Malta Citizenship by Merit: 2025 Guide to Gaining Malta Citizenship

Malta’s new Citizenship by Merit programme, replaces the previous investment-based pathway from 29 April 2025, granting passports to high-impact entrepreneurs, investors ,innovators, and philanthropists whose projects deliver exceptional value to Malta or humanity at large. 

What Makes Malta’s Citizenship by Merit Unique? 

Unlike its predecessor—the controversial investment-for-passport scheme—the new framework is structured around merit, not money. This positions Malta as a European leader in purpose-driven naturalisation pathways, and reflects growing EU alignment around ethical, performance-based citizenship models. 

Applicants must complete a two-stage approval process, focused on demonstrated contribution, integration, and due diligence: 

Stage 1: Proposal Letter 

Applicants must submit a detailed proposal highlighting: 

• Exceptional talent or innovation (e.g., scientific breakthroughs, technology ventures) 

• Demonstrated entrepreneurial success 

• Proven philanthropic or social impact outcomes 

This step ensures that only individuals with measurable value and long-term alignment to Malta’s priorities proceed. 

Stage 2: Naturalisation Application 

Only after fulfilling eight continuous months of residence in Malta, applicants may submit their naturalisation application. 

Rigorous Due Diligence and Expert Review 

Each applicant is subject to four-tier due diligence checks led by the Community Malta Agency (CMA), including: 

• International security vetting 

• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) screening 

• Financial and source-of-funds validation 

• Reputation and background checks 

Applications are reviewed by an independent three-member Evaluation Board, comprising experts in law, innovation, and public policy. The Board makes a recommendation, but final approval lies solely with the Citizenship Minister. 

Key Facts at a Glance 

“Talent, not cheques, will open Malta’s door,” a senior official declared following the landmark Court of Justice ruling. 
“Malta’s new approach places us firmly within accepted EU standards,” added Professor Emanuel Said, Dean of Economics at the University of Malta. 

How Malta’s Citizenship by Merit Pathway Works (2025) 

Malta's Merit-Based Naturalisation Programme, officially launched and effective from 2025, offers a new model of Malta citizenship through talent, innovation, and measurable public benefit—not financial donations. 

This naturalisation route is carefully structured to identify and reward individuals whose projects bring strategic value to the country. Applicants must demonstrate: 

• Exceptional potential—in areas such as entrepreneurship, scientific research, or social impact 

• Tangible outcomes—backed by a roadmap, milestones, and local engagement 

• Alignment with national priorities—like fintech, sustainable development, or cultural preservation 

Unlike previous “citizenship-by-investment” schemes, Malta now requires real-world delivery: citizens are expected to create lasting value through meaningful contributions, not transactional payments. 

Two-Stage Application Process Overview 

Stage 1: Proposal Letter & Initial Approval 

This stage determines if your proposed contribution is strategically relevant, credible, and endorseable by Maltese institutions. 

Step 1: Craft Your Value Story 

To gain traction, applicants must present: 

• Verifiable achievements (e.g., previous startups, awards, patents, publications) 

• A high-impact project proposal tailored to Malta 

• Clear, measurable outcomes—think job creation, research partnerships, or philanthropic KPIs 

 Tip: Use third-party verification like audited financials, peer-reviewed papers, or IP registrations to strengthen your credibility. 

Step 2: Secure an Endorsement 

Your project must be formally recognised by a competent Maltese authority. This endorsement is non-negotiable and validates your merit. 

Recognised endorsing bodies include: 

• University of Malta 

• Malta Enterprise 

• Arts Council Malta 

• Sport Malta 

Endorsements serve as proof of alignment with Malta’s innovation and social objectives. 

Step 3: Pass Four-Tier Due Diligence Checks 

All applicants undergo intensive background screening by the Community Malta Agency (CMA) in collaboration with international firms. The process includes: 

• Global security and criminal checks 

• AML (Anti-Money Laundering) verification 

• Full-source financial audits 

• Reputation and political exposure reviews 

Step 4: Evaluation Board Review 

A three-member Evaluation Board (experts in law, economics, and sector-specific domains) will thoroughly assess your submission. 

• Outcome: Approval-in-principle or rejection 

• The board is not obliged to explain denials—so precision and professional preparation are essential 

 Rejections are final unless re-submitted with materially improved proposals. 

Stage 2: Formal Naturalisation Application 

If approved in principle, you must meet the following prerequisites before lodging your official application: 

Once submitted, the CMA and Evaluation Board may conduct final interviews or require clarification before forwarding the file to the Citizenship Minister for a final decision. 

Stage 3: Oath of Allegiance & Continuous Compliance 

Once your naturalisation application has been approved by the Citizenship Minister, you will enter the final and ongoing phase of Malta’s Citizenship by Merit process. This stage marks your official induction into the Maltese and European Union community—but it also introduces ongoing obligations tied to your project’s impact. 

Oath of Allegiance 

You are required to participate in an official oath ceremony in Valletta within six months of receiving your approval notice. The oath signifies your full legal commitment to the Republic of Malta and its constitutional values. 

Passport Issuance 

Upon completion of the oath: 

• You will receive your Maltese passport immediately. 

• Your official citizenship status is backdated to the certificate issuance date, ensuring full rights from that point forward—including visa-free travel across the Schengen Area and EU. 

Ongoing Compliance Obligations 

Maintaining your citizenship status is tied to ongoing reporting and continued contribution. The Community Malta Agency (CMA) monitors this process actively. 

Annual Compliance Requirements: 

• Submit an online compliance report each year. 

• Demonstrate continued residency, project progress, and economic or social integration. 

• Include updated documents (e.g., police clearance, financial records) as requested. 

Failure to meet declared milestones, KPIs, or integration goals can lead to investigations—and in extreme cases, citizenship revocation under Regulation 24. 

Compliance Cost Estimates: 

Expect annual compliance-related costs between €2,000 and €5,000, including legal, advisory, audit, and administrative services. 

Typical Application Timeline 

• Months 0–2: Develop and submit the proposal letter; obtain endorsements 

• Months 3–6: Complete due diligence checks; Evaluation Board conducts initial review 

• Months 7–14: Complete residency requirement; submit naturalisation application 

• Month 15: Oath ceremony, passport issuance, start of annual compliance obligations 
  

Practical Tips for High-Impact Applicants 

Align with Malta’s National Priorities 

Proposals that directly support strategic growth sectors are favoured by reviewers: 

• Artificial Intelligence & Fintech 

• Blue Economy & Marine Tech 

• Cultural Heritage & Creative Industries 

• Climate Tech & Sustainable Housing 

Support with Independent Verification 

Enhance the strength of your application by including: 

• Audited independent valuations 

• Peer-reviewed publications or patents 

• Verified social impact data 

• Letters of collaboration from Maltese entities 

Craft a Media-Ready Narrative 

Remember: your project may attract public and media interest—particularly if endorsed by national bodies or linked to EU priorities. Prepare a clear, values-driven story about your goals and expected impact. 

Budget Realistically 

For a family of four, expect to spend €90,000–€130,000 across professional fees, legal advice, relocation, housing, language support, and compliance administration. 

This is not a donation, but rather a realistic operating cost to execute a high-impact transition into Malta’s innovation ecosystem. 

What Counts as “Merit” for Malta Citizenship in 2025? 

Malta’s Citizenship by Merit programme evaluates applicants based on measurable impact—not monetary donations. Your candidacy is assessed across four strategic pillars, each aligned with Malta’s national interests. 

To qualify, your contribution must deliver public benefit, demonstrate sustainability, and be supported by verifiable documentation. 

1. Innovation & Research and Development (R&D)

Target Sectors: 

• Blue technology (marine robotics, ocean sustainability) 

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

• Fintech and blockchain 

• Sustainable aquaculture 

Example Project: 

A robotics founder invests €8 million to launch a marine-robotics lab in partnership with the University of Malta, creating 35 R&D jobs and advancing autonomous underwater vehicle tech for maritime inspections. 

Why It Works: 

Malta’s strategic goal is to lead in the blue economy and AI innovation. Proposals that leverage EU research grants or build local technical capacity score highly. 

2. Strategic Entrepreneurship & Job Creation

Target Sectors: 

• Cryptocurrency exchanges & blockchain tech 

• MedTech and digital health 

• Regulated online gaming 

• Financial innovation under MiCA.(Markets in Crypto-Assets) 

Example Project: 

A U.S.-based exchange relocates its EU headquarters to Malta, pledging 120 jobs over 5 years and launching a €2M blockchain training academy in partnership with Malta Enterprise. 

Why It Works: 

Malta is a regulatory sandbox hub, offering MiCA-aligned clarity and a deep fintech ecosystem. Local upskilling through training academies creates long-term value. 

“Malta’s regulatory clarity was key to our decision to relocate,” said Mark Jennings, CEO of a major fintech firm. 

3. Philanthropy & Social Impact

Key Themes: 

• Affordable and green housing 

• Climate adaptation and resilience 

• STEM education for underserved communities 

• Cultural heritage and arts preservation 

Example Project: 

A Gulf philanthropist funds a €5 million social-housing bond, building 60 energy-efficient apartments for low-income families. The bond includes audited KPIs aligned with Malta’s carbon neutrality goals by 2050. 

Why It Works: 

Projects with community-level impact and alignment with Malta’s sustainability roadmap stand out. Independent audits and verified outcomes are essential. 

4. Academic, Artistic, or Scientific Excellence

Ideal Profiles: 

• Nobel laureates 

• Internationally cited researchers 

• World-class musicians, artists, or composers 

• Olympic-level coaches or athletes 

Example Project: 

A Nobel chemist accepts a 3-year professorship at the University of Malta, mentors 10 PhD students, and launches a spin-off focused on green hydrogen catalysts. 

Why It Works: 

Malta values applicants who elevate national prestige and drive international knowledge transfer. Academic excellence, cultural contribution, or global scientific influence is highly meritorious. 

Quick Merit Checklist 

Use this list to prequalify your contribution: 

• KPIs & Milestones clearly defined (job creation, publications, KPIs) 

• Endorsed local partnerships (e.g., University of Malta, Malta Enterprise) 

• Direct economic benefit (hiring, exports, facilities, public-private partnerships) 

• Recognition via international credentials (patents, awards, publications) 

• Source-of-funds documented and independently audited 

Backstory: From Donations to Demonstrable Talent 

From 2014 to early 2023, Malta operated the Individual Investor Programme (IIP)—a government initiative that allowed foreign nationals to obtain Maltese citizenship through direct financial contributions. 

The Legacy Model: Citizenship Through Donation 

Under the IIP framework: 

• Applicants typically donated €650,000 to Malta’s National Development and Social Fund. 

• Additional contributions were required for dependents and property investments. 

• In return, applicants received Malta citizenship, including visa-free access to all 27 EU member states. 

However, the programme was widely criticised—particularly by Transparency International and the European Parliament—for effectively offering “citizenship for sale.” 

Legal Pushback from Brussels 

In October 2020, the European Commission launched formal infringement proceedings against Malta, arguing that the IIP violated EU principles of mutual trust and blurred the lines between citizenship and commodification. 

Malta defended the programme on sovereignty grounds, asserting that nationality decisions fall exclusively under member state jurisdiction. 

ECJ Ruling That Changed Everything 

• On 3 October 2024, Advocate General Anthony Collins issued a preliminary opinion acknowledging that citizenship remained a sovereign competence. 

• Malta viewed this as support for minor adjustments—hoping to retain the programme with modifications. 

But that optimism was short-lived. 

On 29 April 2025, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) delivered a decisive ruling: 

“Predetermined payments in exchange for passports undermine the principle of mutual trust among EU member states and commoditise the concept of European citizenship.” 

The ruling compelled Malta to immediately shut down all pending investor applications, forcing a complete policy reset. 

Pivot to a Merit-Based System 

Within days, the government of Malta enacted urgent legislative reforms via CAP 188, officially ending the financial donation-based programme. 

Key changes included: 

• Eliminating citizenship by “exceptional services” 

• Introducing a Merit-Based Citizenship Framework grounded in tangible public benefit 

• Aligning the programme with Austria’s Section 10(6) citizenship clause, which recognises “extraordinary achievements” in: 

• Science & innovation 

• Sports & culture 

• Entrepreneurship & philanthropy 

This transformation repositioned Malta as a forward-looking EU state offering citizenship by contribution—not capital. 

Why the Shift to Merit-Based Citizenship Matters 

Malta’s transition from a donation-based citizenship scheme to a merit-driven naturalisation framework is more than a policy update—it represents a foundational shift in national identity strategy, global positioning, and regulatory legitimacy. 

1. Legitimacy

The reformed pathway aligns Malta’s citizenship framework with EU legal standards, directly responding to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling from April 2025. 

• It underscores Malta’s commitment to transparency, mutual trust, and substantive value creation, rather than transactional nationality. 

• It preserves sovereign control over citizenship decisions—while satisfying EU expectations on integrity and non-commodification. 

2. Reputation

By closing the chapter on golden passports, Malta rebrands itself as a talent-first EU destination—attracting world-class: 

• Founders and investors 

• Scientists and researchers 

• Cultural figures and social impact leaders 

This shift restores confidence among stakeholders across Brussels, national governments, and international media. 

3. Competitive Edge

Malta becomes one of the very few EU member states offering a clearly structured, fast-tracked citizenship route for: 

• High-impact entrepreneurs 

• R&D pioneers 

• Philanthropic leaders 

By mirroring Austria’s Section 10(6) merit clause, Malta now competes with top-tier European innovation jurisdictions—while offering unmatched benefits like: 

• Full EU mobility 

• English-speaking business environment 

• Mediterranean location with global connectivity 

Why Malta Remains a Top Destination for Global Founders in 2025 

Despite the shift from investment-based citizenship to a merit-driven model, Malta continues to attract top-tier entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators—thanks to its blend of economic strength, sectoral advantages, and livability. 

Whether you're scaling a startup, launching an R&D hub, or relocating your family, Malta offers one of the most founder-friendly environments in the EU. 

1. Robust Economic Fundamentals

Malta maintains A-grade sovereign credit ratings from every major rating agency—an exceptional record for a small island economy: 

• Standard & Poor’s (S&P): A– (Stable, June 2025) 

• Fitch Ratings: A+ (Stable, July 2025) 

• Moody’s: A2 (Stable, May 2025) 

• DBRS Morningstar: A (High, Stable, April 2025) 

According to the European Commission Spring 2025 Economic Forecast, Malta is projected to grow its GDP by 4.1% in 2025, following an impressive 6% expansion in 2024—the fastest growth rate in the eurozone. 

2. Seamless EU Access & English-Speaking Environment

• Maltese citizenship unlocks visa-free mobility and residency rights across all 27 EU Member States. 

• As an English-speaking country with British-structured legal and education systems, Malta ensures smooth onboarding for global founders. 

• Time zone advantage: Located between the U.S. and Asia, Malta enables real-time business across three continents in one workday. 

• Over 100 direct air connections via Malta International Airport ensure efficient mobility. 

3. Strategic Sector Opportunities

Malta actively fosters high-growth industries through incentives, regulation, and infrastructure: 

Fintech & Cryptocurrency 

• Fully compliant with MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) 

• Government-endorsed regulatory sandbox 

• Strong AML (Anti-Money Laundering) enforcement ensures legitimacy and investor protection 

Gaming & E-sports 

• Recognised as a global gaming licensing leader 

• Extensive talent pool and digital infrastructure 

• Tax-efficient IP frameworks for game studios 

Blue Economy & R&D 

• Government-backed programmes for sustainable aquaculture, marine robotics, and climate research 

• Access to EU Horizon funding and collaborative academic research via the University of Malta 

4. Cost-Efficient Business Operations

• Tech salaries: Average ~€32,000/year—50% lower than Berlin or Dublin (Jobsplus Salary Benchmark Report, 2025) 

• Office rents: ~€280/m²—40% cheaper than other EU startup hubs 

• R&D payroll rebate: Up to 35% subsidy 

• Patent box regime: Offers up to 95% tax exemption on qualifying intellectual property income 

5. World-Class Lifestyle & Talent Retention

Malta offers more than a business opportunity—it’s also a prime location for family life and long-term settlement: 

• Top-tier international schools (offering IB and AP programmes) 

• OECD-ranked healthcare system 

• 300+ days of sunshine per year 

• Vibrant Mediterranean culture, rich history, and strong expat networks 

Final Takeaway 

Malta’s: 

• Economic resilience 

• Regulatory clarity in high-growth sectors 

• Cost-effective business environment 

• Central EU access 

• And high quality of life 

…make it a standout choice for global founders, particularly those aligned with innovation, sustainability, and purpose-driven enterprise. 

Tax Snapshot – Citizenship ≠ Domicile in Malta 

Acquiring Maltese citizenship by merit provides full European Union nationality, but it does not automatically change your tax residency or domicile status. 

Understanding how Malta’s tax system treats foreign income, capital gains, and local earnings is essential for high-net-worth individuals and founders seeking efficient global tax planning. 

Proper structuring can yield substantial savings while maintaining compliance. 

Malta Tax Residency vs Domicile – Key Differences 

Key Tax Considerations for Global Founders 

1. Remittance-Based System (for non-domiciled residents)

• Foreign income is only taxed if remitted (brought) to Malta 

• Tax on remitted income, with a minimum annual tax of €5,000, subject to certain conditions 

• This enables strategic offshore income retention and tax deferral 

2. No Wealth, Inheritance Tax

Malta does not impose: 

• Wealth tax 

• Inheritance or estate tax 

This makes Malta a top choice for generational wealth planning, trust structuring, and succession solutions. 

This is particularly advantageous for family offices, UHNWIs and HNWIs managing multi-jurisdictional estates. 

3. Local Capital Gains Tax Rules

• Real estate gains: 5% final withholding tax (if sold within 5 years) 

• Shares and securities: Gains from the sale of listed shares on a recognized stock exchange are generally exempt from income tax 

4. Intellectual Property (IP) Structuring Opportunities

Founders and tech entrepreneurs frequently use Malta for IP licensing optimization: 

• Malta has an attractive mechanism to incentivize the transfer of IP ownership to Maltese registered company.     

Summary: Malta's Tax Environment for Merit-Based Citizens 

• Non-domiciled tax regime offers global tax flexibility 

• No wealth, inheritance  taxes 

• EU-aligned legal infrastructure for IP, R&D, and startup equity 

• Strategic location for cross-border income management 

Illustrative Tax Scenario: U.S. Biotech Founder in Malta 

Let’s break down how Malta’s non-domiciled tax regime can benefit global founders through a practical example: 

Profile 

• Nationality: U.S. citizen 

• Sector: Biotechnology (intellectual property-heavy exit) 

• Event: Receives dividend payout from overseas company post-exit 

• Residency: Relocates to Malta via the Citizenship by Merit pathway, under non-domiciled status 

Scenario 

A U.S.-based biotech company distributes a €1 million dividend to its sole shareholder—a U.S. national now residing in Malta as a non-domiciled resident. 

• The shareholder retains €800,000 in a U.S. bank account 

• She transfers €200,000 to Malta to fund personal living expenses 

Tax Implications Under Malta’s Remittance Basis 

• Taxed only on the €200,000 brought into Malta 

• The remaining €800,000 remains untaxed, as it is not remitted 

Under Malta’s non-dom regime, foreign income is only taxable when remitted—enabling full control over taxable events. 

Key Takeaways 

• This structure allows high-income individuals to strategically manage global capital while enjoying the benefits of EU residency 

• Malta's tax regime supports wealth retention, dividend deferral, and international asset optimization 

• No tax is due on non-remitted income—no capital gains, no wealth, and no inheritance taxes apply under non-dom status 

Legal & Strategic Planning Notes 

• Malta maintains over 80 double tax treaties, reducing the risk of double taxation and enhancing global tax compliance 

• This approach is fully compliant, provided that appropriate disclosure and structuring are maintained 

Always seek personalised guidance from qualified tax professionals. Malta maintains over 80 double-tax treaties, facilitating efficient global tax planning and compliance. 

Application Checklist for Entrepreneurs 

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Maltese Citizenship by Merit (2025) 

Navigating Malta’s citizenship-by-merit process becomes simpler when you follow a clear, structured plan. Below is a practical checklist tailored for founders, innovators, and high-impact contributors aiming to secure EU citizenship through Malta’s merit-based naturalisation route. 

Merit-Based Citizenship Application Timeline 

Essential Documents Checklist 

Ensure these are prepared early in the process: 

• Certified copies passports (for all applicants/dependents) 

• Proof of residence in Malta (lease agreement or property deed + utility bill) 

• Proof of funds (SWIFT confirmation, investment exit documents, share-sale contracts) 

• Language proficiency (IELTS 5.5+, TOEFL 46+, or Maltese O-Level) 

• EU-wide health insurance (€50,000 minimum coverage per individual) 

Many applicants bundle these items using virtual data rooms shared with their advisors. 

Life After the Passport: What Merit-Based Citizens Must Know 

Obtaining Maltese citizenship by merit is a prestigious achievement—but it also marks the start of an ongoing commitment. Unlike traditional naturalisation models, Malta’s merit pathway requires continuous performance, transparency, and alignment with original project goals. 

Annual Compliance Filing 

Each merit-based citizen must complete an annual online compliance report via the CMA portal. The report must confirm: 

• Continued residency or meaningful presence in Malta 

• Tangible project progress against defined milestones or KPIs 

• Updated background documentation, such as: 

• Police clearance 

• Financial health disclosure 

• Proof of operational integration 

Deadline: Typically within the same month of your oath anniversary 

Independent Project Audits 

The CMA may initiate third-party audits to verify that: 

• Funds have been deployed as proposed 

• Key deliverables (e.g. lab construction, tech product rollout, social housing units) are operational 

• Measurable community or sector impact aligns with the original merit promise 

This ensures Malta maintains its reputation for credibility and innovation. 

Public and Media Visibility 

High-profile projects, particularly those endorsed by public bodies, often attract media coverage and public scrutiny. This visibility can work in your favor—when: 

• Milestones are met or exceeded 

• Public benefits (e.g., jobs, scientific breakthroughs) are realized 

• Partnerships with universities, NGOs, or ministries are activated 

However, missed deadlines or lack of transparency may: 

• Undermine your personal and business brand 

• Attract reputational risk 

• Prompt investigative review by the CMA 

Risk of Citizenship Revocation 

Under Regulation 24 of CAP 188 (Article 14), Malta retains the legal right to revoke citizenship in cases of: 

• Material non-performance (e.g., project abandonment, false reporting) 

• Serious misconduct (fraud, corruption, legal violations) 

• National security or reputational threats 

The revocation process includes formal notification and the right to respond. 

Best Practices to Protect Your Citizenship 

• Maintain open communication with CMA and your appointed agent 

• Keep project dashboards, audited statements, and KPIs updated quarterly 

• Document community involvement or press-worthy impact events 

• Schedule yearly legal and tax compliance reviews 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

How do I obtain Maltese citizenship by merit? 

You must begin by submitting a Proposal Letter that outlines your exceptional contribution—such as innovation, entrepreneurship, research, or philanthropy. This must be endorsed by a competent Maltese body (e.g., the University of Malta or Malta Enterprise). 

After receiving approval-in-principle, you must complete eight continuous months of residency in Malta before submitting your formal naturalisation application. 

Is there a minimum cash investment required? 

No. Unlike past investor programmes, the Merit Pathway requires no fixed monetary contribution. Instead, applicants must show tangible value creation—measured in societal, economic, or scientific outcomes. 

Focus is on measurable public benefit, not financial input. 

Can co-founders apply based on a shared project? 

Yes. Multiple co-founders involved in a single initiative may apply independently. Each application must: 

• Describe the applicant’s unique role 

• Provide individual impact metrics 

• Reference joint KPIs and strategic outcomes 

Ensure clear delineation of responsibilities to avoid duplication in submissions. 

Does Maltese citizenship permit me to live anywhere in the EU? 

Yes. As an EU citizen, you gain freedom of movement, work, and establishment across all 27 EU member states. 

However, each country enforces its own residency registration procedures (e.g., Anmeldung in Germany, dichiarazione di residenza in Italy). 

Are U.S. citizens eligible for dual nationality with Malta? 

Yes. The United States permits dual nationality, and Malta does not require renunciation of original citizenship. 

Most other major jurisdictions—including Canada, the UK, and Australia—also allow dual or multiple citizenships. 

Could the EU challenge Malta’s merit-based programme again? 

Unlikely. The 2025 ECJ ruling specifically addressed citizenship-for-payment schemes. Malta’s revised framework now mirrors Austria’s Article 10(6)—a discretionary, merit-driven model already accepted by EU institutions. 

The shift was made to fully align with EU jurisprudence and close infringement proceedings. 

What happens if my project under-delivers? 

If your project experiences material non-performance (e.g., missed milestones, withdrawal, fraud), your citizenship is subject to revocation under Regulation 24 of CAP 188. 

To mitigate this risk: 

• Set conservative, clearly documented KPIs 

• Maintain regular compliance filings 

• Ensure full transparency and auditable execution 

Well-prepared applications with robust planning rarely face revocation risk. 

Risks and Red Flags for Applicants 

Before applying, be aware of circumstances that may disqualify or trigger rejection: 

• Criminal history or unresolved legal charges 

• Prior visa refusals linked to fraud, terrorism, or security alerts 

• Sanctions or associations with embargoed persons/entities 

• Failure to deliver on previous philanthropic or business commitments 

• False declarations, forged documentation, or financial misrepresentation 

The Community Malta Agency conducts multi-layered global background checks, including via Interpol, Europol, and financial intelligence networks. 

Key Takeaways: Malta Citizenship by Merit at a Glance 

Malta’s Citizenship by Merit Programme (2025) is now live, offering a future-forward, talent-driven alternative to conventional investment migration. Here’s what you need to remember: 

1. Merit, Not Money

Malta prioritizes exceptional talent, innovation, and public benefit over capital inflows. This programme replaces financial donations with measurable value creation as the foundation for naturalisation. 

2. Structured Two-Stage Process

The pathway includes: 

• A compelling Proposal Letter, backed by endorsements and due diligence 

• Minimum 8-month residency in Malta 

• A complete Naturalisation Application with verified outcomes 

3. What Qualifies as “Merit”

Applicants must demonstrate: 

• Innovation (e.g., tech, R&D, AI, marine robotics) 

• Strategic entrepreneurship (e.g., job creation, fintech hubs) 

• Philanthropy and social impact (e.g., sustainable housing, STEM education) 

• Academic or cultural excellence (e.g., Nobel laureates, artists, professors) 

All proposals must align with Malta’s national priorities and be independently verifiable. 

4. Economic & Business Advantages

Malta offers: 

• A-grade sovereign credit ratings 

• 4.1% GDP growth forecast for 2025 (highest in the eurozone) 

• Full EU citizenship rights 

• An English-speaking legal and business environment 

5. Tax Efficiency for Global Founders

Malta’s non-domiciled remittance regime allows: 

• Foreign income to be taxed only upon remittance 

• €5,000 annual minimum, subject to certain conditions 

• No wealth, inheritance, or exit taxes 

This supports long-term wealth preservation, IP structuring, and succession planning. 

6. Compliance Ensures Ongoing Impact

To retain citizenship: 

• Annual CMA compliance reports are required 

• Projects may be subject to independent audits 
• Failure to deliver may result in citizenship revocation under Regulation 24
   

Ready to Shape Malta’s Future—and Secure Your EU Citizenship? 

Contact our advisory team today to begin your merit-based citizenship journey. 
Let’s turn your global expertise into lasting impact in Europe’s most innovation-ready economy.