CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT BLOG

Malta Citizenship Program Update: Promising Developments

Legislative steps underway. Could a New Citizenship Program Be on the Horizon?

Earlier this year, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) issued a ruling that has significantly reshaped the landscape of investment migration across the European Union. The ruling found that Malta’s former citizenship-by-investment framework was incompatible with EU principles. See our related blog post here. At the heart of the decision was a concern that granting citizenship based solely on financial investment, without a meaningful connection to the country, undermined the integrity of EU citizenship itself.  
Benefits of EU Residency

In response to the ruling, the Maltese government has taken the first legislative step to bring its citizenship laws into alignment with EU expectations (Source). A bill, presented by Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, has now completed its first reading in Parliament.

Here’s what we know so far:

   • Purpose: The bill aims to amend existing legislation in line with the European Court’s judgment.

   • Status: As is standard during the first reading, the full text and specific provisions have not yet been made public.

   • Implications: Any future citizenship framework is expected to be fundamentally different - requiring demonstrable and substantial ties to Malta.

   • Security for the Past: The government has confirmed that individuals who previously acquired citizenship under earlier schemes will not be affected. (Source)


What This Means for Global Investors and Families

While the previous citizenship-by-investment program is being phased out, the introduction of this bill marks a promising first step toward a new, EU-compliant framework. We anticipate that any future program will require more rigorous qualifications, with a clear emphasis on genuine integration and connection to Malta.

That said, this move also suggests that Malta may soon offer a renewed, credible pathway to citizenship - one that balances EU legal standards with opportunity for those who meet the higher bar.

If you would like to get a head-start by initiating an application even before the full details are available, or receive early updates should a new Malta citizenship program be formally announced, please don’t hesitate to reach out.


Your Zenturo Team



Because immigration by investment programs can change 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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