Malta Citizenship by Merit to Replace the Existing CBI Program

After the ruling of the European Court of Justice that declared Malta citizenship by investment contrary to EU law, the authorities are working to replace it with Malta citizenship by merit. The Home Affairs Minister, Byron Camilleri, published the plan to exclude all the commercial elements that were part of Malta's CBI program. The immigration authorities will also extend the Malta citizenship criteria for people with personal and exceptional achievements.

What is Malta Citizenship by Merit?

Malta citizenship by merit bill (Bill No. 140) was introduced by the government to align the Malta citizenship program with the EU rules. The bill addresses the concern of the European Commission to end the Malta Golden Passport by financial contribution. The new citizenship program does not require a fixed monetary contribution and will target people with exceptional contributions to Malta.

Malta Citizenship by Merit Eligibility

The pathway to Malta citizenship by merit focuses on real contributions to Malta that are beneficial to the public and can lead to Malta nationality. Here are details of merit-based citizenship program:

•             Malta citizenship by Job creation

•             Contributions that boost Malta’s economy

•             International recognitions that highlight Malta’s profile on a global scale

•             Promoting social or charitable causes that benefit Malta

•             Contributions that bring positive impacts on the technological sphere in Malta

•             Supporting cultural projects that improve Malta’s image

•             Contribution to public health or civil services

How to Qualify for Malta Citizenship by Merit?

The new citizenship pathway in Malta doesn’t rely on a specific standard; rather, Malta citizenship will be granted to people who will contribute with their exceptional skills that benefit Malta. This will make the new citizenship pathway a complex process; however, an experienced immigration consultant can handle the new process without any hesitation. The Maltese citizenship by merit pathway ensures transparency and a genuine link with Malta.

Here is the roadmap to Malta citizenship by merit:

Malta Residency Requirement: The Malta citizenship by merit requires applicants to be residents before proceeding with the citizenship application.

Formal Submission of Citizenship Application: Malta citizenship applications will be filed with the national authority, i.e., Komunità Malta (Community Malta Agency).

Due Diligence Review: The citizenship by merit will due a detailed and comprehensive assessment of the applicant to ensure integrity and compliance with EU policies.

Evaluation Board Assessment: The merit-based citizenship process involves evaluation by an independent board that may conduct interviews of applicants.

Expert Endorsements: The board can ask for endorsements and recommendations from professionals and experts from relevant fields to verify the claims of exceptional contributions to Malta.

Ministerial Approval for Malta Citizenship: The Minister will grant the final approval by taking into consideration the board's recommendations.

Malta Citizenship by Merit Bill Status

The Malta citizenship by merit bill is published and forwarded for the Second Reading and Committee Stage. This citizenship bill framework is a structured pathway to Maltese citizenship for people and families who demonstrate exceptional merit that adds value to Maltese national interest. People in the field of science and technology, education, culture, national service, and innovation can benefit from this opportunity to become Maltese citizens.

This new EU-compliant citizenship framework is gaining strength as people seeking mobility solutions have shown interest in the new option to secure a Malta passport for visa-free travel to over 180 destinations.

What is the difference between Malta Golden Visa and Malta Citizenship by Merit?

Malta Golden Visa is a residency by investment program for non-EU investors seeking Schengen access. By investing in real estate, investors can get Malta permanent residency with family and may qualify for citizenship by meeting the requirements. Malta RBI program includes either renting a property for 5 years or purchasing a property. The cost of Malta Golden Visa by property renting for 1 year is around €163,755.

On the other hand, Malta citizenship by merit is an alternative to the Malta CBI program that focuses on exceptional contribution by individuals and families towards Malta. There isn’t a specific financial contribution requirement for the new merit-based citizenship; rather, it focuses on personalities who can bring value to Malta in different walks of life.

Citizenship by Merit in Malta

Citizenship by merit in Malta starts with the process of CBI application submission that highlights the outstanding achievements of the main applicant for Malta. The application should depict the contributions, along with future plans for exceptional services for Malta. Upon approval by Malta immigration authorities, the applicant, along with family members, can apply for Malta naturalization and ultimately Maltese citizenship.

Who can get Malta citizenship by merit?

Malta citizenship by merit focuses on people with exceptional skills including science and research, sports and athletics, arts and culture, businessmen and philanthropists, technology and innovation experts, and people who can add value for Malta. Applicants must also show skills in Maltese or English language.

List of Malta Passport Visa-Free Countries

As of October 2025 passport ranking, the Malta passport is the 8th strongest travel document that grants visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and eTA access to over 180 countries. Malta passport visa-free countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Schengen States, UAE, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and others. Here is the complete list to check the visa-free status for the Malta passport: