Malta’s citizenship by merit program opened in 2025 grants a discretionary naturalization pathway for individuals making “exceptional contributions” to Malta through entrepreneurship, research, sports, or culture and are of exceptional interest to Malta. Applications are reviewed case by case basis.
Legal Basis
The Granting of Citizenship by Naturalisation on the Basis of Merit Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 188.06) set out the statutory processes for a merit-based naturalisation under Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act (Chapter 188). The legal framework provides that a person who renders an exceptional service to the Republic of Malta or to humanity, makes an exceptional contribution, or is of exceptional interest to Malta, may be eligible to acquire citizenship by merit.
Qualifying Fields
All eligible applicants and their dependants may qualify for the granting of citizenship by merit through their exceptional contribution and services or exceptional interest in fields of
- Science and research,
- Technology,
- Sport,
- Entrepreneurship (including job creation), or
- Culture and the arts,
- Philanthropy initiatives.
Qualifying Persons
Applicants that may be considered, among other persons of interest, include:
- Scientists
- Researchers
- Athletes
- Sport persons
- Artists and cultural performers
- Entrepreneurs
- Philanthropists
- Technologists
Discretionary
The granting of citizenship on the basis of merit on such basis is discretionary and is treated on a case-by-case basis. The process is governed by robust due diligence and vetting procedures, in line with stringent compliance standards.
Citizenship by Merit is neither a programme nor a scheme, pathway, continuation, or alternative to Malta’s former citizenship by investment framework, which was repealed following the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) of 29 April 2025.
Application Process
Applicants may choose to undertake the application process unilaterally or engage Competent Professionals,
Under Article 11A(1) of Subsidiary Legislation 188.06, applicants must begin the process by submitting a detailed proposal letter to Community Malta Agency. This letter should outline the applicants’ background and achievements, describe the exceptional service or exceptional contribution they have made or intend to make to Malta or to humanity, present a forward-looking plan showing how they will continue contributing after naturalisation, and include supporting
documents.
Approval Conditions
Once applicants receive an approval in principle, they may formally submit the application for a certificate of citizenship by naturalisation on the basis of merit, by:
- Proving at least eight months of residence in Malta, holding proof of title to adequate residential property in Malta;
- Demonstrating exceptional service or contribution to Malta or humanity, or exceptional interest that his/ her naturalisation is or may be to the Republic of Malta. This should be endorsed by the designated competent body that is capable of determining that the applicant is likely to fulfil such exceptional service, contribution or interest;
- Confirming knowledge of Maltese or English;
- providing proof of all other ties created with the Republic of Malta at the time of application and as proposed in the proposal letter.
The Evaluation Board reviews once again the application and provides its recommendation to the Minister, who makes the final decision. If approved, the applicant, and any dependants included in the application, take the Oath of Allegiance and receive the certificate of naturalisation.
Community Malta
The Community Malta Agency, as the entity responsible for all citizenship related matters, is empowered by law to issue guidelines regarding the processes concerning citizenship by merit prohibits any marketing related to the said processes.
