Citizenship of Malta by Investment
MEIN Program 2025
Citizenship of Malta by Investment
MEIN Program 2025
Important: Malta’s citizenship-by-investment program has been officially closed since 2025. The authorities are currently developing a new program for obtaining Maltese citizenship for exceptional merit—we will keep you updated as new information becomes available.
Malta’s citizenship-by-investment program is one of the most prestigious ways to acquire EU citizenship. The program is officially called Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) and is regulated by the Maltese Citizenship Act. It allows foreign investors and their families to obtain Maltese citizenship in exchange for contributions and investments into the Maltese economy.
The Maltese passport is among the strongest in the world: it grants visa-free travel to more than 185 countries, including the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia, and full rights of an EU citizen (residence, work, and study in any EU state). Malta is a safe and stable island country with a favorable tax system, high living standards, and developed infrastructure.
Legal Basis and Requirements for Malta Citizenship by Investment
To obtain Maltese citizenship through investment, an applicant must meet strict criteria and fulfill a number of conditions set out in law:
- Age and status:
The principal applicant must be of legal age (18+ years) and have no criminal convictions.
All candidates undergo a multi-level due diligence screening to ensure they pose no risk to the country.
Good health and medical insurance of at least €50,000 per person are also required.
- Primary contribution (investment):
A non-refundable contribution to Malta’s economic development is required — €600,000 with at least 36 months of residence in the country, or €750,000 under the expedited route with at least 12 months of residence.
An additional €50,000 is due for each family member. This contribution is paid into a state fund after the application is approved.
- Real estate:
Proof of housing in Malta is mandatory. The applicant must either purchase real estate worth at least €700,000 or rent housing at €16,000 per year or more. The property must be held — by ownership or lease — for a minimum of 5 years. Subletting is prohibited during this period if the property is rented.
- Charitable donation:
After approval for citizenship, the investor must donate €10,000 to charitable or non-profit organizations in Malta (for example, in sports, culture, science, or welfare) from a government-approved list.
- Residence in Malta:
A mandatory condition is maintaining Maltese resident status for at least 1 year (12 months) when making a €750,000 contribution, or 3 years (36 months) with a €600,000 contribution.
A residence permit is issued for this period, and the applicant must maintain a genuine connection with Malta.
- Licensed agent:
An application for citizenship can only be submitted through a government-accredited agent.
An investor cannot apply directly to the authorities — a local licensed representative (a law firm accredited by the Community Malta Agency) is required
.
- Additional criteria:
Applicants must not have been refused visas by countries with which Malta has visa-free travel.
Persons posing a national security threat or subject to sanctions are also barred from participation.
Benefits of Maltese Citizenship by Investment
- Freedom of residence in the EU and visa-free travelMaltese citizenship grants the right to live and work not only in Malta but throughout the European Union without restrictions.
A new Maltese citizen may choose to reside in any EU country without needing visas or residence permits.
In addition, Maltese citizens can visit more than 180 countries without visas, including all Schengen states and the United Kingdom, and they may use visa-free entry to the United States for up to 90 days (under the ESTA system).
Thus, a Maltese passport provides its holder with global mobility and removes visa barriers when traveling, which is especially valuable for businesspeople and frequent travelers. - Citizenship for the entire familyMalta’s citizenship-by-investment program extends not only to the investor but also to the investor’s family members.
A single application can include close relatives alongside the principal applicant: a legal spouse or partner, children (biological or adopted) up to 29 years old, as well as parents and even grandparents over 55 who are financially dependent on the investor.
Moreover, Maltese citizenship is passed on by descent: the investor’s children and subsequent generations automatically become Maltese citizens by birth.
Thus, investing in a Maltese passport secures long-term benefits for the whole family and future descendants — access to education and employment in Europe, a secure future, and freedom of movement without borders. - Dual citizenship and legal protectionMalta allows dual citizenship, so investors do not have to renounce their original nationality when obtaining a Maltese passport.
A new Maltese citizen may lawfully retain a previous passport (for example, of Russia or another country) while enjoying all the advantages of EU citizenship.
A Maltese citizen is protected by the EU legal system: they are guaranteed consular and legal assistance from EU countries around the world, they retain all civil rights of their first state (if that state allows dual citizenship), and at the same time they receive additional rights and freedoms associated with Maltese citizenship.
Thus, the investor gains a favorable position by acquiring a second citizenship without losing the first, which broadens horizons and provides additional security. - Tax benefits and financial opportunitiesNew Maltese citizens gain access to attractive tax and financial advantages. Malta’s tax system is considered investor- and business-friendly.
There are no taxes on inheritance, gifts, worldwide wealth, or real estate. This creates flexible conditions for international tax planning and capital preservation. If a new Maltese citizen does not become a tax resident, foreign income and assets outside the country do not fall under Maltese taxation.
Malta also offers a non-domiciled regime for incoming investors: they are taxed only on income earned in Malta or remitted to Malta, whereas foreign income not brought into Malta is not taxed.
In addition, Malta has one of the lowest effective corporate tax rates in Europe — under certain conditions it can be reduced to roughly 5% through the tax refund system. For investors, this means the ability to optimize taxes on business and capital.
With Maltese citizenship, one can use the services of a reliable European financial center, open accounts in Maltese and European banks, invest in European markets, and receive dividends in a jurisdiction with a high level of capital protection.
Such financial and tax advantages make Maltese citizenship especially attractive for entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals with global assets. - High quality of life, safety, and developmentMalta offers its citizens a high quality of life and a comfortable environment for doing business and raising children. The country enjoys political stability and one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, ensuring safety for family and business.
Malta’s infrastructure is well developed: a modern healthcare system (Maltese healthcare is considered among the best in the world), quality education (Maltese citizens have access to local and European universities, many of which are free or subsidized), advanced telecommunications, and convenient transport links with Europe.
Malta is a bilingual country where English has official status, which facilitates the adaptation of new citizens and the conduct of international business.
The country is also known for its mild climate and favorable environment: clean beaches and sea, and sunshine for most of the year.
Malta is among the leading financial and technological hubs of the Mediterranean, attracting investors in IT, igaming, financial services, and tourism.
With a Maltese passport, you and your family receive all the advantages of living in a prosperous, safe European country with a rich cultural heritage and modern opportunities for work and leisure.
How to obtain Maltese Citizenship by Investment:
Step-by-Step Guide
Step-by-Step Guide
Consultation and document preparation
At the first stage, the investor selects a licensed agent accredited by the Government of Malta to handle the process. Together with the legal representative, the required documents are collected: passports, birth and marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, proof of income and source of funds, medical certificates, and more. The agent conducts a preliminary assessment of the applicant’s compliance with the criteria.
An application to participate in the program is then filed on the investor’s behalf and the initial fees are paid (including the government fee for processing and the due diligence fee).
Without a local licensed agent, the application will not be considered, so choosing a reliable consultant is a necessary first step.
An application to participate in the program is then filed on the investor’s behalf and the initial fees are paid (including the government fee for processing and the due diligence fee).
Without a local licensed agent, the application will not be considered, so choosing a reliable consultant is a necessary first step.
Obtaining a Maltese residence card
After filing the application and the initial review, the investor must obtain Maltese resident status. A residence permit — a plastic residence card giving the right to lawful stay — is issued to the investor (and all included family members).
The applicant signs a separate housing lease (for the residence requirement) and travels to Malta in person to submit biometric data.
Issuing the residence card usually takes 1–2 months.
The residence card is valid for 36 months and effectively starts the clock on the required residence period in the country (12 or 36 months). Obtaining a residence permit is a mandatory intermediate step before citizenship: it demonstrates a genuine link to Malta.
At this stage, part of the investment is also paid: for example, a €10,000 payment for resident status (which is later deducted from the main contribution), as well as card issuance fees and government charges.
The applicant signs a separate housing lease (for the residence requirement) and travels to Malta in person to submit biometric data.
Issuing the residence card usually takes 1–2 months.
The residence card is valid for 36 months and effectively starts the clock on the required residence period in the country (12 or 36 months). Obtaining a residence permit is a mandatory intermediate step before citizenship: it demonstrates a genuine link to Malta.
At this stage, part of the investment is also paid: for example, a €10,000 payment for resident status (which is later deducted from the main contribution), as well as card issuance fees and government charges.
Fulfilling the program’s investment requirements
Once resident status is obtained, the investor must fulfill all investment conditions within the prescribed timelines. During the stipulated residence period (at least 12 or 36 months), it is necessary to decide on the investment format and begin implementing it.
The main financial requirements are as follows: a non-refundable contribution of €750,000 (with 12 months of residence) or €600,000 (with 36 months of residence) to Malta’s economy, selection and purchase or lease of real estate (purchase price of at least €700,000, or a lease of €16,000 per year for 5 years), and arranging the €10,000 charitable donation.
As a rule, the funds themselves (the contribution and the charitable donation) are transferred after approval, but the investor must provision the funds in advance and demonstrate their lawful origin.
At this stage, it is important not to breach the residence conditions — you must visit the country periodically, keep the housing lease in force, etc.
At the end of the required residence period, the investor notifies the Community Malta Agency of readiness to proceed to the next step.
The main financial requirements are as follows: a non-refundable contribution of €750,000 (with 12 months of residence) or €600,000 (with 36 months of residence) to Malta’s economy, selection and purchase or lease of real estate (purchase price of at least €700,000, or a lease of €16,000 per year for 5 years), and arranging the €10,000 charitable donation.
As a rule, the funds themselves (the contribution and the charitable donation) are transferred after approval, but the investor must provision the funds in advance and demonstrate their lawful origin.
At this stage, it is important not to breach the residence conditions — you must visit the country periodically, keep the housing lease in force, etc.
At the end of the required residence period, the investor notifies the Community Malta Agency of readiness to proceed to the next step.
Government review and citizenship approval
When all investment conditions are in place, the main citizenship application package is submitted. The Government of Malta conducts an in-depth, four-tier due diligence review of the applicant and family members: finances, business activities, reputation, and checks against international databases are assessed. This stage of citizenship adjudication may take several months (on average around 6–8 months to a preliminary decision).
If all criteria are met and no grounds for refusal are found, a positive decision is issued (a Letter of Approval in Principle). The applicant is informed that the application has been preliminarily approved and that the process may move to the final stage.
At this stage, the investor transfers the investment funds within the prescribed deadlines: remits the agreed contribution to the state fund, makes the charitable donation, and completes the real estate transaction (purchases a property or signs a long-term lease for 5 years).
After all payments and investments are confirmed, Malta officially invites the applicant to complete the naturalisation procedure.
If all criteria are met and no grounds for refusal are found, a positive decision is issued (a Letter of Approval in Principle). The applicant is informed that the application has been preliminarily approved and that the process may move to the final stage.
At this stage, the investor transfers the investment funds within the prescribed deadlines: remits the agreed contribution to the state fund, makes the charitable donation, and completes the real estate transaction (purchases a property or signs a long-term lease for 5 years).
After all payments and investments are confirmed, Malta officially invites the applicant to complete the naturalisation procedure.
Oath and passport issuance
The final step is the formal conferral of citizenship. The investor and all included family members must travel to Malta in person to take the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of Malta. The oath ceremony is held after all obligations have been fulfilled, usually 1–3 months after approval.
A new citizen has up to 6 months from receipt of the approval letter to take the oath. On the appointed day, the applicant takes the oath of allegiance, after which a Certificate of Naturalization and the long-awaited Maltese passport are issued. The names of new citizens are published in the official government gazette.
From that moment, the investor and family acquire all the rights of citizens of Malta and the European Union.
It should be noted that new citizens undertake to maintain ties with Malta: during the first 5 years, it is recommended to spend time in the country periodically (at least a few weeks per year) and to keep proof of address, in order to avoid potential loss of citizenship for failing to meet conditions.
A new citizen has up to 6 months from receipt of the approval letter to take the oath. On the appointed day, the applicant takes the oath of allegiance, after which a Certificate of Naturalization and the long-awaited Maltese passport are issued. The names of new citizens are published in the official government gazette.
From that moment, the investor and family acquire all the rights of citizens of Malta and the European Union.
It should be noted that new citizens undertake to maintain ties with Malta: during the first 5 years, it is recommended to spend time in the country periodically (at least a few weeks per year) and to keep proof of address, in order to avoid potential loss of citizenship for failing to meet conditions.
FAQs about Maltese Citizenship by Investment
You must satisfy three financial components:
All funds are committed only after approval in principle.
- Main contribution: €600,000 with 36 months of residence or €750,000 with 12 months of residence (paid to the National Development and Social Fund after approval in principle).
- Real estate: buy for €700,000+ (hold 5 years) or rent at €16,000+/year for 5 years.
- Donation: €10,000 to an approved Maltese charity.
All funds are committed only after approval in principle.
Timelines vary by route and compliance. Fast-track (12-month residence) is ~1.5 years overall (about a year as a resident plus several months for final processing and oath). In practice, 16–18 months is common from residence filing to passport on the fast route; the standard 36-month route takes ~3 years.
After approval, you have up to 6 months to take the oath and receive passports.
After approval, you have up to 6 months to take the oath and receive passports.
Yes — residence is required: maintain Maltese residence for 12 or 36 months (depending on contribution). You’re expected to keep a genuine link (e.g., trips for biometrics, completing investments, attending the oath).
No language exams are required under the investment route; English is an official language, so communication and filings can be done in English.
No language exams are required under the investment route; English is an official language, so communication and filings can be done in English.
Yes. You can include a spouse/partner, children up to 29 (biological or adopted, if dependent), and parents/grandparents over 55 (if dependent). All family members pass the same checks and are naturalised together.
Citizenship is transmissible by descent — children born after you become a citizen acquire Maltese citizenship by birth.
Citizenship is transmissible by descent — children born after you become a citizen acquire Maltese citizenship by birth.
No. Malta allows dual/multiple citizenship, so you may keep your original passport. (Some countries restrict dual citizenship—check your home country’s rules.)
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