MALTA

Citizenship by Merit

“Obtaining Maltese citizenship is not a purchase but a privilege and legacy EU identity”

Situated at the center of the Mediterranean, Malta is a picturesque English-speaking country offering a secure European base, an excellent quality of life, a business-friendly environment, and a dynamic real estate sector.

Citizenship by Merit is awarded under Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act (CAP.188), as revised by Legal Notice 159 of 2025. This framework enables naturalization in recognition of exceptional service, meaningful contribution, or alignment with Malta’s national interests. Rather than being a transactional program, it is a distinguished pathway that acknowledges genuine impact and long-term commitment to Malta’s development.

Key Facts

Processing Time
20+ months

Visa-Free Access
According to Passport Index, Malta is ranked 7th with visa free travel access to 185 counties, including Australia, Canada, China, European Union countries (EU), United States of America (USA) and United Kingdom (UK),

Commitment
A contribution considered strategically valuable to Malta

Eligible Family Members
Main applicant, spouse or civil partner, and unmarried dependent children under 29

Main Advantages

• Citizenship of an EU member state, transferable to future generations
• Freedom of movement and establishment across Europe, including Switzerland (live, work, and study)
• A strong passport allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 countries, including the United States
• Dual citizenship is allowed
• Access to high-quality healthcare and European education systems
• One of the EU’s fastest-growing economies with an attractive tax framework
• Recognized as one of the safest countries globally

Application Process Overview

The full process typically takes between 20 and 24 months, from onboarding to citizenship approval:

1. Client onboarding and initial pre-clearance
2. Residence application
3. Biometric data submission
4. Eligibility assessment and project application
5. Government review and due diligence checks
6. Ministerial decision
7. Approval in principle
8. Naturalization application
9. Invitation letter issuance
10. Oath of allegiance and passport issuance

Requirements

Applicants may be eligible if they:

• Demonstrate exceptional service or a meaningful commitment to Malta
• Successfully pass a comprehensive, multi-layered due diligence process, including international and law enforcement checks
• Establish and maintain legal residency throughout the application period
• Obtain appropriate residential accommodation in Malta (either rented or owned)
• Show sufficient proficiency in Maltese or English

Contributions & Merit Areas

Applicants can contribute in various ways, without fixed minimum investment requirements:

• Strategic investments or initiatives aligned with Malta’s national vision (e.g., Vision 2050)
• Philanthropic contributions in fields such as education, healthcare, sustainability, or research
• Business activities that generate high-value employment and encourage innovation
• Environmental or infrastructure projects (such as water management, energy, or circular economy initiatives)

Note: Passive investments (e.g., real estate or bonds alone) are not sufficient. Contributions must deliver clear and measurable national benefit.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old, of good character, and have no criminal record
• Be in good health and maintain valid health insurance during the residency period
• Not have been refused entry to any country with which Malta has visa-free travel arrangements
• Optionally include eligible dependents, such as:
• A spouse or long-term partner
• Unmarried children under 18
• Dependent adult children up to age 29
• Dependent children of any age with disabilities