Malta (EU) Citizenship Program

Malta offers a citizenship framework based on naturalisation for exceptional services, regulated under the Maltese Citizenship Act and Legal Notice 159 of 2025. This program allows eligible individuals who make an exceptional contribution to the Republic of Malta and establish genuine links with the country to apply for Maltese citizenship by discretion of the Minister.

Language
Maltese

Currency
Euro

Total Area
316 km2

Capital
Valletta

Government
Parliamentary Republic

Population
493,559

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants:

Investors looking to apply for Maltese citizenship must adhere to the following requirements:

Obtain a residence permit in Malta
Maintain a qualifying residential property in Malta for at least five years.
Depending on the nature, scope, and scale of the proposed project or exceptional service, applicants are required to undertake a substantial economic commitment, with the overall financial contribution typically ranging between approximately EUR 1,000,000 and EUR 2,000,000.
Hold valid global health insurance
Pass a multi-tier due diligence process
Have a clean criminal record
Personally attend Malta for residence and biometric formalities

Merit-Based Assessment and Genuine Links

The granting of Maltese citizenship under this framework is discretionary and merit-based. Applicants must demonstrate genuine links to Malta, which may include personal ties, business activities, investments, philanthropic involvement, or other contributions serving the national interest of the Republic of Malta.

The application is assessed holistically and is not a transactional or automatic process. Final approval is granted at the discretion of the Minister in accordance with the Maltese Citizenship Act and Legal Notice 159 of 2025.

Eligible Family Members:

The following family members may be included in the citizenship application, subject to eligibility assessment:

The applicant’s spouse or partner;
Children under the age of 18, including legally adopted children;
Unmarried children between the ages of 18 and 29.

Application Timeline:

The process typically takes 18 months, depending on the residence route selected, and includes residence establishment, contribution, due diligence, oath of allegiance, and naturalisation.

Program Benefits:

Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services (by Direct Investment) offers a plethora of advantages:

Exceptionally high quality of life within a stable and safe EU country.
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 190 countries, including the entire European Union, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Iceland.
The opportunity for dual citizenship.
Potential tax planning advantages due to Malta’s favorable tax regime.
Access to a high quality of life in an English-speaking EU country

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why Malta?

Choosing Malta means opting for a life in a secure, English-speaking country in the Mediterranean, known for its friendly populace, European lifestyle, and comfortable climate. Malta’s tax system is also highly attractive to investors, offering significant efficiencies for Maltese citizens and residents alike.

2. Are there any nationality restrictions for the Malta Citizenship application?

Yes. Certain nationalities may be ineligible to apply for Maltese citizenship under the Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services framework. Eligibility is assessed in accordance with applicable Maltese legislation, international sanctions regimes, and national security considerations in force at the time of application. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and eligibility may vary depending on current legal and regulatory requirements. For this reason, nationality eligibility should always be verified prior to commencing the application process.

3. Do I need to reside in Malta to begin the citizenship process?

Yes, the applicant must have been a legal resident of Malta for at least 8 months and spends at least 30 days in Malta before applying for a Malta passport.

4. What does Maltese citizenship offer in terms of global mobility?

Maltese citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 190 countries, showcasing the strength and global acceptance of the Maltese passport.

5. Is Malta considered a tax haven for investors?

Tax planning opportunities may exist depending on tax residency/domicile; specialist advice is recommended. Malta taxation is primarily residency-based; foreign income not remitted may not be taxed depending on status.

6. Legislation governing Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services:

The program is regulated under Maltese Citizenship Act and Legal Notice 159 of 2025.

7. Real Estate Investments:

We collaborate with premier developers to offer government-approved real estate projects suitable for residence establishment in Malta and long-term settlement purposes.

Maltese citizenship offers a direct path to EU Citizenship as well as a life of security, mobility, and opportunity.

Ketenci & Ketenci is a leading international law firm specializing in obtaining second citizenship and Golden Visa through investment. For personalized advice and assistance with your application, please do not hesitate to contact us: [email protected] | +90 532 132 92 33

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