Citizenship by Merit in Malta: Route to Exceptional Maltese Nationality

The Maltese government introduced a new pathway to citizenship, known as Citizenship by Merit, a selective naturalization route that’s not open to everyone.

Unlike traditional investment-based naturalization schemes, this program is not primarily about financial donations or real estate purchases.

Instead, it provides recognition to individuals who have rendered exceptional contributions or services to Malta and its people.

The process is highly selective, requiring proof of extraordinary achievements, strict due diligence checks, and an application that demonstrates how the applicant’s past and future impact benefits Malta.

This guide covers several aspects of Malta’s Citizenship by Merit program, such as:

• What is the new citizenship law in Malta?
• What are the benefits of being a citizen of Malta?
• What are the eligibility criteria for citizenship by merit?

It also addresses frequently asked questions about Malta’s citizenship landscape.

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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

What is the new Citizenship by Merit in Malta?

The Citizenship by Merit program is a newly established route under Maltese law which is more of a recognition-based naturalization scheme, designed to honor outstanding service to the nation in various fields.

It reflects Malta’s intention to cultivate deeper connections with global leaders, innovators, and philanthropists who can positively impact the island.

While economic contributions remain important, the program leans toward cultural, scientific, economic, humanitarian, and technological advancements that uplift Maltese society.

This naturalization pathway is meant for high-caliber individuals who stand out globally and who can be directly linked to the benefits Malta has received from their endeavors.

What is the Legal Notice 159 of 2025 Malta?

Legal Notice 159 of 2025 serves as the legal backbone of the Citizenship by Merit program. It sets out the framework, procedures, and eligibility criteria for applicants.

Essentially, it formalizes the Maltese government’s ability to confer citizenship on individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the nation.

The legal notice outlines several core principles:

• Selective Eligibility: The program is not a mass citizenship scheme; it is intended for a small number of individuals each year.
• Exceptional Contribution Requirement: Applicants must prove their contributions fall within areas defined by law, such as scientific research, cultural heritage, economic growth, or humanitarian action.
• Rigorous Due Diligence: Each applicant undergoes extensive checks to ensure they meet ethical, financial, and legal standards.
• Recognition of Merit: Citizenship is not purchased but conferred in recognition of merit, distinguishing it from conventional citizenship-by-investment models.

What are exceptional services or contributions?

For the Malta Citizenship by Merit program, exceptional services or contributions refer to outstanding achievements that provide measurable national benefit to Malta.

The government defines these as actions or innovations that go beyond ordinary participation and significantly advance Malta’s reputation, economy, culture, or society.

Categories include:

• Scientific or Technological Innovation: Discoveries, patents, or advancements significantly benefiting Maltese research, medicine, or technology.
• Cultural and Artistic Achievements: International recognition in promoting Maltese culture, art, or heritage.
• Economic and Entrepreneurial Impact: Establishing enterprises or ventures that generate employment, drive innovation, or position Malta as a global hub.
• Humanitarian Contributions: Exceptional philanthropic activities or support for Malta’s social and community initiatives.
• Diplomatic or International Recognition: Individuals whose global influence directly enhances Malta’s reputation and strategic interests.

The bar is intentionally set high. Only applicants whose contributions are undeniably transformative for Malta are considered.

What are the requirements for applying for citizenship?

Unlike residency or descent-based citizenship, which often rely on clear, standardized criteria, this pathway is highly selective, merit-based, and evidence-driven.

Eligibility and requirements for Maltese Citizenship by Merit revolve around one principle: exceptional value to Malta.

To qualify, applicants must be innovators, leaders, or philanthropists whose contributions transform Maltese society in measurable ways.

On top of this, they must present impeccable character, transparent documentation, and ideally a genuine link to Malta.

1. Exceptional Contribution or Service

The central eligibility requirement is proof of exceptional service or contribution to Malta.

This is not a vague or symbolic requirement; it must be backed by tangible, measurable, and recognized achievements.

Applicants must demonstrate how their work has directly benefited Malta or how it aligns with the country’s long-term interests.

2. Alignment with National Interests

Eligibility also requires alignment with Malta’s strategic goals and values. Malta has positioned itself as a hub for finance, digital technology, sustainable development, and cultural tourism.

Therefore, applicants must show that their work supports one or more of these pillars.

For instance:

• In the green economy, an applicant might be an innovator in renewable energy, helping Malta meet EU climate targets.
• In financial services, a globally recognized professional might establish operations in Malta, reinforcing the island’s position as a competitive EU financial hub.
• In education and culture, contributions that place Malta on the global map, such as UNESCO collaborations or international cultural festivals, would be considered.

3. Character, Integrity, and Clean Background

Beyond merit, the applicant’s character is critical.

Malta conducts rigorous due diligence checks, often surpassing those used in traditional citizenship-by-investment programs.

This is to protect the country’s reputation and ensure that citizenship is conferred only on individuals of unquestionable integrity.

Applicants must provide:

• Police Conduct Certificates from every country of residence over the past ten years.
• A sworn declaration of no pending criminal charges.
• Evidence of no association with money laundering, terrorism, or financial crime.
• A track record of ethical conduct in professional and personal dealings.

This is not just procedural; Malta has previously rejected applicants under other citizenship schemes if even minor doubts about reputation surfaced.

4. Documentary and Evidentiary Requirements

Applicants must assemble a comprehensive application dossier to substantiate their eligibility. This typically includes:

• Proof of Achievements: Academic records, patents, published works, media coverage, or letters of recognition from reputable institutions.
• Impact Statements: Detailed reports outlining how contributions benefited Malta or are expected to benefit the nation.
• Supporting References: Endorsements from governments, NGOs, or international organizations attesting to the applicant’s contribution.
• Personal Information: Identity documents, family details, and other records to establish transparency and consistency.

Unlike routine applications, this is closer to a portfolio of lifetime achievements than a set of forms. Applicants should expect to be questioned, vetted, and asked for clarification during the review.

5. Connection to Malta

While the Citizenship by Merit scheme does not strictly require long-term residence, applicants are generally expected to show a genuine link to Malta. This might be demonstrated through:

• Previous collaborations with Maltese institutions.
• Time spent living, working, or conducting projects in Malta.
• Philanthropic contributions directed at Maltese communities.
• Business operations or cultural initiatives rooted in the country.

This connection assures the authorities that the applicant is not seeking citizenship merely as a passport but has, or will maintain, a genuine relationship with Malta.

6. The Application Process

The process is administered by the Community Malta Agency, which manages citizenship matters on behalf of the government. The steps include:

1. Initial Assessment – A preliminary review determines whether the applicant qualifies to move forward.
2. Formal Submission – The applicant files the full dossier, including achievements, supporting evidence, and background checks.
3. Due Diligence Stage – Independent international firms may be engaged to verify documents, conduct interviews, and review financial records.
4. Evaluation by Agency – The Community Malta Agency prepares a recommendation report for the Minister responsible for citizenship.
5. Final Decision – Citizenship is granted at the government’s sole discretion. Even eligible applicants can be denied if the authorities believe it is not in Malta’s best interest.

The timeline can range from six months to over a year, depending on complexity and documentation.

7. Family Inclusion

One often-overlooked requirement relates to family members.

Successful applicants can extend citizenship to their immediate family, but each family member must also pass strict due diligence checks.

This includes spouses, dependent children, and sometimes dependent parents.

The authorities must be satisfied that the applicant’s family also aligns with the standards of integrity and national interest.

8. Exclusivity and Limited Approvals

A critical point is that this scheme is not designed for large numbers of applicants.

Unlike investment-based programs that admit hundreds each year, Malta Merit Citizenship is highly exclusive, with only a small number of approvals expected annually.

This exclusivity both enhances the program’s prestige and ensures that it remains manageable and credible.

Key Takeaway

In practice, the Maltese Citizenship by Merit requirements make this pathway one of the most selective citizenship routes in the world, not designed for those merely seeking a strong passport, but for individuals whose work genuinely uplifts a nation.

Benefits of Malta Citizenship by Merit

Obtaining citizenship under Malta’s merit based citizenship scheme grants access to all rights enjoyed by Maltese nationals, including:

• EU Citizenship: Freedom to live, work, and study across all 27 EU member states.
• Visa-Free Mobility: Access to over 185 countries without requiring visas.
• Political Stability: Malta is a politically stable, EU-anchored nation with strong governance.
• Tax Advantages: Opportunities for efficient tax planning under Malta’s favorable system, especially for entrepreneurs.
• Education & Healthcare: Access to high-quality, EU-standard institutions.
• Family Inclusion: Citizenship extends to immediate family members, ensuring generational benefits.
• Prestige & Recognition: Receiving citizenship by merit places individuals in a distinguished category of highly respected contributors to Malta.

Conclusion

The Malta Citizenship by Merit program represents a forward-thinking evolution in citizenship law.

By enacting Legal Notice 159 of 2025, Malta has shifted focus from investment-driven pathways to a recognition-based system, celebrating those who make lasting, exceptional contributions to the nation.

This selective route underscores Malta’s values such as innovation, culture, sustainability, and community.

For global achievers, it provides not only a prestigious acknowledgment but also full access to the benefits of EU citizenship and a Maltese passport.

For Malta, it is a way to attract and retain world-class talent, philanthropy, and influence.

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