We compare the two most popular citizenship by investment programs in Europe between Montenegro and Malta. Both countries are in Europe, only one is EU member state.
| CBI | Malta | Montenegro |
| Official Name | Exceptional Services Direct Investment (ESDI) Launched in 2020 replacing Individual Investor Program (IIP) | Special Citizenship Investment Program Launched in 2018 Closed in 2023 |
| Membership | European Union (EU) + Schengen | Europe (Non-EU and Non-Schengen). A candidate for EU acquis |
| Applications | Open | Closing on Dec 31, 2022 |
| English Language | Yes | Yes |
| Currency | Euro | Euro |
| Quota | 400 / Year (shall not exceed total 1500 applications) | 2000 |
| Minimum Investment | Govt Donation (€600,000) + Rent / Property (two year citizenship) or Govt Donation (€750,000) + Rent/Property (one year citizenship) | Donation (€100,000) + Property (€250,000) |
| Qualifying Properties | Residential/Commercial | CIP Approved (hotels/resorts) |
| Citizenship | EU Citizenship | Non-EU citizenship |
| Due Diligence / KYC | Very strict | Strict |
| Residence | One year required (Residency to Citizenship) | Not required |
| Genuine Link | Required | Not Required |
| Processing time | 12-20 months | 6-10 months |
| Refusal Rate | Very high | Low |
| Visa Free destinations | 185 | 124 |
| United States | Visa free (ESTA) (3 months) | Visa required |
| United Kingdom | Visa free (6 months) | Visa required |
| Canada | Visa free (6 months) | Visa required |
| E-2 Visa (USA) | E-1/E-2 | Not Available |
| Dual nationality | Allowed | Allowed |
| Confidentiality | Not reported to other countries | Not reported |
| Taxation | Corporate / Personal: 35%, Capital gains:12%, Wealth, Inheritance, Estate tax: 0% | Corporate tax: 9%, Personal income tax: 9-12%, Capital Gains: 9%, Inheritance/Estate: 5%, Wealth tax: 0% |
| CRS Tax Exchange | Member of OECD and FATCA | Member of OECD and FATCA |
| Restrictions | Iran, Russia, DPRK, Belarus, North Korea and US travel ban | No restrictions |
| Passport time | 1-2 years | 8 months |
| Right to Vote | Yes | Yes |
| Citizenship | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Denaturalization | Yes (for fraud/wanted list) | Yes |
| Right to work | Yes | Yes (only Montenegro) |
Please contact us for more information about these programs.
