The Maltese Citizenship by Merit Regulations allow for the acquisition of Maltese citizenship by investment following an 8 month residence period.

Each application undergoes a strict four-tier due diligence process and are to be submitted to the Agenzija Komunita Malta by a competent professional.

In today’s dynamic global landscape, with shifting geopolitical realities, there’s a growing number of affluent looking to relocate to safer countries. They seek to broaden their horizons and integrate into welcoming communities, presenting opportunities for them and their families. 

The acquisition of Maltese citizenship offers many benefits to investors. Malta also offers visa free travel to over 190 countries including all EU & Schengen countries, the U.S.A , Canada and the U.K. Citizens can also live, work, study in any of the 27 EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland & Liechtenstein.

Moreover, Maltese citizens are also granted access to free health care and education. Malta also boasts a high quality of life, an excellent international reputation with very good diplomatic ties and low crime rates making it the ideal place to raise a family. Malta also recognises dual citizenship, meaning that previous citizenships need not be renounced. 

The Malta Citizenship by investment programme requires  applicants to meet certain criteria prior to the granting of citizenship. The main applicant must be at least 18 years of age. In the case of a family application the dependants may include the following; a spouse or partner of the main applicant, children who are dependent on the main applicant and who have not yet attained the age of 29. This must be corroborated with signed affidavits, together with supporting documents by the adult dependants stating that they are financially dependent on the main applicant, with the exception of the spouse. The spouse has to prove that s/he is in fact the spouse of the main applicant by producing the marriage certificate.

The main applicant must also prove that all applicants are of good health.  This is further ensured through the requirement that the main applicant together with the dependents must be covered by a health insurance and undergo a medical test.

The Maltese government also has a thorough due diligence process in place so as to maintain the highest reputation of Malta. Applicants must undergo a ‘Fit and Proper’ test which establishes that the main applicant together with the dependants have a clean criminal record. This includes verification with the International Criminal Court, INTERPOL and other authorities. 

Currently, prospective applicants who are nationals of or have close ties to the following listed countries shall not be eligible to apply for Maltese Citizenship.  These countries are: Afghanistan, Belarus, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Russia, Venezuela, and Yemen.

To qualify under Malta’s Citizenship by Merit framework, applicants must first establish a minimum of eight months’ legal residence in Malta prior to application. The required level of physical, in-person presence is determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the extent of integration, and the value, alignment, and national impact of the applicant’s contribution or service.

Citizenship is granted by ministerial discretion under Article 10 of the Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188), following a holistic evaluation of merit, integrity, and alignment with the national interest. Applicants must demonstrate a clean reputation, verified through multi-tier due diligence, and a record of exceptional contribution — whether through innovation, philanthropy, research, sustainability, or other endeavours supporting Malta’s Vision 2050 priorities.

Prospective applicants are required to be in Malta and build ties with Malta of a personal, social, investment and commercial nature during the minimum legal residence period of 8 months.  These requirements shall be satisfied by providing documented proof when submitting the application.  

Applications submitted under the Citizenship by Merit Rules are received and processed by Community Malta Agency.  Individuals who are interested in the Malta citizenship path must be represented by an experienced legal professional.