Malta's citizenship by direct investment programme offers one of the most prestigious EU passports through a significant contribution to the country's economic and social development.
<p>Malta offers EU citizenship through a <strong>Citizenship by Direct Investment</strong> programme (the successor to the MEIN programme, updated in 2025). Malta is the only English-speaking EU member state and provides citizens with the right to live, work, and study across all 27 EU countries. The Maltese passport is ranked among the world's top 5, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 189 countries including the USA, UK, and all Schengen nations.</p> <div style="background: #fff3cd; border-left: 4px solid #f59e0b; padding: 1rem 1.25rem; border-radius: 0.5rem; margin: 1rem 0;"> <strong>⚠️ Programme Update (2025):</strong> The former MEIN (Malta Exceptional Investor Naturalisation) programme was officially closed in July 2025 and replaced by an updated citizenship by direct investment framework with revised contribution tiers. If you were in an MEIN application process, verify current status with a qualified Maltese immigration lawyer. </div> <h3>Investment Requirements (2025 Framework)</h3> <p>The programme requires a combination of contributions — all three components are mandatory:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Government Contribution:</strong> €600,000 (applying after 12 months of Malta residency) or €750,000 (if applying after only 12 months — expedited path). An additional €50,000 is required per dependent included in the application.</li> <li><strong>Real Estate:</strong> Either purchase property worth at least €700,000 (held for 5 years from citizenship date) OR rent a property for a minimum of €16,000/year for at least 5 years.</li> <li><strong>NGO Donation:</strong> €2,000 contribution to a registered Maltese voluntary organisation.</li> </ul> <p><em>Total minimum investment: approximately €1.3M+ (property purchase) or ~€780,000+ (rental path). Contributions are non-refundable; property purchase can retain or appreciate in value.</em></p> <h3>Processing Timeline</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Residency permit:</strong> Issued within ~1 month of submitting a complete application</li> <li><strong>Minimum residency period:</strong> 12 months before citizenship application can be submitted</li> <li><strong>Citizenship review:</strong> 4–6 months after application — reviewed by a statutory board and the Malta Community Agency</li> <li><strong>Total typical timeline:</strong> 16–24 months from start to passport</li> </ul> <h3>Who Is This For?</h3> <p>Malta citizenship is best suited for <strong>high-net-worth individuals and families</strong> seeking a top-tier EU passport with maximum global mobility. Particularly attractive for non-EU nationals from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, or the Americas who want full EU access for themselves and their families. The programme requires genuine physical residency in Malta during the qualification period.</p> <h3>Excluded Nationalities</h3> <p>Citizens of certain countries are excluded, including Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, and Venezuela. A full list is published by the Malta Community Agency.</p>
CRP World Data
Source: CRP World Research. Rankings and visa-free counts change periodically.
| Investment Type | Min. Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Government Contribution (12-month residency track) | €600,000 | Non-refundable contribution to Malta's National Development and Social Fund. +€50,000 per dependent. |
| Government Contribution (first-year expedited track) | €750,000 | Reduced residency track — contribution if applying within first year. +€50,000 per dependent. |
| Real Estate (purchase) | €700,000 | Property purchase held for minimum 5 years from citizenship certificate date. |
| Real Estate (rental alternative) | €16,000/year | Minimum annual rent for 5 years — an alternative to property purchase. |
| NGO Donation (mandatory) | €2,000 | Required donation to a registered Maltese voluntary organisation. |
Information Notice: This page is for informational purposes only. CRP World is an independent information resource, not a licensed immigration advisor. Program requirements, investment thresholds, and processing times change frequently. Always verify details with official program sources and consult a qualified licensed professional before making any decisions.
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