Path to citizenship
- Residency8 months · any
- Apply365-480 days
- Citizenshipafter the oath
Overview
- Country
- Malta
- Program
- Malta Citizenship by Merit
- Local name
- Ċittadinanza ta' Malta bil-Mertu
- Type
- Exceptional Merit
- Status
- Active
- Residency required
- 8 months
- Processing time
- 365-480 days
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed
- Visa-free countries
- 183 destinations
- Passport rank
- #6 (Henley Index)
Malta replaced its Citizenship-by-Investment (MEIN) program in July 2025 following the EU Court of Justice ruling (April 29, 2025) that the transactional model did not establish a genuine link to the country. The new merit-based framework under Act XXI of 2025 grants citizenship to individuals who render or have rendered exceptional service to Malta or humanity. No fixed investment thresholds, quotas, or standard compliance checklist. Each case assessed by an independent Evaluation Board with final ministerial discretion.
Fees and costs
No fees listed for this program.
Eligibility and requirements
- Minimum age 18+
- Police clearance required
- Medical exam not required
- Interview required
- Authorized agent must use authorized agent
- Oath required
Family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Spouse
- Included
- Spouse eligible
- Spouse of eligible person also qualifies
- Max child age
- 18 (29 if student)
- Parents
- Allowed
Passport and mobility
- Passport rank
- #6 (Henley Index)
- Visa-free access
- 183 countries
- Passport validity
- 10 years
- EU citizenship
- Yes
- Schengen access
- Yes
- US E-2 treaty
- Yes — eligible for US investor visa
Physical presence
- Must visit country
- Yes
How to apply
- Method
- In person
- Apply from abroad
- Must apply in-country
- Application type
- Discretionary
- Official website
- komunita.gov.mt
- Legal basis
- Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188), Art. 10(9), as amended by Act XXI of 2025
Notes and caveats
Replaced the MEIN (Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation) program in July 2025 following CJEU ruling. No fixed investment thresholds or quotas. Applicants must evidence exceptional services or contributions to Maltese philanthropy, or projects in the public interest or national strategy sectors. Independent Evaluation Board assesses each case. At least 8 months of residency required before citizenship grant. Ministerial discretion remains final.