Malta Citizenship by Merit 2026: What Replaced the Malta CBI Programme

Last updated: March 2026

Malta's Citizenship by Investment programme — officially the Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) — was closed in April 2025 following a European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling that it violated EU principles. If you were considering the MEIN, this guide explains what happened, what replaced it, and what your options are for EU citizenship in 2026.

What Was the Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) Programme?

The Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalisation programme was, for several years, Europe's most prominent citizenship by investment scheme. Launched in 2020 as a revised successor to the earlier Individual Investor Programme (IIP), MEIN allowed qualifying non-EU nationals to obtain Maltese — and therefore European Union — citizenship through a combination of substantial financial contributions, real estate investment, and a philanthropic donation.

Under MEIN, applicants were required to make a direct contribution of €600,000 to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF) after 36 months of residency, or €750,000 after just 12 months of residency. Additionally, applicants had to either purchase property worth a minimum of €700,000 or lease residential property at €16,000 per year for a minimum of five years, alongside a charitable donation of at least €10,000 to a registered Maltese non-governmental organisation.

The programme granted successful applicants full Maltese citizenship, including an EU passport that provided visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 185 countries and territories, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the entire Schengen Area.

For a broader comparison of citizenship by investment options available globally, visit our guide to the best citizenship by investment programmes.

Why Was Malta's CBI Programme Closed? The ECJ Ruling Explained

In April 2024, the European Court of Justice ruled definitively that Malta's citizenship by investment programme was incompatible with EU law. The Court found that the commercialisation of EU citizenship — effectively allowing Union membership to be acquired through financial transactions — undermined the fundamental character of European citizenship, which is intended to reflect a genuine connection between an individual and a member state.

The ECJ's ruling confirmed what the European Commission had long argued: that selling EU citizenship compromises the integrity of the bloc, creates security risks, and enables potential tax avoidance and money laundering. Malta had initially resisted and appealed the Commission's 2022 infringement proceedings, but the Court's judgment in 2024 left no room for ambiguity.

By April 2025, Malta had formally wound down the MEIN programme. No new applications were accepted after this date, and the Maltese government announced it would honour existing commitments to applicants who had already commenced their naturalization journey within the programme's framework prior to closure.

This decision sent significant ripples through the investment migration industry, as Malta had been one of only two EU member states (alongside Cyprus, whose programme was suspended in 2020) to offer a direct route to EU citizenship through investment.

What Is Malta Citizenship by Merit? Understanding the Replacement Pathway

Malta Citizenship by Merit is the pathway that the Maltese government has retained — and in some respects formalised — following the closure of MEIN. It is critically important to understand that this is not a commercial programme. It cannot be applied for in the traditional sense, nor can citizenship be obtained through financial investment under this scheme.

Under the Citizenship by Merit framework, the President of Malta may, on the advice of the Prime Minister, grant citizenship to individuals who have made an exceptional and distinguished contribution to Malta or to humanity more broadly. Recognised fields typically include:

• Arts, culture, and heritage
• Science, medicine, and research
• Sport and athletics
• Humanitarian and philanthropic endeavours
• Significant public service or diplomatic achievement

Citizenship by Merit awards are rare, entirely discretionary, and initiated by the Maltese government rather than by the applicant. There is no application form, no defined investment threshold, and no guaranteed outcome. The programme exists to honour individuals of extraordinary distinction — not to provide an alternative investment migration route.

For those who were attracted to Malta's former MEIN scheme for its EU citizenship benefits, Citizenship by Merit is not a viable substitute. It is more akin to an honorary distinction than a structured immigration programme.

Who Qualifies for Malta Citizenship by Merit in 2026?

Because the scheme is entirely at governmental discretion, there is no formal eligibility checklist. However, based on past awards and the legislative framework under the Maltese Citizenship Act, individuals considered for Citizenship by Merit typically demonstrate:

• International renown: A globally recognised standing in their field, evidenced by awards, publications, records, or documented impact.
• A genuine connection to Malta: This may include having worked in Malta, contributed to Maltese cultural life, or championed Maltese interests on the international stage.
• Exceptional humanitarian contribution: Individuals whose work has materially benefited Maltese society or addressed significant global challenges.
• Exemplary character: A clean criminal record and a public reputation consistent with the honour being bestowed.

The number of Citizenship by Merit awards granted annually is extremely limited — typically fewer than five to ten individuals per year across the entire programme's history. It is not a pathway that Mirabello Consultancy would recommend pursuing as a primary strategy for HNW or UHNW families seeking EU citizenship in 2026.

What Are Your Genuine Alternatives for EU Citizenship in 2026?

For investors and families who had been exploring Malta's MEIN programme as a route to EU citizenship and an EU passport, the closure of MEIN necessitates a strategic reassessment. The good news is that several compelling and legitimate pathways to EU citizenship — both direct and residency-first — remain available in 2026.

Portugal Golden Visa — Residency to Citizenship

Portugal's Golden Visa remains one of the most respected residency-by-investment programmes in Europe. Qualifying investment options from €250,000 (in approved funds or cultural contributions) provide Portuguese residency, with the right to apply for full citizenship after just five years. Portugal's passport ranks among the world's most powerful, offering visa-free access to over 188 countries. Crucially, Portugal does not require you to live in the country full-time — a minimum of seven days per year is sufficient to maintain residency status during the qualifying period.

Learn more about the Portugal Golden Visa programme and how it compares to other residency options.

Greece Golden Visa — Europe's Most Accessible Entry Point

Greece's Golden Visa programme currently offers one of the most cost-effective entry points to European residency, with real estate investment thresholds starting from €250,000 in selected regions (and €800,000 in prime locations such as Athens and Thessaloniki). After seven years of residency, investors may apply for Greek citizenship, subject to language and integration requirements. Greece's passport provides visa-free access to over 185 destinations.

Explore the Greece Golden Visa programme in detail, including current investment zones and processing timelines.

St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment

For those who prioritise speed and a direct route to a second passport without EU citizenship requirements, St Kitts and Nevis remains the world's oldest and most reputable citizenship by investment programme. Processing times of four to six months and investment options from $250,000 (under the Sustainable Island State Contribution) make this a highly efficient solution. The St Kitts passport provides visa-free access to over 157 countries, including the Schengen Area and the United Kingdom.

Discover the St Kitts and Nevis CBI programme and whether it aligns with your objectives.

For a comprehensive comparison of all leading citizenship and residency programmes, explore our guide to the best golden visa investment programmes.

If EU citizenship is your primary objective, Mirabello Consultancy's specialists can map out a personalised roadmap. Book your complimentary consultation today to begin the conversation.

Processing Times and Practical Considerations for EU Alternatives

One of the most common questions we receive from clients who had been considering MEIN is how the timelines for alternative EU citizenship pathways compare. The honest answer is that no current EU programme replicates the relative speed of Malta's former MEIN (which could deliver citizenship in as little as 12 months). However, several programmes offer a structured, predictable journey:

• Portugal Golden Visa: Residency granted within 6–8 months of application; citizenship eligible after 5 years. Total timeline: approximately 5.5–6 years.
• Greece Golden Visa: Residency permit issued within 2–4 months; citizenship eligible after 7 years. Total timeline: approximately 7.5 years.
• Austria Citizenship by Exceptional Merit (Article 10): Highly discretionary and non-commercial, similar in nature to Malta's Citizenship by Merit. Awards are rare and government-initiated.

While these timelines are longer than MEIN's former offering, they represent legitimate, EU-compliant pathways that carry no legal or geopolitical risk of programme closure.

Benefits of Pursuing an EU Residency or Citizenship Pathway in 2026

Despite the closure of Malta's CBI programme, the underlying motivations that make EU citizenship attractive have not diminished. On the contrary, many of the geopolitical and economic factors driving demand for second citizenships and alternative residencies have intensified in recent years.

Key benefits of EU citizenship or long-term EU residency include:

• Freedom of movement: The right to live, work, study, and retire in any of the 27 EU member states without restriction.
• Passport power: EU passports consistently rank among the world's most powerful, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185–190+ destinations.
• Business and investment access: Full access to the EU single market, including banking, property ownership, and business establishment across member states.
• Education: Access to EU-rate tuition fees at European universities, which can represent exceptional value for families with children.
• Healthcare: Access to European public healthcare systems as a resident or citizen.
• Political stability and rule of law: EU membership provides a stable, legally protected framework for personal and business affairs.
• Legacy planning: EU citizenship can typically be passed to children and future generations, creating multigenerational value.

Frequently Asked Questions: Malta Citizenship by Merit 2026