Maltese citizenship by meritOverview
From 2014 Malta operated investor citizenship schemes, most recently the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations of 2020, under which naturalisation followed a residence period, a fixed contribution and property commitments. On 29 April 2025, in Case C-181/23 Commission v Malta, the Court of Justice of the EU held that naturalisation in exchange for predetermined payments or investments amounts to a commercialisation of nationality and is incompatible with EU law, because Maltese citizenship carries EU citizenship.
Malta responded by publishing amendments to the Maltese Citizenship Act in July 2025; Parliament approved them later that month as Act XXI of 2025. The government stated that the exceptional services investment programme had been discontinued, including the references to transactions and agents associated with it. The reformed Article 10(9) allows the Minister to grant naturalisation by merit to a foreign or stateless person who has rendered exceptional services or contributions, or whose naturalisation is of exceptional interest to Malta.
Eligible fields include science, research and education, innovation and technology, arts, culture and sport, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, public health and humanitarian work. Applications are lodged through Community Malta Agency, which conducts due diligence, and are evaluated by an independent board that must be satisfied that the contribution is of clear and superior value to Malta before recommending it to the Minister. Applicants must hold lawful residence in Malta first and may be asked for endorsements from competent bodies, evidence of integration and interviews. Persons who became citizens under earlier schemes retain their status.
The merit route is not a repackaged investment programme. Financial capacity can support a case, for example through a substantial operating business or verifiable philanthropy, but no fixed sum confers eligibility and the decision is discretionary. Families whose main objective is EU residence may be better served by Malta's residence options, while those with a genuine and significant connection to Malta can explore whether a merit case is realistic.
Key benefits
- Maltese and EU citizenship, including the right to live and work across the EU
- A passport with extensive global visa-free access
- Malta permits dual citizenship
- Recognition based on genuine contribution, consistent with the post-2025 EU legal position
- English-speaking EU jurisdiction with a common-law-influenced business environment
- Eligible dependants may be included where the application is approved
Requirements
- Exceptional services or contributions to Malta, or naturalisation of exceptional interest to Malta
- Prior lawful residence in Malta, evidenced by a residence permit
- Endorsement from a designated competent body where required
- Clean criminal record and successful multi-level due diligence
- Documented lawful source of wealth
- Demonstrable ties to and integration in Malta
- Language proficiency in English or Maltese where required
- Oath of allegiance in Malta following approval
Investment options
Science, research and innovation
Researchers, academics and technologists whose work brings significant benefit to Malta's institutions or economy.
Entrepreneurship and investment in operations
Entrepreneurs who build substantial, job-creating businesses in Malta aligned with national priorities. Financial commitment supports, but does not by itself establish, a case.
Philanthropy and social contribution
Sustained and verifiable philanthropic or humanitarian contribution of clear value to Malta.
Arts, culture and sport
Artists, cultural figures and athletes whose achievements are of exceptional interest to Malta.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Realistic assessment
We review whether the client's profile and connection to Malta could support a merit case, and consider residence alternatives.
- 2
Residence in Malta
The applicant establishes lawful residence in Malta under an appropriate permit.
- 3
Proposal through Community Malta Agency
A proposal introducing the applicant and any dependants is submitted, followed by initial due diligence.
- 4
Evaluation board review
The independent board assesses the contribution, may interview the applicant, and makes a recommendation to the Minister.
- 5
Formal application and second due diligence
Following approval in principle, a full application with endorsements and supporting evidence is filed and re-vetted.
- 6
Approval and oath
If the Minister approves, the applicant takes the oath of allegiance in Malta and receives the certificate of naturalisation.
Typical documents
- Valid passports and civil status documents for the applicant and dependants
- Maltese residence permit and evidence of residential accommodation
- Detailed evidence of achievements and contribution to Malta
- Endorsement letters from relevant competent bodies
- Criminal record certificates
- Source of wealth documentation
- Evidence of integration and ties to Malta
- Language proficiency evidence, where required
How Legal Wealth helps
Legal Wealth gives clients a frank view of Malta's post-2025 landscape. We do not present the merit route as a purchasable product, and we will advise where a case is unlikely to meet the threshold. For clients with a genuine and significant contribution to make, we coordinate with licensed Maltese advisers on residence, business or philanthropic planning and on a carefully evidenced, confidential submission. Where residence is the better fit, we help structure that instead, with attention to tax residence, family governance and succession.
Enquire with Legal WealthFrequently asked questions
Can I still obtain Maltese citizenship by investment?
No. The investment-based route was discontinued following the CJEU judgment of 29 April 2025 and the July 2025 amendments to the Maltese Citizenship Act.
Is there a minimum investment under the merit route?
No fixed amount applies, and investment alone does not qualify. Applicants must show exceptional services or contributions to Malta.
Do I need to live in Malta first?
Yes. Lawful residence in Malta is a precondition, and evidence of genuine ties is expected.
What happens to people naturalised under the old schemes?
Persons who acquired citizenship under the earlier rules retain it under the law in force when it was granted, subject to the general provisions on deprivation.
Can family members be included?
Eligible dependants may be introduced with the principal applicant, subject to their own due diligence.
Is the merit route compliant with EU law?
It was designed to respond to the CJEU ruling by removing predetermined payments. Its application in practice will continue to be watched by EU institutions.
Last reviewed: 2026-10. Requirements, fees and timelines change. Information is general, reviewed on the date shown, and is not legal or tax advice.
