Malta Citizenship by Merit
Malta’s citizenship by merit route offers a path to naturalisation for individuals who have rendered or will render exceptional services or exceptional contributions to the Republic of Malta or to humanity in fields such as sports, culture, the arts, science, investment, philanthropy, technology or research. This selective process acknowledges outstanding contributions by global talents and is regulated under Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act and Legal Notice 159 of 2025.
Dr. Jean-Philippe Chetcuti
Dr. Antoine Saliba Haig
Marina Magri
- Capital City: Valletta
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Languages: Maltese and English
- Nearest Country: Italy
- Visa Free Countries: 190 inc, EU, UK, USA, Canada, Hong Kong
- Time Zone: Central European Time Zone
Malta Citizenship by Merit Benefits
Citizenship by merit is the naturalisation of individuals whose contributions to Malta are deemed of exceptional value. This pathway is enshrined in Maltese legislation to recognise and reward excellence in fields such as science, culture, sport, or economic development. Unlike traditional naturalisation, it relies heavily on the individual’s unique contributions and their relevance to the national interest.
Through Citizenship by Naturalisation on the Basis of Merit, an applicant may obtain Maltese citizenship by showing exceptional merit or making meaningful contributions aligned with Malta’s national goals and values.
Obtaining Maltese citizenship comes with a range of benefits, including:
- Visa-free access to over 190 countries, including the Schengen Area, the United States, Canada, China, and the UK, as well as the right to live, work, study, and retire in any EU or EEA country.
- Malta is an EU member state with a robust legal framework, ensuring long-term security for individuals and their families.
- Citizenship may be extended to eligible family members.
- Malta offers a Mediterranean climate, excellent healthcare, and English as an official language, making it an attractive place to live or visit.
- Malta serves as a gateway to the EU single market and is a hub for sectors like financial services, gaming, and technology.
Legal Basis
In Maltese law, the merit-based route to citizenship is grounded in the Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188 of the Laws of Malta), as amended by the Maltese Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act No. XXI of 2025), and implemented through the Granting of Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Merit Regulations, 2025 (Legal Notice 159 of 2025).
Malta provides a legal basis for granting citizenship to individuals who have rendered exceptional services to the country or humanity.
Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188) allows the Minister to grant citizenship by naturalisation to an alien or stateless person who renders exceptional services or who makes an exceptional contribution, including through job creation, to the Republic of Malta or to humanity, or whose naturalisation is of exceptional interest to the Republic of Malta:
“Exceptional” is defined as manifestly superior, and primarily refers to contributions by:
- Scientists
- Researchers
- Athletes and sports people
- Artists and cultural performers
- Entrepreneurs
- Philanthropists
- Technologists
Grants of citizenship are subject to strict due diligence and national security checks. Provided further that the Minister may also grant a certificate of naturalisation to an eligible dependent of such individual including the spouse and financially dependent children up to the age of 28.
Who Qualifies for Citizenship by Merit?
Exceptional services or contributions must be of recognised value to Malta and clearly serve the public interest. This may include contributions in scientific research, education, innovation, culture, the arts, national security, public health, or humanitarian service. The evaluation is discretionary and based on national relevance and in line with Malta Vision 2050.
This pathway is designed for individuals who have made or are expected to make high-impact contributions in areas including:
- Scientific research and innovation.
- Healthcare.
- Cultural heritage and the arts.
- Sports and athletic achievement.
- Entrepreneurship and business leadership.
- Charitable and humanitarian efforts.
- Technological advancement.
- Philanthropy.
Applicants must prove that their contribution is exceptional and directly relevant to national interest of the Republic of Malta.
What are “Exceptional Services”?
An exceptional contribution means a clear and measurable benefit to Malta’s public interest as per Malta's Vision 2050, such as:
- Launching initiatives that create value to Malta’s economy.
- Achieving international recognition that raises Malta’s profile.
- Supporting social or charitable causes aligned with Maltese values.
- Developing technological or cultural projects that position Malta as a leader in specific fields.
Malta Citizenship by Merit Application Process
Applicants for Maltese citizenship on the basis of merit must follow a structured process overseen by the Community Malta Agency (CMA). Below is a step-by-step outline of the procedure:
Step 1: Submit a Residence Application & Visit Malta to give Biometrics
- The applicant prepares and files a residence application through Komunita Malta Agency
- Upon approval, the applicant must travel to Malta to attend a biometrics appointment.
Step 2: Proposal Preparation & Submission
- Once a residence card is issued, the applicant prepares a comprehensive proposal letter addressed to the Evaluation Board and submits it via the Komunita Malta Agency.
- The proposal letter must include:
- The applicant’s background and dependants (if applicable)
- The proposed exceptional contribution/service to Malta or humanity
- A plan outlining post-naturalisation commitments and links with Malta
Step 3: Initial Due Diligence by Komunita Malta Agency
- Komunita Malta Agency reviews the proposal for completeness.
- If satisfied, it initiates due diligence checks and requests the applicable administrative fees.
- .Once due diligence is completed successfully, the proposal is referred to the Evaluation Board.
Step 4: Evaluation Board Assessment
- The Evaluation Board reviews the proposal.
- It may request additional information or conduct interviews with the applicant.
- The Board then issues a recommendation for acceptance or rejection.
Step 5: Ministerial Decision on Proposal
- If approved, the Minister issues a Letter of Approval in Principle.
Step 6: Application for Naturalisation (Citizenship Application)
- Following the issuance of the Letter of Approval in Principle and after completing at least eight months of legal residence in Malta, the applicant may submit a formal naturalisation application.
- The application must include:
- Proof of residence (minimum eight months)
- Title to adequate residential property (ownership or lease – subject to legal interpretation)
- Evidence of contributions made or a plan of how these will be made.
Step 7: Further Due Diligence & Administrative Fees
- Komunita Malta Agency performs updated due diligence checks and charges additional administrative fees.
- Once the application is deemed complete, it is forwarded to the Evaluation Board within a reasonable period.
Step 8: Board Review & Ministerial Decision
- The Evaluation Board conducts a further assessment of the naturalisation application.
- If the Board recommends approval and the Minister concurs, Komunita Malta Agency issues a Letter of Approval.
Step 9: Oath of Allegiance
- The applicant must take the Oath of Allegiance within six months of approval (this period may be extended if required).
- A written undertaking to honour post-naturalisation obligations must be signed before the Oath is taken.
Step 10: Ongoing Compliance Monitoring
- CMA monitors the applicant’s compliance with post-naturalisation commitments.
- The Minister retains the right to revoke citizenship in cases of serious non-compliance.
Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates’ team of specialised Citizenship lawyers is dedicated to providing sound Malta citizenship law advice and cross-border relocation assistance to private clients, individuals of Maltese descent, and high-net-worth individuals worldwide. Led by Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti Dr Antoine Saliba Haig and Dr Priscilla Mifsud Parker, Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates' award-winning Malta Citizenship Law team is the oldest specialised immigration law practice in Malta.
Our expertise spans the full spectrum of Maltese citizenship routes, including citizenship by descent, by marriage, and citizenship by merit. We have successfully represented individuals and families ranging from expatriate retirees, immigrants seeking employment, entertainment and sports personalities, to HNW and ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking a secure future in Malta.
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