Malta’s Citizenship by Investment route (what’s officially called the Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment) lets eligible investors and their families become citizens of Malta by contributing to the economy.
With Maltese citizenship comes EU passports and life in an idyllic Mediterranean paradise.
For that reason, the program is very, very popular.
Below, we’ll explore how to make your investment.
If you want to know even more (like about eligibility requirements and the application process), check out our full guide on the Maltese golden visa.
Eligibility
- Age and Health
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, in good health, and carry global health insurance with coverage of at least €50,000. It’s all a matter of keeping Maltese citizens from footing the bill for your health. - Clean Background
All applicants undergo due diligence. They must show a clean criminal record with no links to terrorism, money laundering, or serious criminal activity. - Banned Nationalities
Individuals from certain sanctioned countries (e.g., North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen) are barred from applying. In recent years, applicants from Russia and Belarus have been suspended due to EU sanctions. - Residency Requirement
You need Maltese residence status for 36 months. This can be shortened to 12 months with a larger investment (more on that below). During residency, applicants are expected to spend time in Malta and show a growing connection to their community—like joining local groups and getting involved. - Financial Capacity
Though no specific net-worth threshold is stipulated, applicants must demonstrate that their investment funds come from legitimate sources and that they can fulfill all financial obligations that come with the investment. - Dependents
Spouses or long-term partners, children up to around age 28–29 (if financially dependent), and parents or grandparents over 55 can be included.
Buy or Rent?
Real estate is central to Malta’s citizenship-by-investment framework—and you’ll have to either buy or rent property to qualify.
Applicants can either:
- Buy a Property
Purchase a Maltese residential property worth at least €700,000 and retain ownership for a minimum of five years from the date citizenship is granted. Selling or renting it out during that timeframe violates the rules.A quick look at the house price index in Malta shows some interesting trends. Inflation has spiked prices over the last five years, but non-inflation rises in cost were pretty neutral through that period. However, 2015-2020 saw a steep rise in price even when figures are adjusted for inflation.
- Lease a Property
Rent a residential property in Malta with a minimum annual rent of €16,000 for at least five years. The property must be suitable for the applicant’s household. Again, evidence that the lease remains in place throughout the five-year period is mandatory.
Other Contributions & Donations to Factor Into the Price Tag
The total cost goes up due to other necessary payments, and this will weigh on whether buying or renting a house makes sense for you.
Government Contribution
Here is where the residency requirement is determined.
Applicants must make a one-time non-refundable contribution to the Maltese government of either €600,000 (for the 36-month residency route) or €750,000 (for the 12-month fast-track route).
Each additional dependent requires an extra €50,000. This money supports national development and social programs.
Philanthropic Donation
Applicants must also donate at least €10,000 to a registered Maltese NGO or charity. This can be a philanthropic, cultural, sports, or arts organization, among others.
Locations for Your Investment
Malta isn’t so big that towns offer significant changes in lifestyle, but if you choose to invest in a property, it’s worth becoming familiar with the differences between communities. In particular, it’s worth knowing the traits of these major real estate markets:
- Sliema: A bustling coastal town. This is where properties are in high demand because of all the shopping and dining (also the promenade). Properties here are in high demand but they also offer higher return potential.
- Swieqi: A much quieter residential area for families. Lots of potential growth can be yielded here.
- Gżira: Centrally located. It’s becoming more popular among the investor wave of the last five years. Also a location on the rise.
- Marsaskala: A seaside town in the southeast. Very traditionally “charming.” Lookout for this to become discovered by more investors soon.
Recent Regulatory Changes
Malta’s program has evolved in response to EU scrutiny. That’s caused some changes:
- New Program in 2020
The current route replaced the earlier Malta Individual Investor Programme. The new regulations introduced higher investments, longer residency obligations, and stricter checks. - Expanded Ineligible Countries List
Nationals (or those with ties to) specific sanctioned nations (e.g., North Korea, Iran) and, more recently, Russia and Belarus, are banned or suspended from applying.
Comparison to the Malta Golden Visa Program (MPRP)
The MPRP (or “Golden Visa”) is the major competitor to the Golden Passport (or Citizenship by Investment). But the MPRP only grants legal residency—not full citizenship. Let’s look at the difference in depth below.
Residency vs. Citizenship
The MPRP allows holders to live in Malta (and travel within the Schengen zone for up to 90 days out of every 180), but it does not provide an EU passport. By contrast, the Citizenship by Investment program offers a path to full EU citizenship.
Investment Threshold
The MPRP typically involves investing in real estate (purchase or rental at lower minimums than the citizenship program) and making a smaller government contribution. Total costs are substantially less than the citizenship program, which demands hundreds of thousands of euros in contributions alone.
Timeline & Obligations
The Golden Visa usually has a faster initial approval (4-6 months) and no minimum stay requirements.
Status & Rights
MPRP holders enjoy permanent residence in Malta but cannot freely work or reside in other EU countries without separate permissions. On the other hand, full citizenship grants EU-wide rights and global travel benefits commensurate with an EU passport.
Welcome to Malta
Investors have an incredible opportunity with this program. It’s an extraordinarily rapid way to get citizenship in a new country. And because Malta is an EU member, that means unlocking tons of benefits.
Are you interested in becoming a citizen of this Mediterranean nation?
Check out our deep dive on becoming a Malta dual citizen.
