How to Obtain Malta Citizenship in 2026

Until recently, Malta citizenship could be obtained after 12 or 36 months by contributing EUR 750,000 or EUR 600,000 to the Maltese economy. Today, applicants may pursue a residence-based route linked to investment in residential property. This option does not require continuous physical presence in Malta. The property must generally be retained for five years, after which an application for citizenship may become possible, subject to the applicable legal requirements.

This route requires a substantial investment starting from EUR 375,000, together with significant government contributions and administrative charges. Malta’s immigration authorities also conduct extensive due diligence to verify the lawful origin of the applicant’s funds. Meeting the financial requirements does not, however, guarantee the issue of a Maltese passport.

One of Malta’s key advantages is its membership of the European Union. The country benefits from EU funding and operates within a stable European economic and legal environment. Turkish citizens may also relocate to Malta as EU citizens after obtaining citizenship of another EU country through an eligible simplified programme. Certain programmes may provide citizenship from 12 months without requiring proof of a fixed income or permanent relocation from the applicant’s current country of residence.

Our specialists can help you obtain EU citizenship rights by assessing available programmes and providing support throughout the application process.

Malta Citizenship by Investment

Until 29 April 2025, applicants could obtain Malta citizenship through a direct investment programme. Following a judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union, the programme was closed because it was found to be incompatible with EU law. Applications under this route are no longer accepted.

Malta’s immigration framework has since changed. Applicants can no longer select an investment option and acquire Maltese citizenship within one to three years solely by making the required contribution. Investment in property may now support an application for residence, which must be maintained and renewed for five years before a citizenship application can be considered. Eligible family members may be included in the residence application. Purchasing or renting property does not automatically guarantee residence, as the final decision remains with the competent authorities.

Under the revised investment-based residence framework, commonly referred to as the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), applicants may choose between two property options and must meet the relevant conditions.

Purchasing property in Malta or Gozo:

• the purchase price must be at least EUR 375,000;
• the property must be retained for at least five years;
• a charitable donation of EUR 2,000 must be made to a Maltese non-governmental organisation active in sport, culture, science or the arts;
• an administrative fee of EUR 15,000 must be paid within one month of submitting the residence application, followed by a further EUR 45,000 within two months of approval;
• an additional EUR 7,500 must be paid within two months of approval for each family member included in the residence application.

Renting property:

• annual rent must be at least EUR 14,000;
• the lease must be maintained for at least five years;
• a donation of EUR 2,000 must be made to a non-governmental organisation operating in Malta.

In both cases, an additional contribution of EUR 37,000 must be made to a fund approved by the Community Malta Agency and active in areas such as the arts, sport, science, culture or animal welfare. The contribution must be paid within eight months of approval of the residence application.

The total amount required to secure residence that may eventually support a Maltese citizenship application can reach approximately EUR 500,000. Although the revised framework may involve a lower investment than the former citizenship programme, applicants must maintain residence for five years before becoming eligible to apply for citizenship.

Obtaining a Maltese Passport through Employment or Business Naturalisation

Employment with a Maltese company may provide a basis for relocation and eventual naturalisation. After signing an employment contract, an applicant may obtain a residence permit, usually issued for one year and renewed annually while the employment relationship continues. The residence card specifies the employer, position and validity period. A work-based residence permit does not allow the holder to leave the stated employer and join another company without notifying and obtaining approval from the immigration authorities. It also does not grant the right to work in another EU country.

Entrepreneurs may apply for residence in Malta after submitting an application to Jobsplus for the required employment licence. The fee for an initial one-year licence is EUR 100. Renewal for a period of up to three years also costs EUR 100.

Highly qualified professionals may be eligible for an EU Blue Card in Malta if their qualifications are supported by a university degree or at least three years of relevant professional experience acquired during the previous seven years. Applicants must hold an employment contract with a Maltese employer for at least six months and receive a gross salary of at least 1.5 times the national average annual salary.

After five years of lawful residence under one of the qualifying routes described above, an applicant may become eligible to apply for Malta citizenship.

Malta Citizenship by Birth and Descent

On 1 August 1989, Malta introduced new citizenship legislation. Under these rules, citizenship by birth is generally available only where, at the time of the applicant’s birth, at least one parent held Maltese citizenship and later lost that status while living abroad. Additional historical conditions may apply, including requirements relating to parents born in Malta to Maltese parents before 21 September 1964, the date of Malta’s independence.

Under the legislation, a child born on or after 1 August 1989 to a parent who is Maltese by birth, registration or naturalisation may be eligible for Malta citizenship. However, where the parent obtained citizenship by registration solely on the basis of descent, the child may not automatically inherit that status.

Malta Citizenship by Registration

An applicant may qualify for Maltese citizenship by registration in any of the following circumstances:

• the applicant has been married to a Maltese citizen for at least five years and the spouses are living together when the application is submitted;
• the marriage lasted for at least five years, but the applicant is widowed at the time of application;
• the applicant’s spouse died before 21 September 1964 but was entitled during their lifetime to Maltese citizenship through a Maltese parent or grandparent, and the spouses were living together at the time of death;
• the applicant’s mother was a Maltese citizen at the time of birth and the applicant was born outside Malta between 21 September 1964 and 1 August 1989;
• the applicant is a direct descendant of a person born in Malta to a Maltese parent.

Where none of these circumstances applies, applicants may consider another lawful route to EU citizenship.

How to Obtain Malta Citizenship: General Procedure

1. Choose a basis for residence and obtain employment authorisation.
   To work legally in Malta, an applicant must obtain an employment permit, which is normally requested by the employer. Entrepreneurs submit their own application through Malta’s Single Permit online portal. Processing usually takes two to four months, and the administrative fee is EUR 600.
2. Apply for a national visa.
   Once employment authorisation has been issued, the applicant may apply through a Maltese consulate or Visa Application Centre (VAC) for a visa to enter Malta. Processing normally takes six to eight weeks. The government fee is EUR 150.
3. Travel to Malta and apply for residence.
   The entry visa allows the applicant to travel to and remain in Malta for up to six months. During this period, the residence application must be submitted to the competent Identity Malta office.
4. Obtain residence and complete the required period of lawful stay.
   To become eligible to apply for citizenship, the applicant must generally reside in Malta for five years while complying with the conditions of the residence permit. The final 12 months before submission must normally be spent in Malta without interruption.
5. Prepare and submit the application documents.
   An application for Maltese citizenship must be filed with the Community Malta Agency. An administrative fee of EUR 450 is payable upon submission.
6. Obtain endorsements from.
   After reviewing the documents, the competent authority will require the application to be endorsed by two Maltese citizens who are not related to the applicant. One sponsor must belong to a recognised profession, such as a lawyer, priest, practising physician or notary. The second may be any adult Maltese citizen who did not acquire citizenship through naturalisation.
7. Take the oath of allegiance.
   If the application is approved, the applicant will be invited to take an oath of allegiance to the Republic of Malta. An additional fee of EUR 10 is payable. Minors and persons without legal capacity are generally exempt from taking the oath.
8. Receive citizenship status.
   At the end of the procedure, the applicant receives a certificate of citizenship by naturalisation, subject to a fee of EUR 50. Citizenship takes effect from the date stated in the certificate.

The required residence period and supporting documents depend on the chosen route. Until April 2025, Malta operated an investment route under which citizenship could be obtained after one to three years, depending on the amount invested. Applicants residing and working in Malta under an appropriate permit may generally apply after five years. A spouse of a Maltese citizen must normally demonstrate that the marriage has lasted for at least five years and remains genuine and subsisting.

Documents Required for Citizenship

Applicants seeking citizenship by naturalisation must prepare a file containing the following documents:

• a signed application explaining the grounds for requesting Maltese citizenship;
• a valid passport and the Maltese residence permit under which the applicant lives in the country;
• a birth certificate;
• a police clearance certificate confirming the absence of relevant criminal convictions or legal issues;
• a photograph measuring 3.5 × 4.5 cm;
• proof of property ownership or a residential lease agreement;
• an employment contract and evidence of employment history;
• evidence of long-term residence in Malta, such as utility bills, bank statements or other supporting records.

Copies are submitted to the Agency, while the original documents must be presented at the time of filing. Documents issued outside Malta must be translated into Maltese or English by a certified translator. The citizenship application must be signed in the presence of an authorised officer of the Community Malta Agency.

Benefits of a Maltese Passport

• The right to reside in Malta indefinitely and exercise the civil, social and political rights available under Maltese law;
• The freedom to live, work, study and conduct business in other EU member states without obtaining a separate residence or work permit;
• Access to the European labour market under the conditions available to EU citizens;
• The opportunity to study at educational institutions in Malta and other EU countries under the terms available to local and EU citizens;
• Access to healthcare and social services, subject to the rules of the country of residence;
• The ability to travel throughout the Schengen Area and visit many other countries without obtaining a visa in advance;
• The possibility of passing Maltese citizenship to children in the circumstances and according to the procedures established by law.

Reasons for Refusal of Malta Citizenship

Malta’s competent authorities may refuse citizenship applications following a detailed eligibility and due diligence assessment. Criminal convictions or pending criminal proceedings are among the common grounds for refusal. Citizenship may also be denied where an applicant is considered a threat to national security or cannot demonstrate that their funds and income come from lawful sources.

A previous visa refusal by a country that has a visa-free arrangement with Malta may also be taken into account when the citizenship application is assessed.

For applicants seeking a faster route to legal status in the European Union, an eligible simplified citizenship programme in another EU country may be considered. Certain routes may allow applicants to obtain an EU passport from 12 months without completing a lengthy residence period or providing extensive proof of income and housing.