Malta Citizenship by Investment: Why It Ended & What Exists Now (2026)
- Citizenship
- Created: Ann Marie Lia, 2025-09-23 11:26
- Edited: Muhammad Nadeem, 2026-11-13 09:17
- 23 September, 2025
Malta continues to offer a well-established framework for citizenship, shaped by national legislation and its obligations under European Union law. Following the 2025 judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union in Case C-181/23, Malta stopped the former investment-based framework.
Malta has amended its legal framework where applicants may now apply for naturalisation on the basis of merit, allowing exceptional services and contributions to Malta to be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to rigorous assessment and the exercise of discretion by the competent authorities.
For individuals and international families considering Malta, understanding the distinction between the former investment-based framework and the current citizenship legislation is essential.
What Changed
| Former Investment Route | Citizenship by Merit (current) | |
|---|---|---|
| Basis for approval | Financial contribution | Demonstrated exceptional contribution |
| Typical contribution | Government contribution of €600,000–€750,000 (depending on residency period), plus – €50,000 for each additional dependent + donations* | No fixed investment threshold |
| Legal basis | Discontinued via Act XXI of 2025, following CJEU ruling in Case C-181/23 (29 April 2025) | Legal Notice 159 of 2025, Article 10(9), Cap. 188 |
| Assessment | Financial due diligence | Evaluation Board review of merit and contribution |
| Relationship to old route | — | Officially a separate, discretionary grant of citizenship |
Why Malta
An English-speaking environment with a European outlook.
Malta offers the advantages of an English-speaking environment within the European Union. English and Maltese are the country’s official languages, and English is widely used in business, education, the courts and public administration. This can make settling in, managing everyday affairs and integrating into professional and social life more straightforward for international individuals and families.
As an EU Member State, Malta is also part of the euro area and the Schengen Area. Its combination of an English-speaking environment, European connectivity and established international business links makes it an option worth considering for individuals and families exploring relocation to Europe.
How Strong Is the Maltese Passport?
Global mobility. European opportunity. Greater flexibility.
According to the 2026 Passport Index, the Maltese passport ranks 5th globally, offering access to 172 destinations based on the index’s mobility score. This places Malta among the world’s leading passports for international travel. https://www.passportindex.org/byRank.php
Beyond travel, Maltese citizenship provides something more significant: the freedom to build a future across the European Union. As an EU citizen, you can live, work and study in any of the 27 EU Member States, subject to applicable conditions and formalities. For internationally mobile individuals and families, this offers greater choice over where to pursue career opportunities, expand a business, access education or establish a home.
A Maltese passport therefore represents more than convenient international travel. It combines extensive global mobility with access to the opportunities and rights associated with EU citizenship.
Family Members and Citizenship by Merit
The applicable regulations also make provision for eligible family members to be included in a request for citizenship by naturalisation on the basis of merit. Depending on the circumstances, this may include a spouse or qualifying partner, dependent children, and certain adult children with disabilities. Each individual must satisfy the relevant legal requirements, and any grant of citizenship remains subject to the competent authorities’ assessment and discretion.
FAQs
Can I still get Maltese citizenship by investment in 2026?
No. Malta’s former citizenship-by-investment framework was discontinued in 2025 and is no longer open to new applicants. Individuals considering Malta should distinguish between citizenship options and the residency programmes currently available.
Is Citizenship by Merit just a rebranded version of the old investment route?
No. Citizenship by Merit is legally distinct from the former investment-based framework. It is not an investment scheme or an alternative route for applicants seeking citizenship through a financial contribution. Each case is considered individually, with the outcome subject to the discretion of the competent authorities.
Does this affect the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?
No. The MPRP is a separate residency framework and is distinct from citizenship legislation. It continues to provide an avenue for eligible non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals to seek permanent residence in Malta, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria and requirements.
Why did Malta end its citizenship by investment programme?
On 29 April 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled in Case C-181/23 that Malta’s former investment-based naturalisation scheme was incompatible with EU law. The judgment addressed the granting of nationality in exchange for predetermined payments or investments without a genuine link between the applicant and the country. Malta subsequently discontinued the framework.
Malta’s citizenship framework has changed significantly since 2025. For a more detailed overview of the legal framework, eligibility considerations and applicable requirements, read our complete Citizenship by Merit Guide.
Given the complexity of these changes, professional guidance can help clarify the applicable requirements and their relevance to individual circumstances. DZ Advisory’s authorised competent professional, as recognised by the Community Malta Agency, is available to provide guidance on Malta’s residency and relocation framework and help clients understand the options relevant to their circumstances.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Speak with our team to confirm suitability and next steps—confidentially.
