Malta Citizenship by Merit: Insights & Requirements
What if your life’s work could earn you citizenship in one of Europe’s most desirable countries?
Malta’s new Citizenship by Merit, launched in 2025, offers exactly that. Instead of requiring millions in investments, it rewards exceptional personal achievements. This pioneering approach marks a turning point: a chance to secure EU citizenship through recognition of your true impact and legacy.
Unlock the Benefits of Maltese Citizenship
Before diving into the details, it’s worth understanding why Citizenship by Merit is so exclusive:
• Enjoy the right to live, work, and study in all EU and EEA countries
• Travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival to more than 190 destinations
• Gain access to Malta’s healthcare, education, and business systems
• Gain permission to hold dual citizenship
• Acquire citizenship that lasts for life and can be passed to future generations
Malta itself is a safe and stable country with a strong economy, high living standards, and a welcoming community. The Maltese passport is also ranked among the strongest in the world, making it a valuable asset for global mobility.
Strong Legal Foundation
Trust the strong legal foundation that makes the Citizenship by Merit stable, transparent, and aligned with EU law.
It was set up under Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act (Cap. 188) and introduced through Legal Notice 159 of 2025. This notice, called the Granting of Citizenship by Naturalisation on the Basis of Merit Regulations, replaced the IIP and ESDI schemes.
This legal clarity ensures the process is not just compliant but future-proof, giving achievers a pathway that is both prestigious and secure.
Understanding the Core Principles
The process is built on three simple ideas:
• Merit before money: applicants are judged on what they have achieved, not their wealth.
• Real impact: achievements must make a clear difference in public life, humanitarian work, or national interest.
• Fit with Malta’s Vision 2050: contributions should support Malta’s long-term goals in areas like sustainability, innovation, and cooperation.
Every case is judged individually. Approval depends on showing how the applicant’s work can bring benefits to Malta.
Are You Eligible to Earn Citizenship by Merit?
The application process is not open to everyone. It is reserved for individuals who have truly excelled, so you may qualify if you’ve made outstanding contributions in:
• Science, research, or technology
• Education and academic work
• Arts, culture, or sports
• Philanthropy, social projects, or humanitarian service
You may also be eligible if you have:
• Provided exceptional service to Malta or humanity
• Made contributions that advance Malta’s or global interests
• Been deemed of exceptional interest to the Republic of Malta
Applicants must also pass strict background checks covering personal history, financial records, and security clearance.
If you believe your achievements qualify, now is the time to position yourself for success.
Extend Citizenship to Your Family
Your family can share this opportunity with you:
• A spouse or long-term partner
• Children under 18, or unmarried children up to 28 if financially dependent
• Adult children with disabilities who rely fully on the main applicant
Meet the Residency Requirement
Applicants must hold residency in Malta for at least eight continuous months before they can apply for citizenship. Proof may include:
• Lease or property contracts
• Utility bills
• Travel history
Ways to strengthen your application through daily life include:
• Joining cultural events
• Volunteering in the community
• Collaborating with Maltese organisations
Every step you take to build roots in Malta strengthens your case. DZ Advisory can guide you on how to showcase this integration in the best possible way.
Craft a Winning Proposal
The proposal is the most important part of the application. It explains why the person should be granted citizenship and how they will continue to add value to Malta.
It should cover:
• Statement of merit & purpose: the main reasons for applying.
• Record of achievements: with evidence such as publications, patents, awards, or humanitarian projects.
• Connection to Malta: past visits, collaborations, or community links.
• Future contributions: how the applicant will continue contributing to Malta.
• Endorsements: letters from respected organisations.
• Compliance statement: a statement of honesty and willingness to go through checks.
Follow the Step-by-Step Process
The journey is clear and structured:
1. Residency stage: Residency in Malta for at least eight months.
2. Proposal submission: provide all documents and evidence.
3. Evaluation: an independent Evaluation Board reviews the proposal, checks the evidence, and may ask for interviews or extra documents.
4. Ministerial decision: the Minister for Citizenship makes the final call, based on the Board’s recommendation.
5. Naturalisation & oath: approved applicants take the Oath of Allegiance and receive citizenship.
The full process may be completed within 12 months, including the time spent in residence.
The Bottom Line
The Citizenship by Merit programme marks a turning point for Malta. It moves away from investment-based models and puts real achievements at the centre of the process.
Your achievements deserve global recognition. Let DZ Advisory help you turn them into a Maltese passport and a future without borders. Take the step today and secure your place among those whose impact truly matters.
