Malta tightens passport sale terms under EU pressure / Memo: Joint Press Statement by the European Commission and the Maltese Authorities on Malta’s Individual Investor Programme (IIP)

On 29 January 2014, representatives of the European Commission's services and of the Government of Malta met on the issue of the Individual Investor Programme of the Republic of Malta which include the selling of national citizenship rights to non-EU citizens.

Malta announced amendments on this issue, which include genuine links to Malta through the introduction of an effective residence status in Malta prior to the possibility to acquire Maltese naturalisation.

No certificate of naturalisation will be issued unless the applicant provides proof that he/she has resided in Malta for a period of at least 12 months immediately preceding the day of issuing of the certificate of naturalisation. This residence requirement did not feature in Malta's individual plans.

ESO: Background information: EU institutions attack Malta passport scheme / EU commission prepares legal challenge on Malta passport sales http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-institutions-attack-malta-passport-scheme-eu-commission-prepares-legal-challenge-on-malta-passport-sales/

BBC News, 30.01.14: Malta tightens passport sale terms under EU pressure http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25959458

The Malta Independent, 02.02.14: Tougher requirements for Maltese passports (via Euro|Topics) http://www.eurotopics.net/en/home/presseschau/archiv/aehnliche/archiv_article/ARTICLE137606-Tougher-requirements-for-Maltese-passports

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