This page is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. GLI Corp. does not market or promote Malta Citizenship by Merit. The Community Malta Agency, which administers Malta's citizenship legislation, has stated that it does not permit any marketing or promotion of this legislation. For current and official information, please refer directly to the following sources:
In April 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) delivered its judgment on Malta's former citizenship by investment framework, and that framework was subsequently repealed. On 24 July 2025, the Maltese Citizenship Act was amended by Act XXI of 2025 in response to the judgment. At the same time, Subsidiary Legislation 188.06 was amended to set out the processes and requirements for citizenship by naturalisation on the basis of merit.
Malta's citizenship legislation provides for naturalisation on the basis of merit under the Granting of Citizenship by Naturalisation on the Basis of Merit Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 188.06). It applies to people who have given exceptional service, or made an exceptional contribution, to Malta or to humanity.
Decisions are fully discretionary. Each application is assessed strictly and diligently, case by case. The emphasis is on recognised achievement and genuine connection to Malta, not on financial investment.
According to the Community Malta Agency, Citizenship by Merit is neither a programme nor a scheme, pathway, continuation or alternative to Malta's former citizenship by investment framework.
The legislation does not restrict itself to particular sectors. Areas in which a person's contribution may be assessed include:
Being active in one of these fields does not entitle anyone to citizenship. Each case is assessed on its own facts.
Under Article 11A(1) of Subsidiary Legislation 188.06, the process begins with a detailed proposal letter submitted to the Community Malta Agency. The letter sets out the applicant's background and achievements, the exceptional service already rendered or intended, a forward-looking plan of continued contribution, supporting documents, and details of any eligible dependants.
An independent board evaluates the proposal, and the Agency carries out due-diligence checks. The board then makes a recommendation to the Minister responsible for citizenship.
The Minister's decision on whether to approve in principle is final and discretionary.
If approved in principle, the applicant may submit a formal naturalisation application, subject to the requirements below.
Once the application is approved, the applicant, together with any included dependants, takes the Oath of Allegiance and receives a certificate of naturalisation.
A person naturalised on this basis becomes a full Maltese citizen, with all rights under Maltese law. As a Maltese citizen, they are also a citizen of the European Union, which includes freedom of movement within the EU and the Schengen Area.
Citizenship granted in this way is conditional on the commitments made in connection with the applicant's eligibility. If those commitments are not honoured, the Minister may deprive the person of citizenship.
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