Malta offers an exceptional lifestyle that blends Mediterranean charm with modern conveniences. From vibrant local festivals and world-class dining to stunning coastlines and year-round outdoor activities, life is both enriching and relaxed.
Whether you’re drawn to the historic streets of Valletta, the peaceful beaches of Gozo, or the dynamic urban hubs, Malta provides a unique balance of cultural richness and contemporary living, where lasting connections - enjoy a high quality of life, and thrive both personally and professionally.
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Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services
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Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services
Malta, a sun-soaked island nation in the heart of the Mediterranean, is more than just a picturesque destination. This small nation boasts a truly global presence offering a thriving hub of culture, commerce, and opportunity. It seamlessly blends a cosmopolitan outlook with the intimacy of village life, offering residents both international connectivity and a strong sense of community.
Known for its rich history, crystal-clear waters, and welcoming lifestyle, Malta offers an exceptional quality of life combined with the advantages of EU membership. Easy access to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, means that those who make Malta home enjoy a stable economy, modern infrastructure, and a pace of living that balances ambition with wellbeing.
For those who contribute at the highest levels in their fields, the Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services programme offers not only a pathway to global mobility but also the chance to call this vibrant and strategically positioned country that thrives on innovation, and cultural depth home.
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Understanding Maltese Citizenship by Merit
Citizenship by Merit, formally known as Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services, is a highly selective programme that grants citizenship to individuals whose skills, achievements, or contributions are considered to be of exceptional national interest.
Unlike traditional naturalisation routes that rely on residency requirements, or previous investment-based schemes that focused on financial thresholds, this pathway honours personal merit, talent, and impact. Each application is evaluated on its own merits, ensuring that only those whose contributions align with Malta's long-term national priorities are approved.
The 2025 Legal Reforms Pertaining to Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services
In July 2025 Parliament enacted comprehensive amendments to the Maltese Citizenship Act (Bill No. 140; Maltese Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2025) and accompanying subsidiary regulations. These measures follow 2025 litigation at EU level challenging investor-for-passport schemes and establish a formal, merit-based route under Article 10(9) for granting citizenship to those who render exceptional service or make exceptional contributions to Malta.
The new law reflects Malta's goals for the future, which emphasise sustainable growth, talent attraction, and value creation rather than purely financial inflows. It is designed to ensure compliance with EU requirements while safeguarding Malta's reputation as a responsible and forward-looking jurisdiction.
Pending MEIN applications are subject to transitional rules. Applicants should obtain specific guidance from Komunita' Malta or their authorised agent about whether any elements of a previously submitted file can be relied upon or whether a fresh submission under the new rules is required. The new Act contains transitional provisions addressing how earlier filings are to be treated. The government has confirmed that it will continue publishing the names of successful applicants on the Government Gazette as part of its transparency measures.
Who Qualifies for Malta Citizenship by Merit Under the 2025 Citizenship Reforms?
Article 10(9) of the updated Citizenship Act broadens eligibility by listing a wider range of categories, examples of categories the Minister may consider are listed below:
- Scientists and researchers
- Entrepreneurs and technologists
- Athletes and sports professionals
- Artists and cultural performers
- Philanthropists
- Other individuals whose achievements are considered of national or global importance
The legislation also introduces a refreshed definition of "exceptional interest," empowering the Minister to consider applicants with skills, qualities, or expertise that can significantly benefit Malta's national interest.
Key Elements of Malta's 2025 Citizenship by Merit Framework
The 2025 legislation establishes a clear and structured framework for recognising exceptional individuals through citizenship, highlighting the programme's key features and procedures:
Removal of Fixed Financial Thresholds
One of the most significant changes is the elimination of fixed investment requirements. Applicants are no longer able to obtain Maltese citizenship through predetermined financial contributions, real estate purchases, or government bonds.
Instead, candidates must demonstrate their merit through tangible proposals - outlining how their expertise, work, or service will provide value to Malta and its citizens. Government officials have clarified that the process is no longer tied to set payment amounts, but rather to the national relevance of the applicant's contributions.
This shift underscores Malta's move away from transactional models toward a system based on authentic value and national benefit, shifting the emphasis entirely toward talent, service, and contribution.
Strengthened Evaluation and Oversight
The evaluation process has been reshaped to improve accountability and transparency. Previously, decisions relied heavily on ministerial discretion. Now, under the new law the Community Malta Agency (CMA) must provide a formal recommendation to the responsible Minister on whether to grant citizenship.
A dedicated evaluation board, composed of experts with relevant experience, will review each application and sectoral authorities may be consulted to verify achievements or contributions. Furthermore, applicants can be called to attend interviews to provide further evidence of merit.
While the final decision still rests with the Minister, this structured review process ensures a more rigorous and balanced framework than before.
New Complaints and Appeals Mechanism
Another innovation is the introduction of an official complaints process. Under Article 25A, applicants who believe their case was not handled fairly can appeal through the Citizenship Regulator.
The Regulator may investigate complaints and present findings to the Minister, offering applicants greater procedural fairness while maintaining ministerial authority over final outcomes.
Citizenship by Descent and Adoption Provisions
The 2025 reforms also updated Malta's rules on citizenship by descent and adoption. Eligibility for Maltese citizenship by descent has been extended to 2028, giving wider access to diaspora communities.
Adopted children under 18 now have clearly defined rights to Maltese citizenship, while adoptions of adults after August 2020 no longer qualify. These updates provide clarity and certainty for families seeking Maltese nationality, ensuring that citizenship pathways are fair and transparent.
Benefits of Maltese Citizenship by Merit
Securing Maltese citizenship through this merit-based pathway offers applicants and their families:
Prestige and exclusivity, as citizenship is granted sparingly and only to exceptional contributors.
Full EU citizenship rights, including the ability to live, work, and travel freely across the EU and Schengen Area.
Enhanced global mobility, with visa-free access to over 180 destinations worldwide.
Long-term stability and security, protecting personal and business interests.
Access to Malta's quality of life, including strong healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Integration into a thriving economy, positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
For accomplished professionals, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders, Malta offers not just citizenship but a platform for global influence.
Why Expert Guidance is Essential
Applying for Maltese citizenship by merit requires a highly individualised approach. Unlike standard residency or investment routes, this process demands careful presentation of one's achievements, proposed contributions, and long-term relevance to Malta's national priorities.
Experienced advisors play a crucial role in:
- Assessing eligibility under the new legal definitions.
- Preparing detailed applications that align with Malta's policy goals.
- Coordinating supporting endorsements from sectoral authorities.
- Ensuring compliance with all due diligence and procedural requirements.
A tailored strategy is essential to navigate this selective and complex process successfully.
The Suspension of the MEIN Programme
The launch of Malta's new framework followed the formal suspension of the MEIN programme in 2025. The Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that investment-based citizenship schemes where passports could be obtained primarily through financial contributions were incompatible with EU law.
As a result, Malta discontinued the MEIN pathway and replaced it with citizenship by merit, marking a clear shift away from transactional investment models toward recognising exceptional individuals whose contributions align with national interests. This development positions the country at the forefront of a new European standard.
Malta's updated Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services framework marks a decisive shift from investment-driven programmes to a merit-based model centred on talent, innovation, and national interest. By expanding eligible categories, strengthening evaluation mechanisms, and eliminating transactional pathways, Malta has aligned its citizenship framework with EU expectations while reinforcing its global reputation.
For exceptional individuals seeking to combine EU citizenship with the opportunity to live in one of the Mediterranean's most dynamic nations, Malta offers a future-focused pathway that rewards genuine contribution over financial investment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Revocation is possible in cases of fraud or misconduct.
Most frameworks, including Malta's, allow for revocation of citizenship in cases of fraud or misconduct.
No. Unlike the previous investment programmes, the merit-based route is not tied to predetermined financial thresholds. Citizenship is granted strictly for exceptional achievements, skills, or contributions. However, economic impact may still be considered where it forms part of the applicant's overall merit.
Yes, in most jurisdictions immediate family members can be included in an application.
Timelines vary, but most cases take several months to years due to thorough evaluation and government discretion.
No. Honorary citizenship is symbolic and often carries no legal rights. Merit-based citizenship grants full nationality, including the right to live, work, and travel as a citizen.
Applicants must demonstrate achievements or contributions of significant value to Malta's national interest, in line with the criteria set under the 2025 reforms. Each application is assessed individually and approval remains at the Minister's discretion. As a first step, applicants are expected to submit a detailed proposal letter to the Community Malta Agency. This letter should outline their achievements to date, explain why they believe they merit Maltese citizenship, and demonstrate how their skills, expertise, or contributions will provide significant value to Malta's national interest.
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