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Citizenship By Investment

Citizenship by Merit
Malta’s Citizenship by Merit framework is designed to recognise individuals whose exceptional contributions are of strategic value to the Republic of Malta or to humanity at large. Anchored in Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act (Chapter 188), this pathway reflects Malta’s prerogative to grant citizenship on the basis of merit, genuine connection, and national interest.
Legal Basis: Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act
Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act empowers the Minister responsible for citizenship to grant Maltese nationality to individuals who have rendered exceptional services or whose naturalisation is considered to be of exceptional interest to Malta.
Alignment with Malta’s Vision 2050
A defining feature of Citizenship by Merit is that all contributions must align with Malta’s Vision 2050, the country’s long‑term strategic roadmap. Eligible contributions or investment are therefore expected to advance one or more of the following pillars:

• Sustainability – environmental stewardship, green technologies, sustainable development, and climate‑conscious initiatives.
• Innovation and Knowledge – science, technology, digital transformation, research, and high‑value intellectual capital.
• Culture and Heritage – arts, cultural initiatives, preservation of Maltese heritage, and international cultural exchange.
• Collaboration and Social Impact – job creation, skills transfer, education, philanthropy, humanitarian initiatives, and partnerships that generate lasting value for Maltese society.
• Philanthropy – contributions to philanthropic organisations such as those helping cancer patients.

Key Eligibility Criteria
 Applicants are expected to:

• Be of full age, good character, and legal capacity.
• Demonstrate exceptional services, achievements, or talents of outstanding value to Malta.
• Show a proven track record of excellence in one or more of the following areas:
  • Science, technology, and innovation
  • Entrepreneurship and economic development, including high-impact ventures and job creation
  • Philanthropy, culture, arts, or sports
  • Research, humanitarian action, or other areas of national or global significance
• Establish genuine ties to Malta, including a period of 8 months of lawful residence and demonstrable integration.
• Successfully pass multi‑layered due diligence, compliance, and national security checks.

Eligible Dependants
Subject to approval, the following dependants may be included in a Citizenship by Merit application:

• Spouse or long‑term partner, including de facto relationships
• Biological or adopted children under 18
• Unmarried dependent children aged 18–28

All dependants are subject to suitability assessments and due diligence.
Application Submission Process
Applications are administered by the Community Malta Agency and must be submitted by a Competent Professional, such as an ACC Immigration Advisor. Such applications are decided by the Minister responsible for citizenship, following recommendations from an independent Evaluation Board comprising sector-specific experts.

Updated by Dr Antoine Saliba Haig in January 2026.

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Residency By Investment

In March 2021, the Malta Residency Malta Agency launched the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) under Legal Notice 121 of 2021, replacing the previous Malta Residency and Visa Programme (MRVP). The MPRP provides third-country nationals with the opportunity to obtain lifelong permanent residency in Malta through a combination of investments and contributions.
The program has been updated several times for greater flexibility and competitiveness, most notably via Legal Notice 146 of 2025 (effective for new applications from mid-2025 onward). Key changes include a unified government contribution regardless of property choice, higher property minimums, a revised fee structure, and options like a temporary residence permit during processing.
To qualify, applicants (through a licensed agent such as ACC Immigration) must meet these main requirements:

• Residential Property Investment(must be held/maintained for at least 5 years):
  • Purchase option: Acquire a qualifying residential property with a minimum value of €375,000
  • Rental option: Enter into a qualifying lease with a minimum annual rent of €14,000.
  • After the 5-year period, purchased properties can generally be sold (while maintaining a registered address in Malta if a residence card is required)
• Government Fees and Contribution(one-time, non-refundable):
  • Government Administration Fee: €60,000 for the main applicant (non-refundable). An additional €7,500 applies for each additional adult dependant (e.g., adult children or parents of the applicant/spouse; spouses, minor children, and certain dependents are often exempt or included).
  • At the time of application submission, the applicant pays €15,000 (which is deducted from the total administration fee).
  • Government Contribution: €37,000 (payable within 8 months from approval)
• Charitable Donation:
  • €2,000 to a registered local philanthropic, cultural, sports, scientific, animal welfare, artistic, or similar NGO (approved in advance).
• Capital Assets/Wealth Requirement:
  • The applicant must declare and provide evidence of possessing assets valued at not less than €500,000, of which a minimum of €150,000 must be in the form of financial assets.
  • Alternatively, assets of not less than €650,000, with a minimum of €75,000 in financial assets.

Benefits

Lifetime permanent residence in Malta for the main applicant and eligible family members

Single, consolidated application covering the entire family

Immediate acquisition of permanent residence upon approval

Visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area for 90 in every 180 days

No minimum physical stay in Malta required

No language tests

Ability to apply for temporary residence while awaiting approval

Property acquired or leased under the programme may be rented out, subject to programme rules

Inclusion of unmarried, financially dependent children up to age 28

Inclusion of financially dependent parents and grandparents

Children who obtain permanent residence retain their status even after marriage or employment

Future family security, allowing resident children to extend permanent residence to their spouse and children

Investment contributions are only made after approval in principle

 Updated by Dr Antoine Saliba Haig in January 2026

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