How to Get Citizenship in Malta: A Comprehensive Guide for 2026

Last updated: March 2026

Why trust Mirabello Consultancy with your Malta application? As an IMC-accredited, ACAMS-certified investment migration firm headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, we have guided over 250 families to successful citizenship with a 99% approval rate. Our Swiss precision and personalised approach ensure your application receives expert attention from start to finish. Meet our team.

Considering Malta citizenship? Book a free consultation with Mirabello Consultancy to discuss the best investment route for you and your family.

What Is the Malta Citizenship by Investment Programme?

The Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) programme — officially titled Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment — is the European Union's only formally regulated citizenship by investment pathway available to non-EU nationals. Governed by Legal Notice 437 of 2020 and overseen by Identità, the programme grants Maltese citizenship — and with it, full EU citizenship — to qualifying applicants who make a meaningful financial contribution to Malta's National Development and Social Fund, acquire qualifying residential property, and demonstrate genuine links with the island nation.

Malta joined the European Union in 2004, meaning that Maltese citizenship confers the right to live, work, study and do business freely across all 27 EU member states. The programme has attracted considerable international attention precisely because it offers one of the world's most powerful passports alongside the full suite of EU citizenship rights. It is not a golden visa or temporary residence scheme — it is full, irrevocable citizenship with no ongoing requirements once the passport is issued.

For a broader comparison of the world's leading programmes, visit our guide to the best citizenship by investment programmes available today.

How to Get Citizenship in Malta: The Two Investment Routes

There are two principal routes under the MEIN programme, differentiated primarily by the residency period required prior to naturalisation and the size of the corresponding financial contribution.

Route 1: The 12-Month Residency Track

Under this route, the main applicant must have held a Maltese residence permit for at least 12 months before citizenship is granted. The required contribution to Malta's National Development and Social Fund is €750,000. This is the faster of the two pathways and is typically preferred by applicants who value speed of processing and certainty of outcome.

Route 2: The 36-Month Residency Track

Applicants who are willing to maintain Maltese residency for a minimum of 36 months before naturalisation may make a reduced contribution of €600,000. This route offers a significant cost saving of €150,000 compared to Route 1, making it attractive for families with a longer planning horizon or those who already have established ties to Malta.

Real Estate Requirement

In addition to the government contribution, all applicants must satisfy one of the following property conditions:

• Purchase: Acquire residential property in Malta with a minimum value of €700,000, which must be held for at least five years.
• Lease: Enter into a rental agreement for residential property in Malta at a minimum annual rental of €16,000, maintained for at least five years.

Philanthropic Donation

All applicants must also make a donation of €10,000 to a registered Maltese philanthropic, cultural, sports, scientific, animal welfare, or artistic organisation. While modest in the context of overall investment, this requirement underscores the programme's emphasis on genuine social contribution.

Summary of Minimum Costs

• 12-month route (purchase): €750,000 (contribution) + €700,000 (property) + €10,000 (donation) = from approximately €1,460,000
• 36-month route (lease): €600,000 (contribution) + €80,000 over five years (lease) + €10,000 (donation) = from approximately €690,000

Government administrative fees and professional advisory fees are additional. Contact Mirabello Consultancy for a personalised cost breakdown that accounts for your family composition and chosen route.

Eligibility Requirements for Malta Citizenship

The MEIN programme applies strict eligibility criteria. Meeting the financial thresholds is necessary but not sufficient — every applicant undergoes a rigorous due diligence process conducted by Identità and its appointed third-party due diligence firms. The principal eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Age: The main applicant must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
• Good character: Applicants must have a clean criminal record and must not be subject to any criminal proceedings, international sanctions or financial crime investigations.
• Health: Applicants must hold a comprehensive health insurance policy covering Malta and the entire EU, with a minimum coverage of €30,000, for a period of at least five years.
• Residence: A valid Maltese residence permit must be obtained and maintained for the applicable residency period (12 or 36 months).
• Source of funds: Applicants must provide robust documentation demonstrating that all investment funds originate from legitimate sources. Malta applies among the strictest anti-money laundering standards in the investment migration industry.
• Genuine connection: Identità expects applicants to demonstrate a genuine link to Malta, which may include visits to the island, cultural engagement, or professional connections.
• Restricted nationalities: Citizens of certain countries are ineligible or subject to enhanced scrutiny. Our advisers can confirm eligibility for your specific nationality at the outset.

It is also worth noting that the programme has an annual cap of 400 approved applications per year (1,500 total over the life of the programme), so early engagement with a qualified adviser is strongly recommended.

The Application Process: Step by Step

Understanding how to get citizenship in Malta involves navigating a structured, multi-stage process. Mirabello Consultancy manages every step on behalf of our clients, ensuring accuracy, compliance and efficiency throughout.

1. Initial eligibility assessment: We conduct a confidential assessment of your eligibility, nationality, background and investment capacity. This is completed at no obligation during your complimentary consultation.
2. Document preparation: Our team compiles a comprehensive documentation package, including police clearances from all countries of residence or citizenship (typically for the past ten years), birth certificates, marriage certificates, financial statements, business records and source of wealth documentation.
3. Maltese residency permit: We apply for a Maltese Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) on your behalf. This step initiates the mandatory residency clock and is a prerequisite for the naturalisation application.
4. Due diligence submission: Identità undertakes a thorough multi-tier due diligence investigation. This is the most critical stage of the process and the primary reason why working with an experienced, accredited adviser is essential.
5. Letter of approval in principle: If due diligence is passed, Identità issues a Letter of Approval in Principle. At this stage, the applicable contribution, property investment and donation must be completed.
6. Investment completion: The government contribution is remitted to Malta's National Development and Social Fund, the real estate requirement is fulfilled, and the charitable donation is made.
7. Certificate of naturalisation: Upon completion of all investments and satisfaction of the residency requirement, Identità issues the Certificate of Naturalisation.
8. Passport application: The newly naturalised citizen applies for a Maltese passport at the relevant authority. Passports are typically issued within four to six weeks of the naturalisation certificate.

Timeline: How Long Does the Malta Citizenship Process Take?

One of the most common questions we receive from prospective clients is how long the MEIN process takes from start to finish. The honest answer is that it depends on the route chosen, the completeness of the documentation submitted, and the speed of due diligence clearance. That said, the following indicative timelines apply:

• 12-month route: From the submission of a complete application to naturalisation, applicants should expect a total timeline of approximately 14–18 months, which includes the 12-month residency requirement.
• 36-month route: The total end-to-end timeline is naturally longer — typically 38–44 months — but the cost saving of €150,000 makes this route financially compelling for those with the flexibility to plan ahead.
• Passport issuance: Following the Certificate of Naturalisation, a Maltese passport is usually received within four to six weeks.

Incomplete documentation, delays in obtaining police clearances, or complications identified during due diligence can extend these timelines. Engaging Mirabello Consultancy from the outset minimises these risks materially.

Benefits of Maltese Citizenship

A Maltese passport is one of the most valuable travel and lifestyle documents available globally. The benefits extend far beyond the passport itself.

Visa-Free Travel

Maltese citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188+ countries and territories, including the United States (under the Visa Waiver Programme), Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and all Schengen Area nations. For business families who travel extensively, this freedom is transformative.

Full EU Citizenship Rights

As a Maltese citizen, you and your family have the unconditional right to live, work, study, retire and own property in any of the 27 European Union member states. This includes major economies such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden, as well as access to EU healthcare and education systems.

Tax Efficiency

Malta's tax regime is widely regarded as one of the most favourable in the EU for internationally mobile individuals. Non-domiciled residents are taxed on remittance basis, and the country has an extensive network of double taxation treaties. Maltese citizenship does not itself impose new tax obligations — your tax position depends on your domicile and residency status.

Political Stability and Quality of Life

Malta consistently ranks highly in quality of life indices. The island combines a Mediterranean lifestyle with the rule of law, a well-established legal system rooted in British common law, English as an official language, and a sophisticated financial services sector.

Inheritance and Future Generations

Maltese citizenship is transmissible by descent, meaning your children and grandchildren born after your naturalisation are entitled to Maltese and EU citizenship by birth. The long-term value of this right is immeasurable.

For a broader perspective on the benefits of different programmes, explore our best golden visa investment programmes guide, or speak with our advisers about Malta citizenship in detail.

Family Inclusion in the Malta Citizenship Application

One of the most appealing features of the MEIN programme is the breadth of family members who can be included in a single application. The following dependants are eligible:

• Spouse or civil partner of the main applicant.
• Dependent children under 18 years of age.
• Children aged 18–29 who are unmarried, not in a civil partnership and financially dependent on the main applicant.
• Children of any age who are financially dependent due to a mental or physical disability.
• Dependent parents and grandparents (both of the main applicant and of the spouse) aged 55 or above, provided they are financially dependent on the main applicant.

Each qualifying dependant included in the application is subject to a separate government contribution:

• Spouse or civil partner: €50,000
• Each dependent child under 18: €25,000
• Each dependent child aged 18–29: €50,000
• Each dependent parent or grandparent (aged 55+): €50,000

Our advisers will calculate the precise total investment required for your specific family structure during your initial consultation. Families with multiple dependants should plan their investment carefully to ensure full family coverage within a single, coordinated application.

Frequently Asked Questions About Malta Citizenship

Can I hold dual citizenship in Malta?

Yes. Malta formally permits dual or multiple citizenship. There is no requirement to renounce your existing nationality upon naturalisation as a Maltese citizen. However, whether your current country of citizenship recognises dual nationality is a separate legal question — one our advisers can help you assess before you proceed.

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

No. Once the Certificate of Naturalisation has been issued and your passport obtained, there is no residency requirement to maintain your Maltese citizenship. You are free to reside wherever you choose while retaining your Maltese and EU citizenship in full.

What due diligence checks does Malta conduct?

Identità conducts one of the most rigorous due diligence processes in the investment migration industry, carried out across four tiers: an internal assessment, two independent external due diligence firms, and a final review by Identità itself. Background checks cover criminal history, financial integrity, source of wealth, business associations, adverse media, and international sanctions lists. The process is designed to protect the integrity of Maltese citizenship.

Is the €700,000 property investment recoverable?

Yes. The real estate acquired under the purchase route must be held for a minimum of five years. After this period, the property may be sold on the open market. Given Malta's strong and resilient property market, many applicants view the property investment as a sound financial asset in its own right, not merely a programme cost.

What happens if my application is refused?

Applications are refused primarily due to due diligence concerns identified during the review process. In the event of a refusal, government contributions remitted are not returned. This is one of the most important reasons to work with an experienced, accredited adviser who can identify and mitigate potential issues before the application is submitted. Mirabello Consultancy's 99% approval rate reflects the rigour of our pre-application screening process.

How does Malta citizenship compare to other European golden visa programmes?

Malta is unique in offering full EU citizenship — not merely residency — through an investment pathway. Other European programmes such as those offered by Portugal, Greece or Spain provide residency (and a potential pathway to citizenship after a number of years), but not immediate citizenship. For clients seeking the most comprehensive European status available, Malta remains the benchmark. See our dedicated page on Malta citizenship by investment for a full programme comparison.

Can I apply for Malta citizenship if I am a US citizen?

Yes, US citizens are eligible to apply for Malta citizenship. The United States permits dual citizenship, and there are no specific restrictions under the MEIN programme for American applicants. Note, however, that US citizens who acquire citizenship and domicile in Malta should seek specialist US tax advice, as US persons are subject to worldwide income tax obligations regardless of residence.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Book your free consultation with Mirabello Consultancy and take the first step towards securing a Maltese passport for you and your family. Our IMC-accredited advisers are available in Zurich and Dubai to provide personalised, confidential guidance on every aspect of your application — from eligibility and investment structuring to due diligence preparation and passport collection.

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