Malta CITIZENSHIP BY MERIT
Malta’s new Citizenship by Merit framework provides a pathway to European citizenship for individuals and families who can demonstrate exceptional contributions or value to the country.
visa-free countries
A contribution deemed of strategic national value and importance
months processing time
Malta has formally introduced the Citizenship by Merit framework, representing a strategic transition from the former Citizenship by Investment route.
The Malta Citizenship by Merit framework was introduced in July 2025 through Legal Notice 159 of 2025, which amended the Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188) to establish the Granting of Citizenship by Naturalisation on the Basis of Merit Regulations.
This new framework recognizes individuals who have already or intend to make exceptional contributions or services of value to Malta. Contact us today to explore your opportunities under the Malta Citizenship by Merit framework.
To apply for the Malta Citizenship by Merit, applicants must fulfill the ONLY following investment option AND other requirements:
Applicants may contribute through a range of qualifying commitments, with no minimum investment thresholds defined. Contributions may take the form of strategic initiatives aligned with Malta’s long-term objectives, including Vision 2050; philanthropic support in key sectors such as education, healthcare, sustainability, or research; business ventures that generate high-value employment and drive innovation; or environmental and infrastructure projects in areas such as water, energy, and the circular economy. Passive investments, including real estate or bonds, are not sufficient—each commitment must demonstrate a measurable and direct benefit to Malta.
Requirements:
Benefits:
We commence our process with Form 1, which enables us to carry out the initial Latitude due diligence. Subsequently, following the successful screening, we will provide you with a Client Agreement (CA) to review and sign. Once we receive the signed agreement and retainer payment, our case processing team will promptly complete all necessary government forms and supporting documents. In the event that the program requires a property investment, you will then need to execute a sales and purchase agreement with the developer.
After receiving the signed agreement and retainer payment, our case processing team will complete all necessary government forms and collate supporting documents. Additionally, we liaise with the Community Malta Agency (Aġenzija Komunita Malta), which is the Maltese Government Agency overseeing Malta Citizenship by Merit (MCBM).
Dedicated Relationship Manager (RM) will work with you on the residence application. If you don't have global health insurance that qualifies, we will obtain quotes locally for your coverage. To fulfill the application's residence stage, you will need to rent a property for a minimum of 12 months or purchase a property. This helps demonstrate genuine ties to the country, and most clients choose to lease a property at this stage. We also help coordinate your first visit to Malta and escort you to your appointment with the Community Malta Agency. Latitude Group provides advice on the days you must spend in Malta during the residency stage, allowing you to familiarize yourselves with the Maltese islands.
The applicant and dependents included in the application are required to attend a biometric appointment, during which fingerprints, a facial image, and other identifying data are securely collected.
The Community Malta Agency’s three-member Evaluation Board conducts the first review of proposal letters. Each submission must include the applicant’s background, the proposed exceptional contributions to Malta, and the applicant’s post-naturalization plans.
The applicant first undergoes rigorous due diligence screening.
The Evaluation Board then considers the proposal and, if satisfied with the outcome, recommends approval to the Minister. Upon acceptance, the Minister may issue a Letter of Approval in Principle, enabling the applicant to move forward in the process.
Upon issuance of the official Letter of Approval by the Minister, the applicant is required to take the Oath of Allegiance. In addition, the applicant must execute a formal undertaking to uphold all continuing obligations associated with naturalization.
Visit our Malta office to work on the citizenship application with your dedicated Relationship Manager (RM). Additionally, your RM schedules an appointment with a local notary to have the required supporting documentation certified in Malta. Furthermore, the RM will coordinate the necessary appointments about your application, such as with a local doctor, to facilitate the required medical forms.
Once the application for naturalization has been approved, the Maltese Government issues an invitation letter for you to swear the Oath of Allegiance.
All family members aged 18 and above are required to take the Oath of Allegiance, after which a Certificate of naturalization is issued. Once this step is completed, the process advances to the passport application stage. For the biometric enrolment, every family member aged six and above must be present to provide the necessary data for their passport.
Malta Citizenship by Merit is a legal pathway for acquiring Maltese nationality through exceptional services or contributions to Malta or humanity. It recognizes individuals whose talents, achievements, or public service significantly benefit the country.
Eligibility is reserved for distinguished individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions in areas such as science, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, culture, or public service. Applicants must show that their achievements are of national interest or global impact, aligning with Malta’s strategic priorities.
Applications are discretionary and subject to rigorous due diligence. The Maltese government evaluates each case individually, ensuring compliance with EU obligations. The process involves submitting evidence of contributions, background checks, and ministerial approval. Dependants may also be included, provided they meet the criteria.
Unlike naturalization through long-term residence or descent, Citizenship by Merit is discretionary and non-transactional. It is awarded solely on the basis of exceptional service or achievement that benefits Malta or humanity. This makes it distinct from past investor-based models, as it emphasizes contribution, recognition, and alignment with Malta’s national interest rather than financial investment.
Malta, officially known as the Republic of Malta, is a beautiful island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, lying 95 km south of Italy. In addition to its gloriously warm climate and low crime rate, there are many other benefits to applying for the Malta Citizenship by Investment. For example, one of the fantastic Maltese citizenship benefits is that it allows you and your family the right to work and study throughout the EU. Given that Malta has one of the fastest-growing economies in the EU, it is a favorable place for business. As well as that, children get access to Maltese public schools and universities.
The Latitude Group has been at the forefront of Malta’s citizenship policy since 2014, when our government advisory team was a lead contributor to the launch of Malta’s Citizenship by Investment Program. Today, we continue to leverage our expertise to guide clients through the evolving landscape and develop qualifying projects for the new Malta Citizenship by Merit framework.
Visa-free travel to 185 countries
20+ months application processing time
A contribution deemed of strategic national value and importance