Malta Citizenship: Accepted Project Categories

Malta’s Citizenship by Merit framework is entering a more active phase.

As Malta’s Citizenship by Merit framework is taking clearer shape, applicants in key areas of interest may benefit from starting sooner rather than later. Certain sectors currently attracting heightened interest for new proposals.

Citizenship by Merit Categories

At present, we are seeing particularly strong momentum for profiles aligned with education, energy and environment, sport, and cultural heritage. For individuals active in these areas—or with a genuine affinity for them—this may be an especially timely moment to explore the process.

As submissions increase across the industry, competition is expected to grow. Early applicants may therefore be better positioned while these projects remain open and relatively unsaturated.

Importantly, these categories are not defined by credentials alone. The framework focuses on meaningful contribution to Malta, which can take many forms depending on the applicant’s background—such as mentoring or teaching, skills and knowledge transfer, intellectual property development, sector building initiatives, or targeted financial support for projects offering long term national value.

This is why early preparation matters. A strong case requires careful assessment, documentation, and strategic alignment well before submission.

If your background may fit one of these priority areas, now is a good time to review the framework details on our website and speak with us about next steps.

The sooner a case is properly assessed, the sooner the proposal can be shaped, documented, and aligned in a way that is credible, strategic, and ready for submission. Please don't hesitate to contact us.

In a fast moving environment, starting early can make a real difference.

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 government contributions, fees and a donation from €99,000 in total, 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 demonstrate 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.

About the Author

Zenturo Ltd. is a government-licensed Malta immigration firm that has advised individuals and families on Maltese citizenship and residency since 2013. This article was prepared by Zenturo’s editorial team and draws on our hands-on experience preparing and filing Malta applications under the current framework.

Zenturo’s Malta applications are filed by a government-licensed attorney, Dr. Alexei Dalli (Residency Malta Agency license RES-DALI; formerly Komunita’ Malta AKM-DALI), authorised to represent applicants before the Maltese authorities.

Beyond the application, each client works with a dedicated manager — backed by a team across multiple time zones — with ongoing help, through specialist partners, on property, banking, schooling, and company or trust formation long after approval.

Speak with our team for a confidential assessment of your situation. We reply within one hour — 24/7.

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