Malta Citizenship by Merit Framework 2026

The Malta Citizenship by Merit Framework is a discretionary legal framework governed by the Maltese Citizenship Act. This legal framework moves away from financial contributions to an assessment of an applicant’s exceptional contribution to Malta in areas such as innovation, entrepreneurship, science, culture, philanthropy, and other fields of national interest. 

This change follows the 2025 ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), which brought an end to Malta’s Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) program. As a result, foreign nationals can no longer obtain Maltese citizenship through a predefined financial investment. Investors who are interested in permanent residence instead can choose to apply through the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP).  

This article explains the Malta Citizenship by Merit Framework, including eligibility considerations, the assessment process, and the types of contributions that may be taken into account.   

Malta Citizenship by Merit: Key Takeaways

Malta’s Citizenship by Merit (CBM) is a discretionary framework to citizenship for people with outstanding achievements in areas like science, technology, arts, sports, research, or philanthropy.  

Each application is assessed individually. As part of the assessment, applicants submit a merit proposal and undergo comprehensive due diligence. Applicants are also encouraged to establish genuine ties to Malta, including a period of residency 

The citizenship framework assesses 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. 

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

Each application is assessed individually on its own merits. As a discretionary framework, there is no fixed assessment timeline or guaranteed outcome. 

Malta’s Citizenship by Merit (CBM) is a discretionary framework under which the Maltese authorities may consider individuals who have provided exceptional services or made exceptional contributions in areas such as science, technology, innovation, the arts, culture, sports, research, or philanthropy. Each application is assessed individually, taking into account the applicant’s achievements, expertise, and the potential long-term value they may bring to Malta. 

Applicants submit a merit proposal and undergo comprehensive due diligence as part of the assessment. They are also encouraged to establish genuine ties to Malta, including a period of residency, while showing a meaningful commitment to the country. All applications are considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Maltese authorities. 

The legal basis for Malta Citizenship by Merit is set out in Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act (Chapter 188 of the Laws of Malta). This provision gives the responsible Minister the discretion to grant citizenship to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Malta or humanity. The framework was significantly updated through Act No. XXI of 2025 and is governed by the Granting of Citizenship by Naturalization on the Basis of Merit Regulations (Legal Notice 159 of 2025).

To begin the process, applicants must submit a detailed proposal to the Community Malta Agency (CMA) outlining their accomplishments and explaining how they intend to contribute to Malta in areas such as business, innovation, science, culture, sport, or philanthropy. If the Minister determines that the person’s achievements, expertise, or contributions are of exceptional value to Malta, they will be granted Maltese citizenship.

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 naturalization 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 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.  

As a non-investment route that is designed for people whose achievements, expertise, and contributions are considered to be of value to Malta, these are the type of profiles that would be a good fit for Maltese citizenship by Merit under the Subsidiary Legislation 188.06: 

• Entrepreneurs and business leaders: People who have made significant contributions to entrepreneurship, investment, business growth, or sectors that support Malta’s long-term development may be considered under the framework.  
• Technologists and innovators: Individuals whose work in areas such as artificial intelligence, fintech, biotechnology, renewable energy, or cybersecurity has contributed to innovation could also be considered.  
• Scientists and academic researchers: Researchers, academics, and scientists with a strong record of scientific achievement, innovation, or international collaboration would also be recognized.  
• Artists and cultural figures: Authors, musicians, filmmakers, performers, and other creative professionals whose work has made a notable cultural contribution can look into this framework. 
• Elite athletes and sports professionals: Athletes, coaches, and sporting professionals who have achieved recognition at an international level or made a significant contribution to sport are encouraged to explore this framework. 
• Philanthropists and humanitarian leaders: Individuals who have shown exceptional leadership or made meaningful contributions to charitable, educational, public health, or social initiatives can also be recognized. 

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. 

No. The Malta Citizenship by Merit framework does not operate according to a fixed application timeline. As each case is assessed individually on its own merits, processing times and the overall assessment period can vary. 

The Malta Permanent Residence Program (MPRP) is one of the main and fastest routes to permanent residency in Malta. This is a residency-by-investment scheme that grants immediate permanent residency and visa-free access across the Schengen Area. To qualify, investors contribute €37,000, pay, make a €2,000 donation, and can either rent property from  €14,000 per year or purchase one from €375,000. The program has no stay requirements, making it the best option for those looking for flexibility in the EU.