Malta Citizenship by Merit Explained: How to Qualify in 2026

Malta Citizenship by Merit is a special path to citizenship for people who have made important contributions to Malta or to society. This can include achievements in areas like science, technology, the arts, sports, or business.

Applicants must live in Malta for at least eight months, have a clean criminal record, and maintain a residential address in the country. They also go through strict background checks. The program is more focused on an applicant’s achievements, expertise, and meaningful contributions to Malta.

This article will explain everything about the new Malta Citizenship by Merit, from the eligibility requirements, application process, and more.  

Malta Citizenship by Merit: Key Takeaways

Malta’s Citizenship by Merit (CBM) is a special path to citizenship for people with outstanding achievements in areas like science, technology, arts, sports, research, or philanthropy. Applicants have to complete a residency period, show genuine ties to Malta, and pass strict due diligence checks.

The program assessed individuals based on the value and impact of their proposed contributions and long-term involvement in Malta. Anyone interested will have to support local projects or NGOs and contribute to initiatives that benefit Malta.

Applicants are required to complete about eight months of residency in Malta before applying for citizenship. They have to maintain an address in Malta, hold health insurance, and take part in activities that show real links to the country.

The citizenship by merit route allows family members to be included, such as a spouse and dependent children under 29.

The full process takes around 12 to 18 months from start to citizenship. After citizenship is granted, applicants still need to continue meeting their commitments to Malta for the first five years.

Malta’s Citizenship by Merit (CBM) Program offers a merit-based route to citizenship for individuals who provide exceptional services in areas such as science, technology, innovation, the arts, culture, sports, research, or philanthropy. The program evaluates an applicant’s achievements, expertise, and potential long-term contribution to Malta. 

Applicants must complete a residency period, establish genuine links to the country, submit a merit proposal, pass strict due diligence checks, and meet an approved mix of financial and non-financial contributions before citizenship can be granted. 

Malta’s legal framework allows citizenship to be granted to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the country or to humanity more broadly. Under Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188), the Minister has the discretion to grant citizenship by naturalisation to a foreign national or stateless person who:  

• has provided exceptional services to Malta or to humanity,  
• or whose naturalisation is considered to be of exceptional interest to the Republic of Malta. 

• The applicant must show exceptional interest, proven achievements, or a high level of professional expertise. 
• They must have the means to support the proposed contributions that align with Malta’s 2050 vision. 
• Applicants are required to complete a residency period in Malta of about eight months, with limited physical presence. 
• A residential address in Malta must be maintained, with no minimum property value required. 
• EU-compliant comprehensive health insurance is mandatory. 
• Applicants need to take part in community, cultural, academic, or business activities that show a genuine commitment to Malta. 
• All applicants have to go through a strict government background check, police clearances, and due diligence.  
• A merit-based proposal must be submitted, clearly outlining the planned contributions, projects, or exceptional services to be carried out in Malta. 

Eligible family members  

• Children under 18 years of age  
• Financially dependent adult children under 29 years of age (if they turn 29 before submission, not eligible. Must be dependent on the main applicant.  

Malta’s Citizenship by Merit (CBM) pathway places more emphasis on genuine ties and real value to Malta. Eligibility is assessed based on the national interest and value, and the impact of the applicant’s contribution. 

Expected contributions: 

• Applicants must create genuine ties to Malta by actively engaging in professional, social, or philanthropic activities. 
• They are expected to support a Maltese NGO through ongoing donations for a minimum period of 5 years. 
• Applicants can contribute to projects approved by the Community Malta Agency (Komunita), selected to match their professional background, skills, and expertise, and that align with Malta’s 2050 Vision. 

• Passports 
• Application Forms and Letter of Intent 
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
• Health Insurance 
• Rental Agreement in Malta 
• Proposal Letter disclosing proposed contributions to Malta to evidence ongoing ties and impact that must be upheld 
• Police conduct certificate 
• Medical report 
• Evidence of English or Maltese Language 
• Full disclosure of wealth accumulation and assets 
• Birth and Marriage Certificates (where applicable) 
• Dependency documents (where applicable) 
• Evidence of ties to Malta (ongoing contributions etc.) 

The above list is non-exhaustive and will differ for each applicant.

Step 01/ Sign with Global Citizen Solutions 

You begin by signing the CBM proposal agreement with Global Citizen Solutions. An initial professional fee is paid, and basic due diligence checks are completed. 

Step 02/ Apply for residence in Malta 

Your residence application is prepared and submitted, including documents such as a letter of intent, CV, passport copies, health insurance, and civil status documents. You then select and lease a property in Malta for 18 months, provide biometrics, receive your residence card, and pay the required government fees.  The process takes about 4-6 weeks.  

Step 03/ Submit the merit application 

A detailed proposal letter is prepared, outlining your background, achievements, current and future ties to Malta, and any planned personal, charitable, or financial contributions. Supporting documents are submitted, including proof of residence, police certificates, affidavits, medical reports, financial records, and CMA forms. Global Citizen Solutions reviews the application with the relevant authority. Processing takes 6-8 months 

Step 04/ Apply for citizenship 

After completing around 8 months of residency, the citizenship application is submitted to the CMA. You must provide updated proof of residence, evidence of exceptional contributions, and other ties to Malta. Citizenship and government fees are paid through an escrow account. The application is reviewed and presented to the minister responsible for final approval, with processing taking about 4 to 6 weeks. Citizenship is granted at the Minister’s discretion, based on an assessment of the case as a whole. 

Step 05/ Take the Oath of Allegiance 

You attend an appointment in Malta to swear the oath of allegiance. Once completed, you receive your citizenship certificate and may also apply for a Maltese ID and travel documents. This stage can take 1 to 2 months. 

Step 06/ Post-citizenship monitoring 

After citizenship is granted, you must continue to meet the commitments outlined in your proposal for the first 5 years of citizenship including residence, contributions, and any professional or charitable projects. Proof may be requested by the authorities. After the initial 5 years, an applicant must maintain a residential address in Malta to continue renewing their National Citizen card, but this is not mandatory. 

The overall application process takes around 12 to 18 months, with applicants required to complete at least 8 months of residency before becoming eligible to submit the third stage of the process, the citizenship application.