Malta’s Citizenship by Merit Programme, established under Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act and governed by Legal Notice 159 of 2025, represents a transformative shift from investment-based citizenship to merit-based naturalisation.

The citizenship by merit programme, effective from 24th July 2025, grants Maltese citizenship to exceptional individuals who have rendered or will render extraordinary services to Malta or humanity at large.

Since 2014, we have assisted both individuals and families in achieving Maltese citizenship and consequently a life in the European Union.

• Primary Legislation: Maltese Citizenship Act (Chapter 188)
• Specific Provision: Article 10(9) as amended by Act XXI of 2025
• Regulatory Framework: Legal Notice 159 of 2025 – Granting of Citizenship by Naturalisation on the Basis of Merit Regulations
• Administering Authority: Community Malta Agency (Aġenzija Komunità Malta)

The citizenship by merit programme aims to:

• Attract individuals who demonstrate exceptional talent and achievement
• Recognise contributions that advance Malta’s strategic interests
• Align with EU principles regarding genuine links to citizenship
• Foster innovation, cultural enrichment, and humanitarian advancement
• Enhance Malta’s international reputation as a destination for global talent

The programme explicitly recognises a broad range of eligible profiles, from scientists advancing knowledge and innovation to artists enriching Malta’s cultural heritage, athletes achieving international success, and philanthropists supporting social causes.

The citizenship by merit pathway is available to individuals who can demonstrate:

• Exceptional Service or Contribution to Malta or humanity
• Exceptional Interest where naturalisation serves Malta’s national interest
• Good Character and clean criminal record
• Residency Requirement: Minimum eight (8) months legal residence in Malta
• Property Requirement: Title to adequate residential property (ownership or lease)
• Language Proficiency: Adequate knowledge of English or Maltese
• Integration: Evidence of genuine ties to Malta

Exceptional services or contributions in fields including:

• Science & Research: Breakthrough innovations, patents, peer-reviewed publications
• Technology: Digital transformation, artificial intelligence, fintech innovations
• Arts & Culture: International recognition in creative fields, cultural preservation
• Sports: Elite athletic achievement, international representation
• Entrepreneurship: Job creation, economic development, startup innovation
• Philanthropy: Humanitarian work, charitable foundations, social impact
• Education: Academic excellence, educational institution development
• Public Service: National security, healthcare, civil service contributions

• Spouse/Partner: Monogamous marriage or equivalent relationship
• Minor Children: Under 18 years – including adopted children
• Adult Dependents: Unmarried children aged 18-29 who are financially dependent
• Disabled Dependents: Adult children with disabilities – any age
• Elderly Parents: Dependent parents over 55 years of age

• Visa refusals to countries with Malta visa-free arrangements (unless for non-policy reasons)
• Criminal convictions or adverse security findings
• Previous citizenship application rejections
• Failure to meet residency or property requirements

• Submit application to Community Malta Agency
• Attend biometrics appointment in Malta
• Obtain Malta residence card

The comprehensive proposal letter must include:

• Personal Background: Detailed curriculum vitae and achievements
• Exceptional Contribution: Evidence of services rendered or planned
• Malta Connection: Planned post-naturalisation commitments and ties
• Supporting Documentation: Endorsements, references, certificates
• Impact Assessment: Measurable outcomes and key performance indicators

Applications must be endorsed by appropriate Maltese competent bodies:

• Sports: Sport Malta or national sports associations
• Culture/Arts: Arts Council Malta or Superintendence of Cultural Heritage
• Science/Research: Recognised tertiary institutions, National Council for Further and Higher Education, Malta Council for Science and Technology
• Other Fields: Relevant professional bodies or government agencies

Four-tier comprehensive background verification:

• KYC Screening: Standard know-your-client checks
• International Clearances: Interpol, Europol, and security databases
• Financial Verification: Source of funds and anti-money laundering checks
• Reputation Assessment: Political and reputational risk evaluation

Evaluation and Decision-Making Process
Applications are assessed by an independent Evaluation Board comprising a legally qualified chairperson and subject matter experts. The Board may request additional documentation, conduct interviews, and consult relevant authorities before making recommendations to the Minister responsible for citizenship.

Competent bodies that may provide endorsements include:

• National sports associations (for athletes)
• Arts Council Malta or Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (for cultural contributions)
  Recognised educational institutions or Malta Council for Science and Technology (for scientific contributions)

Recognised educational institutions or Malta Council for Science and Technology (for scientific contributions).

The final decision rests with the Minister, who exercises discretionary authority based on the Board’s recommendations. The Minister is under no obligation to provide reasons for decisions, and determinations are not subject to appeal.

Assessment Process

• Proposal Review: Comprehensive analysis of merit and impact
• Interview Process: Direct assessment of applicant’s qualifications
• Expert Consultation: Additional specialist input when required
• Recommendation: Approval or rejection with detailed reasoning

• Discretionary Authority: Final decision rests with Minister responsible for citizenship
• Letter of Approval in Principle: Issued upon positive ministerial decision
• Appeal Process: Limited recourse for rejected applications

• Residency Compliance: Completion of minimum eight months residence
• Property Documentation: Evidence of qualifying property ownership/lease
• Updated Due Diligence: Refreshed background checks
• Contribution Evidence: Proof of contributions made or detailed implementation plan
• Integration Assessment: Demonstration of Malta ties and community involvement

• Evaluation Board Review: Second assessment of naturalisation application
• Ministerial Approval: Final citizenship decision
• Oath of Allegiance: Required ceremony within six months
• Certificate Issuance: Maltese citizenship certificate and passport

• Valid passport – all family members included in the application
• Full birth certificates
• Marriage certificates – where applicable
• Police clearance certificates from all countries of residence
• Medical certificates and health insurance coverage
• Proof of Malta residence – minimum eight months
• Property ownership/lease documentation
• Educational certificates and professional qualifications

• Comprehensive curriculum vitae
• Evidence of exceptional achievements e.g awards, patents, publications
• Professional references and endorsement letters
• Media coverage and recognition documentation
• Business registration and financial statements – for entrepreneurs
• Charitable foundation documents – for philanthropists
• Academic publications and research papers – for scientists

• Bank statements and financial records
• Source of funds declarations
• Tax residency certificates
• Business ownership structures
• Investment portfolios and asset declarations

• Residence Application: 30-45 days
• Proposal Preparation: 2-3 months
• Initial Due Diligence: 4-6 months
• Evaluation Board Review: 3-4 months
• Ministerial Decision: 2-3 months
• Naturalisation Processing: 6-8 months
• Total Process: 18-24 months (from initial residence application)

• Complexity of contribution assessment
• Completeness of documentation
• Due diligence findings
• Evaluation Board scheduling
• Ministerial review priorities

• Freedom of Movement: Live, work, and study in all 27 EU member states
• Business Establishment: Right to work and establish companies across EU
• Educational Access: EU tuition rates and educational opportunities
• Healthcare: Access to European Health Insurance Card benefits
• Political Participation: Right to vote in EU elections

• Visa-Free Travel: Access to 190+ countries without visa requirements
• Diplomatic Protection: Maltese consular services worldwide
• Third-Country Benefits: Enhanced travel privileges through EU agreements

• Strategic Location: Mediterranean hub for business and lifestyle
• English-Speaking: Official language facilitating international business
• Stable Democracy: EU membership with strong rule of law
• Tax Framework: Attractive tax planning opportunities for residents
• Quality of Life: Mediterranean climate, cultural richness, modern infrastructure
• Financial Services: Access to sophisticated banking and investment services

• Citizenship by Descent: Automatic transmission to future generations
• Family Unity: Citizenship for eligible family members
• Educational Legacy: EU educational opportunities for descendants

• Maintain legal residence in Malta
• Comply with property ownership/lease requirements
• Demonstrate ongoing integration and community involvement
• Fulfill pledged contributions and commitments

• Oath of Allegiance: Formal commitment to Malta and its Constitution
• Ongoing Contributions: Continued engagement with committed projects
• Compliance Monitoring: Annual reporting for five years post-citizenship
• Tax Obligations: Compliance with Maltese tax laws if resident
• Civic Participation: Engagement with Maltese society and institutions

• False information in application
• Failure to fulfil committed contributions
• Serious criminal convictions
• Activities prejudicial to Malta’s interests
• Treason or acts against state security

No fixed cost or mandatory state contribution: The main distinguishing factor of the merit-based system is the absence of a prescribed financial threshold; there is no set government donation, investment, or social fund fee. Specific fees for the Merit Programme are to be determined and published by Community Malta Agency.

Given the complexity and discretionary nature of the programme, professional legal representation is strongly recommended for:

• Application strategy development
• Documentation preparation and review
• Liaison with competent authorities
• Evaluation Board preparation
• Compliance monitoring

Key Differences from MEIN/CES

• European Legitimacy: Full compliance with EU citizenship principles
• Reputational Benefits: Enhanced prestige and recognition
• Flexibility: Tailored assessment of individual contributions
• Quality Control: Rigorous merit-based selection process
• Long-term Value: Sustainable model for exceptional individuals

• Early Preparation: Begin residence and integration process immediately
• Contribution Development: Establish clear, measurable impact projects
• Professional Guidance: Engage experienced accredited agent such as Acumum
• Documentation Excellence: Ensure comprehensive, well-organised submissions
• Malta Engagement: Develop genuine ties and community involvement

• Discretionary Nature: No guarantee of approval despite meeting criteria
• High Standards: Exceptional merit threshold consistently applied
• Timeline Uncertainty: Process duration subject to various factors
• Evolving Framework: New programme with developing precedents

• Exceptional Achievement: Demonstrable excellence in chosen field
• Malta Relevance: Clear benefits and alignment with national interests
• Genuine Integration: Authentic commitment to Malta beyond citizenship
• Professional Presentation: High-quality application preparation
• Strategic Timing: Optimal application timing based on achievements

The programme’s emphasis on merit, coupled with rigorous assessment procedures and ministerial discretion, ensures that citizenship is awarded to individuals who can make genuine, lasting contributions to Malta’s development and international standing. While the application process is demanding and outcomes are not guaranteed, the programme provides unparalleled opportunities for exceptional individuals to secure EU citizenship and the extensive benefits it confers.

Success in this programme requires exceptional achievement, genuine commitment to Malta, professional application preparation, and patience throughout the comprehensive assessment process. For qualifying individuals, Malta’s Citizenship by Merit Programme offers one of the most prestigious and legitimate pathways to European Union citizenship available today.

Community Malta Agency:
komunita.gov.mt

Official Enquiries:
citizenship@gov.mt

Legal Representation:
Qualified Malta immigration attorneys

If you would like to know more and how Acumum, an accredited agent of the Maltese government, licensed to manage Citizenship by Merit applications, please contact us.