Malta Citizenship: Full Guide to Obtaining a Passport in 2025

Introduction

Malta is not only a beautiful corner of the Mediterranean with a unique culture and business opportunities, but also an attractive country for those looking to expand their horizons. In recent years, it has gained popularity among investors who view financial investment as a pathway to citizenship. Since 2020, the Maltese authorities have updated the conditions, making the process of obtaining citizenship by investment more accessible and structured.

Citizenship by investment is now available through the Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CES) program, regulated by the Citizenship Act (Chapter 188) and the Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services Regulations (L.N. 437 of 2020). In this article, we’ll explain how you can obtain Maltese citizenship through investment, along with other citizenship options that can open up new opportunities for you.

Opportunities That Come With Maltese Citizenship

Malta is a country with a rich historical heritage, high quality of life, and a stable economy. It actively supports international investment, offering numerous opportunities for those seeking citizenship.

Key benefits of Maltese citizenship:

1. Living in the EU and Schengen Area: Maltese citizens can freely travel and reside throughout the European Union and the Schengen Area without the need for visas or additional residence permits. This opens many doors for employment, business, and education in Europe.
2. Visa-free global travel: A Maltese passport grants visa-free access to 187 countries, including popular destinations such as the USA, the UK, Japan, Singapore, and Switzerland. The ability to travel the world without restrictions is a major advantage for Maltese citizens.
3. International business development: Maltese citizenship offers favorable conditions for doing business in Europe. With a Maltese passport, you can open a company branch in the EU, register a new business, and optimize your tax strategy. Malta does not tax global income, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.
4. Banking in Europe: Maltese citizenship provides access to banking services across Europe, including opening accounts, deposits, and obtaining loans on favorable terms.
5. Education for children: Children of Maltese citizens can study in top European universities under preferential or even free conditions, enhancing their career prospects.
6. Other benefits: With a Maltese passport, you can apply for public sector jobs, receive free healthcare at Malta’s top hospitals, and participate in the political life of the country.

Malta offers convenient conditions for those who wish to integrate into the European community, opening up new opportunities for business, travel, and education.

Citizenship Through Investment in Malta

Malta offers a unique opportunity to acquire citizenship through investment. The process involves several stages that grant you both residency and citizenship within the EU. To become a citizen of Malta, you must meet several requirements. First, the investor must purchase or lease property in Malta for a minimum of 5 years.

Second, a contribution must be made to the National Development and Social Fund, which supports the country’s socio-economic growth. Third, a charitable donation to a non-governmental organization in Malta is mandatory.

Real estate investment

The required investment depends on the option selected: leasing a property for 5 years will cost at least €80,000, while purchasing real estate in Malta requires a minimum of €700,000.

Financial contribution to national development

A key step is contributing to Malta’s socio-economic development. To obtain citizenship in one year, the required contribution is €750,000. If you opt for a three-year path to citizenship, the contribution is reduced to €600,000. An additional €50,000 must be paid for each family member, aside from the main investor.

Charity and other costs

The investor must make a charitable donation of €10,000 to any registered non-profit organization in Malta. Other expenses include administrative fees, document processing, travel to Malta, and the issuance of residency cards. Obtaining Maltese citizenship through investment offers not only a secure life in Europe but also long-term financial prospects, including the opportunity to sell the property profitably after five years.

Citizenship for the Investor’s Family

When applying for Maltese citizenship through investment, the investor can include their close relatives in the application. This allows the entire family to obtain EU citizenship and enjoy all the benefits of Maltese nationality. However, only the main applicant must be of legal age, while family members can be added to the application.

Eligible family members include:

1. A spouse or partner, including those in a civil union.
2. Children under 18 years of age, including those from previous relationships or from the spouse.
3. Unmarried children under 29 who are financially dependent on the investor.
4. Parents, grandparents over the age of 55 from both sides, if financially dependent on the investor.

The cost of obtaining citizenship for a family will vary depending on the family structure and other factors. Exact costs are calculated individually, and we recommend contacting us for a free consultation. Acquiring Maltese citizenship for your entire family is a beneficial and convenient way to secure their future, opening new opportunities for living and working in the EU.

Other Ways to Obtain Maltese Citizenship

In addition to the Citizenship by Investment program, Malta offers several other routes to citizenship that may interest those wishing to acquire nationality in this country. Here are the main options:

Citizenship by Naturalization

Maltese citizenship can be obtained through naturalization after residing in Malta as a permanent resident. Requirements include:

• a minimum of 5 years of residence in Malta;
• proof of integration into society, such as language proficiency, compliance with laws, and tax payments;
• proof of stable income or assets to maintain a reasonable standard of living in Malta.

Though the naturalization process can be lengthy, it is available to those who are committed to becoming part of Maltese society.

Citizenship Through Marriage

Citizenship can also be acquired through marriage to a Maltese citizen. Requirements include:

• at least 5 years of residence in Malta with the spouse;
• proof of a stable and lasting marriage.

The authenticity of the marriage must be verified, and additional checks may be required. This option is suitable for those in long-term marital relationships with Maltese citizens.

Citizenship by Descent

Malta grants citizenship to individuals whose ancestors were Maltese citizens, even if they were not born in Malta. This path is open to:

1. Descendants of Maltese citizens, even if the lineage goes back several generations.
2. Applicants must provide documentation proving their lineage and the citizenship history of their ancestors.

To do this, you will need to gather and provide documentation to prove your ties to Maltese nationals.

Citizenship Through Family Ties

Citizenship can also be granted to close relatives of Maltese citizens, such as children, grandchildren, or even dependent parents. To apply, one must:

1. Prove family ties to a Maltese citizen.
2. Show a stable relationship and the ability to reside in Malta.

This is a flexible option for those with close relationships to Maltese nationals.

Citizenship for Exceptional Services

Malta may also grant citizenship for exceptional services in areas such as the economy, science, culture, or the arts. Citizenship in these cases is granted by government decision and requires the applicant to demonstrate significant contributions to the country’s development. This path is reserved for individuals who can offer Malta notable benefits.

For more detailed information on each of these pathways to Maltese citizenship and help in selecting the most suitable option, feel free to contact our agents. They will provide accurate and up-to-date information tailored to your specific needs.

Requirements for Obtaining Maltese Citizenship

To become a citizen of Malta and obtain an EU passport through investment, several key conditions must be met. The process begins with submitting an application and undergoing strict due diligence. The applicant must be over 18 years old, hold citizenship of another country or be stateless, and have a good reputation.

One way to accelerate citizenship acquisition is by meeting the minimum investment periods. The one-year citizenship route requires a larger investment compared to the three-year option. A critical step is visiting Malta to provide biometric data and obtain a residence permit. Thus, by properly fulfilling all the requirements, the process of obtaining Maltese citizenship through investment becomes accessible to many applicants.

Stages of Obtaining Maltese Citizenship Through Investment

The process of acquiring Maltese citizenship by investment consists of several clearly defined stages, each crucial to successfully completing the procedure. Let’s take a closer look at these steps:

Initial Due Diligence Check

The first stage involves a mandatory Due Diligence check. This is essential to assess the risks and security of the potential investor. Specialists verify criminal records and any possible sanctions to prevent future issues. This stage helps avoid complications and saves time and money by identifying any red flags in advance.

Obtaining Police Clearance

The next step is obtaining Police Clearance, which involves checks through Europol and Interpol. It confirms that the applicant has no criminal offenses in their country or abroad. This procedure usually takes about two weeks.

Submitting Documents for Residency

Depending on the chosen investment route, the applicant must reside in Malta for one to three years. Residency status demonstrates the investor’s serious intentions and connection to Malta. When applying, several important documents must be submitted, including a passport, health insurance, bank statements, and a rental agreement.

Obtaining Residency

After submitting all required documents, the investor and their family must visit Malta in person to provide biometric data. This is an important step to confirm identity and proceed with processing. Residency cards are typically issued within two weeks. Notably, having an address in Malta is sufficient to obtain residency; actual permanent residence is not required.

Further Due Diligence

Following residency approval, an additional due diligence check is carried out, covering all family members. This stage can take 120 to 150 days and requires additional documents. It ensures that the applicant and their family meet the requirements for citizenship.

Submitting Citizenship Application

After residing in Malta for 1 or 3 years (depending on the investment route), the applicant may apply for citizenship. At this stage, all commitments, including investment requirements, must be confirmed. The application and approval process takes approximately 3 to 6 weeks.

Fulfilling Investment Requirements

Within 4 months of receiving approval, the applicant must fulfill the investment obligations. This includes a contribution to Malta’s National Development Fund, a charitable donation, and an investment in real estate. These steps confirm the applicant’s seriousness and compliance with program conditions.

Receiving the Passport

After meeting all requirements and taking the oath of allegiance in Malta, the investor and their family can receive their passports. This typically takes just over two months. Children over 12 and adult family members must be present in person, while children under 6 may be exempt.

Each of these stages plays a crucial role in the citizenship process, and full compliance with the procedures ensures alignment with Maltese law.

Timeframe and Cost of Document Processing

Obtaining Maltese citizenship through investment involves multiple stages and both time and financial commitments. The average processing time for a residence permit (residency) is around 4 months. After receiving residency, the applicant must reside in the country for 1 or 3 years depending on the investment amount before applying for citizenship.

The cost includes mandatory government contributions, real estate investments or rental costs, and a charitable donation. Additional expenses related to the citizenship application include:

1. Application fee – €15,000 for the main applicant and €10,000 for each family member.
2. Due diligence fee – €15,000 for the main applicant and €10,000 for each family member.
3. Other costs – document translations, legalization, and professional services.

All of these expenses should be considered in advance to ensure a successful application process.

Dual Citizenship in Malta

Malta was one of the first European countries to implement legal changes allowing its citizens to hold dual or multiple citizenships. These changes came into effect in 2000, eliminating all previous restrictions on holding multiple passports. Prior to 2000, Maltese law significantly limited the possibility of holding a second citizenship. Since 1989, such privilege was only granted to native Maltese individuals meeting specific residency criteria. However, since February 10, 2000, Maltese citizens have been allowed to retain their foreign citizenship alongside their Maltese one.

It is important to distinguish between dual citizenship and second citizenship. Dual citizenship arises when two countries have an agreement recognizing shared nationality, and both countries treat the individual as their citizen. In contrast, second citizenship may not be legally recognized by the country of origin, meaning the second passport has no legal standing there.

Under Maltese law, foreign nationals can obtain a Maltese passport while retaining their original citizenship, provided they meet the conditions set out in the Citizenship Act. Maltese authorities do not notify the applicant’s home country upon granting citizenship. Thus, Malta offers a unique opportunity for dual citizenship, making it an attractive option for investors and individuals seeking global advantages.

Who Can Lose Their Citizenship

Maltese citizenship can be revoked or denied for various reasons. Key factors include failure to meet eligibility criteria, submission of incomplete or false documents, threats to national security, or violations of immigration policy prior to application. Unlawful stay in Malta, such as failing to renew residency, may result in deportation and obstacles to future citizenship applications.

Even granted citizenship can be revoked if obtained through fraud or if the applicant violates program conditions—for example, by disrespecting the government or engaging in activities that threaten national interests. Another ground for revocation is prolonged residence abroad without notifying Maltese authorities of the intent to retain citizenship.

Maltese citizenship can also be revoked if the person is convicted of a serious crime or poses a threat to public security and policy. Investors may lose their citizenship if they fail to meet their investment obligations, such as selling the property within five years of obtaining the passport. To avoid loss of citizenship, it is essential to comply with all legal requirements and obligations set by Malta.

Summary on Maltese Citizenship

Maltese citizenship offers a wide range of benefits, including visa-free travel to 187 countries, the right to live and work in any EU country, access to European financial and education systems, and favorable business conditions. The fastest way to obtain a Maltese passport is through the investment citizenship program. This path suits those ready to invest in their future and gain citizenship within 1 to 3 years.

The process is strictly regulated by Maltese authorities and requires fulfilling several conditions, including due diligence checks. However, with a proper approach and full compliance, it becomes a reliable way to integrate into the European community. If you want to learn more about Maltese citizenship opportunities and find the best option, we’re ready to assist you at every stage of the process.