobs available for Maltese speakers.

You’ll find that the cost of living is relatively low compared to other European countries. And if you’re looking for a cheap vacation spot, then Malta is definitely worth checking out.

So why did I decide to move here?

The first thing that attracted me was the weather. I love the Mediterranean climate, especially during the summer months when it’s hot and sunny. Also, I like the food. It’s actually a mix of different Mediterranean countries’ cuisines, which makes it quite unique.

But the main reason was actually getting a Maltese passport. And it has been the same factor for many other foreigners that decide to live or invest here.

Why I chose to get my Malta passport

I’m sure you know how frustrating it can be when you’re trying to find information on a new country. There are so many questions to ask yourself before making a decision. What do I need a passport for? What countries does it cover? Is it safe? Can I travel freely?

And then there’s the whole process of applying for a passport. It’s time-consuming, expensive, and sometimes stressful.

So why did I choose to become a Malta citizen?

Well, let me tell you a little story first.

When I first visited Europe decades ago, I knew I needed a visa to enter the Schengen Area. That’s practically all of Europe!

Then I recalled my dream to live in Europe permanently. That’s when I decided to apply for my first passport in Europe, in this case, Malta! That meant I could travel to any Schengen member state without needing a visa.

It turns out it’s true. I’ve experienced how liberating it is to be a Maltese passport holder and don’t need visas to visit all Schengen member states.

I Will Use It for All International Travel

As a Maltese citizen, I am entitled to travel freely throughout the European Union. However, if I were to visit another country outside of the EU, I would still need to apply for a visa.
That’s why I chose Malta. I can travel anywhere in the world without having to worry much about visas. And because it is so versatile, I can use it for all sorts of international trips.

Here’s how I plan to use my Malta passport.

1. Visit family abroad.

My parents live in Australia, and they often ask me to come to visit them. Being a Maltese now, I can go there without needing to worry much about lengthy visa processes.

2. Work overseas.

I work from home, and I love traveling around Europe. If I were to work in another country, I could do so without worrying about visas.

3. Tour the world.

With a Malta passport, I could travel to every continent except perhaps Antarctica (?)

My experience getting my Maltese passport

I know how frustrating it can be when you’re trying to figure out where to start when it comes to getting a new passport. There are so many questions to ask yourself, and sometimes it feels like you’re asking the same ones over and over again.

As I’ve mentioned, six years ago, I ended up contacting Global Citizen Solutions, an immigration consulting firm that specialized in many citizenship and residency by investment programs, mostly in Europe but also in the Caribbean. They took care of everything in the process, but I’ve learned a lot in the application process.

That’s why I try to answer here some of the most common questions about getting a Maltese passport. I hope it helps you find answers to all those questions and more.

1. How can I get a Malta passport?

• the route I applied for: Citizenship by investment (also called Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CES)
• Have Citizen by Descent — you were born abroad but have relatives residing in Malta.
  by marriage — you marry a Maltese citizen

2. What do I need?

You need to be at least 18 years old, and you must be able to prove your identity and have no criminal record. Also, you will be submitted to a fit and proper test

3. Where can I get an application form?

You can get the forms from the government office specific for immigration

4. Is it possible to get Maltese citizenship if I already hold another passport?

Yes, you can apply for Malta citizenship even if you have another passport. In fact, the Maltese one can serve as your second passport.

I am now proud to be a Maltese person

Perhaps if you asked me a decade ago, I would even not know where Malta was, except that it was in Europe. But after being permanently living here and being exposed to its history, culture, and people, I’m actually proud now to be a Maltese.

And it’s no wonder why so many expats choose to continue living here even after having access to the Malta passport. Some of the main reasons for that are, that you will receive free healthcare, education, and retirement benefits. And if you’re looking for work, you’ll find plenty of opportunities.

So if you’re considering living abroad, check out the pros and cons of the Malta passport before making a final decision.