Malta Redefines Citizenship Programme

Malta has made a bold move. Effective from this year, the government has officially shut down its Golden Visa programme and launched the Citizenship by Merit Programme - a modern path that rewards genuine contribution over capital injection.

This isn’t just a policy update. It’s a paradigm shift that aligns with EU principles, prioritises talent, innovation, and societal value, and repositions Malta as a destination for global founders, inventors, researchers, and cultural leaders.

For nearly a decade, Malta’s Individual Investor Programme (IIP) allowed foreign nationals to gain EU citizenship through a financial contribution. However, mounting criticism from EU institutions, watchdogs like Transparency International and ongoing media investigations have raised many questions.

The European Commission launched formal infringement proceedings in 2020, and in April 2025, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled against Malta’s IIP framework structure. The verdict: it commodified EU citizenship.
Malta’s response? A new legislative bill with substantial amendments to the previous Maltese Citizenship Act moving towards a merit-based citizenship model that is more aligned with European values and the country’s long-term vision.

Key Characteristics of the new Programme

- Merit-based selection: Eligibility is reserved for individuals with exceptional achievements in fields like science, technology, entrepreneurship, culture, sports, or philanthropy.
- National interest alignment: Contributions must align with Malta Vision 2050, focusing on areas like digital transformation, a climate-neutral economy, and sustainable development.
- No fixed investment: Unlike the old "Golden Passport" scheme, there is no automatic right to citizenship via payment; it is a discretionary process overseen by an Evaluation Board and the Minister.
- Residency requirement: Applicants must hold a valid residence permit and demonstrate genuine ties to Malta for at least 8 months before applying for naturalisation.