Malta has become a popular travel destination for many over time. However,, reports suggest that Bollywood celebrities seek European residency and citizenship for professional reasons or tax benefits.

High-net-worth individuals and Bollywood’s elite increasingly consider Malta Citizenship by Investment a golden opportunity.

Let us find out what Malta is famous for, what are citizenship programmes, and the perks the country offers to travellers.

Why Has Malta Become A Popular Travel Destination?

Malta is famous for its golden-hued, sea-flanked, and seriously storied capital city, Valletta. Founded in 1566 by the Knights of St. John, Valletta was always destined to be an impressive and culture-stacked Renaissance city.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, Valletta offers palatial complexes or 16th-century constructions.

Two of Malta’s three UNESCO World Heritage Site listings are focused on the prehistoric. The first, the Megalithic Temples of Malta, are a grouping of seven sacred complexes, Bronze Age structures, and almost unbelievable.

Malta boasts more than 300 days of sunshine annually and its climate makes it one of the best beach destinations in Europe.

One of Malta’s most famous filming locations is Popeye Village. Constructed as a film set for the 1980s musical motion picture, the original location has since expanded and become one of the island’s most famed attractions.

Real Estate, Business Benefits In Malta

Under Malta’s CBI programme, applicants must either make a government contribution or invest in real estate, which has proven to be a profitable option.

Popular areas like Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian’s house luxury properties, and many Bollywood stars seem to be keen to invest in these prime locations. Additionally, Malta’s booming tourism sector and start-up ecosystem make it an ideal destination for business investments, allowing Indian investors to expand and diversify their wealth.

Malta Offers Tax Benefits

Malta offers a favourable tax system and other significant financial advantages, making it an even more attractive place to apply for citizenship.

• No wealth, inheritance, or gift tax: This is a major advantage for high-net-worth individuals.
• Attractive corporate tax structure: For those who own businesses or production houses, Malta offers competitive tax rates.
• No tax on foreign income: Income earned outside Malta is not taxable unless it is remitted to the country.

Facts About Tourism In Malta

With its strategic position in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is a travel hotspot. Travel and tourism contributed 2.6 billion euros to the gross domestic product of Malta.

The total contribution of travel and tourism to employment in Malta exceeded pre-pandemic levels, with industries generating nearly 56,000 jobs in the country in 2023, as per Statista.

In 2023, the number of international tourists in Malta reached around 3 million. Most of the travellers were from the United Kingdom, Italy, France, and Germany.