How to get Citizenship in Malta or Long Term Residence

Summary

In this informative video, Alex explores the process of obtaining long-term residence and Maltese citizenship. He discusses various pathways, including through marriage and naturalization, highlighting the stringent requirements and the importance of genuine relationships. Alex also covers the steps for long-term residence after five years in Malta, emphasizing the need for integration and contribution to Maltese society. The video aims to guide viewers on the correct approach to successfully achieve residency or citizenship in Malta.

Takeaways

• 📌 There are multiple ways to obtain long-term residence or citizenship in Malta, including through marriage, naturalization, and purchasing property.
• 💍 Marriage to a Maltese citizen involves obtaining a marriage certificate, a freedom of movement letter, and a Maltese residence card, which is valid for five years and exempts the holder from needing work permits.
• 🔍 After five years of marriage and residence, one can apply for Maltese citizenship, but the process includes a thorough investigation to ensure the relationship is genuine.
• 🏠 Long-term residence in Malta requires living in the country for five consecutive years without being absent for more than six months per year.
• 📚 Applicants for long-term residence must pass Maltese lessons and courses on Maltese history and culture, which can be a plus for the application.
• 🏡 An architect will inspect the living conditions of the applicant to ensure they meet standards and that the property is registered with housing authorities.
• 📑 The process from arrival to obtaining long-term residence can take up to six years, including the time to gather documentation and complete the application process.
• 👮‍♂️ Maltese authorities are strict about preventing fraudulent marriages for citizenship, with a rigorous interview process to verify the authenticity of the relationship.
• 🚫 If a marriage ends in divorce within the first five years, the foreign spouse loses their freedom of movement letter and must apply for a work permit to remain in Malta.
• ⚠️ Long-term residence can be revoked if the holder leaves Malta for more than six months per year and resides in another EU country.
• 👋 The video encourages viewers to ask questions in the comments and to check the official links in the description for more information on the application process.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is discussing the process of obtaining long-term residence and citizenship in Malta, with a focus on citizenship through marriage and long-term residence after living in Malta for 5 years.

What is the first step after marrying a Maltese citizen?

The first step after marrying a Maltese citizen is to obtain a Maltese marriage certificate, which is then used to apply for a freedom of movement letter.

What is the purpose of the Maltese residence card?

The Maltese residence card, which is free of charge and lasts for 5 years, allows the holder to legally reside and work in Malta without needing any additional licenses or permits.

What happens if a marriage ends in divorce within the first 5 years?

If a marriage ends in divorce within the first 5 years, the foreign spouse automatically loses their freedom of movement letter and must apply for a work permit to remain in Malta, or they have only a few weeks to leave the island.

After how many years of marriage can one apply for Maltese citizenship through marriage?

One can apply for Maltese citizenship through marriage after being married and living together for 5 years.

What is the cost of applying for Maltese citizenship through marriage?

The application cost for Maltese citizenship through marriage is somewhere below €200.

What is the significance of the interview during the citizenship application process?

The interview is significant as it is used to verify that the relationship and marriage are genuine. Both spouses are questioned separately about their life together to ensure they are truly living together.

What is the minimum requirement for applying for long-term residence in Malta?

The minimum requirement is to live in Malta for 5 consecutive years without leaving the island for more than 6 months per year.

What additional courses or certificates can support an application for long-term residence in Malta?

Any courses or certificates obtained in Malta that show an upgrade in skills and qualifications can support an application for long-term residence, demonstrating a commitment to staying in Malta.

What is the potential consequence of leaving Malta for more than 6 months per year during the 5-year period?

If it is discovered that the applicant has left Malta for more than 6 months per year during the 5-year period, the application for long-term residence may be denied.

What happens if a long-term residence holder leaves Malta for more than 6 months within another EU country?

If a long-term residence holder leaves Malta and stays in another EU country for more than 6 months, their long-term residence permit in Malta will be automatically revoked.