Malta Citizenship Investment Programme Valetta

Program Overview

Malta
Citizenship & Residency
by Investment

Discover more about Malta’s Investor Visa Solutions

Your Trusted Partner for Securing Maltese Citizenship or Residency by Investment

At La Vida we guide you every step of the way in securing Maltese residence and citizenship by investment. With over a decade of experience and a global client base spanning 160+ countries our dedicated team offers personalised advice to help you select the best investment route, aligned with your long-term goals for a golden visa and citizenship within Europe. This is your gateway to the EU – let experienced advisors help you secure your future. Reach out today and take the next step.

Your Freedom, Your Future, Your Global Advantage.

With La Vida, your second residency or citizenship is more than a just a backup plan – it’s a strategy for life.

Program Overview : Citizenship by Merit in Malta

As of July 2025, Malta has replaced its investor-citizenship programme with a merit-based naturalisation route under the amended Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188). Under the new system, citizenship may be granted not on the basis of a fixed financial investment, but to individuals whose exceptional contributions – in areas such as science, innovation, culture, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, or social impact – are judged to be of “exceptional interest” to Malta or humanity at large.

There is no mandatory contribution threshold, real-estate purchase, rental commitment, or charitable donation required under this merit route. Instead, the applicant must submit a compelling proposal demonstrating value creation or strategic benefit to Malta and pass enhanced due diligence under an independent evaluation board. If approved, naturalisation grants full Maltese Citizenship and a Maltese passport, and therefore European Union citizenship with the ability to live, work and study anywhere in the EU.

Include the full family

European citizenship

Passport. Visa Free Countries 198

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Malta Citizenship by Merit Benefits

The Malta Citizenship by Merit Programme offers considerable benefits. The Maltese passport is one of the strongest in the world for visa-free travel and Maltese Citizenship means not only residency in Malta but citizenship within Europe allowing the holder of Maltese citizenship and their family to live and work anywhere within the European Union.

Benefits & Highlights

Strong passport offering global access to 198 countries and territories worldwide.
Citizenship of the Malta & the EU. Ability to live, work and study anywhere within the European Union.
Strict Due Diligence vetting which ensures only the highest quality of successful applicants.
A path based on merit and genuine contribution – not transactional investment – aligning with the latest EU compliance standards.
A framework for high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, innovators, philanthropists or professionals whose expertise or endeavours deliver lasting benefit to Malta or humanity at large.

Malta Golden Visa : Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP)

The Maltese Permanent Residency Programme (MPRP) grants permanent residency rights to international investors through a combination of property investment and government contributions.

Property Investment

Purchase a residential property valued at a minimum of €375,000; or
Lease a property for at least €14,000 per annum for five years.

Contribution to the Maltese Economy

A contribution of €37,000 to the Maltese economy, covering Spouse and Children.

Donation

€2,000 to a Maltese-registered non-governmental organization.

Non-Refundable Administration Fee

€60,000;
€7,500 Each adult dependent (children up to age 29, parents, or grandparents).

This programme provides a stable, low-risk investment route to gaining a residency visa in an EU Schengen country, with no minimum stay requirement for residency. Additional application and processing fees apply.

All applicants must also hold a valid health insurance policy with a minimum EU-wide coverage of €100,000. Proof is required at final submission stage.

Minimum Investment €99,000 + Real Estate, plus fees

European Residency

EU Schengen Zone Visa-Free Travel

Includes dependent children and grandparents

Apply for citizenship following period of permanent residency

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La Vida operate under the AKM License: AKM-AGEN

Malta Residency by Investment Benefits

Malta’s Permanent Residency by Investment Programme (MPRP) offers a low-cost permanent residency option for families seeking residency within a European country. It is particularly attractive to investors looking to include several generations under one application. It allows for the main applicant’s spouse along with dependent unmarried children of any age and also for the parents or grandparents on either side of the family.

Benefits

Low-cost permanent residency within Europe
Full family including children and grandparents
Visa-free travel throughout Europe (90 days, out of 180 days).

Life in Malta

Malta offers a well-established and secure Mediterranean base for investors seeking a blend of cultural familiarity, stability and European living. Residency provides the freedom to spend time on the islands as needed, supported by reliable infrastructure. For many investors, Malta offers a balance of tradition, comfort and European access rarely found in a jurisdiction of its size.

Quality of life

Malta’s lifestyle is shaped by a strong sense of community, steady public services, and a climate that supports outdoor living for most of the year. The islands are compact and easy to navigate, and everyday life is supported by efficient transport links, modern amenities and established residential areas. English is widely spoken, making day-to-day integration simple for global residents.

Healthcare

Malta’s healthcare system is consistently regarded as one of the strongest in the region, with a long history of providing reliable medical care through both public and private providers. Private clinics offer accessible appointments and experienced specialists. This combination of quality and efficiency gives investors confidence that long-term residency includes dependable access to medical support, without the complexity seen in some larger countries.

Education

Malta has a long-standing reputation for education, supported by international schools offering British, IB, and bilingual programmes. These institutions attract families from across the world, creating a diverse and familiar community for globally mobile households. The University of Malta, one of the oldest universities in the Commonwealth, anchors the country’s academic reputation

Malta Residency & Citizenship by Investment FAQ’s

How much does Malta Citizenship by Merit cost?

While Malta now offers citizenship through a merit-based route rather than a fixed-investment scheme, there is no published “price tag” for the Merit pathway.

Instead:

Eligibility depends on exceptional personal, professional or philanthropic contributions – in fields such as science, technology, culture, entrepreneurship, social impact or other areas of strategic importance for Malta. The application is assessed case-by-case, based on the quality and impact of the proposed contribution, not on predefined financial thresholds.
In short: Malta Citizenship by Merit is not bought. It must be earned, through real, meaningful value to Malta.

How can I apply for Malta Residency or Citizenship by Investment?

Each application must be processed through a government approved agent. Please contact La Vida’s experts for a free consultation and discover how we can assist.

Can I hold dual citizenship of Malta?

Malta has no restrictions on dual citizenship.

Can you buy property in Malta to get Malta Residency?

Yes, under the MPRP, applicants can qualify for residency by purchasing a residential property in Malta valued at a minimum of €375,000. Alternatively, leasing a property for at least €14,000 per annum for five years is also acceptable. This property investment is part of the overall requirements, which also include contributions to the Maltese economy and a donation to a local NGO.

What are the requirements for the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)?

Aside from the initial contribution of €37,000, Government fee of €60,000, charitable donation of €2,000 and either a five-year rental agreement or property purchase, applicants for the Malta Golden Visa will need to pass the Maltese Due Diligence tests, have a clear criminal record, sufficient funds to support themselves in Malta and hold a valid health insurance policy.

How long is the process for obtaining citizenship in Malta?

The process to gain Citizenship by Merit typically takes between 14 -16 months. With any application the first step is to obtain a residency visa in Malta first which will typically take 4-6 months. For more details on the timeline, contact La Vida’s experts.

Who is eligible to apply for the Malta citizenship by merit program?

The Malta citizenship by investment programme is open to non-EU citizens provided they are not citizens of any sanctioned states. Strict due diligence tests apply to all applicants looking to gain citizenship by Merit in Malta. The law and official brief describe merit as exceptional service or contribution that is manifestly superior and clearly advances Malta’s national interest. Illustrative fields include science, research, entrepreneurship and job creation, technology, culture, the arts, sport, and philanthropy.

How strong is the Malta passport for visa-free travel?

For applicants fortunate enough to gain Maltese citizenship after a period of residency the Maltese passport is a valuable travel document and one of the most powerful passports in the world for visa-free travel. As a Maltese citizen the passport holder can enjoy visa-free access to 198 countries and territories worldwide including travel throughout the Schengen area. That covers over 80% of the world’s wealth measured by GDP and over 90% of worldwide travel popularity based on international visitors. Read more on the Malta Passport.

Will I qualify for the Malta Citizenship by Investment programme?

Before committing La Vida can provide an initial and free assessment on your likelihood of success for the Malta Citizenship by Investment program through our own due diligence pre-screening. In addition to our own tests this uses the two most prominent commercially available products available to scan for potential issues and adverse media. Applicants will also need to pass the Maltese government Due Diligence and Anti Money Laundering requirements. The DD and AML tests are extensive and fees are payable on application.

Please contact our advisors if you would like your free assessment before proceeding.

Are La Vida licensed to offer Malta’s Investor Visa programmes?

Yes, La Vida are operating under the AKM License: AKM-AGEN.

What are the benefits of Malta Permanent Residency?

One of the key benefits of Maltese residency is an EU residence permit that allows freedom to travel visa-free throughout Europe’s Schengen Zone.

Is there a Malta Golden Visa?

Yes, Malta offers the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), commonly referred to as the “Malta Golden Visa.” This program grants permanent residency to non-EU nationals through a combination of property investment and government contributions. Benefits include the right to reside in Malta and visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.

What’s the difference between Malta Residency By Investment and Malta Citizenship By Investment?

The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) grants permanent residency rights, allowing individuals to live in Malta and travel freely within the Schengen Area. In contrast, Malta Citizenship by Merit, introduced under the amended Maltese Citizenship Act, offers full Maltese citizenship and an EU passport through exceptional individual contribution rather than financial investment. The citizenship route is assessed on merit and strategic value to Malta and therefore differs fundamentally from the residency-by-investment programme, both in structure and qualification criteria.

What Are the Pathways to Move to Malta from the USA?

The two main investment routes for U.S. citizens are:

Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP): Grants permanent residency and Schengen access through property investment and contributions.
Malta Citizenship by Merit: Offers full EU citizenship through an exceptional contribution to Malta or humanity, following a period of residency and successful merit-based assessment – not through financial investment.

What is the Malta Retirement Visa?

Malta does offer a specific route for retirees, known as the Malta Retirement Programme (MRP), designed for individuals aged 55+ who receive a pension and wish to retire in Malta. While this visa provides favourable tax benefits and residency rights, it is separate from Malta’s more robust investment migration programs.

Can you get a Malta Golden Passport?

It is possible to gain Maltese citizenship and a second passport. After a minimum residency period of either 12 or 36 months (depending on the investment level), applicants may apply for citizenship. Upon approval, successful applicants receive a Maltese passport, which grants full EU citizenship.

What are the Malta Citizenship By Investment Requirements?

To qualify for Maltese citizenship through investment, applicants must:

Make a non-refundable contribution of €600,000 (after 36 months of residency) or €750,000 (after 12 months)
Purchase property worth at least €700,000 or lease a property with a minimum annual rent of €16,000, both for a minimum of five years.
Donate €10,000 to a registered Maltese non-governmental organization.
Pass thorough due diligence checks and have a clean criminal record.
This route is now closed.

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Compare Golden Visa, Residency and citizenship Programmes

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