The Malta Golden Visa is one of the most expensive. Investing almost 1 million euros, investors wait 3 years for a passport. And to speed up the process they pay three times more.
Legal disputes between the EU and Malta continue and gain momentum. Back in 2020, the European Commission began proceedings against Malta and Cyprus for violation of EU legislation. The European Commission believes that Cyprus and Malta illegally issued passports to foreigners through citizenship by investment programs.
The European Commission opposes economic citizenship due to investors’ lack of genuine ties to the country that offers the golden visa. Since such investors often do not plan to learn the language, live in the country for a long time and integrate into the local society.
In September 2022, the European Commission referred Malta’s case to the Court of Justice of the European Union. The first public hearing into Malta’s breach of EU regulations will take place on 17 June.