Malta MEIN Program 2025: Latest Updates on Citizenship by Investment

The Malta MEIN Program was once a pathway to EU citizenship through investment, requiring a minimum contribution of €600,000 to €750,000 depending on residency duration.

However, as of April 2025, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that Malta’s citizenship-by-investment scheme violated EU law, leading to the suspension of the MEIN program for new applicants.

The Maltese government is now transitioning toward a merit-based naturalization framework, focusing on genuine residence, economic contribution, and community integration rather than direct financial investment.

This guide looks into:

• What is the Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN) program in Malta?
• Who was eligible for Maltese citizenship under MEIN and who qualifies now?
• What are the benefits of a Maltese passport?

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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 was the Malta MEIN policy?

The Malta MEIN policy formally known as the Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalization program replaced the earlier Individual Investor Programme (IIP) following EU pressure in 2020 and was established under Legal Notice 437 of 2020.

The framework imposed strict due diligence, a residency requirement, and limits on applicants (capped at 400 main applicants per year, with a total program cap of 1,500) to maintain exclusivity and compliance.

Unlike schemes that granted citizenship with minimal ties, MEIN emphasized integration, genuine links to Malta, and a multi-layered vetting process.

However, as of April 29, 2025, the ECJ ruled that Malta’s citizenship-by-investment schemes (including MEIN) violate EU law.

How did one qualify for Malta CBI (MEIN)?

Below is a recap of the eligibility criteria under the now-terminated MEIN route. These rules are no longer in effect but useful for understanding what the program required:

• Age: Applicant must have been at least 18 years old.
• Residency period: Hold Maltese residency for either 36 months (standard route) or 12 months (expedited route).
• Financial contribution: €600,000 under the 36-month route, or €750,000 under the 12-month expedited route.
• Real estate: Purchase property of at least €700,000 or lease one for at least €16,000 per year; the property had to be retained for five years.
• Donation: Minimum contribution (typically €10,000) to a registered NGO or charitable organisation.
• Due diligence & criminal record: Applicants underwent comprehensive multi-stage checks; applicants and dependents had to have clean criminal records and pass security screenings.
• Integration and genuine link: Applicants were expected to demonstrate ties to Malta (residence address, cultural participation, social and community engagement) rather than treat citizenship as a purely transactional offering.

In addition, applicants must demonstrate integration into Malta, such as social and cultural ties, a physical address, and possibly some participation in civic activities.

What are the major problems in Malta MEIN Program: Why was it ended?

The termination of the Malta MEIN Program in 2025 stemmed from a combination of legal, political, and structural issues that undermined its long-term viability:

• EU Court Ruling on Citizenship for Sale
  On April 29, 2025, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that Malta’s citizenship-by-investment model violated EU law. The court found that granting nationality primarily through financial contribution conflicted with the EU principle that citizenship must reflect a genuine link between the individual and the Member State. This landmark decision effectively rendered the MEIN framework incompatible with European treaties.
• Weak Evidence of Genuine Ties
  The ECJ’s concerns were reinforced by Malta’s limited residency and integration requirements. Many applicants maintained only minimal physical presence, often renting property or making token donations without real social or cultural engagement. These symbolic gestures failed to meet the EU’s standard for authentic national connection.
• Reputational and Compliance Pressure
  For years, Malta faced growing pressure from the European Commission and international watchdogs, which warned that golden passport schemes risked misuse for money laundering, tax evasion, or security breaches. This scrutiny damaged Malta’s international standing and forced the government to reconsider its approach to foreign investor naturalization.
• Administrative Complexity and Limited Transparency
  The program’s tiered structure with quotas, multi-step residency options, and variable financial thresholds, created unpredictability for applicants. Moreover, limited public disclosure of approvals and rejections raised transparency concerns, further straining relations with EU institutions.

In short, the MEIN program was discontinued because it blurred the line between economic contribution and citizenship acquisition, leading the EU to conclude that Malta’s approach commodified one of the Union’s core privileges: EU citizenship.

What is the new citizenship program in Malta?

What is the Malta Permanent Residency Program 2025?

Following the termination of the Malta MEIN Program, the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) has become the main alternative for investors seeking long-term residence and EU access without direct citizenship.

The MPRP, updated under Legal Notice 310 of 2024, grants lifelong residency rights to non-EU nationals who invest in Malta’s economy.

It offers stability, visa-free Schengen travel, and access to Malta’s favorable tax system without the controversies linked to citizenship-by-investment.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Have €500,000 in assets (with at least €150,000 in financial assets).
• Buy property worth €375,000 or rent for €14,000 annually.
• Pay a €50,000 administrative fee and a €30,000–€60,000 contribution, depending on property type.
• Donate €2,000 to a Maltese NGO and maintain health insurance.

The MPRP allows inclusion of spouses, children, and dependent parents.

While it doesn’t grant immediate citizenship, holders may apply for ordinary naturalization after several years of genuine residence, making it the most practical successor to Malta’s former MEIN scheme.

Is Malta a strong passport?

Yes. Malta offers one of the world’s strongest passports, consistently ranking high across major global passport indexes, though the exact position varies depending on methodology.

According to the Henley Passport Index, Malta ranks among the top 10 globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 185 destinations.

The Arton Capital Passport Index places it within the top 10 as well, emphasizing its balance between mobility and global reputation.

Meanwhile, the Nomad Passport Index, which also considers taxation, dual citizenship, and global perception, ranks Malta within its top 10, highlighting its strong combination of travel freedom and lifestyle appeal.

In practical terms, a Maltese passport grants EU citizenship, allowing holders to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union, along with visa-free entry to destinations such as the UK, Japan, Singapore, and Canada.

These privileges, combined with Malta’s economic stability and quality of life, make it one of the most respected and valuable passports for expats and global investors.

Do I need to live in Malta for the passport?

Yes. Even after the closure of the Malta MEIN Program, Malta continues to require real residency and integration before granting citizenship.

The government no longer accepts purely transactional applications.

Does Malta allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Malta fully permits dual and even multiple citizenships under its Citizenship Act.

Individuals acquiring Maltese nationality whether by descent, marriage, naturalization, or through the former MEIN program, are not required to renounce their existing citizenship.

This policy allows holders of Maltese passports to maintain their original nationality while enjoying EU citizenship rights, including freedom of movement, residence, and employment across all European Union member states.

However, not all countries recognize or allow dual citizenship.

Nations such as India and China typically require citizens to renounce their previous nationality when acquiring another.

Prospective applicants should therefore consult a legal advisor in their home country before pursuing Maltese citizenship.

From a tax perspective, Malta follows a remittance-based taxation system for residents who are not domiciled in the country.

This means that foreign-sourced income not brought into Malta is generally not taxed, though citizens must still comply with global tax reporting standards, including CRS and FATCA where applicable.

Conclusion

Malta’s approach to citizenship and residency is now firmly merit- and contribution-based, reflecting EU expectations and long-term national priorities.

With the MEIN program closed, opportunities for investors focus on programs that balance compliance, transparency, and genuine ties to Malta, such as the Malta Permanent Residency Program (MPRP).

For high-net-worth individuals and expats, success in these programs depends on careful planning, understanding the evolving legal framework, and aligning applications with Malta’s strategic objectives rather than viewing citizenship as a transactional benefit.

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