Malta breaks new grounds: citizenship through significant achievements
Malta has introduced “Citizenship by Merit“
The new Initiative is intended to award citizenship as recognition for exceptional achievements - no longer as a commodity that can be purchased. Foreign individuals, European and third country nationals, who have demonstrated an extraordinary service to the country or to humanity or whose naturalization is of exceptional interest to Malta may be granted. These may include scientists, artists, athletes or commited individuals who have represented Malta well on an international level or made important contributions in areas such as research, culture or sports. This Initiative envisions to addess both past and future performances in these sectors.
Background information
The old Individual Investor Program (IIP) "Golden Passport system" was a program that granted citizenship to foreign investors in exchange for significant financial contributions, real estate investments, and donations.
On April 30th, 2025, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that Malta's "golden passport program" would be non-compliant with EU law. The court concluded that selling citizenship to wealthy foreigners goes against the basic principles of European citizenship. The judges stated that giving nationality "in exchange for predetermined payments of investment amounts to rendering the acquisition of nationality a mere commercial transaction."
Criteria to get the citizenship by Merit
The applying individual must demonstrate outstanding ability or achievements in fields such as:
- Science & Technology
- Arts & Culture
- Sports
- Academia
- Business & Innovation
- Philanthropy
The person should have made or be willing to make a substantial contributions to the country's economy, international reputation and culture or scientific progress. This can be proven by awards internal recognition or direct benefit to the country (for example winning the international competitions under the country's flag). Applicants must have no criminal record, pass security background check and be considered of "good character". In some cases, individuals are expected to compete or perform under the country's name for example in sports or promote national interest.
Application process
Malta grants citizenship by exception, not through a standard application. Apllicants must first reside in Malta for at least eight months and submit a detailed proposal through the Community Malta Agency. After initial due diligence and evaluation, the Minister may issue a Letter of Approval in Principle. Once residency and documentation requirements are met, a full citizenship application is filed, followed by another review and the Oath of Allegiance upon approval. Post-naturalisation, the Agency monitors compliance, and citizenship can be revoked for serious breaches.
Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188) allows the Minister to grant citizenship.
Conclusion
Thus, Malta no longer grants citizenship solely based on financial contributions. Instead, applicants must now meet merit-based criteria, such as cultural, scientific, economic or philantrophic contributions to Malta. While financial investments may still be part of one's profile, it is no longer a guaranteed route to cotizenship.
There are no fixed costs anymore. Eligibility depends on merit, meaningful engagement and alignment with Malta's national interest.
What are the benefits of Maltese Citizenship?
- EU Rights: Live, work, and study in any EU member state
- Global Mobility: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries
- Quality of life: Access to Malta's healthcare, education, social services, and Medterranean lifestyle
- Business Opportunities: strategic location and favourable business environment for entrepreneurs and investors