Malta is undergoing a transformational change in its citizenship framework, replacing its long-standing investment-based program with a Malta Merit-Based Citizenship naturalisation model. Therefore, this shift marks a decisive move away from granting citizenship through financial contributions. Instead, it places greater emphasis on exceptional contributions in science, culture, philanthropy, sports, and entrepreneurship. Moreover, it highlights Malta’s commitment to valuing talent and meaningful impact rather than purely economic input.
The new law, officially announced by Legal Notice 159 in 2025, reflects Malta’s efforts to reward persons who contribute direct value to the country and the world at large. Be it through science breakthroughs, world-recognized artistic and cultural outputs, or public work, the new law sets merit and contribution as the center of acquiring citizenship.
Within this ultimate guide, we’ll delve in depth into:
- What is evolving in Malta’s law on citizenship.
- The legal status pursuant to Legal Notice 159 of 2025.
- The eligibility requirements and application procedures.
- How contributions are calculated and rated.
- Who can apply through the form.
- The impacts on Malta’s economy, worldwide reputation, and worldwide status.
- Main similarities with the previous Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme.
You’ll be up and running on how the Malta Merit-Based Citizenship naturalisation scheme operates and why it is a big policy shift in 2025 and later by the end of reading this article.
What Does it Change in Malta’s Citizenship Act?
Malta has officially repealed its Citizenship by Investment programme—previously referred to as Citizenship by Direct Investment in Exceptional Services (CESDI)—and created a Malta Merit-Based Citizenship programme. For more detailed expert commentary, see experts analyze Malta’s transition to Citizenship by Merit.
Consequently, the new scheme, introduced by virtue of Legal Notice 159 in 2025, establishes that citizenship shall no longer be granted primarily in exchange for economic investments. Instead, it is now awarded as a recognition of sterling contributions made towards Malta or, more broadly, to humanity. Moreover, this legal adjustment underscores a decisive policy shift that prioritises merit and impact over financial input.
Main Points in Legal Notice 159 of 2025
- The citizenship by naturalisation could be issued only in acknowledgment of eminent public services or contributions.
- The Minister of Citizenship possesses absolute discretion, and applications are dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the Evaluation Board.
- The system integrates residency, property, and language conditions in order to ensure effective integration.
- The new system aims at safeguarding the national interest in Malta, enforcing international standards, and value talent more than money.
Why Malta Is Transitioning to Malta Merit-Based Citizenship
The shift towards Malta Merit-Based Citizenship is in harmony with Malta’s long-term aspiration to attract individuals whose talent, stature, and achievements can add to the economic, cultural, and diplomatic standing of the country.
Alleviating Worries in
Malta faced criticism under its previous Citizenship by Investment model, often described as a “passport-for-sale” scheme. By introducing a merit-based approach, Malta reinforces its compliance with EU principles while still maintaining a pathway for exceptional individuals. For background on earlier obstacles, read about the challenges faced by MEIN applicants and how to overcome them.
Complementing Malta’s International Personality
Awarding Nobel Prize recipients, world-leading entrepreneurs, or international philanthropists increases Malta’s standing as a country of culture and innovation. Citizenship ceases to be viewed as a financial product and instead becomes a badge of honour and contribution. This represents a distinct contrast when compared with the benefits of Malta Citizenship by Investment.
Promoting National Interest Through Malta Merit-Based Citizenship
The Malta Merit-Based Citizenship system is designed to attract individuals whose achievements can reinforce Malta’s strategic national interests. Under this merit-driven framework, applicants are expected to contribute to scientific progress, elevate Malta’s cultural and artistic presence internationally, support economic development through meaningful business activity, or advance philanthropic and humanitarian initiatives aligned with Maltese values. Through Malta Merit-Based Citizenship, the country prioritises applicants who offer long-term value rather than financial investment alone.
How the New Merit-Based Immigration System Grants Citizenship
Under the revised legal framework, Malta Merit-Based Citizenship is granted solely in recognition of exceptional services or demonstrable contributions of outstanding value. The programme no longer evaluates applicants on financial investment criteria. Instead, it assesses the depth, scale, and lasting impact of an applicant’s achievements on Malta or on humanity more broadly.
Eligible contributions under Malta Merit-Based Citizenship span multiple high-impact sectors. These include scientific and technological innovation that advances medical research, engineering, or digital infrastructure; cultural and artistic excellence that enhances Malta’s international cultural footprint; elite sporting achievement that raises Malta’s global profile; and entrepreneurial leadership that generates sustainable employment, innovation, and economic diversification. Philanthropic initiatives with measurable social, educational, or humanitarian outcomes also form a recognised pathway within the Malta Merit-Based Citizenship system.
All applications undergo rigorous evaluation and due diligence conducted by the Community Malta Agency (CMA). This process ensures that each grant of Malta Merit-Based Citizenship reflects genuine merit, verified achievement, and alignment with Malta’s national values and international obligations.
Who Can Once Apply for Merit-Based Citizenship?
The Malta Merit-Based Citizenship pathway is inclusive of family members, provided the main applicant qualifies. Eligible dependants include:
- The primary applicant.
- The lifelong partner or husband/wife.
- Minor children.
- Adult children under 29, if otherwise financially dependent.
- Any age children with disability, without any restrictions.
The Admission Process: Step by Step
The Malta Merit-Based Citizenship procedures are systematic, accurate, and strongly governed.
- Residency Requirement – The applicant should have at least eight months’ residence in Malta. For context, see this detailed MPRP legal handbook for 2025.
- Submission of Proposal – A Comprehensive Proposal Letter through the CMA is submitted online.
- Evaluation and Due Diligence – Rigorous examination by the Evaluation Board.
- Ministerial Decision – Final discretion by the Minister.
- Oath of Allegiance – Citizenship by virtue of taking the oath.
Evaluation Basis: How is an “Exceptional Contribution” Accounted for?
Examples of qualifying investments in Malta Merit-Based Citizenship are:
- Scientist who, in concert with Maltese organizations, creates a completely new vaccine.
- Individual who sets up a tech hub in Malta.
- Philanthropic individual financing education or a healthcare venture.
- Artiste whose work propagates Maltese culture worldwide.
- The athlete who is an Olympian from Malta.
Residency, Real Estate, and Linguistic Obligations
- Residency – At least eight months in Malta.
- Property – You need to rent or buy property (No minimum value).
- Language – Applicants need to demonstrate proficiency in English or in Maltese.
Merits Comparison with the Earlier Version of CBI
| Feature | Previous CBI Program (CESDI) | New Malta Merit-Based Citizenship (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Basis of Citizenship | Financial investment | Exceptional contribution/service |
| Minimum Investment | €600,000–€750,000 + property | None |
| Residency Requirement | 12–36 months | 8 months |
| Property Requirement | Value thresholds applied | No minimum value |
| Language Requirement | None | English or Maltese |
| Evaluation | Financial + due diligence | Evaluation Board + Ministerial discretion |
| Dependants | Spouse, children, parents, grandparents | Spouse/partner, children <29, disabled dependants |
| EU Concerns | “Passport-for-sale” | Aligns with EU merit principles |
Implications on Malta and on International Investors
For Malta
- Improved EU credibility.
- Attraction of talent and innovation.
- Better conformity with European standards.
For Applicants
- Malta Merit-Based Citizenship is a prestigious honour, not a transactional process.
- Recognition for real achievements.
- They have EU rights, freedom of movement, education, and access to healthcare.
Conclusion: The Age of Malta Merit-Based Citizenship
The Merit-Based Naturalisation Procedure is a historic shift in Malta law on citizenship. With an emphasis on quality, talent, and contribution, Malta Merit-Based Citizenship ensures that new citizens are beneficiaries of EU status, as well as contributors in Malta development and world stature. Through Legal Notice 159 of 2025, Malta formally brought the chapter on investment-based citizenship to a close and ushered in a new chapter in which citizenship is a crown won on merit.
