When/does an applicant get a passport?
Being a Maltese Permanent Resident and living in Malta for 5 years gives you the right to apply for Maltese citizenship. However, the outcome of your application for citizenship is entirely at the discretion of the minister and there are no guarantees that it is obtained. In fact it is unlikely that citizenship is granted to a person who has lived in Malta for less than 20 years. Another requirement is that the person would have to be fully integrated into Maltese society, take part in cultural events and be active in local organizations etc.Having said this, permanent residents do enjoy various benefits that are similar to those of citizens including freedom of movement into and out of Malta and the right to apply for and be granted a Maltese Identity Card. Some advantages, including the applicable flat rate of 15% on all remitted income are not available to citizens, and are exclusive to permanent residents permit holders and therefore more often its best to retain permanent residenc
