Malta Citizenship by Investment

David Davies

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January 20, 2025

Malta citizenship by investment is the only active CBI programme in European Union, known as Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment. This programme requires a period of residency, making it somewhat distinct from the straightforward Caribbean CBI programmes such as Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia. It is also considerably more expensive than such programmes. Below, we explain the basics of citizenship by investment in Malta, as well as alternative methods of obtaining Maltese citizenship.

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Citizenship by investment in Malta is a unique programme, and no other EU country offers a comparative scheme. Citizenship carries all the benefits of being an EU citizen, including the freedom to live, work and travel freely throughout the EU. As such, it has seen significant interest from investors despite its high cost.

The programme is currently subject to a legal challenge from the EU Commission on the alleged basis that it undermines the principles of the EU. Malta has rigorously defended its right to determine who may become citizens of its country, and in November 2024, the Advocate General issued a very strongly drafted legal opinion that the EU Commission’s case be dismissed. Although this opinion is not binding on the Court of Justice of the European Union, which has the final say and is due to give its judgment in 2025, the court typically follows the Advocate General’s opinion, so it looks highly likely that the Malta Citizenship by Investment programme is here to stay.

At least part of the controversy has stemmed from the fact that the Malta citizenship by investment programme essentially accelerates the route to naturalised citizenship by the making of significant payments to the government rather than investing in the country (with potential returns) as with other EU golden visa schemes which are designed to enable residency leading to citizenship after a prolonged period. Such schemes are not uncommon in the rest of the world (for example, all the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment countries allow for a contribution as an alternative to an investment in real estate, funds, bonds or business), but this is not the case in the EU.

The number of passports granted under the current Malta citizenship by investment programme is limited to 400 main applicants per year and a total of 1,500 citizenships. The current programme replaced a previous programme when it reached its maximum of 1,800 citizenships granted, so this may not be the last programme implemented.

Why Choose Malta for CBI?

Malta is a member of the European Union, so citizenship comes with all the rights and benefits that EU members enjoy, such as freedom of travel and residence and the ability to work throughout the EU. Some of the important reasons why choose Malta are:

high quality of life and public services
economic stability
Mediterranean climate
Malta is well-located and linked for international travel

Is Dual Citizenship Allowed in Malta?

Malta permits its citizens to hold dual citizenship. You will need to consider whether your existing country(ies) of citizenship permits dual citizenship.

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Citizenship by Investment in Malta Requirements

Residency Requirements

To apply for citizenship by investment, the main applicant must have applied for and obtained residency through an authorised agent and been resident in Malta for at least the preceding 36 months or, at an increased cost, at least the preceding 12 months.

Minimum Investment Criteria

Once the residency period has been satisfied, an applicant may apply for citizenship by investment. The requirements are:

The non-refundable exceptional direct investment of EUR 600,000 or EUR 750,000 if applying after more than 12 months but less than 36 months’ residency; and
the purchase of a residential property worth at least EUR 700,000 or the rental of a property for a minimum annual rent of EUR 16,000, which must be kept by the main applicant for a minimum of 5 years; (and not leased or sub-letted)
the donation of a minimum of EUR 10,000 to a registered philanthropic, cultural, sport, scientific, animal welfare, or artistic NGO or society.

Legal and Financial Prerequisites

Apart from the financial investment and residency requirements, Malta also requires applicants to:

Swear an oath of allegiance to the Republic of Malta
submit a medical report attesting that the applicant and their dependents are in good health, not suffering from any contagious disease and are not likely to become a burden on the public health system of Malta
submit a police certificate

The applicant will also need to demonstrate connecting factors with Malta through personal, social, commercial, investment and philanthropic engagement.

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3 Ways to Get Citizenship in Malta Without Investment

The alternative methods of obtaining citizenship in Malta are largely as you would expect.

Citizenship by birth: this was very complex historically due to Malta’s independence in 1964, and it is not straightforward now but a child born in Malta after 1989 with at least one parent who is Maltese will be considered a Maltese citizen
Citizenship by registration: this allows certain descendants or spouses of Maltese citizens to apply for citizenship. Again, this is highly complex but it is worth noting that to apply as a spouse requires the applicant to have been married for five years and be living with the spouse.
Citizenship by naturalisation: a foreign citizen or stateless person may apply for citizenship by naturalisation provided they:
- have been resident in Malta for the preceding 12 months
- have been resident in Malta for an aggregate of 48 months within the 72-month period prior to the months period above
- have adequate knowledge of the English or Maltese language
- are of good character
- would be a suitable citizen of Malta.

Maintaining Citizenship in Malta

Citizenship, once granted, is for life unless it is revoked. There are two main grounds for revocation:

Where continued citizenship is not in the public interest. Examples would include:
- living away from Malta continuously for seven years without confirming intention to remain a citizen
- conviction for a criminal offence carrying a sentence of not less than twelve months within seven years of becoming a citizen by registration or naturalisation
- disloyalty to the President or government of Malta
where citizenship was granted on the basis of fraud, false representation or concealment of a material fact.

The latter is most relevant to citizenship by investment applicants, as citizenship can be revoked if incorrect or incomplete information is provided during the application process. This is not an empty threat; Malta has, at the time of writing, revoked five citizenships obtained under citizenship by investment programmes under these criteria.

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Citizenship by Investment in Malta Restrictions

As with all CBI programmes, certain eligibility criteria apply to the person applying to become a citizen through the CBI programme. Applications will be denied/not processed if the applicant or, as relevant, the applicant’s dependent:

is a national of Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, or Yemen
has been indicted of an offence or arraigned before an International Criminal Court (whether found guilty or not)
is listed with INTERPOL or EUROPOL
has been charged with serious crimes with examples such as terrorism, money laundering, crimes against humanity, defilement of minors, indecent assault or any other crime punishable by more than 12 months imprisonment
has been denied a visa to a country with which Malta has visa-free travel arrangements and has not subsequently obtained a visa from such country
is or is likely to be involved in any activities which may cause disrepute to Malta

A successful applicant will also need to be considered to be a ‘fit and proper’ person to become a citizen of Malta. As such, due to the subjective nature of this test and the final bullet point above, there is a lot of flexibility for denial of applications. This is in line with Malta’s reputation as taking the due diligence process very seriously, which is to be expected given Malta’s status as a member of the EU.

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Final Thoughts

Obtaining citizenship by investment in Malta is attractive, not least due to Malta being a member of the EU, and it is the only EU country currently offering this direct route to citizenship. However, it is expensive with a high level of investment required (with a large part of this being essentially a non-refundable contribution rather than an investment) and requires residence in Malta prior to application of at least 12 months. Essentially, the Malta citizenship by investment programme allows applicants to accelerate the naturalisation process in return for payments to the government and charities. This is in comparison to the five Caribbean citizenship by investment countries, where the process does not require physical residency and is considerably less expensive.

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FAQs on Malta Citizenship by Investment

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Who can receive Maltese citizenship?

Any person may apply provided they have met the criteria described above.

How long must you wait to obtain Maltese citizenship?

The shortest period under the CBI programme would be 12 months plus the time for processing and completing the application which is typically 12-18 months.

What happens if my application is rejected?

You will not be granted citizenship and the fees and contributions will be lost. It is therefore essential to ensure that the applicant will pass the due diligence requirements (although notes that these are to some extent subjective). Although you may apply again following a refusal, you would need to show that the grounds for refusal have changed.

Do I need to learn Maltese to obtain citizenship?

If you are applying for citizenship by investment there are no language requirements (although note the subjectivity of the tests and it is not impossible that a refusal on the grounds of not being ‘fit and proper’ could be partly based on a lack of local language skills). Citizenship by naturalisation requires an adequate standard of Maltese or English.

Is there a minimum stay requirement after obtaining Maltese citizenship?

No. However, note the requirements regarding the ownership or rental of property for five years and the ability to revoke citizenship if the citizen is away from Malta for seven years.

Can I sell the real estate investment after obtaining Maltese citizenship?

Only after five years has expired from the grant of citizenship.

Can I apply for Malta citizenship by investment for my entire family?

Yes. Children under 18, dependent children under 29, a spouse (gender neutral) in a monogamous marriage or partner having similar status, and parents and grandparents over the age of 55 who are economically dependent on the applicant may apply alongside the main applicant.

Is Maltese citizenship obtained through investment passed on to future generations?

Yes, a child born to a Maltese citizen who has become a citizen pursuant to the programme becomes a citizen of Malta in the same manner as the children of other Maltese citizens. A child born before becoming a citizen may be able to obtain citizenship by naturalisation utilising a streamlined approach (or of course may be able to become a citizen as part of the application).

David Davies

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David Davies

Antigua and Barbuda enjoys a tropical maritime climate, characterised by warm temperatures year-round, with an average of 27°C (81°F). The islands have a relatively dry season from January to April, with a wetter season from May to November. The islands have robust infrastructure and emergency systems in place to manage such events.

Originally inhabited by the Arawak and Carib peoples, the islands were colonised by the British in the 17th century. The cultural landscape is a blend of African, British, and indigenous influences. This rich history is reflected in local music, dance, and festivals, with calypso, reggae, and steelpan music being particularly popular. Cricket, a legacy of British rule, is the most popular sport, and sailing is also popular, reflecting the islands' strong maritime culture.

Antigua and Barbuda boasts 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, along with coral reefs, lagoons, and lush vegetation. The country’s landscape is primarily flat, with rolling hills and volcanic rock formations. The islands are also home to rich biodiversity, making them a haven for nature lovers.

Antigua and Barbuda have a stable democratic government based on the British parliamentary system. The country is generally regarded as having a manageable level of bureaucracy, with a reasonably straightforward process for interacting with government agencies. Retirees will find that essential services like renewing a driver’s licence, paying taxes, or obtaining necessary permits are relatively simple, although some processes can be slow due to limited resources. The government has been making strides in digitising services to reduce in-person visits and streamline processes.

Antigua and Barbuda is known for its lively events and festivals, particularly Carnival, one of the year's most anticipated events. Antigua Sailing Week is another major event, attracting sailors and spectators from around the world. These festivals are deeply rooted in the local culture and provide a vibrant social scene for retirees.

Dominica has a tropical rainforest climate, with high humidity and heavy rainfall, particularly on the windward side of the island. Temperatures are warm year-round, averaging 26°C (79°F), with cooler conditions in themountainous interior. The island’s lush greenery is a result of its abundantrainfall.

Dominica's culture is a vibrant mix of indigenous Kalinago heritage, African traditions, and European colonial influences, particularly French and British. The island was originally settled by the Kalinago people, and their influence is still present today, especially in the Kalinago Territory. African traditions have also left a profound mark, particularly in the island’s music, dance, and festivals. Dominica’s outdoor sports are heavily influenced by its rugged terrain, with hiking and diving being popular among locals and expatriates alike, although there is of course cricket for those with more sedentary dispositions.

Known as the "NatureIsland," Dominica is characterised by its rugged terrain, rainforests ,waterfalls, and geothermal activity. The island is home to the UNESCO-listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park, as well as numerous rivers and lakes. Dominica’s unspoiled natural beauty is a major draw for retirees who appreciate ecotourism and outdoor adventures.

Dominica’s government operates under a parliamentary democracy, with a legal system rooted in English common law. While the country’s bureaucracy is smaller and more accessible, some processes can be slow, particularly in rural areas. However, the government is generally cooperative and accommodating, particularly for expatriates. It’s advisable to have local assistance or a legal advisor to navigate more complex processes, such as property transactions or dealing with land registries.

Dominica hosts several unique cultural events, including the World Creole Music Festival and Carnival. The island’s festivals are deeply connected to its Creole heritage, offering retirees a chance to immerse themselves in local traditions and music. Dominica’s Independence celebrations also feature traditional dances, music, and cuisine.

Grenada has a tropical climate with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year, averaging around 28°C (82°F). The dry season runs from January to May, while the wet season is from June to December. Although Grenada is located on the southern edge of the hurricane belt and is less impacted the another Caribbean islands, it is not immune to these storms as has been seen recently with Hurricane Beryl. The island has since improved its hurricane preparedness and infrastructure resilience and the value of these improvements has led to greater preparedness for such events.

The island was originally inhabited by the Arawak and Carib peoples before being colonised by Europeans. Grenadian culture is characterised by a strong sense of community, vibrant music, and dance traditions, such as calypso and soca. French influence on the island is evident in its place names and culinary traditions. Cricket and football are the most popular sports, and sailing and water sports are also widely enjoyed.

Known as the "SpiceIsle," Grenada is famous for its aromatic plantations, waterfalls, and pristine beaches. The island’s volcanic origin provides a diverse landscape of mountains, rainforests, and coastal areas. Grenada’s natural beauty is complemented by its extensive marine life, making it ideal for snorkelling and diving.

Grenada also follows a British-style parliamentary democracy. The country’s bureaucracy is relatively user-friendly, with many government processes being straightforward and accessible. Retirees generally find it easy to interact with government departments for routine tasks such as registering a vehicle, renewing licences, or paying taxes.

Grenada’s Spicemas Carnival is the island’s most significant cultural event, celebrated with colourful parades, music, and dance. The island also hosts the Grenada Sailing Festival and the Pure Grenada Music Festival, both of which attract international visitors. These events provide a lively social calendar for retirees.

Saint Kitts and Nevis has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging between 24°C (75°F) and 31°C (88°F) throughout the year. The islands have a dry season from December to April and a wet season from May to November. Located within the hurricane belt, Saint Kitts and Nevis is vulnerable to hurricanes, especially between June and November, but the islands have strong building codes and disaster response plans in place to reduce the impact of the senatural events.

The cultural heritage of Saint Kitts and Nevis is shaped by its history of indigenous Carib and Arawak inhabitants and European colonisation. Saint Kitts was the first Caribbean island to be colonised by the British, and Nevis has a rich history as a major sugar producer. The islands' cultural roots are a blend of African, British, and French influences, reflected in the local cuisine, music, and festivals. Cricket and football are deeply ingrained in the local culture and, along with sailing and hiking, are integral to the islands' cultural life.

The twin islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis are known for their volcanic mountains, rainforests, and beaches. The islands are home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Brimstone Hill Fortress and offer stunning views from places like Mount Liamuiga. The islands’ natural beauty is one of their strongest appeals to retirees.

Saint Kitts and Nevis operates under a stable parliamentary democracy, with governance structures similar to those of other Commonwealth countries. The islands have a relatively low level of bureaucracy, and dealing with the government on a day-to-day basis is generally straightforward. Most routine administrative tasks, such as obtaining permits, paying taxes, or registering property, are manageable, although some processes can take longer than expected due to limited staffing. The government is trying to modernise its operations, including digitising more services, which should help reduce delays and improve overall efficiency.

The islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis host several vibrant festivals, including Carnival, the Saint Kitts Music Festival, and Culturama, which is unique to Nevis. These events celebrate local culture, music, and heritage, offering retirees plenty of opportunities to engage with the community and enjoy local traditions.

Saint Lucia enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). The dry season extends from December to May, while the wet season is from June to November. Saint Lucia is situated near the edge of the hurricane belt, making it prone to hurricanes and tropical storms but less so than those further north. The government has invested in improving hurricane preparedness and infrastructure resilience to protect the island from future storms better.

Saint Lucia's culture is a unique blend of African, French, and British influences, reflecting its complex history of colonisation. The island was originally inhabited by the Arawak and later the Carib people, before being contested by the French and British for centuries. The French influence is particularly strong in the island's Creole language, cuisine, and Catholic traditions, while British colonial rule has left its mark on the legal system and sports, particularly cricket. The island’s dramatic landscapes, including the iconic Pitons, provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor sports like hiking and diving, which are popular among locals and retirees alike.

Saint Lucia is famous for its dramatic Pitons, volcanic peaks that rise sharply from the sea. The island’s landscape includes rainforests, beaches, andSulphur Springs, the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano. Saint Lucia’s natural beauty is among the most striking in the Caribbean, attracting retirees who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic views.

Saint Lucia’s government is a parliamentary democracy, and the country has a reputation for a relatively efficient bureaucracy compared to other Caribbean nations. For retirees, dealing with the government is typically hassle-free for most day-to-day tasks like renewing a driver’s licence, paying taxes, or obtaining residency permits. Saint Lucia has been proactive in improving its e-government services, allowing for easier access to information and quicker processing of certain requests online.

Saint Lucia is famous for its Jazz and Arts Festival, which attracts international artists and music lovers. The island’s Carnival is another major event, featuring parades, music, and dancing. Additionally, the La Rose and La Marguerite festivals celebrate the island’s unique cultural heritage, offering retirees a rich cultural experience.

Malta Citizenship by Investment

Why Choose Malta for CBI?

Is Dual Citizenship Allowed in Malta?

Citizenship by Investment in Malta Requirements

Residency Requirements

Minimum Investment Criteria

Legal and Financial Prerequisites

3 Ways to Get Citizenship in Malta Without Investment

Maintaining Citizenship in Malta

Citizenship by Investment in Malta Restrictions

Final Thoughts

FAQs on Malta Citizenship by Investment

Who can receive Maltese citizenship?

How long must you wait to obtain Maltese citizenship?

What happens if my application is rejected?

Do I need to learn Maltese to obtain citizenship?

Is there a minimum stay requirement after obtaining Maltese citizenship?

Can I sell the real estate investment after obtaining Maltese citizenship?

Can I apply for Malta citizenship by investment for my entire family?

Is Maltese citizenship obtained through investment passed on to future generations?

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