Path to citizenship
- Investfrom $690,000
- Due diligence and processing365-730 days
- Citizenshippassport valid 10 years
Overview
- Country
- Malta
- Program
- Malta Citizenship by Merit
- Type
- Citizenship by Investment
- Status
- Active
- Residency required
- 1 years
- Processing time
- 365-730 days
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed
- Visa-free countries
- 190 destinations
- Passport rank
- #5 (Henley Index)
Malta replaced its CBI program with a merit-based naturalization route under Act XXI of 2025, following the April 2025 CJEU ruling that pure investment-for-citizenship schemes violate EU law. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional service to Malta or humanity. While there is no fixed investment price, financial contribution, real estate, and charitable donations are still expected.
Investment options
| Type | Tier | Min amount | USD equivalent | Hold | Returnable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donation Mandatory donation to a Maltese registered non-governmental organization. | Charitable donation (mandatory) | EUR 10,000 | $11,500 | — | No |
| Donation EUR 600,000 contribution with 36-month residency requirement. +EUR 50,000 per family member. | NDSF Contribution (36-month residency path) | EUR 600,000 | $690,000 | — | No |
| Real estate Purchase EUR 700,000+ or rent EUR 16,000+/year for 5 years. Mandatory alongside NDSF contribution. | Property purchase (mandatory) | EUR 700,000 | $805,000 | 5 yr | Yes |
| Donation EUR 750,000 contribution with 12-month residency requirement. +EUR 50,000 per family member. | NDSF Contribution (12-month residency path) | EUR 750,000 | $862,500 | — | No |
Fees and costs
- Processing fee
- $1,725
- Due diligence (main)
- $15,000
- Due diligence (spouse)
- $10,000
- Due diligence (dependent)
- $10,000
Eligibility and requirements
- Minimum age 18+
- Police clearance required
- Medical exam required
- Interview required
- Authorized agent must use authorized agent
- Oath required
Family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Spouse
- Included
- Max child age
- 28 (28 if student)
- Parents
- Allowed
Passport and mobility
- Passport rank
- #5 (Henley Index)
- Visa-free access
- 190 countries
- Passport validity
- 10 years
- EU citizenship
- Yes
- Schengen access
- Yes
Physical presence
- Must visit country
- Yes
How to apply
- Method
- Agent
- Apply from abroad
- Must apply in-country
- Application type
- Open
- Official website
- www.communitymaltagency.com
- Legal basis
- Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188), as amended by Act XXI of 2025
Notes and caveats
Contribution: EUR 600,000 (36-month residency path) or EUR 750,000 (12-month path). +EUR 50,000 per family member. Real estate: purchase EUR 700,000+ or rent EUR 16,000+/year (5-year commitment). Charitable donation: EUR 10,000+. CJEU ruled pure CBI illegal for EU in April 2025 (Case C-181/23). Each application assessed on individual merit by independent Evaluation Board.