The closure of investment-based citizenship
Malta's investment-based citizenship programme was officially closed on 24 July 2025 by Act XXI of 2025. The programme no longer exists.
Malta has revised its Citizenship by Merit framework which already existed since 2017.
The Citizenship by Merit framework
The Citizenship by Merit (CBM) framework is discretionary and provides that a person who renders an exceptional service to the Republic of Malta or to humanity, makes an exceptional contribution, or is of exceptional interest to Malta, may be eligible to acquire citizenship by merit. The framework applies to individuals who make exceptional contributions to Malta in areas such as science, innovation, arts, culture, or entrepreneurship.
The governing legislation is Subsidiary Legislation 188.06 — Granting of Citizenship by Naturalisation on the Basis of Merit Regulations.
Official information
Community Malta Agency is the entity responsible for the implementation of the legislation concerning citizenship matters in Malta.
Official website: komunita.gov.mt
Official summary: Citizenship by Naturalisation on the Basis of Merit (PDF)
Governing legislation: Subsidiary Legislation 188.06
Who may be considered
Eligible applicants include, among other persons of interest:
- Scientists and researchers
- Athletes and sport persons
- Artists and cultural performers
- Entrepreneurs (including job creation)
- Philanthropists
- Technologists
The process
Under Article 11A(1) of Subsidiary Legislation 188.06, applicants must begin by submitting a detailed proposal letter to Community Malta Agency. The letter should outline the applicant's background and achievements, describe the exceptional service or contribution made or intended, present a forward-looking plan for continuing to contribute after naturalisation, and include supporting documents. Dependants as stipulated in the legislation may be included.
Proposals undergo evaluation by an autonomous specialised board, independently of the Agency, followed by an intensive due diligence process carried out by the Agency. The Board submits its recommendation to the Agency, which passes it to the Minister for a final decision. The Minister is not obliged to provide reasons for the decision, and the decision is final.
Once an approval in principle is received, applicants may formally submit their citizenship application by:
- Proving at least eight months of residence in Malta, with proof of title to adequate residential property
- Demonstrating exceptional service or contribution, endorsed by the designated competent body
- Confirming knowledge of Maltese or English
- Providing proof of all ties created with Malta as proposed in the proposal letter
The Evaluation Board reviews the application again and provides its recommendation to the Minister, who makes the final decision. If approved, the applicant and any dependants take the Oath of Allegiance and receive the certificate of naturalisation.
The April 2025 EU ruling
In April 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union issued its judgment in Commission v Malta (Case C-181/23), concerning Malta's investment-based citizenship route. Malta's response was Act XXI of 2025, which entered into force on 24 July 2025, formally closing the investment-based route.
The Citizenship by Merit framework — a separate, discretionary framework that has existed since 2017 and predates the investment route — was not affected by the ruling and continues.
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Frequently asked questions
Is investment-based citizenship in Malta still available?
No. Malta's investment-based citizenship programme was officially closed on 24 July 2025 by Act XXI of 2025. The programme no longer exists.
What is the Citizenship by Merit framework?
The Citizenship by Merit framework is a discretionary route that has existed in Malta since 2017. It provides that a person who renders an exceptional service to the Republic of Malta or to humanity, makes an exceptional contribution, or is of exceptional interest to Malta, may be eligible to acquire citizenship by merit. The framework applies to individuals who make exceptional contributions to Malta in areas such as science, innovation, arts, culture, or entrepreneurship. The governing legislation is Subsidiary Legislation 188.06.
Where can I find official information about Citizenship by Merit?
The governing legislation is Subsidiary Legislation 188.06 — Granting of Citizenship by Naturalisation on the Basis of Merit Regulations. For official enquiries, contact the Community Malta Agency — the entity responsible for citizenship matters in Malta.
How does the Citizenship by Merit application process work?
Under Article 11A(1) of Subsidiary Legislation 188.06, applicants start by submitting a detailed proposal letter to Community Malta Agency outlining their background, exceptional service or contribution, and a forward-looking plan. Proposals are evaluated independently by an autonomous specialised board, followed by due diligence by the Agency. The Board's recommendation goes to the Minister, whose decision is final and requires no reasons. If approved in principle, the formal application requires at least eight months of Malta residence, proof of residential property, knowledge of Maltese or English, and proof of ties to Malta. If approved, the applicant takes the Oath of Allegiance and receives the certificate of naturalisation.
Are citizenships already granted under the investment-based programme still valid?
Maltese citizenship already granted is not retroactively revoked by the programme's closure. Revocation would only occur in cases of material misrepresentation in the original application or serious criminal conduct meeting the legal threshold under Maltese law.