Acquiring Citizenship

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Exploring the avenues of acquiring Maltese citizenship

Malta’s citizenship programme (officially known as Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation, or MEIN) is designed to attract high-standing individuals and their families who can contribute to the country’s economic development. Granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 countries, the Maltese passport offers unparalleled flexibility, ranking among the top 10 passports worldwide. Applicants for the citizenship-by-residence-and-investment programme are therefore subject to a thorough due diligence process to ensure that those granted Maltese citizenship are respectable individuals whose inclusion in the Maltese family is merited.

The desire for a second passport is often driven by a combination of practical, financial and personal factors, most notably as a route to a higher quality of life. For high-net-worth individuals, global entrepreneurs, and their families, the benefits of dual citizenship are substantial, offering a safeguard and gateway to a more secure and prosperous future in an increasingly interconnected world.

The programme is currently the subject of litigation before the European Court of Justice, despite an overhaul of its rules in 2020. Infringement proceedings by the European Commission began in April 2022, with and the case reaching court in June 2024.

Brussels essentially asserts that the scheme is in breach of EU law because citizenship is granted without any obligation for the beneficiaries to have “real ties” to Malta. However, the Maltese Government disputes this view, maintaining that its interpretation of EU treaties is correct. Malta also insists that citizenship is a wholly national competence and therefore falls outside the purview of EU supervision. So far, the proceedings are ongoing, although in October 2024, an Opinion by the Advocate General heavily favoured Malta’s arguments. It should nonetheless be noted that the Court is not bound to follow the Advocate General’s advice.

Citizenship Programme Tax Implications

Beneficiaries of the citizenship programme are subject to the regular Maltese personal tax rates on income arising in Malta. Income earned abroad that is not remitted to Malta falls beyond the purview of the local tax authorities, while capital and capital gains remittances are untaxed.

Citizenship Programme Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

Applicants can be citizens of any country, except those currently subject to international sanctions. As this list may be updated from time to time, it is recommended to refer to the MEIN FAQ on the Community Malta Agency website (komunita.gov.mt).

Capital

No particular capital requirements.

Background check

The due diligence process conducted by the Maltese authorities is considered one of the most stringent in the industry. It involves obtaining police clearance through thorough checks with Interpol, Europol and other agencies’ databases, followed by an assessment of the documentation provided to verify the sources of funds and wealth by anti-money laundering and terrorism financing professionals. All collected information is reviewed systematically and transparently. Applicants must be prepared to provide extensive documentation, including apostilled passport copies and birth certificates, certified copies of contracts, and bank statements and transactions upon request. Malta promotes the programme as a way to attract talent that can add value to the country, and the rigorous due diligence process ensures the focus is on quality, not quantity.

Citizenship Programme Application

Application and duration

An application must be submitted through a Licensed Agent. Citizenship is granted for life and is hereditary.

Property

Upon approval, applicants are obliged to either rent or purchase property in Malta. Rent must be a minimum of €16,000 annually, while purchased property must have a minimum value of €700,000. Applicants must retain the property for at least five years from the date of issue of the certificate of Maltese citizenship.

Residence card fee

The main applicant must pay a non-refundable application fee of €10,000 to obtain initial residence. The fee for each dependant is €1,000.

Due diligence fee

The main applicant must pay a non-refundable fee of €15,000 for the Maltese regulator to undertake its strict four-tier due diligence process, with each dependant over the age of 18 subject to an additional €10,000 fee. Third parties sponsoring an application must also pay a due diligence fee of €15,000.

Application fee

All applicants must pay a non-refundable €1,000 fee on submission of their application.

Upon passing an initial background check, applicants are granted a residence permit (against proof of property lease or purchase). Citizenship is only considered after applicants have resided in the country for a minimum of 12 months. This does not mean that Malta must be an applicant’s primary residence during this period. However, a genuine link to the country must be established. Applicants are generally encouraged to spend time in Malta, either through one extended stay or multiple shorter visits, and to enrol in social or professional bodies.

Once eligible to apply for citizenship, applicants have four months to complete the following:

Citizenship fee

All applicants must pay a €500 fee as part of their naturalisation application.

Exceptional investment

Applicants who have been residents of Malta for three years are required to make a contribution of €600,000 to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF), or €750,0000 if applying after one year of residency. An additional €50,000 contribution is required for each dependant.

Donation

Applicants must donate at least €10,000 to a local philanthropic, cultural, scientific, artistic, sport, or animal welfare organisation registered with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations.

Once these criteria are met, applicants are invited to take an Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of Malta and its fundamental democratic values, after which Maltese passports are issued.

For more information about the Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalisation programme, visit the website of the programme’s operator, the Community Malta Agency, a dedicated Government-run agency.