Malta Citizenship for a Jordanian Family: A 2026 Guide to Investment Migration

Last updated: March 2026

📋 At a Glance: "As much as I love living in Jordan, the rising tensions in the region force me to look for security in a second home. With the restrictions of a Jordanian passport and some family in Europe, I knew I needed a passport with the freedom to travel comfortably."

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.

"As much as I love living in Jordan, the rising tensions in the region force me to look for security in a second home. With the restrictions of a Jordanian passport and some family in Europe, I knew I needed a passport with the freedom to travel comfortably."

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

Mr. and Mrs. Ibrahim are a newlywed couple from Jordan who had to address the rising tensions building up in the region. They knew not to take the calm before the storm for granted and had to start working on a plan B quickly. As Jordanian citizens, they have limited options for travel and their future children will have limited access to great healthcare or education. The Ibrahim family did their research and figured that they should reach out to an agency to get an expert opinion.

"With Mirabello Consultancy as our partner, we got right into work. They were very understanding of our situation and walked us through the entire process. We were very confident that we were making the right decision."

If the Ibrahim family's story resonates with you, this guide will walk you through everything a Jordanian family needs to know about securing Malta citizenship by investment in 2026 — from costs and eligibility to timelines, family inclusion, and the life-changing benefits of an EU passport.

What Is Malta Citizenship by Investment?

Malta citizenship by investment is a formal, government-regulated programme known officially as the Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) programme. Administered by Residency Malta Agency, it allows qualifying foreign nationals — including Jordanian citizens — to obtain full Maltese citizenship and an EU passport in exchange for a significant economic contribution to the Maltese state.

What makes Malta unique among all European citizenship programmes is that it is the only pathway to a genuine EU citizenship by investment currently available. A Maltese passport is not simply a residency permit or a long-term visa; it is full citizenship of a European Union member state, granting the holder the right to live, work, study, and retire across all 27 EU countries without restriction.

For a Jordanian family like the Ibrahims — facing regional instability, passport limitations, and a desire for greater global mobility — Malta citizenship represents far more than a travel document. It is a generational asset: a secure legal status that passes to children by descent, providing lifelong access to world-class healthcare, education, and economic opportunity across Europe and beyond.

Malta's programme is widely regarded as one of the most credible and well-regulated citizenship by investment schemes in the world. You can explore how it compares to other leading programmes in our comprehensive guide to the best citizenship by investment programmes.

Malta Citizenship for a Jordanian Family: Investment Options Explained

Under the MEIN programme, applicants must fulfil three distinct investment components simultaneously. There is no single lump-sum figure; rather, the total cost is the sum of a government contribution, a property commitment, and a charitable donation. Here is a clear breakdown for 2026.

Component 1: Government Contribution

The government contribution is a non-refundable payment made directly to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF). The amount depends on how long the applicant has held Maltese residency prior to applying for citizenship:

• Three-year residency pathway: €600,000 contribution for the main applicant, plus €50,000 for each additional dependent family member (spouse, children, parents, grandparents).
• One-year expedited pathway: €750,000 contribution for the main applicant, plus €50,000 per additional dependent.

For a couple like Mr. and Mrs. Ibrahim pursuing the three-year route, the combined government contribution would be €650,000.

Component 2: Property Investment

Applicants must either purchase or lease residential property in Malta:

• Purchase: Minimum property value of €700,000, held for a minimum of five years.
• Lease: Minimum annual rent of €16,000, maintained for a minimum of five years.

Many families choose the rental route to reduce upfront capital commitment, making the lease option particularly cost-effective for those who do not wish to relocate permanently to Malta.

Component 3: Charitable Donation

All applicants must make a minimum donation of €10,000 to a registered philanthropic, cultural, scientific, artistic, sporting, or animal welfare organisation in Malta.

Total Investment Summary

For a Jordanian couple (two applicants) taking the three-year residency pathway, the indicative minimum investment is:

• Government contribution: €650,000
• Property lease (5 years × €16,000): €80,000
• Charitable donation: €10,000
• Total minimum: approximately €740,000

If property is purchased rather than leased, and depending on the number of dependants included, total investment figures will be higher. Our advisors at Mirabello Consultancy provide precise cost projections tailored to your family structure during your initial consultation.

Eligibility Requirements for Jordanian Applicants

Jordanian citizens are eligible to apply for Malta citizenship by investment, provided they satisfy the programme's rigorous eligibility criteria. Meeting these standards is essential, as Malta conducts some of the most thorough due diligence checks of any citizenship programme in the world.

Core Eligibility Criteria

• Age: The main applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
• Clean criminal record: Applicants and all adult dependants must have no criminal convictions and must not be under investigation in any jurisdiction.
• Health insurance: All applicants must hold valid health insurance coverage for Malta and the wider EU, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Source of funds: Applicants must demonstrate that all invested funds were generated through legitimate means. Comprehensive financial documentation is required.
• Prior residency: Before citizenship can be granted, applicants must establish legal residency in Malta — either for one year (expedited route) or three years (standard route).
• Genuine connection: Applicants must demonstrate a genuine link to Malta, evidenced through property, time spent in the country, and other ties.
• No sanctions: Applicants must not be subject to international sanctions, and must not be nationals of a sanctioned country. Jordan is not on any such list.

It is worth noting that the due diligence process for Malta is exceptionally thorough and involves multiple layers of screening by both the Residency Malta Agency and independent third-party investigators. This rigour is precisely what gives the Maltese passport its exceptional global standing and visa-free reach.

The Application Process: Step by Step

Understanding the application journey from start to finish helps families like the Ibrahims plan with confidence and avoid unnecessary delays. Here is the standard MEIN application process as it stands in 2026.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Eligibility Assessment

The first step is to engage an accredited agent — such as Mirabello Consultancy — for a thorough eligibility assessment. This involves a preliminary review of your background, source of funds, family structure, and investment capacity. We identify any potential issues early and advise on the optimal pathway before a single document is submitted. Book your free consultation here.

Step 2: Document Preparation

A comprehensive dossier is assembled, including identity documents, financial records, proof of source of wealth, police clearance certificates, medical records, and professional references. For Jordanian applicants, documents must typically be legalised or apostilled and translated into English.

Step 3: Maltese Residency Application

Before citizenship can be granted, applicants must obtain Maltese residency. This involves submitting a residency application to the Residency Malta Agency, arranging the required property (purchase or lease), and obtaining health insurance. Residency cards are typically issued within four to eight weeks of a complete application.

Step 4: Due Diligence and Background Checks

Once residency is established, the Residency Malta Agency conducts its four-tier due diligence process. This involves internal checks, independent third-party investigators, international law enforcement databases, and a final review by the agency's senior team. This stage is the most time-intensive component of the process.

Step 5: Letter of Approval in Principle

Upon passing due diligence, the agency issues a Letter of Approval in Principle. This confirms that the applicant has been approved for naturalisation, subject to completing all investment requirements.

Step 6: Investment Completion

Following approval in principle, the applicant remits the government contribution to the NDSF, completes or maintains the property requirement, and makes the charitable donation.

Step 7: Oath of Allegiance and Passport Issuance

The final step involves taking an Oath of Allegiance to Malta, after which the Certificate of Naturalisation is issued. Passport applications can then be submitted, and Maltese passports are typically ready within two to four weeks of naturalisation.

Timeline: How Long Does Malta Citizenship Take for Jordanians?

One of the most common questions we receive from Jordanian families is how long the process realistically takes. Here is a clear overview based on current processing standards in 2026.

• Three-year residency pathway: A minimum of 36 months of Maltese residency must be completed before citizenship can be granted. Total timeline from initial application to passport: typically 38–42 months.
• One-year expedited pathway: A minimum of 12 months of residency. Total timeline from initial application to passport: typically 14–18 months.

It is important to note that "residency" in this context is a legal status, not a physical presence requirement. Applicants are not required to relocate to Malta or spend a fixed number of days in the country each year, which makes the programme highly practical for families based in Jordan or the wider Middle East region who wish to maintain their current lifestyle while the process progresses.

Mirabello Consultancy manages the entire timeline on your behalf, providing regular progress updates and ensuring no deadlines are missed throughout your journey.

Family Inclusion: Who Can Be Added to a Malta Application?

One of the most valued features of the MEIN programme for Middle Eastern families is its generous family inclusion policy. The following dependants can be included in a single main applicant's citizenship application:

• Spouse or registered partner
• Unmarried children under 18
• Unmarried children aged 18–29 who are financially dependent on the main applicant and in full-time education
• Children of any age with a certified disability who are financially dependent
• Parents and grandparents of the main applicant or spouse, aged 55 and above, who are financially dependent

Each additional dependant adds €50,000 to the government contribution, making advance family planning an important part of the cost calculation. For a Jordanian family planning to include parents on both sides, the total investment will be meaningfully higher than the minimum two-person figure — but the value of securing EU citizenship for an entire family across generations is immeasurable.

For families with children, it is also worth noting that children born to a Maltese citizen after naturalisation automatically acquire Maltese citizenship by descent, at no additional cost. This makes Malta citizenship a truly generational investment.

The Benefits of Malta Citizenship for a Jordanian Family

The decision to pursue Malta citizenship is one of the most significant financial and lifestyle decisions a family can make. For Jordanian citizens in particular, the benefits are transformative.

Global Mobility

The Maltese passport consistently ranks among the most powerful travel documents in the world, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190+ countries and territories, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, and all 27 EU member states. For a Jordanian passport holder — currently ranking around 77th in the world — this represents a dramatic and immediate upgrade in freedom of movement.

EU Citizenship Rights

As a full EU citizen, a Maltese passport holder enjoys the unrestricted right to live, work, study, start a business, and retire in any of the 27 European Union member states. This includes countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden — all of which offer world-class public services, healthcare, and education systems.

Education and Healthcare Access

Maltese and EU citizens benefit from access to world-renowned European universities, often at significantly reduced tuition rates compared to international student fees. Children of Maltese citizens can study at institutions across the EU on equal terms with domestic students. Similarly, EU citizenship opens doors to high-quality public healthcare systems across member states.

Security and Stability

Perhaps most importantly for the Ibrahim family and others in similar situations, Maltese citizenship provides a genuine, legally secure Plan B. In the event of regional instability, conflict, or the need to relocate at short notice, EU citizenship ensures a family always has a safe, stable destination available to them — no visa queues, no uncertain applications, no delays.

Business and Tax Advantages

Malta offers a highly favourable tax environment, including an imputation tax system that can reduce effective corporate tax rates significantly for qualifying businesses. EU citizenship also facilitates business operations and banking access across the entire single market, removing many of the barriers Jordanian passport holders currently face when dealing with European financial institutions.

To explore how Malta compares with other leading citizenship and residency programmes, visit our guide to the best citizenship by investment programmes or review our dedicated page on the Malta citizenship by investment programme.

Why Choose Mirabello Consultancy for Your Malta Application?

Navigating a citizenship by investment application of this magnitude — involving multi-tier due diligence, legal residency establishment, investment structuring, and document legalisation across international jurisdictions — requires expert guidance. The difference between a successful, efficient application and one fraught with delays or complications often comes down to the quality of your advisory team.

Mirabello Consultancy is an IMC-accredited and ACAMS-certified investment migration firm headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, with a representative office in Dubai. We specialise exclusively in citizenship and residency by investment, and our team combines Swiss precision with a genuinely personal, client-centred approach.

Our track record speaks for itself: over 250 families successfully guided to citizenship, with a 99% approval rate. For Middle Eastern families — including numerous clients from Jordan, the UAE, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia — we understand the specific sensitivities, documentation challenges, and priorities that matter most.

We also offer a holistic approach to investment migration planning. If Malta is not the perfect fit for your circumstances, we can advise on a range of complementary pathways, including the St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship programme or other leading options listed in our guide to the best citizenship by investment programmes globally.

Frequently Asked Questions: Malta Citizenship for Jordanian Families

Can Jordanian citizens apply for Malta citizenship by investment?

Yes. Jordanian citizens are fully eligible to apply for Malta citizenship under the MEIN programme, provided they meet all eligibility criteria including source of funds requirements, clean criminal record, and satisfactory due diligence outcomes. Jordan is not subject to any restrictions or sanctions that would affect eligibility.

How much does Malta citizenship cost for a Jordanian couple?

For a couple (main applicant plus one dependent spouse) taking the three-year residency route, the minimum total investment is approximately €740,000. This includes a €650,000 government contribution (€600,000 + €50,000 for the spouse), a five-year property lease totalling €80,000 (at €16,000 per year), and a €10,000 charitable donation. Choosing to purchase property rather than lease, or including additional dependants, will increase the total.

Do Jordanians need to live in Malta to qualify for citizenship?

No. While applicants must establish legal residency in Malta — meaning they must hold a valid Maltese residence card — there is no fixed minimum number of days per year that must be physically spent in Malta. The programme is designed to accommodate internationally mobile applicants who wish to maintain their existing lifestyle and business commitments during the process.

How long does the Malta citizenship process take?

The three-year residency pathway takes a total of approximately 38–42 months from initial application to passport issuance. The one-year expedited pathway, which requires a higher government contribution of €750,000, takes approximately 14–18 months in total. Processing times are subject to the completion of all due diligence checks and investment requirements.

Can parents and in-laws be included in a Malta citizenship application?

Yes. Parents and grandparents of both the main applicant and the spouse are eligible dependants under the MEIN programme, provided they are aged 55 or above and financially dependent on the main applicant. Each additional dependant — including parents — adds €50,000 to the government contribution.

Is a Maltese passport valid for travel to the United States without a visa?

Yes. Malta is a member of the US Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). Maltese passport holders can travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days under the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), without requiring a visa. This is a significant benefit for Jordanian families, as Jordan is not a member of the VWP.

What happens if my Malta citizenship application is refused?

Refusals under the MEIN programme are rare when applications are thoroughly prepared and submitted through an accredited agent. If a Letter of Approval in Principle is not granted, the government contribution is not payable, and the applicant's residency costs are the primary expenses incurred. Mirabello Consultancy's 99% approval rate reflects our rigorous pre-application assessment process, which identifies and addresses potential issues before submission.