🇲🇹 Malta citizenship · By investment
Malta citizenship by investment
The program is currently closed while a new one is being developed. Here is how the former MEIN program worked.
Malta is a small island state in the Mediterranean, an EU member since 2004 and part of the Schengen area since 2007. Maltese citizenship grants full EU rights: living, working and doing business anywhere in the union, plus visa-free access to more than 185 countries.
The program is currently closed
Malta's citizenship-by-investment program (Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalisation, MEIN) has been officially closed since 2025. The authorities are developing a new program for citizenship by exceptional merit — we will share details as they emerge. Below are the terms of the former program for reference.
Legal basis of the MEIN program
To obtain Maltese citizenship through investment, an applicant had to meet strict criteria:
- Age and status. The main applicant had to be 18+ with no criminal record. All candidates underwent multi-level due diligence, plus medical insurance of at least €50,000 per person.
- Main contribution. A non-refundable contribution of €600,000 with at least 36 months of residence, or €750,000 on the fast-track route with at least 12 months of residence. An extra €50,000 was due per additional family member, paid into a state fund after approval.
- Real estate. Purchase of property worth at least €700,000, or a lease of at least €16,000 per year, held for a minimum of 5 years.
- Charitable donation. After approval, €10,000 to a Malta-approved charity.
- Residence. Mandatory Maltese residence of 12 or 36 months depending on the contribution amount.
- Licensed agent. Applications could only be filed through a government-accredited agent — direct applications were not accepted.
Benefits of Maltese citizenship
Freedom to live in the EU
The right to live and work anywhere in the European Union without visas or permits, plus visa-free access to more than 185 countries, including Schengen and the UK.
Citizenship for the whole family
An application could include a spouse, children up to 29, and dependent parents or grandparents over 55. Citizenship passes by descent to children born after naturalisation.
Dual citizenship
Malta allows dual citizenship — you did not have to give up your original passport.
Tax benefits
No taxes on inheritance, gifts, worldwide wealth or property. Under the non-domiciled regime, tax applies only to income earned in Malta or remitted there.
How the process worked: step by step
Consultation and documents
The investor chose a government-accredited licensed agent and gathered a document package: passports, proof of income, medical certificates and more.
Residence card
After filing, the investor received a residence card, which started the clock on the required residence period (12 or 36 months). Issuance took 1–2 months.
Meeting investment requirements
During the residence period the investor made the main contribution, purchased or leased property, and arranged the charitable donation.
Review and approval
The Maltese government ran a four-tier due diligence review — typically 6–8 months to a preliminary decision (Letter of Approval in Principle).
Oath and passport
The final step was an in-person oath of allegiance in Malta, usually 1–3 months after approval, followed by the naturalization certificate and passport.
FAQ
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