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Malta Citizenship by Investment Cost 2026: What Happens After CBI Closure
Last updated: March 2026
Malta's Citizenship by Investment programme officially closed in April 2025, marking the end of one of Europe's most sought-after routes to EU citizenship through direct investment. For the thousands of investors who had been considering Malta CBI, the closure raises critical questions: what alternatives remain, what did the programme cost, and what are the new pathways to Maltese and EU citizenship in 2026?
This comprehensive guide from Mirabello Consultancy examines the full cost breakdown of Malta's now-closed CBI programme for historical reference, explains the current alternatives including the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), and compares remaining routes to EU citizenship for investors.
Why Did Malta Close Its CBI Programme?
Malta's Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (commonly known as Malta CBI) was closed in April 2025 following sustained pressure from the European Commission, which viewed CBI programmes in EU member states as incompatible with the integrity of EU citizenship. The closure followed a European Court of Justice ruling and broader EU policy to eliminate "golden passport" schemes within the bloc.
The programme had been operational since 2014 (first as the Individual Investor Programme, then restructured in 2020) and had generated over EUR 1.5 billion in revenue for Malta. At its peak, it was the only programme offering direct EU citizenship through investment.
What Did Malta CBI Cost? Historical Breakdown
For reference, the Malta CBI programme required the following investment at the time of closure:
| Component | 36-Month Route | 12-Month Route |
|---|---|---|
| Government Contribution | EUR 600,000 | EUR 750,000 |
| Property (purchase or lease) | EUR 700,000 purchase or EUR 16,000/yr lease | EUR 700,000 purchase or EUR 16,000/yr lease |
| Charitable Donation | EUR 10,000 | EUR 10,000 |
| Due Diligence Fees | EUR 15,000 (main) + EUR 10,000–12,000 (dependants) | Same |
| Total (purchase route) | ~EUR 1,325,000+ | ~EUR 1,475,000+ |
The programme required either 12 or 36 months of prior residence in Malta, with the 12-month route commanding a higher government contribution. Family members could be added at additional cost (EUR 50,000 per spouse, EUR 25,000–50,000 per child depending on age).
What Alternatives Exist for Malta Residency and Citizenship in 2026?
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)
The Malta MPRP remains open and is now the primary investment migration route to Malta. Following reforms under Legal Notice 146 of 2025, it offers:
- Permanent EU residence: indefinite residence permit with Schengen travel rights
- Administration fee: EUR 60,000
- Government contribution: EUR 37,000 (unified rate)
- Charitable donation: EUR 2,000
- Property: EUR 375,000 purchase or EUR 14,000/year lease
- Total cost (lease route): approximately EUR 113,000 + ongoing lease
- Path to citizenship: naturalisation possible after 5 years of continuous residence
- New feature: temporary residence permit issued during processing (LN 146/2025 reform)
While the MPRP does not grant immediate citizenship like the former CBI programme, it provides a clear pathway to Maltese (and therefore EU) citizenship through naturalisation after 5 years of continuous residence in Malta.
Malta Global Residence Programme (GRP)
The GRP is a tax residence programme offering a flat 15% tax rate on foreign income remitted to Malta, with a minimum annual tax of EUR 15,000. It requires property in Malta (EUR 275,000 purchase or EUR 9,600/year lease on mainland; lower for Gozo/South Malta) and is ideal for investors seeking tax optimisation rather than a path to citizenship.
How Does the MPRP Path to Citizenship Compare to the Former CBI?
| Feature | Malta CBI (Closed) | MPRP + Naturalisation |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cost | EUR 1.3M–1.5M+ | ~EUR 113K–474K |
| Time to Citizenship | 12–36 months | 5+ years |
| Residence Required | 12 or 36 months | 5 years continuous |
| EU Passport | Yes (direct) | Yes (after naturalisation) |
| Status | CLOSED (April 2025) | OPEN |
The MPRP route costs a fraction of the former CBI but requires genuine residence in Malta for 5 years before naturalisation. For investors willing to relocate to Malta, this represents outstanding value. For those seeking quick citizenship without relocation, Caribbean CBI programmes (from $200,000) are now the primary alternative — see our best CBI programmes guide.
What Other EU Citizenship Routes Exist for Investors?
With Malta's CBI closed, investors seeking EU citizenship through investment should consider:
- Portugal Golden Visa: EUR 250,000+ investment, 5-year path to citizenship with only 7 days/year minimum stay. Currently the most attractive EU citizenship-by-investment pathway
- Greece Golden Visa: EUR 250,000–800,000, 7-year path to citizenship (requires physical residence and Greek language proficiency)
- Citizenship by descent: if you have Italian, Irish, or other EU ancestry, this may offer a cheaper and faster route to EU citizenship
- Citizenship by marriage: marriage to an EU citizen can create expedited naturalisation pathways in most EU states
Exploring alternatives after Malta CBI closure? Book your free consultation with Mirabello Consultancy and let our experts find the best EU citizenship pathway for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Malta Citizenship by Investment Cost
Can I Still Get Malta Citizenship by Investment?
No. Malta's CBI programme closed in April 2025. The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) remains open and offers a path to citizenship through naturalisation after 5 years of continuous residence.
How Much Did Malta CBI Cost?
The programme cost approximately EUR 1.3 million to EUR 1.5 million+ including government contribution (EUR 600,000–750,000), property (EUR 700,000 purchase or EUR 16,000/year lease), charitable donation (EUR 10,000), and due diligence fees.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Get EU Citizenship Through Investment?
The Portugal Golden Visa (from EUR 250,000) offers the most affordable path to EU citizenship with naturalisation possible after 5 years and only 7 days per year minimum stay. The Malta MPRP (from ~EUR 113,000 lease route) offers permanent EU residence with citizenship possible after 5 years of continuous residence.
Is the Malta MPRP Worth It After CBI Closure?
Yes. The MPRP offers permanent EU residence, Schengen travel, and a citizenship pathway at a fraction of the former CBI cost. For investors willing to live in Malta, it represents exceptional value. For more details, visit our Malta MPRP programme page.
Need Expert Guidance on Malta Investment Migration?
Book your free consultation with Mirabello Consultancy. As IMC members with extensive Malta programme expertise, we help clients navigate the post-CBI landscape and find the optimal EU residency and citizenship pathway.
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