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Malta citizenship by investment

Introduction

The Malta citizenship by investment programme from Prosperous Living Investment (PLI) opens a path to owning an EU passport through the Malta Citizenship by Merit legal framework, under Article 10(9) of the Malta Citizenship Act and Legal Notice 159 issued in 2025.
Malta is a member state of the European Union, and the Maltese passport was ranked in the global top 5 according to the PLI Passport Index in May 2026, with visa-free access to 184 countries and allowing unrestricted dual citizenship. The programme replaces MEIN following the ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union in April 2025.
Introduction to the Malta Citizenship by Investment Programme

Programme Overview

Investment level

There is no fixed investment amount. Assessment is based on the actual value of the contribution to Malta or humanity in the fields of science, technology, culture, sports, charity, or entrepreneurship.

Processing time

Average of 14 to 16 months from proposal submission, depending on the complexity of the file and the progress of due diligence.

Passport

Visa-free access to 184 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and the entire Schengen Area.

Residence requirement

Requires establishing a genuine link with Malta, including a period of residence before being granted citizenship.

Family

Includes spouse, legal domestic partner, and dependent children as defined by the Malta Citizenship Act.

Generational citizenship

Permanent citizenship, passed down to future generations by descent

Benefits of Maltese citizenship

World-class EU passport
The Maltese passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and the entire Schengen Area. Ranked in the global top 5 on the PLI Passport Index in May 2026.
Full EU residence rights
As EU citizens, investors have the right to live, work, study, do business, and invest in any of the 27 European Union member states plus Switzerland, enjoying benefits equivalent to local citizens.
Unrestricted dual citizenship
Malta does not restrict dual citizenship. Investors retain their Vietnamese citizenship upon receiving Maltese citizenship, with no requirement to notify their country of origin.
Benefits of Maltese citizenship
Mediterranean Financial Hub
Malta is a reputable financial hub in the Mediterranean with a favourable tax system, a flat 15% tax rate on foreign income, no inheritance tax, and is a member of the Eurozone.
Family inclusion
The programme allows for the inclusion of a spouse, legal partner, and dependent children in the same application, as defined by the Malta Citizenship Act.
Lifetime citizenship
Maltese citizenship is permanent, requires no renewal, and can be passed down to children by descent through subsequent generations.

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Citizenship by investment pathway through exceptional contribution

Entrepreneurship and job creation

Entrepreneurship and job creation

Investing in businesses in Malta creates sustainable jobs, delivering significant economic and social impact. Investors must demonstrate a viable business plan, international influence, and a commitment to maintaining long-term operations in Malta in line with the Vision 2050 strategy.
Science, technology, and innovation

Science, technology, and innovation

Exceptional contributions in scientific research, technological development, or innovation that have a positive impact on Malta or humanity. Suitable for experts, researchers, and technology leaders with internationally recognised achievements.
Culture, arts, sports, and philanthropy

Culture, arts, sports, and philanthropy

Significant contributions in culture, arts, elite sports, or charitable activities for the benefit of Malta or humanity. The Ministry for Home Affairs of Malta reviews applications based on personal achievements, social impact, and a commitment to long-term engagement with Malta.

Programme requirements

Net worth

Requires transparent proof of financial standing, legitimate source of funds, and the capacity to make an exceptional contribution to Malta according to the proposed pathway.

Profile and achievements

A record of exceptional achievements in the proposed field, accompanied by specific evidence of contributions already made and a plan for future contributions to Malta.

Contribution proposal

A detailed proposal regarding the value of the contribution to Malta or humanity, including an action plan, implementation timeline, and expected impact.

Connection to Malta

Requires proof of a genuine and sustainable connection to Malta, going beyond mere financial transactions. This is a core requirement following the 2025 European Court of Justice ruling.

Licensed agent

Applications must be submitted through an agent licensed by the Maltese government. It is not possible to apply directly to the authorities.

Health and background

Must meet strict background check requirements, have no criminal record, and pass the high-level vetting process of the Ministry for Home Affairs of Malta.
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Implementation process

Obtain Maltese citizenship and a passport in 14 to 16 months with the expert team at Prosperous Living Investment.

Consultation and pathway identification

PLI specialists assess the investor's record of achievements, financial capacity, and contribution goals. We identify the appropriate pathway: entrepreneurship, science and technology, culture and arts, or philanthropy.Timeframe: 2–4 weeks.

Drafting the detailed proposal

PLI works with a Malta-licensed agent to build a detailed contribution proposal, including a CV of achievements, evidence of contributions already made, a plan for future contributions, and a strategy for engagement with Malta.Duration: 6–10 weeks.

Application submission and vetting

The licensed agent submits the proposal to the relevant Maltese authorities. The authorities conduct a multi-layered due diligence process, cross-referencing with Interpol databases and international security organisations.Duration: 6–9 months.

Establishing a connection with Malta

During the vetting phase, the investor carries out their committed contribution and builds a genuine connection with Malta through residency, business investment, or professional activities as proposed.Duration: as committed, minimum 12 months.

Approval and citizenship acquisition

The Minister for Home Affairs of Malta makes the final decision based on an overall assessment of the contribution's value. Upon approval, the investor takes an oath of allegiance and receives a Maltese passport with visa-free access to 184 countries. Citizenship is for life and allows dual citizenship.Timeframe: 4–8 weeks.

Why choose PLI?
transparenteffectiveprofessional

Effectiveness

There is no one-size-fits-all here. Prosperous Living builds a personal strategy for each file based on financial capacity, business experience and family goals. That strategic approach makes the best use of time and resources and improves the chance of success.

Transparency

Prosperous Living advises within the law, works to a clear process and keeps up with the latest policy from each host government. Every pathway, cost and risk is explained in detail from the outset, so clients can make their investment decision with complete peace of mind.

Professionalism

The Prosperous Living advisory team works to a standard process, coordinating closely between immigration specialists, legal experts and partners worldwide. From assessment and documentation to post-arrival support, every step is methodical and joined up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are common questions from clients regarding the Malta citizenship by investment programme. If you require more detailed advice, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A Maltese passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 countries and territories as ofPLI Passport IndexMay 2026, ranking in the global top 5. This includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and the entire Schengen Area.

Under Malta Citizenship by Merit, there is no fixed investment amount. Each application is assessed based on the actual value of the contribution to Malta or humanity. This is a fundamental difference from the former MEIN programme, which closed in 2025.

On 29 April 2025, the European Court of Justice ruled that MEIN violated EU law due to the lack of a genuine connection between the investor and Malta. Malta replaced it with the Citizenship by Merit framework under Legal Notice 159/2025, focusing on exceptional contribution rather than financial transactions. Programme conditions are as announced inLegal Notice 159 of 2025 in the Malta Government Gazette.

The entire process from submitting the proposal to receiving citizenship typically takes 14 to 16 months, with the vetting phase conducted by the Maltese government accounting for the majority of the time. Each application is reviewed individually.

The application may include a spouse, legal partner, and dependent children as defined by the Malta Citizenship Act. The specific family scope is determined by the Ministry for Home Affairs of Malta on a case-by-case basis.

No. Malta allows unrestricted dual citizenship. Investors retain their Vietnamese citizenship upon receiving Maltese citizenship. Maltese authorities do not notify the country of origin regarding the granting of citizenship.

Yes. Following the European Court of Justice ruling, Malta requires investors to establish a genuine connection with Malta, including a period of residency before citizenship is granted. This is a core condition for application approval.

No. This is a discretionary programme under the authority of the Ministry for Home Affairs of Malta. Each application is assessed individually based on the actual value of the contribution. PLI assists in preparing an optimal application through a licensed agent to increase the likelihood of approval.