Malta Citizenship by Investment

What is the Malta Citizenship by Investment Program?

The citizenship by investment program in Malta, which is now known as the Maltese Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, was newly launched in 2020 and is aimed at high-net-worth individuals who contribute to Malta’s economic development. Citizenship is granted through a certificate of naturalization by the Community Malta Agency.

Interested in Obtaining Citizenship by Investment in Malta? J.H. Marlin is Here to Help.

Investment Requirements for Malta Citizenship by Investment

To qualify for Malta Citizenship by Investment under the Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, applicants must meet specific criteria:

Applicants must purchase a residential property in the country of Malta valued at €700,000 or rent a property for €16,000 annually, maintained for five years. Real estate investment or rental property;
A non-refundable contribution to the country’s National Development and Social Fund is required: €600,000 for the 36-month route or €750,000 for the 12-month route. An extra €50,000 applies for each dependent. Contribution to the National Development and Social Fund;
Applicants must invest €150,000 in government bonds or other qualifying investments for five years. Government Bonds Investment;
Due diligence and administrative fees are applicable, varying by the number of applicants. Due Diligence and Administrative Fees;

Partnering with a reputable law firm like J.H. Marlin ensures compliance with the Malta citizenship by investment application process and eligibility criteria.

Overview of Malta Citizenship by Investment

The Malta Citizenship by Investment program, also known as the Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, offers a route to European citizenship for eligible applicants through real estate investment, donations, and meeting the eligibility criteria set by the Maltese government.

Application Process and Eligibility Requirements

Managed by the Community Malta Agency, the application process involves a rigorous four-tier due diligence procedure, including background checks, source of funds verification, and character assessments. This ensures only reputable individuals are granted Maltese citizenship.

Key eligibility requirements include:

Investing in residential real estate with a minimum value stipulated by the program
Making a non-refundable contribution to the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF)
Donating to a registered Maltese NGO
Holding legal residency in Malta for a specified duration
Maintaining a clean criminal record and providing biometric data

Applicants must also engage the services of an accredited agent, such as J.H. Marlin, to guide them through the process.

Malta Residency Routes

The program offers two distinct residency timelines based on the applicant’s investment level and preference:

Standard Route (36 Months): Requires a longer residency period but involves a lower non-refundable contribution.
Expedited Route (12 Months): Allows for a faster path to citizenship with a higher financial contribution.

Both routes require applicants to:

Obtain a valid Maltese residence card
Maintain a genuine link to Malta, including renting or purchasing property
Reside in Malta for a significant portion of the required period
Satisfy health, security, and financial checks throughout the process

Upon successful completion, applicants are granted a certificate of naturalization and become eligible for a Maltese passport, providing access to over 180 visa-free destinations.

Including Family Members

The Malta Citizenship by Investment program allows applicants to include eligible family members under one application. This includes:

Dependent children under 18
Adult children (up to age 29) who are financially dependent and unmarried
Dependent parents and grandparents over the age of 55

All dependents must meet health, character, and financial dependency requirements. Including family members provides them with access to the same benefits—such as EU mobility, healthcare, and education.

Required documents typically include:

Valid passports and birth certificates
Proof of dependency (such as financial support documents)
Marriage certificates (if applicable)
Medical clearance reports

Working with Professionals

Navigating Malta’s citizenship by investment process can be complex. Collaborating with an experienced and licensed agent, such as J.H. Marlin, is crucial to ensuring a successful and compliant application.

Professional services can assist with:

Pre-screening and eligibility assessment
Document preparation and legal formalities
Liaising with the Community Malta Agency
Maintaining compliance throughout the due diligence stages

A trusted advisor ensures that each phase—from investment selection to naturalization—is handled efficiently and with full legal compliance. Choosing a professional team minimizes risks and improves your chances of approval.

Want to learn more about obtaining Malta citizenship by investment? Read our post: Why Get Citizenship by Investment in Malta.

Get in Touch Today to Explore your Malta Residency Opportunities.

The Main Advantages of the Malta Citizenship by Investment Program

Visa-Free Travel

With Maltese citizenship, applicants enjoy visa-free travel to over 180 countries, including key European Union nations. This benefit is invaluable for business, education, and leisure, eliminating the need for multiple visas and allowing for seamless international travel.

Access to EU and Schengen Countries

Holding a Maltese passport , along with dual citizenship, grants applicants the right to live, work, and study across the European Union and Schengen countries with no time limit. This access facilitates significant business opportunities and provides top-tier education options for applicants and their families.

Lifestyle and Business Opportunities

Malta combines a high quality of life with a thriving business environment. Applicants can benefit from favorable tax policies, including exemptions on estate duty and capital gains. The country offers a safe, stable setting with excellent health, education, and real estate investment options, making it ideal for both family life and business expansion.

Learn More About the Benefits of Malta Citizenship by Investment

Applicant Requirements for a Citizenship Application

In order to be eligible for citizenship by investment and permanent residency in Malta, the main applicant must meet the following requirements:

The person must be at least 18 years of age.
Have no criminal record
Be in good health; provide records that they do not suffer from any contagious disease and proof of an international health policy
Provide proof of residence in Malta for a period of 36 months. This period may be reduced to 12 months subject to a higher exceptional direct investment (see below).

What is the Procedure to Become a Maltese Citizen?

To obtain Maltese citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment, managed by the Community Malta Agency, follow these steps:

Initial Contact: Applicants contact J.H. Marlin Law and sign an agreement.
Document Prep & Due Diligence: Collect documents; due diligence standards checks are performed.
Residency Application: Apply for residency for 36 months (12 in some cases).
Investment & Fees: Deposit €10,000 and pay residency and diligence fees.
Citizenship Application: Submit for citizenship and undergo further due diligence.
Final Decision: Community Malta Agency finalizes the application.
Compliance: Make required investments and donations; submit proof.
Oath & Certification: Take the Oath in Malta and receive your passport as a successful applicant.

Why Work with J.H. Marlin?

With extensive experience in Maltese citizenship by investment, J.H. Marlin offers strategic, personalized guidance based on your unique circumstances. Our team provides in-depth consultations to help you understand your eligibility, choose the right investment route, and ensure compliance with Malta’s legal and regulatory framework.

We handle every aspect of the citizenship process—from document preparation and submission to liaising with the Community Malta Agency and other government authorities. Our close coordination with local partners ensures your application is managed efficiently and professionally.

Why clients choose J.H. Marlin:

Proven success with hundreds of approved applications
Transparent and tailored advice from legal and immigration experts
Full-service support from initial consultation to passport delivery
In-depth knowledge of Malta’s legal, financial, and residency requirements

We are committed to delivering a smooth, confidential, and results-driven citizenship experience—supporting you at every step of your journey to becoming a Maltese citizen.

Secure Your Malta Residency and Citizenship. Partner with J.H. Marlin.

Malta Investment Citizenship FAQ

How Long Does the Malta CBI Process Take?

The Malta Citizenship by Investment (CBI) process typically takes 12 to 36 months time, depending on the chosen route and residency requirements. Prospective applicants must complete diligence checks, provide a source of funds declaration, and meet eligibility criteria. The Maltese government carefully reviews each citizenship application to ensure compliance, leading to the issuance of a certificate of citizenship and a Maltese passport.

Who is Ineligible to Apply for the CBI Program?

Applicants with a criminal record, inadequate source of funds, or failure to meet eligibility requirements are ineligible for the Malta Citizenship by Investment program. Additionally, those who pose a security risk, have ties to sanctioned entities, or cannot provide sufficient diligence checks may be denied. Maltese citizenship requires adherence to strict citizenship laws and diligence by the Maltese government.

Do I Need to Renounce My Current Citizenship to Become a Maltese Citizen?

No, Malta permits dual citizenship, meaning you can retain your current nationality when acquiring Maltese citizenship through investment. This flexibility is especially attractive to individuals who want to expand their global mobility and access to EU benefits without giving up their original citizenship. However, it’s wise to check if your home country allows dual nationality.

Can an American Become a Citizen of Malta?

Yes, U.S. citizens can apply for Malta Citizenship by Investment through the government’s Naturalisation for Exceptional Services program. Americans must meet specific criteria, including residency in Malta for at least 12 or 36 months, passing background checks, making a qualifying investment, and contributing to national development. Malta’s English-speaking environment and EU membership make it a popular choice for Americans seeking a second passport.

Are you an American interested in the Malta citizenship by investment program? Read our blog post: Why Americans are choosing dual citizenship by investment in Malta.

Is It Safe and Legal to Obtain Citizenship Through Investment in Malta?

Absolutely. Malta’s Citizenship by Investment program is legally established and overseen by the Community Malta Agency. The process includes one of the most robust due diligence systems in the world to ensure applicants meet legal, financial, and ethical standards. When working with an authorized agent like J.H. Marlin, applicants can be confident that their application is handled lawfully and professionally from start to finish.