This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire application process. With Mirabello Consultancy's 99% approval rate and expert team, your application is in safe hands from start to finish.

Last updated: March 2026

This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire application process. With Mirabello Consultancy's 99% approval rate and expert team, your application is in safe hands from start to finish.

What Is EU Citizenship by Investment?

EU citizenship by investment is a legal pathway that allows qualifying non-EU nationals to obtain full citizenship of a European Union member state in exchange for a substantial economic contribution to that country. Unlike a golden visa or residence permit, which grants the right to live and work in a single country, EU citizenship confers the complete bundle of rights enjoyed by any national of that member state — including unrestricted freedom of movement across all 27 EU countries, the right to vote in European Parliament elections, consular protection abroad, and access to the EU's powerful travel document.

It is important to distinguish between citizenship by investment and residency by investment. A golden visa programme typically leads to permanent residency and, eventually, naturalisation after a prolonged period. True citizenship by investment programmes compress that journey dramatically, offering full passport eligibility within one to three years — sometimes without any physical relocation requirement beyond a minimum qualifying stay.

For high-net-worth individuals and families who value global mobility, asset protection, and the ability to establish roots across Europe, EU citizenship by investment represents one of the most valuable long-term investments available today.

Which EU Citizenship by Investment Programmes Are Currently Active?

The landscape of EU citizenship by investment has evolved considerably in recent years. The European Commission has scrutinised several programmes, and a number of countries have voluntarily closed or suspended their schemes. As of March 2026, the following remain the primary routes to EU citizenship through investment:

Malta — Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN)

Malta's MEIN programme is the gold standard of EU citizenship by investment and the most prominent active pathway. Established under the Maltese Citizenship Act (LN437), it is fully compliant with EU law and rigorously administered by Identità Malta. To qualify, applicants must:

• Make a non-refundable contribution to the National Development and Social Fund of €690,000 (after a 12-month residency period) or €750,000 (after a 36-month residency period).
• Purchase property in Malta worth at least €700,000, or rent property at a minimum of €16,000 per annum, maintained for a minimum of five years.
• Donate at least €10,000 to a registered Maltese philanthropic, cultural, scientific, or sports organisation.
• Hold legal residency in Malta for 12 or 36 months prior to the grant of citizenship (depending on the contribution level chosen).

The total minimum investment for the 12-month track, including property purchase, stands at approximately €1.4 million. For the 36-month track using the rental option, the minimum outlay is closer to €750,000. Malta's passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 183 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Schengen Area. Learn more about this programme on our dedicated Malta citizenship by investment page.

Other EU Residency Routes with a Citizenship Pathway

While Malta is currently the only EU member state offering a direct citizenship by investment programme, several EU countries offer robust investment residency programmes that lead to naturalisation within five to ten years. These include Portugal, Greece, and Spain — all of which offer golden visa programmes that grant EU residency and, after meeting naturalisation requirements, can lead to full citizenship. Explore our Portugal Golden Visa page for a detailed breakdown of one of Europe's most popular residency routes.

Eligibility Requirements for EU Citizenship by Investment

EU citizenship by investment programmes maintain rigorous eligibility standards. While requirements vary by country, the following criteria apply broadly to the Malta MEIN programme and similar EU routes:

• Age: Main applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
• Clean criminal record: Applicants must provide police clearance certificates from every country of residence and citizenship. Any serious criminal history will result in disqualification.
• Financial standing: Applicants must demonstrate the lawful origin of all investment funds and provide evidence of sufficient net worth, typically a minimum of €2 million in verified assets.
• Health: A valid health insurance policy providing coverage across the EU must be maintained throughout the process.
• Due diligence: All applicants and their dependants are subject to a four-tier, independent due diligence process. This includes background checks by licensed third-party firms, review by Identità Malta, approval by the Maltese Cabinet, and presidential assent.
• Residency: Legal residency in Malta must be established before naturalisation, either for 12 or 36 months depending on the chosen track.

Applicants from sanctioned countries or those appearing on international watchlists are ineligible. Mirabello Consultancy conducts a thorough preliminary eligibility assessment before any application is submitted, protecting both our clients and their investment.

The Step-by-Step Application Process for EU Citizenship by Investment

Understanding the precise steps involved in securing EU citizenship by investment is essential for planning and peace of mind. Below is the process as managed by Mirabello Consultancy:

1. Free Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with a confidential consultation with one of our senior advisers. We assess your eligibility, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate programme. Book your free consultation here.
2. Preliminary Due Diligence Review: Before any government fees are committed, Mirabello conducts an internal review of your background, financial history, and documentation. This proactive step helps identify and resolve any potential issues in advance.
3. Document Preparation and Apostille: Our case management team works with you to compile a complete application dossier. This includes certified translations, apostilled certificates, bank statements, proof of funds, and professional references. We coordinate with notaries and embassies worldwide.
4. Residency Establishment: For Malta's MEIN programme, legal residency must be formally established. We assist with the residence card application, property rental or purchase, and all associated administrative requirements.
5. Formal Application Submission: Once residency is in place and documents are complete, we submit the formal application to Identità Malta, including payment of the due diligence fee of €15,000 for the main applicant (plus €10,000 per adult dependant and €5,000 per minor dependant).
6. Four-Tier Due Diligence Process: The government conducts its independent background checks. This phase typically takes four to eight months. We maintain regular communication with the authorities on your behalf.
7. Letter of Approval in Principle: Upon successful due diligence, a letter of approval in principle is issued. At this stage, the main contribution to the National Development and Social Fund is paid, and the property investment is completed.
8. Certificate of Naturalisation: Following the contribution and confirmation of the qualifying residency period, the Certificate of Naturalisation is issued. You are now a Maltese and EU citizen.
9. Passport and ID Application: We assist with your Maltese passport and national identity card applications. Your travel document is typically issued within two to four weeks of naturalisation.

Timeline: How Long Does EU Citizenship by Investment Take?

One of the most common questions we receive concerns processing time. The honest answer is that timelines vary, but here is a realistic overview for each major route:

• Malta MEIN (12-month track): From initial application to passport — approximately 18 to 24 months in total, accounting for the mandatory 12-month residency period and the due diligence review of four to eight months.
• Malta MEIN (36-month track): Approximately 36 to 42 months in total, following the same logic with the extended residency requirement.
• Portugal Golden Visa (residency to citizenship): Initial residency is granted within six to eight months of application. Naturalisation eligibility typically arises after five years of legal residency, making the total citizenship timeline approximately six to seven years.
• Greece Golden Visa (residency to citizenship): Residency is granted within two to three months. Naturalisation is available after seven years of legal residency, representing a total timeline of approximately eight to nine years.

For clients whose primary goal is the EU passport itself — rather than an EU base of residency — the Malta MEIN programme on the 12-month track offers the most direct and time-efficient route available.

Benefits of EU Citizenship by Investment

The advantages of holding an EU passport extend far beyond the ability to cross borders without a visa. For our clients, EU citizenship represents a multi-generational asset with the following core benefits:

• Unrivalled global mobility: A Maltese passport ranks among the world's most powerful travel documents, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 183 countries including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and the entire Schengen Area.
• Freedom of movement within the EU: Live, work, study, and retire in any of the 27 EU member states — including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, and beyond — without permits or restrictions.
• Business and investment access: Establish and operate businesses freely across the EU single market, one of the world's largest economies with a GDP exceeding €17 trillion.
• Education: Access EU public universities at domestic tuition rates across the entire bloc, representing exceptional value for families with children.
• Healthcare: Full access to public healthcare systems across EU member states.
• Political rights: Vote and stand for election in European Parliament elections and local elections in any EU country of residence.
• Intergenerational transfer: EU citizenship is inheritable by your children and, in many cases, grandchildren — creating lasting value across generations.
• Asset diversification: Holding citizenship in a stable, rule-of-law jurisdiction provides meaningful protection against political, economic, or currency risk in your country of origin.

Including Family Members in Your EU Citizenship Application

One of the most compelling features of EU citizenship by investment programmes is the ability to extend citizenship to your immediate family through a single application process. Under Malta's MEIN programme, the following dependants may be included:

• Spouse or civil partner
• Dependent children under 29 years of age (including adopted children)
• Dependent parents and grandparents over 55 years of age who are financially dependent on the main applicant

Each adult dependant is subject to the same four-tier due diligence process as the main applicant, with an additional due diligence fee of €10,000 per adult and €5,000 per minor. The contribution to the National Development and Social Fund increases by €50,000 per adult dependant and €25,000 per minor dependant.

This family inclusion model means that a single strategic investment can deliver EU citizenship to an entire family unit — a remarkable return when considered across a lifetime of mobility, educational, and economic opportunity. Our advisers at Mirabello Consultancy carefully structure each family application to ensure all dependants are comprehensively covered and that no detail is overlooked.

Frequently Asked Questions About EU Citizenship by Investment

Is EU citizenship by investment legal?

Yes. Malta's MEIN programme operates under the Maltese Citizenship Act and has been specifically structured to comply with EU law. It is the only current EU citizenship by investment programme that has withstood scrutiny from the European Commission and continues to operate legally. Mirabello Consultancy works exclusively with fully regulated, legally compliant programmes.

How much does EU citizenship by investment cost?

The minimum total cost for Malta's MEIN programme on the 36-month track (using the rental option) is approximately €800,000 to €900,000, including the €750,000 contribution, property rental costs, the €10,000 donation, due diligence fees, and professional fees. The 12-month track with property purchase carries a minimum total outlay of approximately €1.4 million to €1.5 million. These figures vary depending on family size and individual circumstances.

Can I hold dual citizenship with an EU passport?

Malta permits dual and multiple citizenships, meaning you are not required to renounce your existing citizenship(s) upon naturalisation. However, your country of origin may have its own rules regarding dual nationality. Our advisers will advise you on the implications specific to your situation.

Do I need to live in Malta permanently after receiving citizenship?

No. While you must meet the minimum residency requirement during the application process (12 or 36 months), there is no ongoing residency requirement after citizenship is granted. You are free to live wherever you choose once you hold your Maltese passport.

What happens if my application is refused?

With Mirabello Consultancy's 99% approval rate, refusals are extremely rare. Our rigorous preliminary due diligence process ensures that only qualifying applications are submitted. In the event of an unforeseen issue, government-paid due diligence fees are non-refundable, though we work proactively to prevent any such outcome through thorough pre-screening and transparent client communication throughout the process.

How does EU citizenship by investment differ from a golden visa?

A golden visa grants residency — the right to live and work in a specific EU country and, in most cases, travel within the Schengen Area. Citizenship by investment grants full EU nationality, conferring the right to live and work in any of the 27 EU member states, vote in European elections, hold an EU passport, and pass citizenship to your children. Citizenship is a permanent status; residency may require renewal and ongoing conditions.

Which EU passport offers the most visa-free access?

Maltese passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 183 countries as of March 2026, making it one of the world's strongest travel documents. This includes entry to the United States (under the Visa Waiver Programme), the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and all Schengen member states.