Malta ended its citizenship-by-investment program in 2025 following the EU Court of Justice’s ruling against it. In April 2025, the EU Court of Justice ruled that EU citizenship was compromised through Malta’s CBI program due to the lack of genuine ties to Malta. As a result, the Maltese government has ended its citizenship-by-investment programme. However, Malta citizenship by merit has gathered the attention of many, which has existed since 2017, under the provisions of Subsidiary Legislation 188.04.has
Accordingly, you can be eligible for Maltese citizenship by merit if you show “exceptional services or contributions to the nation” as based on Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act, Chapter 188.
What to Discover in This Guide?
Malta Citizenship by Merit
Malta’s citizenship by merit has gained importance following the termination of the citizenship-by-investment route. This route offers citizenship based on an exceptional contribution to the national interest. The idea of “exceptional contribution” means adding value to the nation.
Supporting these, eligible applicants include:
- Scientists and researchers
- Athletes and sports persons
- Artists
- Entrepreneurs
- Other areas where you can prove your expertise can contribute to Malta
Note that you may include your dependents in your application depending on your situation.
Legal Basis of Maltese Citizenship by Merit
Under Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act (Chapter 188 of the Laws of Malta), as amended by Act No XXI of 2025, the Minister has the authority to grant Maltese citizenship by merit.
This means citizenship may be given outside the normal process to individuals who provide exceptional value to Malta or to humanity. This can include people who:
- Create jobs
- Contribute significantly to the economy
- Advance science or technology
- Excel in sports or the arts
- Support culture
- Engage in meaningful philanthropic activities
As a result, professionals such as scientists, researchers, athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, technologists, and philanthropists may qualify if their skills, achievements, or expertise are deemed to benefit Malta’s national interest.
In simple terms, if the Minister determines that a person’s talents and contributions are of exceptional importance to Malta, that person can be granted Maltese citizenship.
Who is Eligible to Apply for Citizenship by Merit?
To be eligible for the Maltese Citizenship by Merit, you can follow the requirements stated below:
- Showing an exceptional talent or achievement in a field
- Making a contribution to Malta’s economy, culture, or science aligned with Malta’s Vision 2050.
- Undergoing a comprehensive background check
- Verifying your achievements or contributions
Based on the criteria above, your application will be reviewed by an Independent Board of experts.
How to Apply for Maltese Citizenship by Merit Route?
There are six steps to follow to obtain citizenship by merit in Malta. These are briefly stated below:
Step 1: Establish Residency
The first step includes getting a residency permit. To achieve this, you must prepare all required documentation, including legalized IDs, proof of source of wealth, official forms, and property or lease registration. Then, you must submit your Maltese residence application.
Step 2: Visit Malta
After the initial step, you must travel to Malta to provide biometrics and collect your residence card.
Step 3: Merit Proposal
After obtaining your residency, you must submit a detailed proposal letter outlining your background, contribution plan, and long-term ties with Malta.
Step 4: Pass Due Diligence
Later, the Agency conducts initial due diligence, including comprehensive background, source-of-wealth, and compliance checks.
Your proposal is assessed by an independent Evaluation Board, which recommends approval to the Minister.
Step 5: Approval in Principle
Following the evaluation, the Minister issues a Letter of Approval in Principle. Then, you can submit your citizenship application with proof of legal residence (at least 8-month legal residence in Malta), investment, property, and established ties.
Undergo a second due diligence check and receive your Letter of Approval.
Step 6: Approval of Maltese Citizenship
At the end of the route, if you are deemed eligible, the Minister will approve your citizenship. Then, you must take the Oath of Allegiance and obtain your Maltese passport.
Key Benefits of Maltese Citizenship
- Maltese citizenship provides applicants and their families with the full rights of EU citizens, including the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union.
- Applicants gain a European passport through the citizenship process, which provides visa-free access to more than 180 countries and regions, including the UK, USA, and Canada.
- The application process for Maltese citizenship is lengthy and can take up to a year to complete.
- Malta is a full member of the European Union and part of the EU Schengen zone. As a result, citizens of Malta are also European citizens, granting them the freedom to travel, live, work, or study anywhere within the European Union. Maltese citizens and passport holders may reside in any of the 28 EU member states.
Does Malta Offer Citizenship by Investment?
Citizenship by Investment Malta was a popular investment program in Europe, primarily because it benefited the investors in the long run. The Maltese Government introduced it to facilitate foreign investment and the flow of business expertise into the country.
However, the current regime was ruled “illegal” by the European Court of Justice in April 2025. It claimed it was a commercial transaction, as it lacks the requirement of real ties to Maltese culture. Therefore, the program has ended, and Malta has introduced its citizenship-by-merit program.
Another Option: Malta Permanent Residency by Investment
Malta Permanent Residency by Investment (MPRP) is a residency by investment program that allows non-EU nationals to obtain permanent residency in Malta through a qualifying investment. The program grants the right to live indefinitely in Malta and enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
To qualify, you must meet a combination of requirements, including leasing or purchasing property in Malta. These includes:
- Renting a property worthing at least €14,000 per year (totaling 169,000 with additional fees)
- Purchasing a property worth at least €375,000 in Malta or Gozo (totalling €475,000 with additional fees)
Successful applicants receive permanent residence status for themselves and eligible family members, with no minimum stay requirement. While the program does not grant citizenship, it provides a long-term foothold in the EU and the possibility to apply for citizenship later.
Get Golden Visa: Who We Are And How We Can Help You
Get Golden Visa is a full-service investment immigration agency. We provide end-to-end solutions for residence and citizenship-by-investment programs in numerous countries worldwide.
We work with clients from all around the world who are interested in obtaining Maltese citizenship or residency.
Contact us and speak with one of our experienced team members to answer any questions you may have.
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Tax Consequences of Citizenship in Malta
If you obtain your Maltese citizenship, there will be no tax consequences. Becoming a Maltese citizen alone doesn’t change you or your family’s tax treatment unless you take up the tax residence. Or, in simpler words, unless you’re a domicile of Malta.
Even if you relocate to Malta, you can retain non-domicile status and enjoy extremely advantageous tax treatment. Besides, you’re only required to pay tax on the income you earn in the country. Furthermore, you will not be subject to tax on foreign income or other capital gains arising outside Malta. This is so because the foreign source of income is kept in bank accounts outside the country.
In addition, Malta imposes no taxes on:
- inheritance or death,
- an extensive network of double taxation agreements,
- estate duty,
- net worth or wealth taxes,
- municipal taxes, rates, or real estate taxes.
Malta is involved in double taxation treaties with around 60 countries globally.
Moreover, if you decide to sell your property after holding it for five years and using it for sole and ordinary residence, no taxes will be imposed. However, if it is sold before the lapse of three years, a property tax of 12% of the selling price will be exacted.
Although Malta has a 35% corporate tax rate, special tax concessions apply to non-resident or non-domiciled business people or company owners.
Dual Citizenship Malta
Isn’t it great that you can now become a resident of two different countries simultaneously for business and tax relief? Many countries like the USA, France, Germany, Greece, Switzerland, Malta, and many more, provide dual citizenship, which means you get more independence and control to do business.
Furthermore, Malta’s Citizenship Act mentions explicitly that Malta dual citizenship is permitted. Stating that, as of 10th February 2000, a Maltese resident may acquire and retain foreign citizenship(s) alongside his/her Maltese citizenship.
While Malta imposes no restrictions on issuing a Maltese passport, your current country of origin may restrict you from holding a second Maltese passport. Apart from that, you have to follow a particular procedure to receive dual citizenship.
Visa-free Destinations for Maltese Passport Holders
Indeed, holding a Maltese passport gives you the freedom to own and operate a business and to own company shares. It also allows you to travel without the hassles of arranging a visa to some of the world’s most important countries.
Since it also offers the freedom to work in Europe, people with Malta passports can also to move to European countries like Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK).
It also offers the benefit of waiving the need for United States visas. Apart from that, Malta joined the Schengen Area in 2007 after signing the Schengen Agreement, which removed all internal borders among member states. Therefore, Malta grants its citizens freedom to travel to all 26 Schengen visa countries without border checks.
Alternatives to Malta Citizenship
In recent years, many countries have designed immigrant investor programs to attract foreign businessmen. As a result, these nations are experiencing massive economic growth and the professional growth of their citizens.
The old ‘Citizenship by Investment Program Malta’ has contributed to the nation’s welfare and advancement, and countries like Portugal, Greece, and Spain offer similar schemes.
These countries offer a golden visa, a permanent residency visa issued to individuals. To get this visa, you have to invest in the country’s economy by purchasing property or donating a certain sum of money to the issuing country.
Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa program is a route to secure residency in the country by investing in funds. The program was launched in 2012 to encourage foreign investors and businessmen to relocate to Portugal and glorify the country’s economy. As of September 2023, the program has received over €7.5 billion in investment from over 12,000 investors since its inception.
Requirements:
- Invest in Portugal investment funds for €500,000.
- And other options, such as donation or company creation.
Benefits
- Get a European passport (second passport) in 5 years.
- Travel to 26 EU countries and 188 countries without a Visa.
- Health and education benefits.
- Right to access public services like healthcare, education, and security.
Greece Golden Visa
If you wish to obtain permanent Greek residency, the Greece Golden Visa is the safest route. Under this program, launched in 2013, non-EU nationals can invest in Greek real estate and apply for residency.
Requirements
- Invest a minimum of EUR 250,000, including applicable taxes.
- A 10-year lease agreement for a hotel or furnished residential accommodation.
- A capital contribution of at least EUR 400,000 to a company registered or established in Greece.
Benefits
- Lower investment rate than other EU countries.
- Visa-free travel to the Schengen Zone.
- Access to Greek education and healthcare
Lastly, with an increasing number of high-net-worth individuals evaluating options to invest in immigration and expand their business horizons, Malta offers excellent business opportunities and a high quality of life.
Therefore, if you are planning to relocate for business, Malta can be your lucky island!
If you need more help regarding the program, feel free to contact us. You can also explore “Citizenship by Donation”.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a citizen in Malta by naturalization?
Acquiring Maltese citizenship through naturalization can be a lengthy process, spanning at least 7 years. For non-Maltese individuals without family connections to Malta, the path to citizenship involves meeting specific residence requirements. Applicants must have lived in the country with a permanent residence and residence permit for a cumulative period of four years within the last six years. Once these criteria are met, they can begin the process of applying for citizenship through naturalization.
How much do I need to invest in the Malta Golden Visa?
Individuals seeking to obtain a Maltese residence permit through the country’s investment immigration program have two options for meeting the investment requirements. The first option involves purchasing a property worth at least 375,000 in Malta or Gozo. The second option involves renting property in Malta or Gozo with a minimum annual rent of €14,000 for 5 years. The total investment amount with additional fees is €169,000 ( for renting) and €474,000 (for purchasing).
How long does it take to get a Malta Golden Visa?
The process of applying for a Golden Visa in Malta can take from four months to a year, depending on various factors.
What is the Malta Passport Ranking in 2026?
Malta’s passport ranking stands at 6th globally in 2026, reflecting its strong international mobility. Maltese passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190 countries, making it one of the most powerful passports in the world.
