Malta Citizenship by Merit

​Frequently asked questions

• What is Malta citizenship by merit?

  Malta citizenship by merit is a legal naturalisation route for individuals whose exceptional contributions in business, science, culture, sports, or philanthropy serve Malta’s national interests or Vision 2050 objectives.

  It is fully regulated under Maltese law, including the Citizenship Act Cap. 188, relevant amendments, and supporting Legal Notices.

• Who is eligible for Malta citizenship by merit?

  Eligibility for Malta citizenship by merit is determined on a case-by-case basis by the Community Malta Agency under Subsidiary Legislation 188.06. Requests are assessed at the Agency’s discretion.

  Factors that may be considered include:

  • exceptional contributions that align with Malta’s Vision 2050 agenda;
  • connections to Malta, such as residency or other lawful ties;
  • compliance with applicable naturalisation requirements under Maltese law.

  There is no guaranteed qualification, and the law does not specify fixed categories or monetary thresholds. Each request is evaluated individually.

  A spouse, financially dependent children and parents can be included in the application.

• What are the required documents for Malta citizenship by Merit?

  Required documents for Malta citizenship by merit are determined on a case-by-case basis by the Community Malta Agency under Subsidiary Legislation 188.06. There are no fixed lists.

  To apply for Malta citizenship by merit, one needs to show their eligibility, residency, and exceptional achievements.

  According to the experience of Immigrant Invest lawyers, the list of documents may include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • valid passport and proof of identity;
  • proof of legal residence in Malta: residency permit, rental or property documents;
  • evidence of exceptional contribution in business, innovation, science, culture, sports, or philanthropy;
  • personal CV or portfolio highlighting achievements;
  • proof of financial standing or ability to support yourself and your family;
  • criminal record certificate from all countries of residence;
  • health insurance proof covering yourself and family members;
  • language proficiency certificate: basic Maltese or English, for example, IELTS, TOEFL, or GCSE;
  • detailed application forms and any supporting letters or references.
• What is the Due Diligence process?

  The process is highly selective, discretionary, and includes multi-layered Due Diligence checks conducted by the Community Malta Agency. This ensures that only qualified applicants are approved.

• Do I get residency before citizenship?

  Yes. As a first step, applicants receive Maltese residency, allowing them to live in Malta and travel visa-free across the Schengen Area while the citizenship application is processed.

• Are language or integration requirements needed?

  Yes. Applicants must demonstrate:

  • legal residence in Malta for about 8—12 months;
  • property ownership or lease in Malta;
  • basic knowledge of Maltese or English;
  • a detailed proposal outlining their exceptional contribution.
• Can my family also apply for Malta citizenship by merit?

  Yes. Spouses or partners, dependent children and parents can be included in the application.

• What source of funds documentation is required for Malta citizenship by merit?

  Applicants for citizenship by merit must provide a comprehensive source of wealth and source of funds documentation. This includes bank statements, police certificates covering all jurisdictions of residence for the past ten or more years, and evidence of financial integrity. 

  The Community Malta Agency conducts a four-tier Due Diligence process, so thorough preparation of financial documentation is essential.

• How rigorous is the financial Due Diligence for Malta citizenship by merit?

  The Community Malta Agency conducts four tiers of checks: open-source screening, international database searches, law enforcement cooperation, and financial integrity assessments.

• Can I use funds from multiple sources for my citizenship by merit application?

  Yes, applicants may draw on multiple income and asset sources. Common examples include business earnings, investment returns, property holdings, and professional income accumulated over time. 

  Your Immigrant Invest lawyer prepares a detailed Proposal Letter that presents your financial profile alongside your track record and planned contributions to Malta, ensuring all sources are properly documented and substantiated.

• What financial threshold must I demonstrate for Malta citizenship by merit?

  Applicants must show they are financially self-sufficient, with evidence of adequate means to support themselves and any dependants in Malta. This includes maintaining insurance coverage and demonstrating financial stability. 

  As the process is merit-based and individually assessed, your lawyer will advise on the specific level of financial evidence appropriate for your profile and circumstances.

• How does Immigrant Invest support the financial preparation for citizenship by merit?

  The process begins with a thorough pre-assessment of your eligibility, including whether your financial profile and professional track record meet the exceptional merit threshold. 

  Your lawyer then prepares the Proposal Letter — the central document of the application — which presents your financial background, achievements, and planned contributions to Malta. 

  Throughout the process, the legal team coordinates all documentation, from source of funds evidence to police certificates, ensuring everything meets CMA standards before submission.