.png)
Maltese Citizenship by Merit
The merit-based citizenship framework under the amended Maltese Citizenship Act, aligned with EU law after CJEU’s ruling in EC v Malta.
Key Points:
- Act XXI of 2025 amends the Citizenship Act (Cap. 188), ending the investor route.
- Citizenship may be granted by naturalisation on the basis of merit, under Article 10(9).
- The reform ensures compliance with CJEU Case C-181/23 by removing transactional elements.
- Applicants must evidence sustained contributions to Malta or humanity.
Legal Basis
The Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188), as amended by Act XXI of 2025, now provides at Article 10(9):
“The Minister may grant a certificate of naturalisation as a citizen of Malta to any person who renders or has rendered exceptional service to the Republic of Malta or to humanity, or whose naturalisation is considered to be of exceptional interest to the Republic of Malta.”
This builds on the 2017 amendments which first introduced the Citizenship by Merit concept and removes any transactional links between investment and nationality.
Programme Highlights
- Non-transactional: No direct investment route or agency-based application.
- Merit-driven: Recognition for exceptional contributions across multiple domains.
- EU-law compliant: Framework directly addresses the CJEU judgment in EC v Malta (C-181/23, 29 April 2025).
- Discretionary: Ministerial decision based on Evaluation Board advice and multi-level due diligence.
Benefits Of Citizenship By Merit
- EU Citizenship: Right to live, work, and establish across the European Union.
- Generational Continuity: Automatic transmission of Maltese citizenship to descendants.
- Recognition: Applicants acknowledged for merit, not wealth transfer.
- Global Mobility: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 180+ countries.
- Integration: Reinforces principles of contributive belonging — reciprocal value creation between applicants and Malta.
Eligibility Criteria And Requirements
Applicants must show:
- Exceptional service to Malta or humanity.
- Exceptional contribution in economic, cultural, social, or scientific domains.
- Exceptional interest: applicants whose naturalisation advances Malta’s strategic or humanitarian interests.
Supporting factors include:
- Lawful residence in Malta and evidence of integration.
- Demonstrable ties to Malta (business, cultural, or philanthropic).
- Endorsements by a designated competent body where required.
Application Process
- Preliminary Eligibility Screening – assessment of applicant’s profile against merit criteria.
- Proposal Letter – detailed submission to Community Malta Agency, endorsed by competent bodies where applicable.
- Evaluation Board – independent evaluation and recommendation to the Minister.
- Due Diligence – robust checks confirming the applicant’s background and integrity.
- Decision & Oath – Ministerial approval followed by the Oath of Allegiance.
- Post-Naturalisation Monitoring – obligations to maintain integrity and avoid grounds for deprivation.
Who is Citizenship by Merit for
HNWIs, entrepreneurs, innovators, technologists, cultural and philanthropists.
What This Means For You
- Financial investment is no longer sufficient. Citizenship requires sustained contributions of recognised merit.
- Applicants and advisors must focus on documenting achievements, residence, and integration.
- The reform positions Malta as a jurisdiction where citizenship is conferred on the basis of value to the Republic and humanity, rather than transactional wealth transfer.
How our Malta Immigration Team Can Help You
Our award-winning Immigration & Global Mobility Law team is Malta’s oldest specialised immigration practice. We have successfully represented hundreds of families, entrepreneurs, and professionals. We guide clients through eligibility assessment, structuring of proposal letters, coordination of endorsements, and managing applications before the Community Malta Agency. Our approach ensures compliance, integrity, and alignment with Malta’s evolving legal framework.
