IMPORTANT UPDATE: As of 1 November 2020, Cyprus ended its popular citizenship-by-investment program, so investors can no longer obtain Cypriot citizenship and a passport directly through investment. However, the Cyprus Golden Visa still offers a way to secure permanent residency through investment.
Similarly, Malta’s Citizenship by Investment program was discontinued in 2025, and new applications are no longer accepted.
Malta vs Cyprus Citizenship: Key Takeaways
Obtaining European Citizenship Quickly
Liberation from visa-related formalities, an attractive business climate, and personal security guarantees are just some of the many reasons why the Malta and Cyprus passport programs are so popular.
Whether you wish to obtain EU citizenship in either one of these countries because you’re looking for opportunities for scaling a business, or are interested in a high standard of living and access to a progressive healthcare system, below, you’ll find all you need to know about the advantages of a second passport, and the process for Malta vs Cyprus citizenship.
Quick Comparison between Malta vs Cyprus Citizenship
Malta and Cyprus are members of the European Union, and they both offer Golden Visa programs that can lead to citizenship. Malta’s latest population is approximately 545,405, while Cyprus is slightly larger with around 1,276,508 residents. Both countries use the Euro (€) as their currency. Malta is a member of the Schengen Area, while Cyprus is not yet a member but is expected to join by 2026
Today, neither Malta nor Cyprus offers a direct citizenship by investment program. Cyprus cancelled its program in 2020, and Malta ended its citizenship by investment scheme in 2025 following a European Court of Justice ruling. However, both countries still offer residency by investment programs that may eventually lead to citizenship through naturalization..
Languages Spoken
The two official languages spoken in Malta are Maltese and English, whereas Greek and Turkish are more commonly spoken in Cyprus. With that being said, 76% of the Cypriot population are proficient in English. If you’re considering applying to either one of the Golden Visa programs, you won’t have to worry about learning a new language, as there are no language proficiency tests required in either country for obtaining citizenship.
Many potential investors are asking themselves which one is better between Malta vs Cyprus citizenship. To answer the question, it is essential to look at the basic eligibility requirements and cost information for each of the countries.
Former Malta Citizenship by Investment Requirements and Cost
Often inaccurately referred to as Malta Citizenship by Investment, the Maltese Citizenship Act Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services Regulations, otherwise known as the Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CES), is a citizenship by naturalization scheme that acts as an expedited route to European citizenship. Applicants to this scheme can be granted citizenship in Malta along with their family members if they satisfy the following criteria:
- Age: Be 18 years of age or older (except for dependents, who can be younger)
- Rent or buy property: Rent or buy a private home for a minimum value of €700,000 and maintain it for five years, or rent a property for a period of 5 years with a lease worth at least €16,000 per year
- Residence in Malta: Have been a resident in Malta for the last 12 months
- Insurance: Have private global health insurance coverage for at least €50,000
- Investment: Make a qualifying investment for citizenship in the form of a donation of €750,000 to the special government fund, and a philanthropic donation worth at least €10,000 to a non-governmental organization in Malta.
- Additional fees: There are some additional fees that the applicant needs to pay, including due diligence fees of €15,000 for the main applicant and €10,000 for dependents, as well as €500 passport fees per person and €200 bank charges per application.
Former Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Requirements and Cost
While Cyprus no longer offers a citizenship by investment scheme, it still offers a residency by investment program that grants qualifying individuals and their family members residency rights in the Republic. This program is referred to as the Cyprus Golden Visa and has plenty of benefits and advantages. The requirements for the program are as follows:
- Age: Be 18 years of age or older.
- Investment: Invest at least €300,000 in real estate of any kind (could be residential real estate or commercial real estate); Or
- Alternatively, invest at least €300,000 in a business project or an operating business, with no restrictions in terms of business area; Or
- Invest at least €300,000 in units of a Cyprus Collective Investment Organization (e.g. AIF, AIFLNP, RAIF)
- Additional fees include an application processing fee of €500
Malta vs Cyprus Citizenship – Which Program Had More Advantages?
The above-listed criteria show that there are several areas that differ between the Malta and Cyprus citizenship and residency programs. While both programs lead to EU citizenship and residency, some people may prefer Malta vs Cyprus citizenship or the other way around, depending on their personal preferences and personal circumstances.
See also what’s the difference between residency and citizenship by investment.
Both require buying local property
The requirement to purchase local real estate exists for both programs, but it differs with regard to the amount. While the Malta scheme allows applicants to purchase property with a minimum value of €750,000 or have a five-year rental contract at a minimum value of €16,000 per year, Cyprus offers a lower investment requirement that can lead to citizenship after seven years of naturalization.
Property bought in Malta can be sold
Moreover, the property you purchase in Cyprus will have to be retained for a period no less than seven years if you choose to be integrated into the society in order to succeed in your naturalization; however, your property in Malta can be sold after five years and the time requirement leading up to citizenship is much faster. It is also essential to keep in mind that the property bought in Malta for obtaining citizenship can be sold exempt from tax if it was held for at least three years as the sole and ordinary residence of the applicant.
Overall Investment Considerations
The overall cost of obtaining Maltese citizenship is about €840,000, which is considerably higher than the €300,000 minimum investment required to obtain Cypriot residency.
Both schemes offer applicants the right to reside, work, and travel in all of the other EU member states, but you should keep in mind that Malta is also a member of the Schengen area while Cyprus is not. This means that European travel and work can be easier with a Maltese passport.
Other Considerations for Malta vs Cyprus Citizenship
Taxation is similar in both countries
Malta and Cyprus have similar legislation regarding taxation, which means that the tax system of both countries is based on residency instead of citizenship. To be a fiscal resident of either state, an individual will need to reside in the country for at least 183 days a year. You can learn everything you need to know about the capital gains tax in Malta and Cyprus for non-residents to access relevant information regarding their taxation systems.
Timeframes and Visa-Free Entry
Before the program ended in 2025, Malta offered one of the fastest routes to EU citizenship through investment-based naturalization
Passport “power”
Malta and Cyprus rank 25th and 35th, respectively on the Global Passport Index by Global Citizen Solutions.
Visa-free for the United States
There are no visa formalities for holders of Maltese and Cypriot passports for many countries such as Australia, the UK, Hong Kong, Japan, and more. The main difference is that Maltese citizens can also travel freely to the United States, while Cypriots require a travel visa.
What’s the best option?
Both Malta and Cyprus previously offered citizenship by investment programs that attracted global investors interested in EU passports. However, Cyprus ended its program in 2020, and Malta discontinued its investment-based naturalization route in 2025. Today, investors interested in these countries can pursue residency by investment programs, like the Cyprus Golden Visa and the Malta Permanent Residency Program which both lead to permanent residency.
Alternative Residency Options in Malta and Cyprus
| Feature | Malta Permanent Residence (MPRP) | Cyprus Golden Visa | Malta Digital Nomad Visa | Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Malta Permanent Residence Program gives you indefinite Permanent residency | Cyprus Golden Visa also provides indefinite Permanent residency | Malta Digital Nomad grants you a 1-year residence permit and renewable up to 4 years | Cyprus Golden Visa gives you a 1-year residence permit that is renewable up to 3 years |
| Investment | €150k+ (Mix of property & fees) | €300k (Real estate or business) | None (Income-based) | None (Income-based) |
| Income Requirement | €500k assets (€150k liquid) | €50,000/year (foreign source) | €42,000/year (gross) | €42,000/year (net) |
| Work Rights | Restricted (requires separate permit) | Forbidden (except as Director) | Remote work for foreign clients only | Remote work for foreign clients only |
| Family Scope | 4 generations (incl. grandparents) | Spouse & children up to age 25 | Spouse & children | Spouse & children |
| Stay Requirement | No minimum (to keep status) | Visit once every 2 years | At least 5 months/year to renew | 183+ days/yea |
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.
