MT
Malta · Exceptional Merit
Malta’s Maltese Citizenship Act provides for naturalisation on the basis of merit for a person who renders exceptional service or makes an exceptional contribution to Malta or humanity, or whose naturalisation is of exceptional interest to Malta. The process begins with a proposal to Community Malta Agency, followed by due diligence, Evaluation Board review and ministerial decisions. It is discretionary and requires at least eight months’ residence, adequate residential property, adequate knowledge of Maltese or English, and an oath. The Agency says this legal provision is not a citizenship-by-investment programme or its continuation or alternative.
No fees listed for this program.
This is a statutory, discretionary basis for naturalisation under Article 10(9) and S.L. 188.06. Applicants first submit a proposal letter through Community Malta Agency; only applicants receiving approval in principle may file the citizenship application. Final approval remains with the Minister, and the Evaluation Board may interview the applicant. At the formal application stage, the applicant must show at least eight months’ residence in Malta, adequate residential property (with a limited waiver for certain dependants), adequate knowledge of Maltese or English, the proposed exceptional service, contribution or interest, and other Malta ties described in the proposal. The Agency’s 2026 notice expressly says this is not a programme, scheme, pathway, continuation or alternative to the repealed investment framework. No fixed investment, donation, processing time or annual quota is established in the current materials reviewed. Adult dependants may apply subject to the residence requirements; the statutory dependant definition also covers eligible spouses/partners and children. Fees are set by the Agency from time to time and no current merit-specific amount was verified. How to apply: direct or authorized competent professional.
Last verified Oct 9, 2026 Last changed Oct 9, 2026 Source
removed duplicate investor-labelled merit record because it represented the same route with repealed investment requirements (https://legislation.mt/eli/act/2025/21/portalpdf).
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