Program Overview

Malta's Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (MEIN) is the only EU citizenship by investment program currently available. As a member of the European Union, Schengen Area, and Commonwealth of Nations, Maltese citizenship grants the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU. The Maltese passport is consistently ranked among the top 5 most powerful passports in the world. The program is strictly regulated by Community Malta Agency with a cap of 1,500 approved applicants.

Minimum Investment

€690,000

Processing Time

14–38 months

Visa-Free Countries

187

Investment Options

Government Contribution (36-month residency)

€600,000

Non-refundable contribution to Malta's National Development & Social Fund after maintaining 36 months of residency.

Government Contribution (12-month residency)

€750,000

Accelerated route with only 12 months of residency required before the contribution.

Real Estate (Purchase)

€700,000+

Purchase of residential property in Malta valued at minimum €700,000, held for at least 5 years.

Real Estate (Rental)

€16,000/year

Alternative to purchase: lease a residential property at a minimum annual rent of €16,000 for 5 years.

Philanthropic Donation

€10,000

Mandatory donation to a registered Maltese philanthropy, sport, cultural, scientific, or animal welfare NGO.

Processing Timeline

Residency Application - Month 1–2

Apply for Malta residence permit, secure qualifying property, and establish genuine link.

Residency Period - Month 3–14 (or 3–38)

Maintain genuine residency in Malta for 12 or 36 months depending on chosen contribution level.

Citizenship Application - After residency period

Submit citizenship application with all supporting documents to Community Malta Agency.

Due Diligence - 4–6 months

Comprehensive four-tier due diligence process including international law enforcement checks.

Approval in Principle - Following due diligence

Letter of Approval in Principle issued.

Investment Completion - 1–2 months

Complete all three investment components: contribution, property, and donation.

Certificate of Naturalisation & Passport - 1–2 months

Maltese citizenship certificate and EU passport issued.

Visa-Free Access

The Malta passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 187 countries worldwide, including:

✈️ United States

✈️ United Kingdom

✈️ Canada

✈️ Australia

✈️ Japan

✈️ All EU/Schengen States

✈️ New Zealand

Family Inclusion

Spouse

Yes - included in main application

Children

Dependent children under 29

Parents

Dependent parents aged 55+

Siblings

Not included

Tax Environment

Income Tax

Progressive rates up to 35% for residents on remitted income

Wealth Tax

No wealth tax

Inheritance Tax

No inheritance tax (duty on transfers may apply)

Capital Gains

15% on Maltese property; exempt on foreign assets for non-domiciled

Malta operates a remittance-based tax system for non-domiciled residents. Foreign income not remitted to Malta is not taxed. Extensive double taxation treaty network.

Residency & Dual Citizenship

Residency Requirement

12–36 months prior residency

Physical presence requirement: 12–36 months prior residency.

Dual Citizenship

Yes

Fully recognized. Your existing nationality remains unaffected.

Required Documents

  • Valid passport (certified copy)
  • Birth certificate (apostilled)
  • Police clearance from all countries of residence (past 10 years)
  • Medical insurance proof (covering Malta/EU)
  • Source of funds (comprehensive documentation)
  • Bank reference letter
  • Professional references (2)
  • Passport photographs (6 biometric)
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Proof of Malta residency
  • CV / Resume with education and employment history
  • Proof of philanthropic donation

Step-by-Step Application Process

1

Initial Consultation

Meet with our senior advisors to discuss your objectives, eligibility, and preferred investment route.

2

Due Diligence Pre-Screening

We conduct internal compliance checks to ensure your profile meets program requirements before formal submission.

3

Document Preparation & Submission

Our team prepares your complete application package and submits it to the relevant government authority.

4

Government Due Diligence

The government conducts thorough background checks through international intelligence agencies.

5

Approval in Principle

Upon successful due diligence, you receive an Approval in Principle and complete your chosen investment.

6

Oath of Allegiance

Take the Oath of Allegiance, which can typically be done at an embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

7

Passport Issuance

Your Certificate of Citizenship and passport are issued, completing your journey to dual citizenship.

Fees Breakdown

Fee TypeDetails
Government Fees€50,000 per dependent (added to main contribution)
Due Diligence Fees€15,000 main applicant; €10,000 per dependent (13+)
Processing Fees€5,000 residence permit (main); €1,000/dep; €10,000 philanthropic donation
Passport FeesStandard EU passport fees (~€500)
Real Estate Holding Period5-year minimum (purchase at €700,000+ or rental at €16,000+/year)

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Following the suspension of programs in Cyprus and Bulgaria, Malta's MEIN is the only legitimate pathway to EU citizenship through investment.
EU citizenship grants you the right to live, work, study, and retire in any of the 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland under freedom of movement.
The premium price reflects the extraordinary value of EU citizenship - visa-free access to 187 countries including the US, Canada, and Australia - and the program's limited annual cap.
Yes. You must maintain genuine residency in Malta for either 12 months (€750,000 contribution) or 36 months (€600,000 contribution) before applying for citizenship.
Yes. The program is capped at 1,500 total approved applicants (excluding dependents), ensuring exclusivity and program integrity.
Yes. Maltese citizens can travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) for stays up to 90 days.
Malta conducts one of the most rigorous due diligence processes in the world: (1) local police checks, (2) international law enforcement, (3) third-party intelligence providers, and (4) financial compliance review.
Yes. Instead of purchasing property at €700,000+, you can lease a residential property in Malta at a minimum annual rent of €16,000 for 5 years.

Start Your Malta Application

Ready to explore citizenship in Malta? Our senior advisors provide confidential, personalized guidance through every step of the process.

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