CBM — Steps & Timeline

As of 2025-10-20

CBM progresses through screening, file build, eligibility submission, due-diligence, merit review, decision, oath/pledge, and passport—timelines depend on case readiness.

Step-by-step

• Stage 0 — Citizenship Proposal Outline Preparation and Assessment
  Government-mandated AML/KYC screening, then a structured consult to map your background and intended contribution (e.g., local charity support, new business, or other qualifying initiative). We prepare a proposal outline that matches your profile with Malta’s strategic interests, review your planned contributions, and determine the next steps together.
  Targeted result: Completed initial due-diligence, strength assessment of contribution, recommended actions.
  Indicative timing: ~1 week.
• Stage 1 — Malta Residency Application
  Preparation and filing of the mandatory temporary residency application: forms, document collation, and coordination of your biometrics appointment with the Maltese authorities.
  Targeted result: Malta residency cards (Schengen travel enablement) and CBM eligibility platform.
  Indicative timing: 2–3 months.
• Stage 2 — Citizenship Proposal Preparation
  We build the full merit case: achievements, Malta-focused impact, feasibility, governance, and delivery plan across themes such as innovation, culture, sustainability, or social impact. Evidence is indexed for quick verification.
  Targeted result: Complete merit proposal ready for submission.
  Indicative timing: Varies by proposal complexity.
• Stage 3 — Citizenship Eligibility Application
  The most technical step: we prepare and file the formal eligibility application. Authorities run extensive multi-jurisdiction due-diligence (identity, integrity, source of funds/wealth). We manage RFIs and top-ups.
  Targeted result: Eligibility approval under CBM.
  Indicative timing: ~4–6 months.
• Stage 4 — Malta Citizenship Application
  Following eligibility approval, we finalize and file the citizenship application, schedule the oath/pledge, and coordinate issuance of your Certificate of Naturalization and passport.
  Targeted result: Confirmation of Maltese (EU) citizenship and passport issuance.
  Indicative timing: ~1–2 months.
• Stage 5 — Implementation & Ongoing Monitoring (optional)
  Post-grant support to implement your merit contribution and manage any ongoing compliance or progress reporting the authority may require.
  Targeted result: Successful implementation and any required compliance confirmations.
  Indicative timing: As needed.

Notes: Timeframes are indicative and depend on document readiness, third-party lead times, and authority workload.

Indicative timeline

• Screening & file build: ~4–10 weeks (document readiness drives pace).
• Eligibility submission → decision: often several months, depending on diligence complexity and merit review.
• Oath/pledge & passport: typically a few weeks after approval, subject to scheduling and civil issuance.

Note: Timelines are indicative; individual circumstances, third-party lead times, and authority workload affect duration.

FAQs

What speeds up CBM processing?

Submitting a complete, well-indexed file on day one and replying to diligence queries within 48–72 hours helps significantly. Pre-order police certificates, align civil names across documents, and prepare clear source-of-wealth trails to avoid follow-ups. Decide early on any in-person touchpoints and keep time-sensitive items (bank statements, insurance, certificates) on a refresh schedule.

Is there an interview?

Interviews are not routine. The authority typically requests clarifications in writing through your representative, and may invite discussion only if needed. Keep responses factual, consistent with your file, and supported by documentary evidence to prevent secondary queries.

Which stages require physical presence?

Biometrics and the oath/pledge are in-person. Depending on your case, additional brief visits may be advisable to strengthen your genuine link. Living in Malta year-round during residency or after receiving citizenship is not required. Instead, applicants can demonstrate a genuine link with the country through visits, property, business, community or philanthropic engagement. We’ll guide you on the best way to meet this requirement. 

What causes most delays?

Late police certificates from multiple jurisdictions, gaps in source-of-wealth evidence, and inconsistent civil records are the usual culprits. Start these items early, verify legalization/apostille requirements, and maintain a refresh plan for documents that expire mid-process. Consistency across names, dates, and addresses dramatically reduces back-and-forth.

Can I add family after submission?

Yes. Add-ons are possible subject to eligibility and procedure, but they trigger incremental review and timeline adjustments. Be ready with updated civil status proofs, dependency evidence (where relevant), and fresh identity documents for each added family member.

How should I package my “merit” evidence?

We develop a structured merit proposal with an executive summary, a merits matrix mapping your achievements to Malta’s desired outcomes, and a clear delivery plan. Appendices should include press, awards, MOUs, letters of support, milestones, and outcome data so reviewers can verify impact quickly. Cross-reference every claim to evidence with stable filenames and page numbers for easy auditability.

Are originals required at filing?

Certified scans typically suffice initially; originals or legalized/apostilled copies may be requested later for verification. Keep all originals organized and ready for rapid couriering, and confirm country-specific legalization rules in advance to avoid last-minute scrambling.

How do name or date mismatches get handled?

Provide change-of-name deeds, affidavits, or civil registry extracts that reconcile differences, and ensure the same spellings across passports, birth/marriage certificates, and bank records. A one-page discrepancy memo listing each variance and the supporting document that fixes it helps reviewers process your file faster.

Can crypto-origin funds slow the process?

Not if well-documented. Provide provenance (on-chain where relevant), KYC’d exchange/custody records, compliant off-ramping trails, and—where useful—auditor letters that translate technical detail for reviewers. Align your disclosures with tax filings and bank records to show a consistent, lawful source of wealth narrative.

What happens after approval?

You’ll complete any final formalities, schedule and attend the oath/pledge, then proceed to civil registration and passport application. We’ll provide a step-by-step checklist, book appointments, and coordinate document hand-offs so issuance proceeds smoothly.