Q: What is the Malta Citizenship by Merit Program?

A: The Malta Citizenship by Merit Program is the country’s newly established pathway for granting EU citizenship to distinguished individuals who demonstrate exceptional contributions across sectors such as science, entrepreneurship, culture, and global impact. Unlike previous models focused primarily on investment thresholds, this program recognizes talent, innovation, and strategic value to the nation.

The Merit Program replaces Malta’s former “Citizenship by Exceptional Services” initiative, which officially closed in April 2025 following an extensive government review. That program had gained international attention for its rigorous vetting and transparent process but was sunset to make way for a more merit-oriented, reputation-enhancing framework.

Slated to launch in September 2025, the Citizenship by Merit Program introduces elevated standards for applicants and emphasizes integrity, reputation, and long-term engagement with Malta. It reflects Malta’s vision of citizenship not merely as a transactional benefit, but as a privilege earned through demonstrable excellence.

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Q: What are the benefits of Malta citizenship?

A: Malta citizenship offers many benefits to applicants; international business executives, investors, public figures, VIPs, and affluent citizens of other countries consider an alternative citizenship and passport a powerful tool for international tax planning and 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). There is no requirement for Malta citizens to live in Malta once citizenship has been received. The Malta passport is rated as one of the most valuable passports in the world.

The benefits of Malta citizenship include permanent rights, privileges, and protections. Because Malta is a member of the European Union, Malta citizenship also allows applicants to live, work, and retire in all other EU member countries. Malta citizenship isn’t just a travel document - it’s a long-term investment in global mobility, legacy planning, and lifestyle optimization.

The time to process an application for Malta citizenship and start to receive citizenship benefits takes between 12 to 16 months.

Benefits of Malta citizenship include:

Summary
What are the benefits of Malta citizenship? There are many benefits to holding Maltese citizenship, including living/working/retiring in a safe European country with a warm climate, access to first-class healthcare and education, and the right to travel freely across Europe and over 180 destinations. The Malta (EU) passport is considered one of the most valuable passports in the world. English is spoken widely, and applicants are allowed to keep their original citizenship / passports because Malta allows dual citizenship status. 

Main Points: Malta citizenship benefits

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Q: What is the difference between residency and citizenship in Malta?

A: Malta citizenship offers permanent rights, protections, and full access to the benefits of Maltese nationality, including the ability to live, work, and study across all European Union member states. Citizens may apply for a Maltese passport, ranked among the most powerful in the world, and are not required to reside in Malta to maintain their status.

In contrast, residency - whether temporary or permanent - permits individuals to live in Malta but does not extend the privileges of EU citizenship. Temporary residency typically grants stay for a defined period, while permanent residency allows indefinite residence within Malta. However, residents are encouraged to spend meaningful time in the country, even though Malta has not set a minimum-stay requirement.

The application timeline differs as well: Malta residency can be granted within two to three weeks of filing, while full citizenship through merit typically takes 12 to 16 months. Residency often serves as the first step toward citizenship, but naturalization via traditional means can take a decade or longer.

Malta offers multiple pathways depending on applicant profile, including temporary residency, permanent residency, and citizenship through the Merit-Based Citizenship Program. Dual citizenship is permitted, allowing individuals to retain their original nationality while gaining EU citizenship status.

Summary:

Residency grants the right to live in Malta. Citizenship confers full national rights, EU mobility, and the option to hold a Maltese passport. Only citizens can access Malta’s social services, vote, or work without restrictions. While residency can lead to citizenship by naturalization over many years, Malta’s merit-based program offers a much faster route.

Main Points: Differences between Malta Citizenship and Residency

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Q: What is the cost of the Malta Citizenship by Merit program?

A: Malta no longer grants citizenship solely based on financial contributions. Instead, applicants must now meet merit-based criteria, such as cultural, scientific, economic, or philanthropic contributions to Malta. While financial investment may still be part of one’s profile, it's no longer a guaranteed route to citizenship.

Bottom line: There is no fixed cost anymore. Eligibility depends on merit, meaningful engagement, and alignment with Malta’s national interest.

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

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Q: What is the cost of the Malta permanent residence program (MPRP)?

A: The cost of Malta MPRP permanent residency is around €99,000 plus fees and property rental (or purchase).

There are three main types of expenses: government-mandated investments, government application fees, and legal fees.

Investment breakdown:

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Q: Does Malta allow dual citizenship with the United States?

A: Yes—Malta permits dual citizenship with the United States as well as many other countries. This means eligible applicants can retain their original passport and also acquire a Maltese passport.

However, while Malta and the U.S. recognize dual nationality, it’s important to verify your home country’s stance. Some countries, such as China, prohibit dual citizenship and may require you to renounce your original nationality before acquiring another.

Malta has long allowed dual citizenship, with legal pathways including birth, registration, naturalization, and the fast-track Citizenship by Merit Program. Similarly, the United States does not require its citizens to relinquish U.S. nationality when obtaining a second citizenship.

If your country of origin permits it, you - and eligible family members - can enjoy dual citizenship in Malta. The Maltese government imposes no restrictions on holding both Maltese and foreign nationalities. As a Maltese citizen, you gain access to full EU privileges, including the freedom to live, work, and study across Europe.

Key benefits of Malta citizenship include visa-free travel to over 180 countries (including the U.S., Canada, and the UK), access to world-class healthcare and education, and the ability to preserve personal and financial freedom across jurisdictions.

Summary:

Can U.S. citizens apply for dual citizenship? Yes, United States citizens can keep their US passport because Malta allows all applicants to keep the citizenship of their origin. Applicants from the US are free to choose between keeping their US citizenship or renouncing it after Malta citizenship has been granted. Applicants from other countries should check with their governments to confirm their country allows dual citizenship. While most countries have no restrictions on obtaining a second nationality, some countries do not allow their citizens to hold a second passport.

Main Points: Malta Dual Citizenship

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Q: What is the difference between the Global Residence Program (GRP), and the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?

A: The Maltese Global Residence Program (GRP) offers 1-year residency in Malta, 90-day visa-free travel to all European countries within the Schengen area, and the option to apply for a Malta work permit.

However, residency status under the GRP program needs to be renewed annually to avoid expiration. The annual expense, a minimum tax, to renew residency is approximately €15,000. Further, the applicant is required to rent a residence at an annual lease of no less than €8,750 (a property purchase is also acceptable). Thus, the total minimum expense to renew the GRP permit each year is approximately €24,000 plus fees.

GRP visa applicants can also benefit from Malta's low flat tax rate of 15% chargeable on all income remitted to Malta from foreign sources, subject to a minimum annual tax of EUR 15,000. To take advantage of the tax benefit GRP applicants must refrain from staying in any other jurisdiction for more than 182 days and becoming a tax resident in that other country.

Processing can be as fast as 3-4 months. The GRP does not lead to Malta citizenship, and it does not result in receiving a Malta passport.


The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) leads to residency (meaning the permission to live in Malta as long as desired), visa-free travel to all European countries within the Schengen area for 90 out of 180 days, but unlike the GRP it has no recurring minimum tax. In other words, the MPRP does not need to be renewed each year.

The applicant can choose between purchasing a property, or renting a property. If purchasing, the minimum property value must be EUR 375,000. If renting a property, the minimum rental amount must be 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 needs to prove ownership of assets valued at (A) EUR 500,000 or more, which may include bank deposits, stocks/bonds/mutual funds, real estate, and similar, with at least EUR 150,000 in liquid funds, or (B) EUR 650,000 with at least EUR 75,000 in liquid assets.

The MPRP program leads to Maltese residency within a few weeks, but just like the GRP program it does not lead to the Maltese (EU) citizenship and the Malta passport. Residents may file a citizenship application after 5 years in residency status, but any citizenship application may be approved or rejected entirely at the discretion of the minister and the department in charge. There is no guarantee that an approval will be granted, and any approval typically takes 10-15 years!

The following table compares both residency programs:
 

These cost estimates are exclusive of attorney fees and will vary based upon the number of family members to be included. Please contact us for a checklist of all required application documents and to receive a detailed quotation. If you are planning to apply for more than one family ask us about a group discount.

For an additional in-depth discussion and frequently asked questions about the Malta permanent residence (MPRP) program please see our in-depth MPRP FAQ page.

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Q: What is the difference between the Ordinary Residence (OR) program and The Residence Program (TRP)?

A: Both programs are only available for EU nationals, meaning applicants who are already a citizen of another EU member country. Both programs allow EU citizens to live in Malta indefinitely. The Residence Program (TRP) offers a special flat tax of 15% on income brought into Malta (EUR 15,000 annual tax minimum) which makes this program especially attractive to high income individuals. These programs do not lead to Malta citizenship / the Malta passport.

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Q: Are your attorneys licensed by the Malta government?

A: Yes. Our immigration attorneys are Licensed Agents by the Community Malta Agency (Aġenzija Komunita' Malta) / Authorized Registered Mandatories.

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Q: Do you get citizenship if you buy real estate in Malta?

A: Applicants cannot buy Maltese citizenship, nor will they receive citizenship for only investing in Malta real estate. Instead, applicants under the Malta Citizenship by Merit program must demonstrate they meet all eligibility requirements.

Summary
Does buying real estate in Malta give you citizenship? Purchasing or renting a personal residence in Malta is only one of several expenses when applying for the Malta citizenship program. Malta offers several options for residency or citizenship, including temporary residency, permanent residence (Golden Visa), or Malta citizenship, and all programs require the applicant to purchase or lease a personal property in Malta. In addition to renting or buying a personal residence, applicants must meet all other program requirements.
 

Main Points: Malta citizenship for real estate investment

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Q: How easy is it to get Malta citizenship?

A: While traditional naturalization in Malta can take over a decade, the Citizenship by Merit program offers a streamlined path for qualified applicants - typically completed within 12 to 16 months. That said, “easy” doesn’t mean effortless. The process involves careful coordination and compliance at each step.

Applicants must work with a government-licensed legal agent to prepare and submit a complete file. This includes detailed forms and supporting documentation for all family members. The government then conducts rigorous due diligence and background checks to verify eligibility and integrity.

Only licensed agents may submit your case to the Maltese authorities, and approval is solely at the discretion of the government. If approved, new citizens may apply for the Maltese (EU) passport, enabling visa-free travel to over 180 countries and the right to live in any EU member state.

In short: Malta citizenship isn’t “automatic,” but with the right guidance and preparation, the merit-based program is one of the fastest and most straightforward EU pathways available.

Summary
Is it easy to get the Malta citizenship? Applying for a residency or citizenship program in Malta is a regulated procedure that requires following well-defined application steps, submitting detailed application forms, and passing all due diligence checks. Applicants must also pay certain government fees, prove merit, as well as purchase or lease residential real estate property. Application processing for the citizenship program can take 12-16 months until citizenship is granted.

Main Points: Is Malta Citizenship Easy

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Q: How will new citizens be taxed?

A: Malta taxation is only based on domicile (your permanent home), and not on residency or citizenship status.

Under Maltese Law, at birth you automatically acquire your domicile status (Domicile of Origin) from your father. If your father later changes his domicile to a new location (Domicile of Choice), yours automatically changes to this new location as well. On attaining the age of 18, you are allowed to acquire a new domicile of choice, but there is no such requirement.

This means if you don’t make Malta your domicile, then only income and capital gains generated from activities inside Malta are fully taxable. Income, such as from employment, arising outside of Malta and not sent to Malta is not taxable. In addition, capital gains or savings generated outside of Malta even if brought into Malta are not taxable for non-domiciled residents.

In other words, tax is due only on (a) income generated inside of Malta, (b) capital gains arising inside of Malta, and (c) income generated outside of Malta and remitted to Malta.

Other Tax Considerations:

Given the complexity of tax matters, we recommend consulting a licensed tax advisor for personalized guidance. Should you require assistance, we can facilitate an introduction to a qualified Maltese tax professional. Kindly contact us for further information or to schedule an appointment.
 

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Q: Can I include my family with my Malta citizenship application?

A: Yes. The main applicant for Maltese citizenship may include a spouse or long-term partner (gender neutral), children under 18 years of age, financially dependent adult children under the age of 29, and parents and grandparents over the age of 55.

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Q: Will my citizenship expire?

A: No. When you acquire Malta citizenship you and your family enjoy full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations by descent.
 

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Q: How long does it take to get Malta citizenship?

A: The Malta Citizenship by Merit program typically takes 12 to 16 months, with the exact timeline depending on how quickly the applicant provides required documentation.

Applicants first obtain Malta residency, usually within a few weeks, by submitting initial documents. This grants an E-Residence card, which acts like a Schengen Visa for travel across Europe.

The second step is the citizenship application itself, including a comprehensive background check and vetting process. Once approved, the applicant receives Maltese citizenship and their EU passport.

Benefits include:

Summary
How long is the processing time to get the Malta citizenship? Malta residency is granted in a few weeks after application processing, which is the first step of the citizenship application procedure. Malta citizenship processing, which is the second step in the application procedure, takes 12 - 16 months. Processing times also depend on how fast the applicant can provide the required documentation, such as a clean police record.

   

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Q: Can you help me find suitable real estate in Malta?

A: Yes. Please review available properties with pictures and prices on our Malta real estate page.

In addition, we offer a full range of professional real estate services to buyers; please request our "Malta Real Estate Services" brochure for details.

Further, we are associated with licensed real estate agencies and developers in Malta and can help you find a property that fulfills all requirements. We will ensure that your preferred property meets the minimum standards of your residency or citizenship application as many properties currently do not meet these requirements. Having rented or bought a property that does not meet the government regulation can lead to a lot of frustration and additional expenses when trying to bring such a property up to code.

Our professional relationships in Malta guarantee to our clients a smooth, comprehensive service that includes identifying suitable properties, providing transport for property viewings, drafting/reviewing legal contracts, and/or liaising with local notaries and architects as needed.

When you decide on a property for purchase we can set up a Power of Attorney to appear on your behalf without the need for you to travel to Malta to finalize the transaction.

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Q: How soon can I sell my Malta real estate?

A: Property held under the Malta citizenship program needs to be held for five years. After this period, property in Malta can be sold completely exempt from tax if it has been held for three years as the resident’s sole and ordinary residence. If the property is sold before having been used as the resident’s sole residence for three years, a final property tax of 12% is chargeable on the selling price.

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Q: Do I need to invest in a Malta company and create jobs to qualify for the citizenship program?

A: While the Malta Citizenship by Merit program does not mandate business investment or job creation, these activities may strengthen your application. Demonstrating a positive economic impact, such as creating jobs in Malta or supporting local enterprises, can be viewed as a meaningful contribution aligned with the merit-based criteria.

Unlike programs such as the EB-5 Investor Visa in the United States, Malta does not impose specific investment thresholds or employment targets. However, applicants who generate employment, contribute to innovation, or expand Malta’s economic footprint may be considered favorably under the program’s discretionary framework.

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Q: Will the Malta citizenship automatically grant me European citizenship?

A: Yes. Because Malta is a member of the European Union its citizens are automatically European citizens, which means you are allowed to live, work or study anywhere in Europe. If you are ready to file an application please contact us for additional information. 

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Q: What is Malta's position on fintech / cryptocurrency / blockchain technology?

A: Malta is rapidly becoming a leading jurisdiction for fintech innovation, particularly in blockchain and digital assets. The country's progressive regulatory framework covers traders, asset managers, and exchange platforms - positioning Malta as one of the most welcoming environments globally for the sector.

Importantly, under the Citizenship by Merit program, impactful fintech initiatives may be recognized as valuable contributions to Malta’s economic and technological development. Projects that demonstrate innovation, create jobs, or strengthen Malta’s fintech ecosystem could be considered favorably within the merit-based assessment criteria.

Our affiliated crypto and blockchain professionals are recognized thought leaders and can advise you on best practices and strategic positioning for fintech ventures in Malta. Please use our fintech contact form for tailored guidance and further information.

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Q: Can you help me with applying for the Malta Retirement Programme (MRP)?

A: Yes, the Malta retirement program is targeted at retirees (EU and non-EU nationals) who receive at least 75% of their income from a pension. Applicants must purchase or rent a personal residence in Malta.

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Q: Can you help me with applying for the Malta Nomad Residence Permit (MNRP)?

A: Yes, the "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. Family members, including a spouse or partner, minor children, and dependent adult children, maybe included on the application of the main applicant. The visa is valid for one year, and may be renewed at the discretion of the Malta government. The Nomad Residence Permit does not entitle the holder to social benefits in Malta, and it does not lead to Malta residency or citizenship / the Malta (EU) passport.

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Q: Can you help me with finding a job?

A: The Maltese immigration pathways, including citizenship by merit and residence by investment, are designed to attract individuals with distinguished accomplishments, professional achievements, and the financial means to contribute to Malta’s economy and society. While we cannot assist with job placement, please note: New citizens do not require any work authorization - they are eligible to work freely in all EU member states. New residents may apply for a Malta work permit but must independently secure employment opportunities.

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Q: Can you help me get a tourist or a student visa?

A: Sorry, we cannot assist with tourist or student visas. However, if your intent is to file an application for residency or citizenship we may assist with the initial travel visa to schedule an in-person appointment at our offices.

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Q: What does "Schengen Area" mean?

A: Malta citizenship allows you to travel without restrictions across the "Schengen Area" of the European Union. The Schengen Area is a group of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and immigration controls at their common borders. It functions as a single country for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. Source: Wikipedia

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Q: Will I be able to travel to the United States with the Malta passport?

A: Yes. The Malta passport will allow you to travel to the U.S. under the visa waiver program which allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less. Source: U.S. Government


Please contact us for a detailed cost estimate or confidential consultation in person, or by phone, Zoom, or email. Our attorneys are ready to assist you with attaining your investment objectives and answer any questions you might have about immigrating to Malta.