Malta Citizenship by Investment: Transitioning to Citizenship by Merit

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For years, Malta’s citizenship by investment program was a popular choice among global investors. But in April 2025, the European Court of Justice ruled that Malta’s Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN) program was incompatible with EU law because it treated citizenship as a financial transaction rather than a genuine connection to the country.

In response, Malta has launched a new framework: Citizenship by Merit. This new approach ties naturalization to meaningful contributions, national interest, and long-term engagement. It’s no longer about simply meeting a fixed price tag — it’s about proving demonstrable value.

How the Merit-Based System Works

The reforms introduced through Legal Notice 159 of 2025 created the Granting of Citizenship by Naturalization on the Basis of Merit Regulations. These regulations establish a rigorous process that emphasizes contribution and participation. Applicants must:

• Submit a proposal letter outlining their achievements, their intended exceptional contribution, and how they plan to continue engaging with Malta after naturalization.
• Undergo review by an evaluation board made up of multidisciplinary experts, empowered to interview applicants and consult with sector specialists before making recommendations to the Minister.
• Pass multi-tiered due diligence, including independent verification and law enforcement checks, to meet stringent security and compliance with anti-money laundering and security standards.
• Demonstrate residency and ties to Malta, such as a period of residence in Malta, knowledge of the language (English or Maltese), adequate residential housing, and evidence of ties.
• Commit to ongoing obligations, with annual reviews to ensure sustained contributions.

As Eric Major, CEO of Latitude, puts it: “Malta is not selling citizenship; it’s recognizing meaningful and significant individual contributions to the national interest.”

Why Malta Made This Change

The merit-based model reflects Malta’s effort to balance sovereignty with EU obligations while future-proofing its citizenship framework. Instead of any financial thresholds, the country is opening the door to philanthropists, innovators, technologists, and entrepreneurs whose contributions create measurable value.

This approach also ensures that contributions are layered: talent, innovation, networks, capital, and philanthropy, reinforcing each other to drive economic growth, strengthen Malta’s international profile, and expand its diplomatic influence.

What This Means for Applicants

For clients, the implications are clear: the process is more selective, more personal, and more demanding. Instead of a checklist of contributions, each applicant must show how their expertise, capital, or innovation directly supports Malta’s long-term priorities.

Ryan Darmanin, COO and Managing Director of Latitude Malta, explains that “Latitude was able to swiftly adapt to this new landscape thanks to years of experience advising on merit-based models in countries like Austria. We immediately expanded our Malta-based advisory arm to provide high-touch support for applicants pursuing naturalization by merit. This is no longer about carefully filing paperwork; it’s about helping each applicant turn their strengths into tangible national value. The new framework rewards those who align with Malta’s priorities, and that means tailored strategies, the right partnerships, and deep local insight. That is where we add real value, guiding applicants not just to qualify, but to leave a lasting mark on Malta’s future.’”

Broader Implications for Malta and Beyond

The broader impact is strategic: applicants bring not only financial resources but also networks of influence and innovation. Over time, these contributions amplify each other, creating sustained growth, cultural enrichment, and technological advancement. 

Conclusion

The repeal of Malta’s citizenship-by-investment framework and the launch of Citizenship by Merit mark a turning point. For applicants, it means proving not only wealth but vision, engagement, and contribution. For Malta, it’s a chance to attract exceptional individuals whose impact extends beyond economics to culture, innovation, and diplomacy.

For clients seeking to navigate this new pathway, expert guidance is crucial. With deep local insight and proven global expertise, Latitude helps applicants design proposals that align with Malta’s national interest — ensuring not only a strong application but also a lasting legacy. Contact us today.