What is the price of a Malta passport through citizenship by investment?

Obtaining a Malta passport through the Citizenship by Investment (Exceptional Services) program typically requires a minimum investment of €690,000–€710,000. This includes a government contribution (€600,000 for 3-year residency or €750,000 for 1-year fast-track), a €10,000 donation to a registered charity, and a 5-year property commitment (purchase for €700,000 or rent at €16,000 per year). Faster 1-year citizenship options generally cost more than the standard 3-year route.

What are the benefits of having a Malta passport?

A Malta passport provides visa-free access to over 130 countries, including the US, UK, and the Schengen area. It allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU, access high-quality free healthcare and education, and benefit from Malta’s stable economy, favorable tax system, and safe, English-speaking Mediterranean environment. It offers families security, global mobility, and full EU citizenship rights.

How long does it take to get a Malta passport?

For first-time adult applicants or renewals with a valid Maltese ID, standard passports are usually ready in 4 working days, and urgent applications take about 4 hours. For new citizens obtaining Maltese citizenship through investment or exceptional services, the full process—including residency requirements—typically takes 12–18 months before the passport can be issued.

What documents are needed for the Malta passport application form?

The documents required for the Malta passport application form include evidence of a clean criminal record, financial documents, a valid passport, proof of biometric data submission, and two passport-size photos.

Is the Malta passport strong?

Malta’s passport ranks 25th on the Global Passport Index. With its membership in the EU and participation in the Schengen Area, Malta’s passport offers significant advantages in terms of travel and business mobility.

Is it easy to get a Maltese passport?

Getting a Maltese passport depends on your route. Standard residency takes 5+ years with integration and language requirements, while citizenship by investment is faster (1–3 years) but requires significant financial investment and meeting strict criteria.

Do US citizens need a visa to enter Malta?

No, Malta is part of the Schengen Agreement, so U.S. citizens can visit for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date.

Do I need to live in Malta to become a citizen?

Applicants of Malta’s citizenship by investment program must provide evidence of a bona fide connection to the country. This means that investors must establish residence for at least 12 months before applying for the program, which entails purchasing or leasing property.

What is the Maltese passport processing time?

Standard Maltese passport applications are usually ready in 4 working days, while urgent applications can be processed in as little as 4 hours for an additional fee. Processing speed depends on having all required documents and a valid Maltese ID.

Does Malta allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Malta permits dual and multiple citizenships. Since February 2000, new citizens generally do not need to renounce their existing nationality, as long as the other country also allows it.

Can I get a Maltese passport through citizenship by investment?

Malta’s direct Citizenship by Investment program ended in April 2025 and was replaced by the Citizenship by Merit route, where applicants can obtain citizenship through exceptional services, significant investments, philanthropy, or specialized skills. This process requires contributing to the National Fund, buying or renting property, donating to charity, demonstrating good character, and fulfilling residency obligations.

Malta Passport: The Ultimate Guide by Experts in 2025

Explore our guide to everything you need to know about the Malta passport in 2025, including passport ranking, how to get one, and more

Are you considering obtaining a second passport? The Malta passport is one of the top-ranking EU passports, offering a world of opportunities for foreign investors and expats from across the globe.

In this article you will learn about:

How to get a Maltese passport
How to qualify for a Malta passport
Options for obtaining a Malta passport
The benefits of a Malta passport, and much more

Malta Passport Benefits

Malta passport holders enjoy a host of lifelong benefits, including:

European citizenship and freedom of movement: A Malta passport grants EU citizenship, allowing you to live, work, study, and retire across all EU and Schengen countries. Simplified residence permits and expedited naturalization in countries like Italy benefit both professionals and entrepreneurs.
Visa-free global travel: Malta passport holders can travel to 138 countries visa-free or visa-on-arrival, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the Schengen area. The Malta passport is one of the strongest in the world for travel freedom.
Dual citizenship: Retain your original nationality while holding a Malta passport, giving your family access to multiple passports and international opportunities.
High-quality education: With a Malta passport, you can study anywhere in the EU under local conditions, with access to top universities, scholarships, and student mobility programs.
Top healthcare access: Malta passport holders benefit from Malta’s publicly funded healthcare system and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which provides emergency medical coverage across the EU.
Safe investments and business opportunities: Malta’s stable economy, strong legal system, and strategic location make it ideal for investors. Malta passport programs provide structured investment opportunities for global investors.
Favorable tax regime: Malta passport holders enjoy no gift, wealth, or inheritance tax. Taxes apply mainly to Malta-sourced income, and Malta maintains double taxation treaties with over 70 countries.
High quality of life: Enjoy political stability, low crime, Mediterranean climate, rich culture, and excellent healthcare with a Malta passport.

Maltese Passport Power

In terms of the Malta passport power, Malta ranks 25th on the Global Citizen Solutions 2025 Global Passport Index, assessing mobility (i.e., travel benefits afforded to the holder), investment and business opportunities, and the country’s quality of life.

Malta Passport Rankings

26th

Global Passport Index

21st

Enhanced Mobility Index

39th

Investment Index

32nd

Quality of Living Index

How to get a Maltese Passport

1. By Descent (Ancestry)

You may qualify for a Malta passport if you have Maltese parents, grandparents, or earlier ancestors. Malta citizenship by descent does not require residence in Malta, but you must provide official birth records and documents proving a direct family link to a Maltese citizen.

2. By Naturalization (Residency)

You can obtain a Malta passport through naturalization after legally residing in Malta for 5 out of the last 7 years, including 12 consecutive months immediately before applying. Applicants must demonstrate good character, stable income, and integration into Maltese society.

3. By Investment (Malta Permanent Residency Programme – MPRP)

Malta does not currently offer direct citizenship by investment. However, investors can obtain long-term residency through the Malta Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP). While MPRP does not grant a Malta passport directly, it provides permanent residence, allowing holders to live in Malta and potentially qualify for citizenship later through long-term naturalization, subject to meeting residency and legal requirements.

4. By Marriage

Foreign nationals married to a Maltese citizen may apply for a Malta passport after five years of marriage. Residency in Malta is not mandatory, but the marriage must be genuine and ongoing. In certain cases, eligibility remains even if the Maltese spouse passes away.

5. By Merit (Malta Citizenship by Merit – CBM

The Malta Citizenship by Merit (CBM) program provides a merit-based route to citizenship for individuals who contribute exceptional services in fields such as science, technology, arts, culture, sports, research, or philanthropy. Unlike the former Malta Citizenship by Investment program, CBM emphasizes genuine ties, long-term impact, and contributions to Malta rather than fixed investment thresholds.

Applicants must complete a residency period, demonstrate real connections to Malta, submit a merit proposal, and pass strict due diligence checks. Contributions include supporting approved projects, engaging in professional or philanthropic activities, and donating to a Maltese NGO over a minimum five-year period. Eligibility is assessed based on the national interest, the applicant’s expertise, and the potential long-term value of their contribution.

Read our Guide to Malta Permanent Residency by Investment

Malta Passport Application Requirements

Applying for a Malta passport is a straightforward process once you are a Maltese citizen. Applications are typically submitted in person at the Passport Office in Malta or Gozo, or at a Maltese embassy or consulate abroad. All applicants must provide identification, biometric data, and the required application forms.

General Malta passport requirements (adults)

To apply for a new Malta passport or renew an existing one, you must meet the following requirements:

In-person application: You must attend the Passport Office or a Maltese Mission abroad to submit your application.
Completed Form A: The official Malta passport application form must be fully filled out and signed.
Proof of citizenship: A valid Maltese ID card (front and back copy) or an original Maltese citizenship certificate is required.
Biometric data: Your facial image, fingerprints, and signature are captured digitally during the appointment.

Malta passport requirements for minors (under 18)

Children applying for a Malta passport must meet additional conditions:

Parental or guardian attendance: A parent or legal guardian must be present during the application.
Supporting documents: A child’s birth certificate and valid identification documents for both parents or guardians must be submitted.
Completed Form A: Specific sections of the form must be signed by the parent or guardian.
Biometrics: Facial images are required for all children, while fingerprints are collected from applicants aged 12 and older.

Where to apply for a Malta passport

Passport Office in Malta or Gozo
Maltese embassies, high commissions, or consulates abroad

Malta Passport Price

Applicant age	Standard processing (Sept–March)	Standard processing (April–Aug)	Urgent processing
16 years and over	€70	€80	€160
10–15 years	€40	€40	€80
Under 10 years	€16	€16	€60

Note: Malta passport fees vary by season, with higher standard fees applying between April and August due to increased demand. Urgent passport applications are processed faster but cost more. Processing times and fees may change, so applicants should confirm current charges at the Malta Passport Office or a Maltese mission abroad before applying.

Dual Citizenship in Malta

Malta permits dual citizenship, allowing you to hold a Maltese passport while keeping your original nationality. Under the Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188), there is no requirement to renounce any existing citizenship when acquiring Maltese citizenship.

This means you and your family can enjoy the advantages of multiple citizenships at the same time, including greater travel freedom, access to European Union rights, and expanded professional and business opportunities across borders. Dual citizenship also provides a level of security and flexibility, allowing individuals to maintain connections with their home country while benefiting from Malta’s legal, financial, and lifestyle advantages.

Renewing a Maltese Passport

Maltese nationals aged 18 and above must renew their passport in person at a Passport Office or Maltese mission abroad. During the appointment, biometric data is captured, including your facial image, fingerprints, and signature. The renewed Malta passport is valid for 10 years. Applicants must collect the passport in person, presenting a valid ID, at which point fingerprints are verified again.

As part of our commitment to providing transparent and reliable services, we are proud to be a licensed agent in Malta, holding the official license number AKM-AGEN. This certification demonstrates our dedication to the highest standards in the investment migration industry and further enhances our ability to offer expert guidance and support to our clients.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.

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