Law

Maltese Citizenship by Merit



Citizenship by investment in Malta is now known as “Citizenship by Merit” and can be obtained by EU and non-EU/EEA and Swiss citizens if they meet certain conditions. Those who want to move to Malta and obtain residency and citizenship through the various programs offered by the Maltese government have at their disposal the services offered by our immigration lawyers in Malta. We recommend you read the following lines and learn more about the Maltese passport, and consider our specialized help.

Quick Facts
What is Malta Citizenship by Merit? A new program that replaced the previous Citizenship in Malta scheme.
Dedicated to EU, non-EU & Swiss citizens
Benefits Obtaining residency and citizenship, under certain conditions
Purpose of the program To attract foreign investments in Malta by making significant contributions, in exchange for great advantages.
Eligibility criteria Persons who can provide exceptional services & valuable initiatives to Malta.
Minimum age to participate 18
Residency obligation At least 8 months living in Malta
Establishing foundations to access Maltese Citizenship by Merit Available option
Supporting Malta’s national investment schemes and objectives In exchange for Maltese residency, once accepted in the program.
Minimum investments Not imposed
Path to Citizenship by Merit in Malta through naturalization and proving residency of 12-36 months in Malta.
Due diligence Performed by Community Malta Agency
Dual citizenship in Malta Permitted. A second passport is issued.
Malta citizenship by Merit for exceptional services Available option
We offer legal advice in Malta For foreigners interested in Maltese Citizenship by Merit.

Contact our immigration lawyers in Malta to be assisted throughout the process.

Maltese Citizenship by Merit explained

Maltese Citizenship by Merit is a new program or a formal route that can be accessed through residence, measurable contribution to Malta, and reputation, in exchange for a passport & new citizenship. Here are some important details about this Maltese citizenship program:

  • natural persons, business owners, and philanthropists can apply for Maltese Citizenship by Merit. It is important to respect the conditions imposed;
  • citizens who bring valuable initiatives to Malta or provide exceptional services are good candidates for this program;
  • applicants must keep at least 8 months of legal residence in Malta and also demonstrate a genuine connection to the country through various contributions associated with Malta’s Vision 2050;
  • those who establish foundations to develop research or philanthropic activities can apply for Citizenship by Merit in Malta;
  • applicants who establish innovation hubs or companies that help the national goals of Malta can also obtain Citizenship by Merit;
  • humanitarian services of recognized value in Malta are also a good option for those interested in Maltese Citizenship by Merit;
  • foreigners involved in environmental projects in Malta may also be eligible for citizenship if they bring merit and value to the country.

Eligibility criteria for Citizenship by Merit in Malta in 2025

We present in a few lines the conditions that must be met to obtain Maltese Citizenship by Merit:

  • exceptional contributions must be made that bring value to Malta and are in favor of the public interest.
  • there is no minimum investment imposed; however, each case is carefully verified, while valuation is qualitative and based on merit.
  • the integrity standards are also important in getting Maltese Citizenship by Merit. Due diligence is performed to know further projects after naturalization by the Community Malta Agency.
  • if the Evaluation Board determines that the candidate meets the imposed conditions, a Letter of Approval in Principle will be issued.
  • proof of residency of at least 8 months is also required.
  • endorsement by a selected competent body and ownership/ lease of residential property in Malta are also part of the application for Maltese Citizenship by Merit.

Therefore, Maltese Citizenship by Merit can be obtained, considering the above conditions. We remind you that our immigration lawyers can guide you in everything related to the procedures for obtaining the Maltese golden passport. Please explore the following infographic:

What countries are on the list of visa-free countries?

Getting Maltese citizenship by naturalization entails quite a few interesting benefits. In addition to studying for free at the University of Malta, citizens can travel without restrictions in terms of visas to Canada or the USA. Many countries in Africa, Asia, or South America do not require an entry visa for Maltese citizens, which allows them to visit them safely and without restrictions. In addition, there are no border checks throughout the Schengen countries if traveling with a Maltese passport.

Studying in the EU countries with a Maltese passport

Once you have obtained Maltese citizenship by naturalization, you will receive a passport, one of the most powerful documents in the world. The Maltese passport allows you to study in any country in the European Union, besides Malta. Moreover, family members can be brought to Malta, respecting the immigration conditions in this case. There are many foreign students who prefer to relocate to Malta, apply for Maltese citizenship by naturalization at a certain point, and enjoy the benefits provided by the acquired passport, among which is the possibility of accessing top universities. It is good to know that the University of Malta is free for Maltese citizens, and this is also the case for foreigners who gain Maltese citizenship by naturalization.

Maltese citizenship by naturalization, a popular option for foreigners

Through Maltese citizenship by naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, foreigners can get citizenship and the certificate of naturalization, including for family members. In practice, those who make significant investments in Malta benefit from this status, either after 12 or 36 months of residency, depending on each case. Background checks by the Maltese authorities are part of the process, but more information about the available options for Maltese citizenship by naturalization can be provided by one of our experts.

Does Malta accept dual citizenship?

Yes, there are no restrictions regarding dual citizenship in Malta, and those who obtain this status are not obliged to renounce their citizenship of origin. On the other hand, once citizenship is obtained, the applicants also benefit from the Maltese golden passport, one of the most important and powerful in the world. You can ask for more information about immigration to Malta and everything related to dual citizenship if, at some point, you want to apply for naturalization.

Benefits of gaining a second passport

Malta offers a second passport once accepted into the Citizenship by Merit Program. Such a passport allows foreigners with Maltese citizenship to freely travel to around 166 countries worldwide without applying for a specific visa. This benefit is also available for citizens wanting to visit the USA or Canada, mentioning that family members also benefit from such advantages. Enjoying a good quality of life, benefiting from a constant and productive economy, great education, and a medical system are a few of the advantages of foreigners with Maltese citizenship. All the details you need to know about how to apply for a second passport can be provided by one of our immigration lawyers in Malta.

Reasons why foreigners choose to relocate to Malta

Foreigners choose Malta for its welcoming environment, Mediterranean lifestyle, various business opportunities, and lower cost of living compared to other European countries. Do you want to immigrate to Malta and, at some point, apply for citizenship? Here are some of the reasons why foreigners choose this country:

  • a good quality of life and ideal climate are at the top of the list when choosing Malta for relocation. Both foreign entrepreneurs and those who want to retire to Malta list these advantages.
  • Malta is an English-speaking country, which is a great advantage when it comes to relocation. This is important in the business environment and, therefore, an advantage for those who move to Malta with the idea of developing their operations.
  • healthcare and education are also important aspects to consider when relocating to Malta. It is known that both private and public healthcare are of high standards, as are educational institutions. Foreigners prefer to relocate to a country where healthcare and education are highly valued.
  • even though it is a small island state, Malta has a very well-developed infrastructure, as well as connections to international airports.
  • in terms of taxes, Malta offers numerous benefits. Foreigners who relocate to Malta are attracted by tax advantages for businesses and personal assets.
  • Malta is part of the Schengen Area, which means that it offers visa-free travel throughout 26 countries in Europe. This is advantageous not only for tourism but also for the business environment.
  • citizenship in Malta comes with a second passport, one of the most powerful in the world. Those who receive this status can travel without a visa to the USA or Canada, for example.

Why seek legal advice from our Maltese immigration lawyers

Are you ready to immigrate to Malta? Do you want to retire to Malta and obtain all the necessary documents before relocation? We invite you to discover the legal services offered by our Maltese immigration specialists. Our lawyers offer legal guidance and support in communicating and collaborating with immigration authorities. It is good to have such legal services at hand to benefit from a simple relocation process free from complexities in terms of documents and formalities.

Statistics on Maltese immigration

Here are some statistics on immigration in Malta:

  • Over 10,000 foreign citizens obtained residency in Malta in 2024.
  • Out of Malta’s total population, around 173,700 are citizens of EU and non-EU countries.
  • Malta has the highest rate of work & residence permits in the European Union, with approximately 209 permits per 1,000 citizens. This is because Malta focuses on foreign employment.

Maltese Citizenship by Merit is an accessible program for anyone, but we recommend that you seek professional help. Please feel free to contact our immigration law firm and discover more about citizenship in Malta, naturalization, and dedicated programs.