With pathways to dual citizenship in Europe becoming increasingly restricted and competitive, a shift is taking shape across parts of Europe. Governments are beginning to ask not just what applicants can pay, but what they can contribute.

Nowhere is that evolution more evident than in Malta, a highly-desired Mediterranean nation that has introduced a more selective, merit-based pathway to citizenship, one designed to attract entrepreneurs, innovators and globally mobile families with long-term ambitions in Europe.

“It’s less about regional tax positioning and more about long-term risk management, optionality, and succession planning,” said Eric Major, chief executive of Latitude Group, which advises high net worth clients navigating such frameworks.