Overview

Key Benefits

Investment

Requirements

FAQ

Malta citizenship is built on the country’s full membership in the European Union, which gives citizens the right to live, work, and study across all EU member states. The current legal route is citizenship by naturalization for exceptional services, a government-regulated process based on contribution and merit. Applications go through strict due diligence checks, where authorities review financial background, reputation, and overall eligibility before granting approval.

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Key Benefits of Malta Citizenship

Malta citizenship offers a wide range of benefits, covering mobility, lifestyle, business, and long-term security within Europe and beyond.

Citizenship Rights
The freedom to live, work, invest, buy property, and start a business in Malta and across the European Union
Visa-Free Travel to 190 Countries
Visa-free access to the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, China, and many other countries
Schengen Access
The right to move freely, live, work, and study across 29 Schengen countries
Real Estate Investment
Access to international property markets and opportunities for capital growth
High Quality of Life
A safe environment for your family, an English-speaking country, and access to high-quality healthcare and education
Family Members
Ability to include children and pass citizenship to future generations

Malta Citizenship by Investment Options

Obtaining Maltese citizenship through the investment-based pathway (now regulated under the 2025 legal framework) requires a combination of financial contributions, property commitment, and strict due diligence. The process of citizenship by investment in Malta​ is government-controlled and includes a mandatory residency period before citizenship eligibility, typically 12 or 36 months, depending on the chosen route.

Investment-Based Citizenship Program (2020 – April 2025)

  • Real Estate Investment + Government Contribution
  • 3-Year Residency Route
     €600,000 contribution + €50,000 per family member
  • 1-Year Residency Route
     €750,000 contribution + €50,000 per family member
  • Charitable Donation
     Minimum of €10,000 to an approved NGO
  • Property Requirement
     Lease: Min. €16,000/year
     Purchase: Min. €700,000
     5-year holding requirement

Malta Citizenship by Naturalization​ (April 2025 – Present)

  • Residency + Property Requirement
     Malta residence permit and property (rent or purchase)
  • Connection to Malta
     Personal ties, business network, investments, or philanthropy
  • Exceptional Contribution
     Financial or strategic contribution to Malta

Projects aligned with Malta 2050 Vision and national priorities

  • Sectors Serving National Interests
    Tourism, Finance, Gaming, Aviation, Manufacturing, Shipbuilding, Healthcare, Transportation, Infrastructure.
  • Technology
    Smart infrastructure, digitalization of the public sector, cybersecurity and digital skills, AI and blockchain for governance mechanisms, finance and fintech, financial infrastructure (digital tools).
  • Start-up
    FinTech, gaming, interactive media and e-sports, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, robotics and other advanced manufacturing sectors, agritech and green technology.
  • Philanthropy
    Social Inclusion & Health, Providing housing for vulnerable groups, Healthcare Innovation, Education & Talent, Environment & Sustainability, Cultural Heritage.

Malta Citizenship Requirements

Malta Citizenship by Residency​ Requirement
 • Mandatory legal residence in Malta before citizenship eligibility
 • Residence permit required for 12 or 36 months (depending on track)
 • Physical presence not strictly full-time, but “genuine link” required
 • Documented connection through time spent, business, or social integration
 • Property (rent or purchase) must be maintained during residency and for 5 years after citizenship

Due Diligence Checks
 • Four-tier due diligence system (strict background verification)
 • Checks against international sanctions, Interpol, and PEP lists
 • Verification of the source of funds and anti-money laundering compliance
 • Full source of wealth review (bank statements, tax records, corporate docs)
 • Reputation checks (media, global presence, intelligence review)

Good Conduct and Compliance
 • Clean criminal record required (no criminal or serious civil issues)
 • No visa refusals to Schengen or similarly visa-free countries
 • Full compliance with Maltese laws and regulations throughout the process
 • Ongoing reputation and integrity standards assessed during review

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Minimum Age and Dependents
 • The main applicant must be at least 18 years old
 • Spouse or legally recognized partner included
 • Children up to age 29 if unmarried and financially dependent
 • Parents and grandparents over 55 if financially dependent
 • Dependents over 12 also subject to full due diligence checks

Documentation and Application Process
 • Required documents: birth/marriage certificates, police conduct certificates, financial records
 • Apostilled documents from all countries of residence (past 10 years)
 • Step-by-step process: 

  1. preliminary check 
  2. residence 
  3. eligibility 
  4. approval in principle 
  5. citizenship application
  6. final approval 
  7. oath of allegiance

Application timeline tied to residency period (12–36 months)

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1How long does it take to get citizenship in Malta​?
The total timeline depends on the residency path you choose. If you follow the 12-month route, which requires a €750,000 contribution, the full process usually takes about 14 to 16 months from the initial biometric registration to receiving citizenship. If you choose the 36-month route, the process takes longer, typically around 38 to 40 months.
2Can family members be included in the application?
Yes, the program allows close family members to be included in one application. This includes a spouse or partner, children who are dependent (generally up to age 28 or 29), and parents or grandparents over 55 who rely on the main applicant. Each additional dependent adds €50,000 to the total contribution.
3Do I need to live in Malta permanently?
You do not need to live in Malta full-time, but you must establish a real connection to the country. This means having a registered address, spending time in Malta, and building personal or business ties there. Simply investing without any presence in the country is unlikely to be accepted under the current rules.
4Does Malta allow dual citizenship​?
Yes, Malta allows dual citizenship. This means you can keep your original nationality while becoming a Maltese citizen. However, you should also check whether your home country allows dual citizenship before applying for Malta dual citizenship​, as some countries have their own rules.
5How much does it cost to get a Malta citizenship​?
The total cost of getting citizenship in Malta​ depends on the route you choose. For the 12-month path, the minimum non-refundable costs are typically between €800,000 and €850,000, not including property and legal fees. For the 36-month path, the total is usually around €650,000 to €700,000, also excluding real estate and other expenses.
6What is the difference between residency and citizenship?
Residency allows you to live in Malta and travel within the Schengen area, but it does not give you a passport or full rights across the European Union. Citizenship provides a Maltese passport, the right to live and work in any EU country, and the full legal rights of an EU citizen.
7How strong is the Malta passport?
The Maltese passport is one of the strongest in the world, usually ranked in the top 10. It allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 183 countries, including major destinations like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
8Are there any restrictions after obtaining citizenship?
After citizenship is granted, there are very few ongoing restrictions. You must keep your property for at least five years, and you are expected to follow Maltese laws. Citizenship is permanent and can be passed on to future generations.
9How does Malta compare to other citizenship programs?
Malta stands out within the European Union because most other countries have ended similar programs or require much longer periods of residence before citizenship. In contrast, Malta offers a more direct route to EU citizenship for individuals who meet the required standards of merit.

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