Malta Citizenship By Investment: 2025 Guide To The Maltese Passport

The Maltese Citizenship Act

To start and understand the Malta Citizenship By Investment program, it is essential to go through the Citizenship Act in the Maltese Laws.

The Maltese Citizenship Act governs the acquisition, loss and renunciation of Maltese citizenship, including pathways for naturalisation based on descent, marriage and investment.

One of the most prominent routes to citizenship is through the Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) process, which allows high-net-worth individuals and their families to obtain Maltese citizenship by making a substantial investment in Malta.

This program requires applicants to contribute at least €600,000 (or €750,000 for a faster process) to Malta’s National Development and Social Fund, maintain a residential property in Malta for at least five years and make a philanthropic donation of €10,000 to a registered Maltese non-governmental organisation.

Additionally, applicants must undergo a stringent due diligence process to ensure they meet legal and financial eligibility requirements.

The MEIN program grants full Maltese citizenship, including the right to live, work and study in any EU country, as well as visa-free access to over 180 countries, making it an attractive option for global investors seeking a strong European passport.

Why Invest In Malta Citizenship?

Is this your dream? A Maltese passport in hand, opening doors to unprecedented global mobility? It's certainly possible. But let's make the case for investing in this island before discussing how to become a citizen of Malta.

Citizenship by investment is governed by the Community Malta Agency, which oversees all applications.

Malta Citizenship By Investment Programme 2025 Highlights

Benefits Of Malta Citizenship

As discussed, the benefits of a Malta passport extend far beyond travel freedom, (read also - Malta Global Residency Program Guide: Tax Residency on Blockchain Island!). The Maltese healthcare system ranks among Europe's best so citizens receive full access to public healthcare and education across the EU, not just in Malta. With Maltese parents, your children born abroad or born in Malta can attend top European universities while paying local tuition rates, which are minimal compared to higher education costs in the United States.

From a business perspective, Malta's strategic location and banking sector make it an ideal base for European operations. Malta is often called the "blockchain island" for its crypto-friendly regulatory framework and embrace of the Bitcoin ecosystem.

Furthermore, the country's tax system offers significant advantages for international investors:

-Corporate effective tax rates as low as 5% through refund mechanisms
-15% tax rate on foreign income for retirees who meet specific criteria
-Double taxation agreements with over 80 countries
-15% tax rate on foreign income received in Malta
-No foreign income tax unless remitted to Malta
-No inheritance tax
-No wealth tax

Despite the investment requirements, acquiring Malta citizenship can often save investors money.

Beyond these tangible benefits of life in Malta, the island offers an enviable Mediterranean lifestyle for those considering relocation. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, history spanning 7 centuries and a strong growing expat community, Malta provides a quality of life that competes with any other European country.

Comparing European Residency By Investment Programs And Golden Visas

One reason is speed. The Maltese Citizenship Act established the Malta citizenship by investment program, (read also: Malta Permanent Residence Programme Guide) in 2014. Thus began the pathway to Maltese passport via direct investment, rather than through a residence permit then naturalisation.

Instead of waiting more than five years, visiting the country frequently and establishing significant ties with the country's economic development as is required by these European residency programs, Malta's citizenship by investment program requires only a single direct investment in the country. Then foreign nationals can become Maltese nationals in under twelve months.

As a Maltese citizen you get faster access to full European Union citizenship rights, something no Caribbean or Pacific citizenship program can match. With citizenship in an EU country, one has the right to live, work, study, bank, invest, receive visa-free travel and access healthcare in any of the 27 member states. Becoming a Maltese national and EU citizen is appealing to many for these regional benefits.

While EU country golden visa programs like Portugal's and Italy's (you might also be interested in: Italy Golden Visa Investments) offer residence permits with a long path to naturalisation, Malta's program provides a direct route to citizenship through exceptional services by direct investment.

Comparing Caribbean And Pacific Citizenship by Investment Programs

Caribbean citizenship by investment programs (read also: Caribbean Citizenship-by-Investment) start at a $200,000 donation or real estate investment. Malta's path to citizenship requires more investment but delivers exceptional value that extends far beyond dual citizenship in Europe.

Those who invest in dual citizenship in the Caribbean (Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts & Nevis or St Lucia) or Pacific (Vanuatu and Nauru) rarely end up residing in the islands. They merely want a second passport for the "insurance policy."

The numbers tell the story. Malta passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to over 180 countries, including the United States, Canada and the entire European Union. Compare this to Caribbean passports, which typically offer access to just 130-145 countries. Plus, citizens of Malta typically use their second passport to live, work, bank, and invest in Europe, a powerful benefit that a Caribbean or Pacific citizenship by investment program can't compete with, (read also: The Ultimate Caribbean Citizenship-by-Investment Comparison Guide: Best & Cheapest Passports for 2025).

Investing In Malta

Malta's property market has some compelling opportunities for global investors. With a €700,000 (or €16,000 annual lease) minimum residential property purchase requirement for citizenship, the Maltese citizenship program offers investors lots of options.

Luxury real estate in prime locations has shown consistent appreciation. In 2024 luxury property values grew 9%. Popular areas like Sliema, Gzira and Msida can offer strong rental yields and capital growth potential, if an investor chooses the property purchase investment route of the citizenship application. Even if they choose to hold a five year lease of a property, these regions of Malta are still ideal due to their proximity to business and entertainment centres.

Maltese banks, known for their stability and crypto-friendliness provide citizens with access to local and international banking services. Major banks offer wealth management solutions and Malta's EU membership means your banking and investment rights extend across Europe, not just in Malta.

Looking to understand how these benefits align with your financial and mobility goals? Malta's citizenship by investment program may be a good fit for your second citizenship search. With exceptional services, Lincoln Global Partners can help you navigate the citizenship and residency landscape and choose the right investment for your and your family's needs.

What Is The Residency Malta Agency?

The agency is the official government entity responsible for managing and overseeing residency-by-investment programs in Malta. It administers the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), which grants non-EU nationals the right to reside permanently in Malta through a qualifying investment in Malta, such as property rental or purchase, government contributions and financial asset requirements.

The agency ensures that all applicants undergo a thorough due diligence process to maintain the integrity and security of the program. Additionally, it provides guidance on Maltese residency regulations, compliance and application procedures making it the primary authority for individuals seeking long-term residence in Malta.

Malta Citizenship By Investment Requirements And Process

Let's break down exactly what's required to obtain Malta citizenship.

Donation

The Community Malta Agency manages the program, officially known as “Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment.” At its core, the program requires a contribution to Malta’s National Development and Social Fund.

First, an investor must choose whether they want to reside in the country for 12 months or 36 months. If they opt for the accelerated route, the required donation is €750,000 plus additional costs outlined below. The investor must contribute to the social fund €600,000 if they choose the 36-month residency period.

Real estate purchase or lease

Beyond the non-refundable contribution, investors need to invest in residential property through either a property purchase or a five-year lease of €16,000 per annum. If the investor chooses to purchase residential property, the Maltese government requires the property value at €700,000 or more. This minimum investment in real estate must be maintained for five years after obtaining citizenship.

Additionally, Malta’s Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment requires a €10,000 donation to a registered Maltese charity or non-profit.

Thus, the minimum investment to obtain citizenship in Malta is €626,000 plus legal and processing fees.

Note: The Malta citizenship program includes clauses that prohibit the subleasing of purchased property during the mandatory holding period.

The Maltese government maintains the program’s prestige by limiting approvals to 400 families annually. In total, this version of the citizenship by investment program will accept 1,500 applicants and their dependents. Ensuring your loved ones can share in the lifelong benefits of EU citizenship, family members can join an investor’s application for additional contributions.

What makes Malta’s process unique is its commitment to creating suitable citizens, not just accepting investments. Before the citizenship application, the required residence permit exists to demonstrate genuine links to Malta and “naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment.” Each step, from the initial application to the required residency period to the final oath of allegiance, is designed to ensure that to acquire citizenship, new Maltese citizens must contribute significantly to the country’s economic development.

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Malta Citizenship Eligibility And Criteria

Who can invest in Maltese nationality? The Maltese government welcomes those of non-EU foreign citizenship aged 18 and above who can demonstrate a clean criminal record and verifiable wealth sources.

Unlike some citizenship programs, a thorough due diligence process ensures only citizens suitable for Malta citizenship by naturalisation (i.e. "genuine links") receive approval. To prevent issues with the European Union and international criminal courts, the Community Malta Agency thoroughly reviews each applicant's background, including criminal checks across multiple jurisdictions and comprehensive financial verifications of future Malta citizens.

Family member inclusion

Family members can join your dual citizenship journey. Your spouse, children under 18, and qualified adult dependents are eligible for inclusion in your application. Each family member must have health insurance and maintain coverage throughout the application process.

A relevant note for an investor after they’re granted Maltese citizenship: Any person born to Maltese parents or either a Maltese father or a Maltese mother can claim Maltese citizenship, regardless of whether they’re born in Malta or not.

Societal integration

A distinctive feature of Malta’s citizenship program is its commitment to integration. While there’s no formal language test, applicants should demonstrate proficiency in the widely spoken English language or basic proficiency in Maltese, which is similar to Arabic.

The Maltese government also expects potential citizens to show genuine links to the country during their mandatory residency period pre-citizenship, whether through social, cultural or business connections.

The journey to obtaining Maltese citizenship starts with proving legitimate wealth sources. The Community Malta Agency and Maltese legislation require clear documentation of income streams, business interests and investment sources. This thorough verification process maintains the program’s integrity and the Maltese citizens’ value.

Can US citizens have dual citizenship with Malta?

Yes, US citizens are allowed to have dual citizenship with Malta.

Malta Citizenship Process

Obtaining Maltese citizenship for exceptional services requires careful attention to detail. Let's walk through exactly what happens after you decide to pursue this opportunity.

Documentation preparation

The Community Malta Agency requires birth certificates, marriage certificates, passport copies, proof of wealth, professional references and police clearance certificates from every country you've lived in, over six months. Each document must be apostilled and authenticated, ensuring its validity for your citizenship application.

The application process unfolds in distinct phases:

Phases of Malta citizenship by investment programme

• Phase 1 starts with submitting your initial application and paying the due diligence fee. The Community Malta Agency then conducts its stringent due diligence process, typically lasting 3-4 months. During this time they verify your documents, assess your background and evaluate your potential as a future Maltese citizen.
• Phase 2 begins after due diligence process approval. You’ll receive your Malta residence permit and start your qualifying residency period, either 12 or 36 months, depending on the chosen investment level. During this time, you’ll make your contributions to the National Development Fund and fulfill your residential property purchase or confirm a five-year property lease.
• The final phase transforms your residence permit into citizenship and a Malta passport. After completing your qualifying period and making all required investments, you’ll take the oath of allegiance. This ceremonial moment officially grants you Maltese citizenship, welcoming you as a full member of the European Union with all its benefits.

Complete timeline to Maltese citizenship by investment programme

From initial application to citizenship approval, expect 14-18 months with the accelerated option or 38-42 months with the standard route. Remember, becoming a citizen of Malta is about gaining access to unprecedented opportunities across Europe. So in many ways, it can still trump other residence permits and citizenship by investment options elsewhere.

What questions might you have about this transformative process? Let’s address the most common questions about Malta’s Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment.

Naturalization certificate

In Malta a naturalisation certificate is an official document issued by the government, confirming that an individual has been granted Maltese citizenship through naturalisation.

This certificate serves as legal proof of citizenship and is required for obtaining a Maltese passport. Applicants who acquire citizenship through Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) or other naturalisation routes must first complete all legal requirements, including residency obligations and a due diligence process, before receiving their certificate.

Once granted, the certificate provides full rights as a Maltese citizen, including the ability to live, work and travel freely within the European Union.

Other residency programs in Malta citizenship by investment

The Malta Permanent Residency Program

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), often referred to as the Malta Golden Visa, is a highly sought-after investment program that grants non-EU nationals the right to obtain Maltese residency through qualifying investments. This program provides permanent residency, allowing visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone and offering an attractive base within the European Union.

Key Benefits of the Malta Golden Visa:

• Permanent Residency: The right to reside indefinitely in Malta.

• Schengen Area Access: Visa-free travel within Schengen countries for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

• Family Inclusion: Spouses, children, parents and grandparents can be included under one application.

• No Physical Stay Requirement: No mandatory minimum residence period in Malta.

• High Quality of Life: Access to excellent healthcare, education and a favourable tax system.

Investment Requirements:

To qualify for Maltese residency, applicants must meet specific financial criteria including:

1. Property Investment: (Choose one option)

• Purchase: Buy real estate with a minimum value of €375,000 in Malta or €300,000 in Gozo or the southern regions.

• Rental: Lease a property with a minimum annual rent of €14,000 in Malta or €10,000 in Gozo or the southern regions.

2. Government Contribution:

• €28,000 if purchasing property

• €58,000 if renting a property

3. Philanthropic Donation: A mandatory donation of €2,000 to a registered Maltese NGO.

4. Financial Assets: Applicants must show ownership of at least €500,000 in assets, with a minimum of €150,000 in financial investments.

Due Diligence Process:

All applicants must pass a rigorous due diligence check to ensure compliance with financial and legal requirements. This process assesses the applicant’s background, financial sources and reputation to maintain the program’s integrity.

Do We Assist Foreign Investors With Acquiring Malta Citizenship?

Yes, at Lincoln Global Partners we assist through the entire process of obtaining Maltese citizenship.

Apply For The Malta citizenship By Investment With Lincoln Global Partners

Lincoln Global Partners, an international investment migration firm is ready to assist you every step of the way with your Investor Visa application in Malta.

Find the right answer

Malta Citizenship By Investment : Frequently Asked Questions

Checkout our FAQ's or reach out to us directly via the contact form at the bottom of the page with further questions.How much does obtaining Maltese citizenship cost?

The total investment ranges from €600,000 in government contributions, plus property investment (€700,000 purchase or €16,000 annual rent), a €10,000 charitable donation, as well as legal and processing fees. If an investor has family members to include, they must pay additional fees.

How long does the process take?

The path to becoming a Maltese citizen takes 14-18 months with the accelerated option (€750,000 contribution) or 38-42 months with the standard route (€600,000 contribution).

Can I include my family in the application?

Yes, your spouse, children under 18 and qualified adult dependents can be included in your citizenship application. Each family member requires an additional €50,000 contribution to the National Development and Social Fund.

How hard is it to get citizenship in Malta?

As long as you meet the citizenship by investment requirements and go through the due diligence process, you should be able to acquire your Maltese citizenship.

Must I learn Maltese?

While there’s no formal language test, the Community Malta Agency expects adequate knowledge of either English or Maltese before granting citizenship. Both English and Maltese are widely spoken in Malta.

What documents do I need?

Essential documents include birth and marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, proof of wealth, tax returns, bank statements and proof of health insurance coverage.

Can I travel during the residency period?

Yes, your Malta residence permit allows free movement within the Schengen Area while your citizenship application progresses.

Can I get residency in Malta if I buy a house?

Yes, you can become eligible for Malta residency via property purchase, as long as meeting the eligibility requirements. Read more here on our guide for the Malta MPRP program.

Is Malta a member of the European Union?

Yes, Malta is a European union country and in the Schengen Zone.

Can I really become a Malta citizen?

Yes, the Malta Citizenship By Investment program is an official government investment programme that allows non-EU nationals to obtain citizenship by matching the eligibility criteria.

Is Malta dual citizenship allowed?

Yes, accordingly to the Malta Citizenship Act ( Cap 188, Laws of Malta), one can be granted citizenship without having to renounce one’s original passport.

Can I include dependent children?

Yes applicants can include family members. This is valid for a spouse (neutral term), children under the age of 18 or up to 29 as long as proved a dependent and parents/grandparents above the age of 55 years old.

Are there other European Citizenship By Investment Programs in Europe?

In 2025, there are no other DIRECT Citizenship by Investment programs in Europe. One can obtain citizenship in the European union through the popular “Residency By Investment” programs. They are commonly known ‘Golden Visas’. Portugal, Hungary, Greece and Italy are some of the most attractive options.

Is Malta a Democratic Republic?

Yes, Malta is a Democratic Republic, with a parliamentary representation framework.

What is an exceptional direct investment?

An Exceptional Direct Investment (EDI) is a key requirement of the Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) program, also known as Malta’s Citizenship By Investment (CBI) program.

It involves a non-refundable contribution of €600,000 (for a 36-month residency period) or €750,000 (for a 12-month fast-track option) to Malta’s National Development and Social Fund. This investment, along with a property commitment and a €10,000 donation to a Maltese NGO, allows high-net-worth individuals to obtain Maltese citizenship after passing a rigorous due diligence process.

What is the Maltese Government Fund?

The Maltese Government Fund, officially known as the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF), is a state-managed fund that receives contributions from the Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) program. This fund is used to support national projects in areas such as education, healthcare, social development and economic growth.

Applicants for Maltese citizenship by investment must make a non-refundable contribution to the NDSF as part of their exceptional direct investment, helping to finance initiatives that benefit Malta’s long-term development.