From Passports to Progress: Latitude Leading Malta’s Citizenship by Merit Era

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As Malta prepares to transition from what was deemed a transactional citizenship model to one rooted in national value and purpose, Latitude—Malta’s premier residence and citizenship firm—is already leading the way forward. Not only is Latitude actively contributing to Malta’s new citizenship by merit, but it’s also setting the benchmark for excellence in identifying and guiding exceptional global talent and aligning with Malta’s national interests.

Malta’s government has unveiled significant updates to its citizenship laws, introducing a transparent and merit-based pathway that effectively replaces the previously closed Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN) program. Driven by recent EU jurisprudence, this innovative model prioritizes extraordinary contributions over financial investment.

Latitude is especially proud that many of its policy recommendations made to the government have been adopted, reflecting the firm’s ongoing collaboration with government stakeholders.

This forward-thinking legislation is fully aligned with Malta’s Vision 2050 and recent European Court of Justice rulings, the legislation reinforces Malta’s commitment to recognizing individuals who deliver outstanding contributions to the nation. Citizenship will no longer be granted solely based on financial contributions, but on demonstrable exceptional merit and national interest. 

Latitude has received a considerable number of National Interest Initiatives submissions from innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and global changemakers. These individuals are not simply high net worth; they are high impact. Their proposals span technology, science, sustainable development, natural resources, medical research, philanthropy, and job creation—all critical areas for Malta’s future.

As Ryan Darmanin, COO & Managing Director of Latitude Malta, puts it: “This is not about selling passports—it’s about selling progress.”

Latitude’s role is clear: frontline execution. The firm is currently in discussions with multiple high-value national interest proposals whose combined economic value will significantly add to Malta’s GDP—a figure that signals not just opportunity, but national relevance.

This impact is already being felt. As noted in Times of Malta by Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, one such proposal came from an esteemed foreign surgeon— a Latitude client—who treats Maltese patients in the UK and has expressed interest in travelling to Malta to perform highly specialised procedures locally. This means patients no longer need to travel abroad for life-changing care. That individual engaged Latitude to assist with the citizenship process. And they are not alone—several others are already charting a clear roadmap of benefit for Malta’s future.

While many media outlets have recently acknowledged the legislative shift and commented on its alignment with Malta’s Citizenship Act, Latitude is already actively onboarding and consulting with prospective clients.

The future of Maltese citizenship is being built one meaningful contribution at a time, and Latitude is proud to be leading this transformation—driving progress through purpose.

If your vision, expertise, or innovation aligns with Malta’s national interests, please contact us for a private consultation.