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Golden Visa Partners

2026 Program Guide

Malta Citizenship by Investment

Malta's citizenship-by-investment (MEIN) program ended in July 2025 following a ruling by the European Court of Justice. Maltese citizenship is now only available through a merit-based, discretionary route (science, arts, sports, entrepreneurship, philanthropy). For those seeking residence through direct investment, Malta's residence program (MPRP) offers a strong alternative.

Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal

At a glance

Program type
Merit-based citizenship (direct CBI has ended)
Status
The former MEIN program closed in July 2025
New route
Discretionary, exceptional contribution
Processing time
Approximately 12-24 months (discretionary)
Investment-based alternative
Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP)

Who is it for?

  • Those targeting EU citizenship and considering alternatives now that direct CBI has closed.
  • Those wanting permanent residence in the EU through investment (MPRP).
  • Exceptional individuals with an outstanding contribution in science, arts, sports, or entrepreneurship (merit route).
  • Those with a long-term goal of a strong EU passport.

Why Did MEIN Close?

Following a 2025 ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), Malta ended its direct citizenship-by-investment program, MEIN, in July 2025. The ruling held that the 'cash-for-passport' model is incompatible with EU law. As a result, Malta no longer offers a standard CBI program.

Alternative: Permanent Residence via MPRP

For those wishing to live in Malta through investment, the Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) is a strong alternative. Through real estate rental or purchase, a government contribution, and a donation component, it provides indefinite EU residence and Schengen travel; the total cost starts from approximately EUR 150,000 with the rental option.

Merit-Based Citizenship

Citizenship can now only be granted to individuals who make an exceptional contribution in science, culture, sports, entrepreneurship, or philanthropy, based on the recommendation of an independent board and at the minister's discretion. This route is not for standard investors but for exceptional profiles.

Where Malta Fits Today

Malta is now a different proposition from the one many prospective applicants still have in mind. The direct investment route to citizenship closed in July 2025 following a ruling by the European Court of Justice, and what remains is a discretionary, merit-based path reserved for people who have made an exceptional contribution in fields such as science, culture, sport, entrepreneurship or philanthropy. That is not an investment product, and it should not be planned for as though it were. For most people whose goal was a second passport, the realistic Maltese option is residence rather than citizenship. The Malta Permanent Residence Program remains open to applicants investing directly, and it delivers a legal base in an EU member state with a strategic position, which for many families addresses the underlying objective of a plan B. If the merit-based route is genuinely relevant to you, the process runs from strategy through an eligibility assessment and file, evaluation by an independent board, and a final decision at the minister's discretion, over a long horizon. Take advice early on which of the two paths, if either, applies to your circumstances.

Benefits

  • EU citizenship (via the merit-based route).
  • The MPRP program is available for residence by investment.
  • Malta offers a strong passport and a strategic EU location.

Requirements

  • Exceptional contribution in science, culture, sports, entrepreneurship, or philanthropy.
  • A favorable recommendation from an independent evaluation board.
  • Final decision at the minister's discretion.

Costs

Direct citizenship by investment
No longer available (ended in 2025)
Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP)
Investment requirements apply
Merit-based application
Assessed on a case-by-case basis

Process

  1. Strategy determination

    Assessing whether the merit route or the MPRP residence route applies.

  2. Eligibility and file

    Preparing the application file for the appropriate route.

  3. Evaluation

    Board review (merit) or the residence application process.

  4. Outcome

    Citizenship (discretionary) or a residence permit after approval.

FAQ

Is citizenship by investment still possible in Malta?
No. The direct citizenship-by-investment program (MEIN) ended in July 2025. Citizenship is now only merit-based and discretionary.
I want to live in Malta through investment - do I have an option?
Yes. The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) offers indefinite residence through investment.
How long does the merit route take?
The process is discretionary and generally ranges from 12 to 24 months.
Does MPRP lead to citizenship?
No. MPRP provides permanent residence; citizenship requires long-term actual residence and separate citizenship conditions.
How much does MPRP cost?
With real estate rental or purchase, a government contribution, and a donation component, the total cost starts from approximately EUR 150,000 with the rental option.
Who is the merit route suitable for?
This route is for exceptional individuals internationally recognized in their field who can make an outstanding contribution to Malta, not for standard investors.

Sources

Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.

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