Malta citizenship by Merit program

Malta Citizenship by Merit program

Overview : Malta

November 24, 2025

Malta is the smallest and most beautiful country in Europe. Malta overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is located next to Tunisia and Italy. The capital of Malta, Valletta, is the main tourist destination for expatriates, as it is characterized by buildings of a historical character that reflect the number of civilizations that previously colonized it.

Capital : Valletta

Currency : Euro

Language : Maltese language

Airport :Malta International Airport

Minimum Investment

No mandatory minimum investment or donation.

Visa free countries

180+ Countries

Global passport Rank

5

Required Residency

Yes

Taxation

Subject to the tax law of Malta

Processing time

within 12 months

What is Malta’s Merit Based Citizenship System ?

Malta’s merit-based citizenship system is a new way of granting citizenship without investment, introduced after the old “citizenship-by-investment” program was stopped. Instead of giving citizenship in exchange for money, Malta now grants citizenship only to people who provide exceptional value to the country. Malta ended the investment based program after pressure from the European Union. The EU said EU citizenship cannot be sold for money.

So Malta replaced the program with a strict, talent-based system to stay compliant with EU rules. Malta now gives citizenship only to people who achieve something important or help the country in a meaningful way, not to people who pay money. This is called the merit-based citizenship system. To qualify, a person must give exceptional services to Malta in one of these areas:

Science & Technology

Business & Job Creation

Arts & Culture

Sports

Public Service / Humanitarian Work

Who can apply Malta citizenship ?

Under the new merit based citizenship system, Malta no longer grants citizenship through investment. Citizenship is now only available to people who provide exceptional service to Malta.

Make an outstanding contribution to Malta : This includes exceptional work in science, technology, culture, arts, sports, research, innovation, major business contributions, national security, or humanitarian service.

Have a proven record of excellence : The applicant must show strong achievements that benefit Malta or enhance Malta’s reputation internationally.

Have a clean background : Applicants must have a clean criminal record, no involvement in money laundering or sanctions, and pass strict due-diligence checks.

Have lived in Malta for a meaningful period : While not publicly specified, residency and integration are now important.

Show strong ties to Malta : Applicants should have cultural understanding, contribute to society, and be integrated into the community.

Malta Citizenship by Merit

Program benefits

EU Citizenship : Grants full rights as an EU citizen, including living, working, and studying anywhere in the European Union.

High-Quality Passport : Travel visa-free or visa-on-arrival to over 180+ countries (depending on passport rankings).

No Investment Required : Citizenship is based on merit and contribution, not money.

Recognition for Achievements : Provides formal recognition of your exceptional contributions to Malta.

Access to Malta Services : Enjoy Malta’s healthcare, education, and social systems as a citizen.

Business & Career Opportunities : EU citizenship opens doors to international business and professional growth.

Enhanced Reputation : Being recognized under Malta’s merit-based system enhances personal and professional prestige internationally.

Family Benefits (Indirect) : While the merit-based program focuses on the individual, having a Maltese citizen in the family can help with residency and legal rights for other members.

Application process for Malta citizenship by merit

Step 1 : Choose a licensed agent

Applications can only be submitted through a government-authorized agent.

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

The process begins by evaluating your achievements and background to ensure you qualify for the merit-based citizenship program. Applicants should have notable accomplishments in areas such as science, technology, culture, arts, sports, entrepreneurship, or philanthropy. It is important to gather all evidence of impactful contributions, awards, recognitions, or professional milestones that demonstrate your value and potential benefit to Malta.

Step 3 : Prepare a Detailed Proposal

Next, you draft a proposal that highlights your past achievements, explains how your contributions have benefited society or your field, and outlines a clear plan for future contributions to Malta. The proposal should include supporting documents, endorsements, and references that strengthen your case and demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact in the country.

Step 4 : Submit the Application

Once the proposal is ready, it is submitted to the designated Maltese authority along with all supporting documents. It is essential that the submission is accurate and complete because any missing or incorrect information can delay the process or lead to rejection.

Step 5 : Due Diligence and Background Checks

After submission, the government conducts a thorough review of your personal, professional, and financial background. This process ensures you have a clean criminal record, maintain a good reputation, and that your achievements and contributions are genuine. The due diligence process safeguards the integrity of the merit-based citizenship program.

Step 6 : Evaluation by Expert Committee

Your application is then reviewed by an Evaluation Board composed of experts who assess the significance of your achievements and the potential value of your proposed contributions to Malta. The board may request additional information or conduct interviews if clarification is needed before making a recommendation.

Step 7 : Ministerial Decision

Based on the Evaluation Board’s recommendation, the responsible Minister reviews the application and issues a Letter of Approval in Principle for candidates deemed suitable. This letter confirms that you are eligible to proceed to the next stage of the process.

Step 8 : Formal Naturalisation Application

With the approval in principle, you submit a formal naturalisation application to the authorities. This includes proof of residence in Malta, identity documents, language proficiency evidence, and confirmation that all legal requirements have been met. The naturalisation application formalizes your request for Maltese citizenship.

Step 9 : Oath of Allegiance

Once approved, you take an Oath of Allegiance to formally affirm your loyalty to Malta. You also sign a commitment to fulfill the contributions outlined in your proposal, ensuring your ongoing engagement with the country.

Step 10 : Granting of Citizenship

Citizenship is officially granted after the oath is taken, giving you the full rights of a Maltese citizen, including a Maltese passport and access to EU benefits such as visa-free travel and residence rights.

Step 11 : Post Citizenship Monitoring

Even after citizenship is granted, authorities may monitor whether you honor the commitments described in your proposal. Failure to meet these obligations or misrepresentation can result in revocation of citizenship, preserving the integrity of the merit-based system.

Frequently asking questions

What is Malta Citizenship by Merit?

It is a naturalization program where individuals can obtain Maltese citizenship based on their exceptional achievements, talents, or contributions to society. Unlike previous investment-based schemes, this route prioritizes personal merit rather than financial investment.

Who is eligible for this program?

Eligibility is focused on people who have made extraordinary contributions in fields like science, technology, arts, culture, sports, business, philanthropy, or other areas benefiting Malta or humanity. The program also considers how applicants plan to contribute to Malta in the future.

Is proficiency in Maltese language required to apply?

No, Language proficiency is not required to accept your application

Is financial investment required?

No mandatory financial investment is required. T

Can family members be included?

You can apply with the entire family, including financially dependent and unmarried children under 29 years of age. but, no financially dependent parents can no longer be included as eligible dependents under the current regulations.

Are dual or multiple citizenships allowed?

Yes. Malta permits dual citizenship, so you can maintain your current nationality while acquiring Maltese citizenship.

What types of contributions are recognized?

Contributions can include:
Groundbreaking research or innovations.
Cultural, artistic, or sporting excellence.
Entrepreneurial initiatives that benefit Malta.
Philanthropic or social projects of national significance.

How long does the process take?

Approximately 12 months but the processing times vary depending on the complexity of the application, the level of achievements, and the due diligence process. Each application is unique, so there is no fixed timeline.

Can i apply Malta citizenship program without agent help?

No, it is not possible to apply directly for the Malta Citizenship Program without a licensed agent.

Does citizenship entitle me to work or study in Europe?

Maltese citizenship gives you the right to reside, study and work in any of the 27 countries of the European Union. You can enjoy free access to world-renowned, public education programs in any of the EU member countries. This includes kindergarten to high school to public university.

Do I need to stay in Malta during my residency period?

When applying for Malta Citizenship by Merit, you are not required to physically reside in Malta throughout the entire application process but there is a residency requirement before citizenship is granted. During this period, applicants are expected to hold a residence permit and reside a certain amount of time in Malta.

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