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Updated on March 11, 2026

Malta
citizenship

Terms are being reviewed and amended
€690,000+
Investment amount
1 or 3 years
Obtaining period
5 years
Return of real estate investment
Malta has officially discontinued granting citizenship for exceptional services

A new path has been launched, Citizenship by Merit, granted for exceptional contributions to Malta or humanity, replacing investment-based routes and aligning with EU principles and Vision 2050.

Permanent residency in Malta is still available, with approval taking 4 weeks or more.

Get updates about new path

Malta citizenship offers the freedom to live, work, and do business in Malta or any other EU country, access high-quality healthcare and education, and travel globally without restrictions.

The main route to a Maltese passport for investors is naturalisation. By making a direct investment, applicants can obtain a residence permit and later apply for citizenship. The rules for naturalisation through exceptional services are governed by the Maltese Citizenship Act L.N. 437 of 2020.

Applicants undergo a strict Due Diligence check and must meet investment requirements, which include a contribution to the state fund, a charitable donation, and renting or owning property in Malta for 5 years.

Benefits of Malta citizenship

Living in Malta and other EU and Schengen states

Investors with Malta passports may live in the country or reside in other EU and Schengen states without obtaining residency beforehand.

Running an international business

Malta citizens can open companies in this country or other EU states to expand their businesses.

Getting access to high-quality healthcare and education

Malta passport holders can turn for medical help or education at facilities in Malta and other EU countries. They don’t need a visa to study at a university or undergo a long-term treatment course.

Citizenship for the whole family

The investment route to Malta citizenship allows for family inclusion, meaning the spouse, dependent children, parents, and grandparents can also become citizens.

Opportunity to maintain your first citizenship

Malta allows dual citizenship, so you do not have to give up your original nationality to become a Maltese citizen.

Practical guide to Malta citizenship

  • Step by step procedure
  • Requirements for applicants
  • Required documents
  • Answers to frequently asked questions

Who can apply
for Malta citizenship?

Investor

  • Over 18 years old
  • With legal income
  • Not under sanctions
  • Without criminal record
  • No visa denial from countries with a visa-free regime with Malta

Spouse or partner

  • In an official marriage or registered partnership with the investor
  • Including same-sex spouses

Children up to 29 years old

  • Including children from previous marriages
  • Adult children must be unmarried and principally dependent on the investor

Parents and grandparents over 55 years old

  • Principally dependent on the investor

Expenses for obtaining Malta citizenship

Applicants must rent or buy housing, contribute to the Malta National Development and Social Fund (NDSF), and make a charitable donation. Additional costs include state fees, such as the one for the Eligibility Assessment.

Investors must also rent housing while maintaining residency, purchase health insurance, and pay for legal services. Those purchasing real estate in Malta are subject to a stamp duty of 5% of the property value, plus approximately 1.5% in legal fees.

1st option
Renting real estate

Investors rent real estate for five years for €16,000 a year or more. The amount of rentals doesn’t depend on the property’s region or family composition.

Investor Family of four
Renting real estate for 5 years €80,000 €80,000
Contribution to the NDSF €600,000
For citizenship application after three years€750,000
For citizenship application after one year
€750,000
For citizenship application after three years€900,000
For citizenship application after one year
Charitable donation €10,000 €10,000
State fees
Eligibility test €15,000 €15,000
+ €10,000 for each family member over 12
A fee for residence cards €5,000 €8,000
Administrative fees €3,000 €12,000
Additional costs that are not stated by the regulations, an approximate estimate
Renting real estate for the time of residence
If the investor does not initially buy a property
€12,000+ annually €12,000+ annually
Health insurance €500+ €2,000+
2nd option
Purchasing real estate

An investor can buy one property for €700,000 and own it for at least five years after getting citizenship. Then they can sell the object and return the investment with profit.

Investor Family of four
Purchasing real estate €700,000 €700,000
Contribution to the NDSF €600,000
For citizenship application after three years€750,000
For citizenship application after one year
€750,000
For citizenship application after three years€900,000
For citizenship application after one year
Charitable donation €10,000 €10,000
State fees
Eligibility test €15,000 €15,000
+ €10,000 for each family member over 12
A fee for residence cards €5,000 €8,000
Administrative fees €3,000 €12,000
Additional costs that are not stated by the regulations, an approximate estimate
Renting real estate for the time of residence
If the investor does not initially buy a property
€12,000+ annually €12,000+ annually
Fees, taxes and services when buying real estate 8—15% of the property price 8—15% of the property price
Health insurance €500+ €2,000+

Individual cost calculation for Maltese citizenship

The total fee amount depends on family composition. We can provide a free, individualised calculation for your case, covering additional expenses.
We will send you a quote by email within 1 hour.

Minimum expenses for a family of 4

Spouses and two children, one minor and one adult

Type of expenses Property rent, citizenship in 3 years Property rent, citizenship in 1 year Property purchase, citizenship in 3 years Property purchase, citizenship in 1 year
Real estate €116,000 €92,000 €700,000 €700,000
NDSF contribution €750,000 €900,000 €750,000 €900,000
Donation €10,000 €10,000 €10,000 €10,000
Eligibility Assessment €35,000 €35,000 €35,000 €35,000
Other fees €14,000 €14,000 €59,500 €59,500
Total €925,000 €1,051,000 €1,554,500 €1,704,500

How to get Malta citizenship: a step-by-step procedure

Investors and all their family members obtain a Malta residence permit and apply for citizenship a year or three after that, depending on the investment amount. Some additional documents are necessary for submission after three years of residency, but generally, the procedure is similar.

Preliminary Due Diligence
Getting the Police Clearance Certificate
Obtaining a Malta residence permit
Applying for the Eligibility test
Application processing and approval
Applying for citizenship
Final approval by the Minister
Fulfilment of the investment conditions
1 day

Preliminary Due Diligence

The Eligibility test is the most important stage of obtaining Malta citizenship. Its results determine whether an investor will receive a passport or not.

To prepare for the primary check, Immigrant Invest’s certified Anti Money Laundering Officers conduct a preliminary Due Diligence for each applicant. They examine the investor’s documents and search for information in international databases to foresee all the possible issues.

If anything may cause the rejection, we will offer you a solution, for example, another path to a second citizenship.

Why do investors turn to Immigrant Invest?

Maltese legislation does not allow investors to apply for citizenship for exceptional services by themselves. They must turn to a licensed agent, a consulting company approved by the Government of Malta, to prepare and follow the applications.

The procedure for obtaining Malta citizenship is complicated: you’ll need to submit a comprehensive package of personal and financial documents and pass a strict and detailed Eligibility Assessment. So, when it comes to choosing an agent, it must be a meticulous and experienced one.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent of Malta citizenship for exceptional services. Our Compliance Department conducts preliminary Due Diligence, which helps our clients prepare for and successfully pass the Eligibility Assessment. We have been working since 2006, and you can count on the qualified assistance of our lawyers trained in international law and an individual approach to your case.

Why you should trust us

Proven approval record

Rigorous Due Diligence is the foundation of every successful application. Immigrant Invest’s Compliance Department conducts a preliminary assessment before submission, minimising risks and ensuring an approval rate of over 99%.

End-to-end legal support

We guide clients through every stage of the process — from defining objectives and initial consultations to Due Diligence, application filing, approval, and ongoing status maintenance.

Licensed and internationally recognised

Immigrant Invest is authorised by regulatory authorities in the EU and Caribbean jurisdictions to represent applicants in investment immigration programmes. Our licensed status reflects strict compliance with regulatory standards and professional requirements

Confidential

We protect your trust with strict confidentiality, securing your data and investment details under an NDA agreement.

With over 20 years of experience and established partnerships in Malta, Immigrant Invest provides strategic legal guidance for individuals pursuing Maltese citizenship.

A multidisciplinary team of legal, compliance, and real estate professionals accompanies clients at every stage of the process — from preliminary Due Diligence and residency arrangements to the preparation of a substantiated proposal and navigation of the multi-layered evaluation and approval procedure.

Each phase is handled with precision, discretion, and strict adherence to Maltese legislation, ensuring a seamless, transparent, and professionally managed pathway to citizenship.

Elena Ruda
Chief Development Officer at Immigrant Invest

Required documents for obtaining Malta second citizenship

The list of required documents usually includes:

  • passports and their copies;
  • marriage certificate, if applicable;
  • birth certificates;
  • bank statements for the last 12 months and a reference letter;
  • detailed CV;
  • education records;
  • criminal record certificate;
  • Due Diligence certificate;
  • tax residency certificate;
  • rental agreement or property ownership certificate; 
  • confirmation of fulfilment of the investment conditions;
  • income confirmation documents, such as evidence of assets owned or an employment letter;
  • medical records of all family members;
  • medical insurance for all the family.

All copies must be notarised and apostilled or legalised. Documents that are not in English or Maltese must be translated. Lawyers assist investors with all procedures.

Schedule a meeting

Let’s discuss the details

Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.

Vladlena Baranova
Lawyer, AML Compliance officer, certified CAMS specialist
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What help can you get from us after obtaining Malta citizenship?

Investors and their family members might need additional services after getting Malta citizenship. We can help you with passport renewal, opening a bank account, purchasing real estate and other requests.

Passport renewal or replacement in case of loss

We help investors and their families renew their passports after 2—10 years, depending on a citizen’s age. And in case of passport loss, we prepare the application and help them get a new one.

Opening a bank account

We prepare the required documents and fill out the bank forms.

Registration of tax residency

It is possible if you spend the required number of days a year in Malta.

Getting a driver’s licence

We consult on the process of obtaining a Maltese driver’s licence. The applicant needs to pass the driving exams.

ID card receiving

We will get an ID card for you at your request and renew it if you change your address or the card’s validity period has expired.

Getting a residence permit for family reunification

For family members that were not included in the initial application.

Registration of yachts

We help to register yachts under the Maltese flag.

Selecting a property to buy and conducting the deal

We help investors choose an object online and check the property. Then we help to conclude the deal.

Visa-free countries for Maltese citizens

Asia

Armenia

Azerbaijan

Bahrain

Bangladesh

Bhutan

Brunei

Cambodia

India

Indonesia

Iran

Iraq

Israel

Japan

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kuwait

Kyrgyzstan

Laos

Lebanon

Malaysia

Maldives

Mongolia

Myanmar (Burma)

Nepal

Oman

Pakistan

Philippines

Qatar

Saudi Arabia

Singapore

South Korea

Sri Lanka

Tajikistan

Thailand

Timor-Leste

United Arab Emirates

Uzbekistan

Vietnam

Africa

Angola

Benin

Botswana

Burkina Faso

Burundi

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Comoros

Congo – Kinshasa

Côte d’Ivoire

Djibouti

Egypt

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini

Ethiopia

Gabon

Gambia

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Kenya

Madagascar

Malawi

Mauritania

Mauritius

Morocco

Mozambique

Nigeria

Rwanda

São Tomé & Príncipe

Senegal

Seychelles

Sierra Leone

Somalia

South Africa

South Sudan

Tanzania

Togo

Tunisia

Uganda

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Europe

Albania

Andorra

Austria

Belarus

Belgium

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czechia

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Georgia

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Moldova

Monaco

Montenegro

Netherlands

North Macedonia

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Russia

San Marino

Serbia

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Turkey

Ukraine

United Kingdom

Oceania

Australia

Fiji

Kiribati

Marshall Islands

Micronesia

New Zealand

Palau

Papua New Guinea

Samoa

Solomon Islands

Tonga

Tuvalu

Vanuatu

North America

Antigua & Barbuda

Bahamas

Barbados

Canada

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Grenada

Haiti

Jamaica

Mexico

St. Kitts & Nevis

St. Lucia

St. Vincent & Grenadines

Trinidad & Tobago

United States

South America

Argentina

Belize

Bolivia

Brazil

Chile

Colombia

Costa Rica

Ecuador

El Salvador

Guatemala

Honduras

Nicaragua

Panama

Paraguay

Peru

Uruguay

Venezuela

Frequently asked questions

Do minor children have to pass Due Diligence?

All family members aged 12 years or older must pass the Eligibility Test. It is similar to Due Diligence used all over the world.

Do minor children have to pass Due Diligence?

All family members aged 12 years or older must pass the Eligibility Test. It is similar to Due Diligence used all over the world.

What guarantees can your company give?

No one can guarantee that your application for Malta citizenship will be accepted. Moreover, if a company claims that the guarantee is 100%, you probably deal with scammers. Learn about .

The government authorities decide to grant Malta citizenship. The decision is preceded by an in-depth check of the applicants’ background and the legality of their income sources.

Immigrant Invest conducts an internal background check to determine the chances of obtaining citizenship. The check occurs at the first stage of our collaboration, even before signing a Service Agreement with a client. The lawyers also prepare a list of documents to minimise the probability of the application rejection.

Can I get Malta citizenship for exceptional services without the agent’s help?

It is impossible to apply for Malta citizenship without a licensed agent; the requirement is stated by the Maltese Citizenship Act.

Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent authorised to assist applicants in preparing and submitting documents.

What is the minimum investment amount needed?

The minimum required investment is €690,000. The sum includes non-refundable contributions to the National Development and Social Fund and a non-governmental organisation and the cost of renting real estate.

Are there any additional costs when renting real estate in Malta?

The tenant usually covers utility bills. The average utility expenses in Malta are €60—170 for an apartment of 85 square metres, including electricity, water, and garbage collection.

Can I get Malta citizenship without investing in the country’s economy?

Yes, you can. There are six main paths to Malta citizenship:

  1. Standard naturalisation. In this case, a foreigner must live in Malta permanently for at least 5 years. In addition, an applicant for citizenship must pass exams in the Maltese or English language and the country’s history and law. The list of required documents includes written confirmation that several Maltese citizens vouch for the applicant.

  2. Marriage to a Maltese citizen. Citizenship application becomes available after 5 years of marriage. During this time, spouses don’t have to live in Malta permanently.

  3. Family reunification is suitable for those who have close relatives among Maltese citizens. Parents, grandparents, and siblings count.

  4. Maltese ancestry must be proven with documents. In this case, citizenship is granted without getting a residence permit, passing exams and residing in the country before application.

  5. Political asylum or refugee status. Refugees must prove that their life is in danger or they are discriminated against in their country of origin. Citizenship can be obtained after 6 years of living in Malta.

  6. Exceptional services. In this case, the passport is granted by the Maltese President personally to scientists, artists, sportsmen, businessmen, and politicians. There are no fixed criteria for this category.

What duties arise after obtaining citizenship in Malta?

Investors must take the following steps immediately after their citizenship application is approved:

  1. Rent or buy a residential property in Malta.

  2. Get an architect’s report stating the market value of the rented or purchased property.

  3. Get or renew health insurance before obtaining a passport.

  4. Sign an Annual Compliance Form during the first 5 years of citizenship. The form confirms compliance with the conditions attached to their certificate of naturalisation.

Can my future children become Maltese citizens?

Yes, newborn children of Maltese citizens are also entitled to this status.

To get a Malta passport for a child, parents must apply for registration in the Public Registry. You’ll need to submit the child’s original birth certificate with an apostille and the marriage certificate.

Then, you may apply for a passport for the child in a consulate or visit Malta and submit documents there. Both parents must be present. One of them may apply themselves if only they have been given a permit by another parent in the presence of the consul.

How fast can I become a Maltese citizen?

Malta citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment requires residency for 1 or 3 years.

The procedure requires additional time to get a clearance, a residence permit and final approval, to fulfil the investment conditions and to receive passports. Usually, these steps take several months.

Do I have to visit Malta to become a citizen?

Yes, an applicant must visit Malta to get the status.

Investors get Malta citizenship by naturalisation, which means they must live in the country for a decent time with a residence permit. Also, applicants must pass some procedures in person, such as applying for residency, submitting biometrics, taking the Oath of Allegiance and receiving passports.

Is Malta dual citizenship allowed?

Yes, Malta allows its citizens to have multiple citizenships. A person may be required to choose one citizenship only if it’s the rule in another country.

Schedule a meeting

Let’s discuss the details

Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.
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