Applying for citizenship is never an easy process in the
EU. Malta residents who want to become a citizen by naturalization
the traditional way might need to wait for 10 to 15 years or longer
for approvals.
Applying under the
Malta Citizenship by Merit (CBM) framework
is much faster. Applicants can typically receive Maltese citizenship
between 12 to 16 months, and Malta residency status after only
two to three weeks from the start of the application.
The process of applying for Malta citizenship
includes the completion of detailed application forms and
the collection of various supporting documents for the main
applicant and any family members or dependants.
Further, the application process entails a strict
due-diligence procedure, including background checks to
ensure the applicant has no criminal record. Minor infractions
should be explained and cleared with the Malta government
before an application is filed. Only the Malta government
has the authority to approve or reject an application for
citizenship.
Applying for Malta citizenship under the
CBM framework requires demonstrating exceptional merit through
contributions to Malta’s economy, science, research, technology, sport, entrepreneurship, or culture and the arts. This includes
submitting a formal proposal outline that aligns with Malta's
strategic interests, such as innovation, philanthropy, or
entrepreneurship.
In addition, a purchase or rental of residential real estate in Malta
indicates commitment and a genuine link with the country.
Once
citizenship is granted, Malta citizens receive the Malta passport
(the EU passport) and can live in any of the other EU member
countries. Malta citizenship further allows you visa-free
travel to over 180 destinations, including the US, Canada,
and the UK.
Summary:
Is it easy to get Malta citizenship? The process of
applying for residency or citizenship through the merit
framework in Malta follows a regulated procedure, involving
specific application stages, comprehensive merit-based proposals,
and successful completion of all due diligence checks. Applicants
are also required to fulfill merit-based contribution requirements
and acquire residential real estate property through purchase or lease
to establish a genuine link. The processing
time for the CBM framework typically
ranges from 12 to 16 months until citizenship is granted,
while residency can be obtained within approximately two
weeks.
Main Points: Is Malta Citizenship Easy?
- Malta citizenship program is strictly regulated
- Multi-tier due diligence is applied to all applicants
- A clean criminal record is required
- A formal merit-based proposal is mandatory
- Purchase or rental indicates commitment and genuine link
- Applicants must be 18 years of age
- Residency processing is 2-3 weeks
- Citizenship takes approximately 12-16 months
Because residency and citizenship frameworks can evolve over time
please
contact us to speak with an advisor or to receive a preliminary
quotation. The information provided in this blog post is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal or financial advice.
Everything you need to know about Malta citizenship,
residency, and real estate.
Malta Citizenship
Malta Residency
Malta Real Estate
Click here for the
Malta citizenship by merit framework.
Click here for the
Malta residency programs.
To start the application process online please
register here.
For a detailed cost estimate or to schedule a confidential consultation
please use our
contact form.
