Moving to Malta? Investor Citizenship Is Closed; Merit and Residency Remain

Malta has ended its citizenship-by-investment programme, closing the route that granted a passport in exchange for investment. The Maltese government ended the scheme in 2025 after the EU Court of Justice ruled against it in April 2025, finding that EU citizenship had been compromised because applicants had no genuine ties to Malta.

One route to Maltese citizenship remains open: citizenship by merit, which has existed since 2017 and is designed for people whose exceptional services or contributions benefit the country.

Key facts

• Malta's citizenship-by-investment programme was ended by the Maltese government in 2025.
• The EU Court of Justice ruled against the scheme in April 2025.
• Citizenship by merit has operated since 2017 under Subsidiary Legislation 188.04.
• The legal basis is Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act (Chapter 188), as amended by Act No XXI of 2025.
• Malta's residence-by-investment programme continues through property purchase or rental.
• No fees, investment amounts or processing times are given for the merit route.

What changed?

Following the EU Court of Justice ruling, the Maltese government ended its citizenship-by-investment programme. The ruling found that EU citizenship had been compromised through the programme because of the lack of genuine ties to Malta.

The separate Malta permanent residence programme, obtained through property purchase or rental, is described as continuing.

What is the citizenship by merit route?

Citizenship by merit allows the Minister to grant Maltese citizenship outside the normal process to people who provide exceptional value to Malta or to humanity. Qualifying contributions can include creating jobs, contributing significantly to the economy, advancing science or technology, excelling in sport or the arts, supporting culture, or engaging in meaningful philanthropic activity.

Groups named as potential applicants are scientists and researchers, athletes and sports people, artists, entrepreneurs, technologists and philanthropists, as well as others who can show expertise that contributes to Malta. Dependents may be included in an application, depending on the applicant's situation.

Who is eligible?

The requirements listed are: showing an exceptional talent or achievement in a field; making a contribution to Malta's economy, culture or science aligned with Malta's Vision 2050; undergoing a comprehensive background check; and having your achievements or contributions verified.

How do I apply?

The application is described as a staged process: establishing residency, visiting Malta, submitting a merit proposal, passing due diligence, receiving approval in principle, and then approval of Maltese citizenship.

The source does not state fees, investment thresholds, residency periods or processing times for this route, and gives no start or cut-off dates.

What this means for travellers

Anyone who previously considered Malta's investment citizenship route should note that it has been ended. Those with exceptional achievements who believe they meet the merit criteria should check the eligibility requirements, including the background check and verification of achievements, before planning an application.

No further decisions, deadlines or changes have been announced beyond the April 2025 ruling and the 2025 amendment to the Maltese Citizenship Act.