Citizenship · Europe
Citizenship · EuropeMalta Citizenship by Investment (Closed)
Malta's investor citizenship ended after the EU Court of Justice ruled against it on 29 April 2025. The investment provisions were repealed by law published on 24 July 2025.
Decision summary
- Minimum investment
- Not applicable — closed.
- Important restrictions
- No investment-based applications since the 2025 court ruling and law change.
- Program status
- Closed in 2025
Overview
Malta granted citizenship to investors from 2014, first through the Individual Investor Programme and, from November 2020, through naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment. Both required a large contribution to the government, a property purchase or lease, a donation and a period of residence.
The Individual Investor Programme stopped receiving applications in August 2020. On 29 April 2025 the EU Court of Justice held, in Case C-181/23, that granting citizenship in return for payment is contrary to EU law.
Malta amended its Citizenship Act on 24 July 2025 to remove the investment route. Only discretionary naturalisation for exceptional contributions remains, and it cannot be bought.
Investment pathways
- Investment pathway
- Closed. The former route combined a government contribution, a property purchase or lease, a donation and one to three years of residence.
- Minimum investment
- Not applicable — closed.
Residence requirements
- Potential route to citizenship
- Only discretionary, merit-based naturalisation remains.
Recent changes
Malta repeals investor citizenship
Malta amended its Citizenship Act to remove the investment route. Only discretionary naturalisation for exceptional contributions remains.
EU Court of Justice rules against Malta's investor citizenship
In Case C-181/23 the Court held that Malta's investor citizenship was incompatible with EU law.
Considerations, limitations and risks
Important restrictions
No investment-based applications since the 2025 court ruling and law change.
- This program no longer accepts new applications; it is shown for reference only.
- Former requirements are historical and must not be relied on for a new application.
- People who obtained status under the program should take advice on their own position.
Status and authority
- Operational status
- Closed in 2025
- Official government authority
- Community Malta Agency (Komunità Malta)
- Legal basis
- Maltese Citizenship Act (Chapter 188), as amended on 24 July 2025 after the CJEU judgment in Case C-181/23 (29 April 2025).
Programme rules change; your advisor confirms every figure before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still buy Maltese citizenship?
No. After the April 2025 EU court ruling, Malta repealed its investor citizenship route. Only discretionary, merit-based naturalisation remains.
What are the alternatives in Malta?
Families seeking a European base often consider Malta's Permanent Residence Programme, which grants residence but not citizenship.
Can I still apply?
No. The program is closed to new applicants. Speak to us about the open alternatives.
Discuss Malta with an advisor.
Share your objectives in confidence. An advisor will outline the options that may be relevant to your family and circumstances.