Malta Citizenship 2025 | Malta Residency | Malta Passport

European Safety, Education, and Opportunity - All in One Passport

Dual citizenship with Malta (the European Union) offers more than a second passport - it’s a statement of success and global mobility. Elevate your lifestyle with exclusive business opportunities, European banking, world-class healthcare, and premium education for your family.

In under two years, you can join an elite circle of global citizens who understand that true power lies in having options. Malta (EU) citizenship is your key to preserving wealth, protecting assets, and maintaining personal freedom in an uncertain world.

European citizenship represents a strategic investment in your legacy, ensuring your family's access to privileges for generations to come.

Dual Citizenship: The Smart Strategy for Mobility and Security.

Why Malta?

Your Gateway to European Mobility.

LIVE, WORK, STUDY, OR RETIRE IN ANY OF THE EU COUNTRIES

The Malta Citizenship by Merit program empowers distinguished individuals and their families to obtain Maltese residency and citizenship, recognizing exceptional service and personal integrity. This pathway honors merit, contribution, and global vision. Once citizenship is conferred, recipients gain full rights to live, work, study, or retire across the European Union.

VISA FREE TRAVEL TO OVER 180 COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE USA

Malta citizenship offers full European Union benefits, including Schengen borderless travel and a United States visa waiver. This means visa-free travel to more than 180 countries in the world, including the USA, Canada, Middle East, Africa, Asia, and most countries in North, Central and South America.

A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE FAMILY

Malta is a safe country that offers a low cost of living index. Clean air, property rights, and freedom of speech are enjoyed by all. Multiple cultures live side by side in peace and harmony. The country has long been a vacation spot for Europeans and high net worth individuals who flock to the island for its sunny and warm climate year-round. Malta offers a modern infrastructure ranging from reliable phone and internet service to secure banking to well-established air and sea routes connecting the island to the European mainland and international destinations.

A BETTER EDUCATION FOR THE APPLICANT’S CHILDREN

Because of the country's history as a former British colony the Maltese school system reflects the British structure. There are two school categories: state schools and private schools. State schools are free to all students (including free transportation and free books), while private schools such as international schools charge tuition fees. Attending the renowned University of Malta for an undergraduate or graduate/post-graduate degree is free for Malta citizens and their children.

Malta (EU) Citizenship / Residency Program Summaries

Residency and Citizenship for Qualified Applicants

MALTA CITIZENSHIP BY MERIT - LAUNCHING SOON

The Maltese government has officially closed the "Malta Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment Regulations", also referred to as the "Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN)" citizenship by investment.

In its place, a new initiative - Citizenship by Merit - is expected to launch in September 2025, offering a fresh and forward-looking route to Maltese citizenship.

This emerging framework prioritizes meaningful contributions to Malta’s economy and global reputation, shifting focus away from one-time financial payments toward sustained impact, innovation, and service.

While full program details are still pending, early indicators suggest eligibility will focus on exceptional global contributors, including:

Innovators in science, technology, education, healthcare, and advanced research
Cultural, artistic, or athletic achievers
Founders and business leaders supporting job creation and strategic investment
Philanthropic and humanitarian leaders with demonstrable global impact

This marks a transition toward honoring individuals whose achievements serve Malta’s national priorities and elevate its international stature - placing emphasis on meaningful contribution rather than financial investment alone.

The citizenship program grants temporary Maltese residency (valid for one year) within weeks. Full issuance of the citizenship certificate typically takes 12-16 months.

If you're unsure whether you qualify, contact us to discuss your profile and next steps. We can help assess your eligibility for Malta’s merit-based citizenship pathway.

Want to be among the first to know when the program launches? Use our contact form to stay informed - we’ll keep you updated as new details emerge, eligibility clarifies, and the application process goes live.

We look forward to helping you explore this exciting new pathway to Maltese citizenship.

MALTA PERMANENT RESIDENCE PROGRAMME (MPRP)

The Malta MPRP program is a permanent residency program for non-EU nationals. It requires a one-time investment, and provides a permanent residency certificate which is valid for life. This program does not lead to Malta (EU) citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

The applicant can choose between purchasing a property (minimum property value of EUR 375,000 or renting a property (minimum rental of EUR 14,000 per year.

The administrative fee for the main applicant is €60,000. There is no administrative fee to include a spouse and minor children. The fee for adult dependents (older children, parents, grandparents) is €7,500 per person.

The main applicant must also make a non-refundable government contribution in the amount of EUR 37,000 regardless of whether the property is purchased or rented. Lastly, the applicant must make a philanthropic donation of EUR 2,000 to a Maltese-registered charity of the applicant's choice.

To qualify, the main applicant must declare that he/she owns assets (stocks, bonds, real estate, other) valued at (A) no less than EUR 500,000 of which EUR 150,000 must be available in financial assets such as stocks, bonds, funds or bank deposits, or (B) at least EUR 650,000 with at least EUR 75,000 in liquid assets.

The MPRP program grants temporary Maltese residency (valid for one year) within weeks. Full issuance of the permanent residency certificate typically takes 4–6 months.

OTHER MALTA RESIDENCY PROGRAMS

In addition to citizenship and permanent residency options for investors, Malta provides various temporary residency programs for individuals who are citizens of another EU member country or nationals of non-EU member states. It is important to note that these programs do not confer permanent residency, nor do they lead to Malta (EU) citizenship and the EU passport.

Please review our Malta Residency page for additional details about each of these programs.

MALTA GLOBAL RESIDENCY PROGRAMME (GRP)

The Malta GRP program is a 1-year residency visa for non-EU nationals that offers visa-free Schengen travel benefits and special tax advantages. The required recurring minimum expense is approximately EUR 15,000 every year to avoid expiration, plus a property purchase or rental, plus fees. The processing time is approximately 90 days. This program does not lead to Malta (EU) citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

MALTA ORDINARY RESIDENCY (OR) / MALTA TAX RESIDENCY (TRP)

The Malta OR program is only available for EU nationals (citizens of the EU including Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland) who want to live in Malta 183 days per year or longer. The program requires the applicant to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency which is defined as having available funds of at least EUR 14,000 for a single person (EUR 23,000 for married couples). Income brought into Malta is fully taxable. This program does not lead to Malta (EU) citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

The Malta tax residency program for EU citizens requires applicants to declare they do not spend more than 183 days in any other jurisdiction outside of Malta, but there is no requirement to spend 183 days inside Malta. The special tax rate on income brought into Malta is 15% (annual minimum tax: EUR 15,000). This program does not lead to Malta (EU) citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

MALTA RETIREMENT PROGRAMME (MRP)

The Malta retirement program is targeted at retirees (EU and non-EU nationals) who receive a pension to be transmitted to Malta. The amount of the pension must equal at least 75% of the applicant’s total income. Applicants must purchase or rent a personal residence (from EUR 8,750 per year if rented, or from EUR 220,000 if purchased). Foreign source income brought into Malta is taxed at 15% with an annual minimum tax of EUR 7,500. This program does not lead to Malta (EU) citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

MALTA NOMAD RESIDENCE PERMIT (MNRP)

The Malta Nomad Residence Permit ("Digital Nomad Visa") is available to applicants who are not citizens of an EU member country. Applicants must be able to work independent of location and prove that (a) they are employed under a work contract issued by an employer outside of Malta, or (b) they conduct business on behalf of a company registered outside of Malta in which they are a partner or shareholder, or (c) they are a freelancer or consultant offering services to clients who are based outside of Malta.

Applicants for the Malta nomad residence permit must earn a salary of at least EUR 3,500 per month. Applicants must rent or purchase a property in Malta, obtain health insurance, and pass all background checks. The visa is valid for 1 year, and may be renewed at the discretion of the Malta government twice, for a maximum of 4 years. The Nomad Residence Permit does not entitle the holder to social benefits in Malta, and it does not lead to Malta (EU) residency or citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

MALTA STARTUP RESIDENCE PROGRAMME (MSRP)

The Malta Startup Residence program is available to startup founders, co-founders, and their core employees and families who are of non-EU nationality and who register their venture in Malta at a minimum EUR 25,000 capital investment. The startup must be younger than 7 years and must not yet have distributed a profit.

Applicants are required to be financially self-sufficient, move to Malta, and pay taxes here. Applicants must rent or purchase a property in Malta, obtain health insurance, and pass all background checks. The residence permit is valid for 3 years, and may be renewed at the discretion of the Malta government for an additional 5 years. The startup residence program does not lead to permanent residency, and it does not lead to Malta (EU) citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

Malta Citizenship / Residency Program Benefits

For International Applicants and Their Families

MALTA OFFERS EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS

Reasons for obtaining Malta citizenship or residency include providing a better quality of life for the applicant and his/her family, retirement, arranging for international tax planning, or establishing a safety net should the living conditions at home become undesirable.

Because Malta allows dual citizenship, most applicants retain the citizenship of their home country in addition to receiving a second passport from Malta (EU).

Free Movement of Persons

The Malta citizenship program extends to the entire family for future generations. This includes not only the main applicant but also a spouse or long-term partner (of any gender), children, parents, and grandparents. All family members covered by the program have the freedom to travel, reside, and work without constraints within the European Union.

Free Movement of Goods & Services

Malta citizens and their affiliated companies enjoy the advantage of being able to seamlessly offer their products and services throughout the European Union member states. This unrestricted market access provides a significant opportunity for business expansion and collaboration within the EU, fostering economic growth and enhancing the competitive edge of Maltese entrepreneurs and enterprises on the European stage.

Free Movement of Capital

Holders of a Malta passport benefit from a range of financial and investment opportunities within the European Union. With the privilege of being able to transfer funds seamlessly between EU member states, Malta passport holders have the flexibility to manage their finances efficiently across borders. Additionally, they enjoy the freedom to purchase property in any EU country of their choice, providing them with diverse real estate investment options and the ability to establish residences according to personal preferences.

Attractive Tax System

Malta stands out as a compelling financial center, drawing attention for its highly advantageous tax system and strategic geographical position at the nexus of three continents – Europe, Africa, and Asia. The combination of these factors makes Malta an ideal destination for individuals and businesses seeking favorable tax conditions and a strategic location for international trade and commerce.

The favorable tax system in Malta encompasses various incentives and exemptions, contributing to the nation's appeal as a financial hub. Applicants are advised to secure the services of an independent tax specialist. Should you require assistance in this regard, we would be glad to facilitate an introduction to reputable tax specialists familiar with Malta's tax landscape.

High Standard of Living

Holders of Malta residency or citizenship enjoy an elevated standard of living, attributed to their access to esteemed private schools, reliable private medical facilities, and Malta's standing with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. In Malta, a harmonious coexistence prevails among multiple cultures, fostering a peaceful and inclusive community. The unpolluted air, codified property rights, and the freedom of expression contribute to the well-rounded quality of life that residents and citizens experience in Malta.

Visa Free Travel

Possessing a Malta passport offers a range of travel advantages, eliminating the need for a visa when traversing within the European Union. This facilitates seamless travel experiences for Malta passport holders, allowing them to explore the diverse landscapes, cultures, and opportunities that the EU member states have to offer. Additionally, Malta passport holders also enjoy visa-free travel to numerous non-EU countries, providing them with global mobility and accessibility.

For Malta residents, the benefits extend to visa-free Schengen travel, allowing them to journey through Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a 6-month period. This privilege not only encourages ease of travel for personal and professional reasons but also enhances global connectivity, fostering international relationships and opportunities.

Citizenship / Residency Application Process

The Application Procedure Step by Step

From Consultation to Certificate

Step 1: Initial Consultation
Begin by completing our contact form to request a personalized cost estimate for you and your family. Applicants submitting more than one family profile may be eligible for a group discount.

This initial consultation is provided at no charge.

Step 2: Document Preparation
Once you choose to proceed with a residency or citizenship application, our immigration attorney and dedicated case specialists will guide you through the process, ensuring completion of all required forms and collection of supporting documentation. Your application file is then submitted to the Maltese authorities for review.

Step 3: Application Processing
The Maltese government reviews the submission and initiates its due diligence procedures. The result may be an Approval in Principle, a request for clarification or additional documents, or a denial.

Step 4: Compliance Phase
Following Approval in Principle, the applicant must demonstrate continued compliance with program requirements. These include real estate acquisition or lease, health insurance, financial undertakings, and other conditions based on the chosen program.

Step 5: Residency Certificate or Citizenship & Passport Issuance
Residency applicants will receive a Permanent Residency Certificate. Citizenship candidates will complete an Oath of Allegiance before being granted a Certificate of Naturalization, followed by issuance of their Maltese (EU) passport.

Malta's Standing in the European Union

One of the Safest Countries in the EU

SAFE, NEUTRAL, AND RESPECTED

Malta is a safe, neutral and respected member of the European Union since 2004 and part of the Schengen Area since 2007.

The country enjoys a stable political climate and a bi-partisan political scene that is largely convergent on issues of national and economic importance.

Malta has weathered the financial crisis well and shared the limelight with Germany as the only two states maintaining economic growth in the Euro Zone. Malta's banks have been ranked amongst the top 5 soundest banks in the world.

The Island offers a rich, contemporary cultural lifestyle, temperate climate and fascinating history. Malta is also a state of the art financial and business hub due to its competitive tax system and offers significant advantages to foreign entrepreneurs, high net worth individuals and investors seeking an attractive yet safe business environment.

For the last two decades Malta has enjoyed solid and constant growth in its financial services industry and is fast becoming the jurisdiction of choice to international corporate groups seeking an ideal hub from which to do business within the EU, Middle East and North African markets.

Our Qualifications

A Team of Specialist at your Service

YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR MISSION

Our immigration attorneys are government-licensed "Authorised Registered Mandatories", a designation required by the Malta Government to file Malta citizenship or residency applications.

Our team includes immigration specialists working exclusively on Malta citizenship and residency matters, and will stand by your side throughout the entire application process, from start to finish. We will work with you until your Malta citizenship or residency by investment application has been approved and you have received your residence or citizenship certificate.

Apart from our expertise in immigration law, we offer comprehensive assistance in real estate acquisition and leasing. Additionally, our associates specialize in company formation and provide tax advisory services to a diverse clientele, including high net worth individuals, owner-managed businesses, and larger corporations.

Services offered:

Advising you on your chances of success before filing your application;
Providing you with pre-immigration legal and tax advice;
Guiding you with the preparation of supporting documentation;
Vetting and preparing all supporting documentation for submission;
Corresponding and liaising with government authorities on your behalf during the application process;
Obtaining application progress updates on your behalf.

Additional services (if needed):

Assisting with the Malta real estate purchase and lease process, from start to finish;
Providing legal and notarial representation on purchase, rental, and re-sale of Malta property;
Advising on personal and corporate international tax planning;
Dealing with all periodical tax matters, including annual returns and tax payments;
Drawing up of wills, international probate;
Assisting with the administration of estates, foundations, and trusts;
Advising on the formation and management of trading and holding companies in Malta;
Assisting with yacht registration & VAT planning.

Transparency, honesty, and integrity are at the core of our values. Your satisfaction is our top priority. For your convenience, our expert consultants are adept in a variety of modern communication channels, including email, phone, chat, Zoom, and in-office meetings. We look forward to working with you!

Zenturo Ltd.

Residency & Citizenship by Investment Programs Worldwide

394A / 395A, Triq il-Kbira San Guzepp
Santa Venera, SVR 1016
Malta

Phone: +356 9950 5515
WhatsApp: +356 9991 4125
Telegram: +356 9991 4125
WeChat 微信: ZenturoSupport
Skype: Zenturo Ltd. Support

Service Inquiries: service@zenturo.com
General Counsel: legal@zenturo.com

Company Registration No.: C-39472
VAT ID: MT-18142026

All of our Malta immigration attorneys are government-licensed
Authorised Registered Mandatories.
License: AKM-DALI

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Immigration by Investment Press Coverage:

MALTA (EU) RESIDENCY & CITIZENSHIP

European Residency & Citizenship: Security. Opportunity. A Better Life.

Building a Future in Malta: Long-Term Residency and Citizenship Options.
Welcome to the European Union!

European Safety, Education, and Opportunity - All in One Passport