Maltese Citizenship: All Ways to Obtain a Maltese Passport

Malta has maintained its top position in the investment citizenship transparency index for several years. Thanks to strict EU regulations, the country has become a benchmark in this field. However, it’s worth noting a certain crisis in investment-based citizenship programs. For comparison: last year, 2,795 Maltese passport applications were approved, while Romania, through a simplified program, processed around 30,000 applications. Clearly, not everyone is willing to make large financial investments when there are alternatives available.

Maltese citizenship confirms a person’s affiliation with the state. Foreigners can acquire citizenship through ordinary naturalization without large capital investments by living in the country for 6 years. The Malta «Golden Passport» program is no longer in effect — the passport for investment was no longer available starting from April 6, 2022. Now, one must first obtain a residence permit and live with it for at least 1 year. However, statistics show that far more people are interested in citizenship through investment programs than through regular naturalization in Malta.

Benefits of Maltese Citizenship

A Maltese passport provides unlimited access to all the privileges of EU citizenship and offers a secure future. Additionally, with the passport, you gain the ability to:

• Develop your own business, choosing the most advantageous tax jurisdiction from all EU countries;
• Open bank accounts, take loans, and apply for mortgages in European banks on favorable terms for citizens;
• Work on the European market without additional permits, with priority for positions compared to non-EU nationals;
• Study in higher education institutions in EU countries at reduced rates or for free;
• Receive high-quality healthcare under state insurance schemes;
• Travel freely to 174 countries worldwide.

It is important to recognize that the Maltese passport offers the same privileges as any other EU country’s passport. Therefore, when planning to immigrate to Europe, it is better to focus on the simplicity of obtaining the passport rather than its strength (as they are all quite similar).

How to Obtain Maltese Citizenship: Methods

The provision of Maltese citizenship is governed by the 1964 «Citizenship Act», which was established when the country gained independence and defined its immigration policy. The basic methods of obtaining a passport through descent and naturalization have remained largely unchanged for many years.

The investment-based citizenship program has undergone multiple changes in line with European Commission recommendations. Initially, the country’s legislation was very lenient towards immigrants, and passports were issued within a very short time. Now, however, the process requires first obtaining a residence permit (either temporary or permanent), and even with significant financial investments, one must live in Malta for 1–3 years before applying for citizenship.

Ways to Obtain Maltese Citizenship

You can obtain Maltese citizenship through:

• Naturalization.
• Marriage.
• Registration.
• Accelerated naturalization via investment.

Maltese Citizenship by Investment

Non-refundable capital investments in the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF) allow applicants to obtain a residence permit and the right to apply for Maltese citizenship. The fund directs the money toward developing social infrastructure, healthcare, education, science, the environment, and housing support programs.

Under the investment program for obtaining Maltese citizenship, the residency requirement can be reduced to just one year with maximum investments (from 1,497,000 EUR). This is currently the only EU program that reduces the naturalization process to one year. However, the investment amounts are among the highest in the EU and the world. This option is suitable for those who want a passport quickly and have significant financial resources.

Direct Investment

The investment program allows a reduction in the residency requirement based on the following investments:

• 600,000 EUR for a 3-year residency;
• 750,000 EUR for a 12-month residency before applying for citizenship.

All main investments must be made in the National Development and Social Fund before the citizenship certificate is issued. Additionally, investments must include property purchases or rental.

• Renting an apartment/house: The annual rent should be no less than 16,000 EUR.
• Purchasing real estate: The minimum purchase price for property should be 700,000 EUR. The property must be maintained for 5 years from the date the citizenship certificate is issued.
• Charitable Donation: A mandatory donation of 10,000 EUR to a cultural, sports, or scientific fund approved by the migration authority (Community Malta Agency).

How Much Does Maltese Citizenship Cost?

The investment program for Maltese citizenship is one of the most expensive in the world. The total cost depends on the investment amount and the number of family members included in the application.

For a single investor, to acquire citizenship after 3 years of residence:

• 600,000 EUR in the National Development Fund;
• 10,000 EUR for a charitable donation;
• 700,000 EUR for purchasing property;
• 15,000 EUR for the reliability check;
• 22,000 EUR for government fees.

Thus, the minimum cost is 1,347,000 EUR.

If applying after 1 year of residence, the cost increases to approximately 1,497,000 EUR. If you plan to include family members, each additional person will cost 10,000 EUR.

Return on Investment

Investments in Malta are non-refundable, but one can invest profitably in real estate, as Malta is a developed country with high tourist potential. In a few years, you may be able to sell the property at a higher price than what you initially paid.

Naturalization

To start the naturalization process in Malta, you must first enter the country and obtain a residence permit on one of the following grounds (work, business, family reunification, study, or investment). Then, stay in the country, adhere to local laws, and integrate into society. Maltese citizenship by naturalization is granted if the following basic conditions are met:

• 6 years of residence in the country in total, and 12 months immediately before applying;
• No criminal record;
• Knowledge of English or Maltese.

Before obtaining Maltese citizenship, you must go through the following steps:

Before applying to the agency, you need to get a residence certificate. You also need two sponsors who are Maltese citizens (they do not need to sponsor you financially, but must formally confirm your reliability). One sponsor must be a member of a recognized profession (judge, doctor, lawyer). There is no fixed processing time for the application. The application fee is 450 EUR, and 50 EUR if approved and issued with a citizenship certificate.

Maltese Citizenship Through Marriage

Spouses of Maltese citizens can apply for citizenship through a special procedure. The standard naturalization conditions do not apply, and residence in Malta is not required. The key requirement is meeting the length of marriage and cohabitation, even outside of Malta.

• The marriage must have lasted at least 5 years by the time of application.
• A foreigner can apply for a passport after the death of their Maltese spouse if the marriage lasted 5 years or would have reached the 5-year anniversary if not for the death of one partner.

The couple submits a joint application, providing passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, residence permits (if applicable), and other necessary documentation. After approval, the applicant takes an oath of allegiance, and a citizenship certificate is issued.

Registration

Maltese citizenship is simplified for certain categories of applicants with connections to the country:

• Former citizens of Malta;
• Children of Maltese citizens who did not receive citizenship at birth;
• Direct descendants of Maltese citizens born in Malta like their parents.

In each case, the applicant needs to provide documents confirming their connection to the category. There is no need to reside in Malta, obtain a residence permit, or prove the absence of a criminal record. Once the necessary data is gathered, you can immediately apply to the Community Malta Agency for registration as a citizen. This procedure also includes taking an oath of allegiance and receiving the citizenship certificate.

EU Citizenship — Not Only for Investors

If you decide to acquire an EU passport without making an investment, you can use the saved funds more wisely — by immediately investing in profitable projects and earning a stable income.

There are simplified programs in EU countries that do not require financial investments. By obtaining citizenship through one of these programs, you will gain the rights of citizens in Malta, enabling you to move there and invest profitably. Simplified citizenship acquisition is available within a year, without the need to have previously lived in the country, speak the language, or pass an integration test.

Common Reasons for Denial

Statistics show that citizenship applications are rarely rejected. However, there are cases that highlight the importance of approaching the document submission process responsibly and considering all risks. Citizenship can be denied if even one condition is not met or if the application is incomplete. Errors in filling out the form, empty fields, or inaccurate data that do not match other information may lead to rejection.

Authorities may take the issue seriously if they believe that the applicant is trying to mislead them or fraudulently acquire a passport. Applicants for Maltese citizenship undergo thorough checks for national security threats, including criminal records and involvement in questionable organizations. Any violations of migration policies, illegal entry, or stay in the country can also prevent the granting of citizenship.

Living in Malta

Despite its small size, Malta is one of the most successful countries in the EU. It boasts a strong economy with a GDP of 24.4 billion USD. The country has demonstrated continuous GDP growth since 1999, a unique phenomenon that continues to this day.

The average salary in Malta reaches 2,200 EUR. However, the cost of living and real estate in Malta is above the average, which should be considered when planning immigration.

The country is considered a leading financial hub in Europe due to its favorable tax system and strategic location. Investors can benefit from purchasing luxury real estate, the prices of which are constantly increasing.

Immigrants find Malta comfortable, as English can be used in all areas, and there is no need to learn another foreign language. In this developed European country, you can expect high security and quality healthcare. The warm climate and year-round access to the sea are additional bonuses.

To enjoy such appealing conditions, you don’t even have to go through a long naturalization process or buy a passport through investment.