Malta Citizenship by Merit: Application Stages

Updated stage roadmap for Malta Citizenship by Merit (CBM).

Update (September 2026): This article reflects our revised outline of the CBM application stages. Malta Citizenship by Merit launched only about eight months ago, and as the framework and its procedures become clearer in practice, we are refining how we describe the stages and the order in which they take place. We will continue to update this page as the process matures.

We work with qualified candidates interested in Malta Citizenship by Merit (CBM), Malta's discretionary, merit-based route to citizenship.

Below is a compact overview of the application stages, the activities involved at each step, and indicative timelines so you can plan your path with clarity.

The Roadmap at a Glance

Stage 0 – Citizenship Proposal Outline Preparation and Assessment (≈1 week)

Before you commit to the substantial government and professional fees of a full application, Zenturo begins with a low-cost, refundable preliminary stage. We complete initial AML/KYC screening, review your background and intended contribution (for example, a charitable initiative, a new business, or a cultural, research or sustainability project), and draft a preliminary proposal outline assessed against the government's Malta Vision 2050 priorities. You’ll have a private session with our immigration advisor and licensed attorney to refine direction.
The purpose of this stage is simple: it lets you gauge your realistic chance of success before committing to expensive fees, or starting a formal application with a weak or poorly aligned proposal. Because the fee is refundable, there is little downside to confirming your case is worth pursuing first.
Result: Readiness assessment + recommended next steps.

Stage 1 – Residency (Malta Residency Application) (≈2–3 months)

We prepare and submit your Malta residency application, which is the first formal stage in the citizenship application process. We’ll collect and organize all supporting documents, and coordinate biometrics.
Result: Residency cards, enabling Schengen travel and establishing eligibility for citizenship.

Stage 2 – Due Diligence (Malta Citizenship Eligibility Application) (≈4–6 months)

We compile and file the full citizenship eligibility application and supporting documentation. This may be filed after maintaining residence status for eight months, with no obligation to live in Malta continuously during that period. The authorities then conduct detailed due diligence on integrity, source of funds, and overall fit under CBM.
Result: A complete eligibility case file submitted and, subject to favorable due diligence findings, citizenship eligibility approval.

Stage 3 – Merit Proposal (prepared alongside Stage 2; varies by complexity)

We develop the full Citizenship by Merit proposal, aligning your achievements with Malta’s national priorities — innovation, culture, sustainability, and social impact — and with the Vision 2050 plan, liaising with attorneys, economists, universities, NGOs and other stakeholders as needed. The effort here varies widely: a contribution or donation-based proposal is relatively light, while a company-formation proposal might require a detailed business plan, financial model, job-creation commitments, and other operational details, and can be a substantial undertaking in its own right.
In practice, Stage 3 (Merit Proposal) is prepared in parallel with Stage 2 (Due Diligence) and submitted together as one case file.
Result: A complete merit proposal submitted with the eligibility case, subject to government acceptance of the proposed contribution.

Stage 4 – Naturalization: Final Citizenship Application (≈1–2 months)

We handle the final filings, Oath of Allegiance, and issuance logistics.
Result: Certificate of Naturalization and Maltese (EU) passport.

Optional – Proposal Implementation & Compliance Reporting (as needed)

Where relevant, we support implementation of your merit-based contribution and help you meet any ongoing reporting requirements — business formation and implementation support, annual compliance reporting, investment monitoring, philanthropic project reporting, and liaison with the Maltese authorities on ongoing proposal obligations.
Result: Confirmed implementation and ongoing compliance.

If you have any questions about the CBM framework, or if you’d like to begin with Stage 0 to assess the strength of your qualifications and eligibility before starting an application or making any investment, please email us at service@zenturo.com or use our contact form to schedule your confidential consultation.

We look forward to working with you!

Take the Quiz: Malta (EU) Residency or Citizenship. Which one is right for me?

Find out if you qualify for Malta permanent residency or Malta citizenship, including an EU passport / dual citizenship status.

Program Interest

Permanent Residency: Non‑EU nationals who obtain permanent residence in Malta under the MPRP program are granted the right to live, work, study, or retire in Malta. The program requires a minimum investment from €99,000, in addition to either purchasing or renting property, along with applicable professional and legal fees.

Citizenship: Malta citizenship under the Malta Citizenship by Merit framework grants the right to live, work, study, or retire in Malta, along with access to public healthcare and education. It also provides an EU passport, allowing holders to live and work in any EU member state, not just Malta. Eligible applicants typically include individuals with exceptional achievements in science, technology, or innovation; those distinguished in culture, the arts, or sports; business leaders and entrepreneurs whose ventures create employment in Malta; and philanthropic or humanitarian figures whose work and contributions demonstrates a broader international impact.

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Eligibility Screening

Do you have a criminal record?

Are you a Politically Exposed Person (PEP)?

Are you a citizen of one of the currently prohibited countries (Afghanistan, Belarus, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Venezuela)?

Contact Information

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.

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