Malta Citizenship by Merit Explained: How to Qualify

Malta’s Citizenship by Merit (CBM) is a selective route for individuals with outstanding achievements in science, technology, arts, sports, or philanthropy. It replaces the former Citizenship by Investment program and focuses on genuine ties to Malta rather than just financial contributions. Applicants must complete a residency period, pass strict due diligence, and demonstrate meaningful integration. Successful candidates can obtain an EU passport for themselves and their eligible family. 

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

• What is Malta Citizenship by Merit? 
• Benefits of Maltese Citizenship 
• Who Qualifies for Malta Citizenship by Merit? 
• Malta Citizenship by Merit Eligibility Requirements 
• Malta CBM Investment Information 
• Required Documents for Malta CBM 
• Malta Citizenship by Merit Application Process 
• How long does the merit citizenship process take? 

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. Instead of relying on fixed investment requirements, the program assesses 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. 

Gaining Maltese citizenship comes with obtaining one of the strongest passports in the world. The Maltese passport ranks 25th on our 2025 Global Passport Index and provides access to 188 countries.  

• No fixed investment amounts: There is no fixed investment amount, allowing applicants flexibility in how they structure their business activities or contribution pathway. 
• Minimal physical presence requirement: The physical presence requirement is minimal, with only short visits needed for biometrics and the oath of allegiance. 
• Residency flexibility: Applicants can maintain their existing global lifestyle while gradually establishing genuine ties to Malta. 
• Access to EU citizenship: Successful applicants gain access to EU citizenship, including visa-free travel across the Schengen Area and broader EU benefits. 
• Family inclusion: Eligible dependents include spouse and children under the age of 29 may be included in the application 
• Professional contribution recognition: Professional contributions such as teaching, mentorship, and philanthropic involvement can strengthen an applicant’s profile. 
• Confidential process: The process is confidential, with all applications subject to strict due diligence and high privacy standards. 
• Ongoing compliance monitoring: Ongoing compliance monitoring is required to ensure continued adherence to Maltese legal and regulatory requirements. 

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 sufficient financial means to support the proposed contributions or investments 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 must take part in community, cultural, academic, or business activities that show a genuine commitment to Malta. 
• All applicants must pass government background checks, police clearances, and strict due diligence. 
• Full disclosure of assets, income, and source of wealth is required. 
• 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 turns 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 than the prior Malta Citizenship by Investment program. While financial contributions are still important, the CBM route focuses more on merit, impact, and long-term involvement, rather than meeting fixed investment thresholds. 

There is no fixed minimum investment amount. 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 must provide financial support to approved projects assigned 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) 

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, bank statements, net worth declaration, passport copies, health insurance, and civil status documents. You then select and lease a property in Malta, usually 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 initial years of citizenship – including residence, contributions, and any professional or charitable projects. Proof may be requested by the authorities. After the initial 5 years, a residential address in Malta must be maintained if an applicant wishes 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.