The Maltese government has officially scrapped its controversial “golden passport” Citizenship by Investment scheme following a decisive April ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ). In its place, Malta has enacted a new Citizenship by Merit framework, refocusing on individuals who contribute exceptionally in areas aligned with national and societal development.
What has changed
The transition from citizenship-by-investment to a merit-based framework marks a fundamental redefinition of how Maltese nationality is granted. Moving away from a transactional model criticized by EU institutions, the newly launched Citizenship by Merit program emphasizes meaningful contribution, integrity, and alignment with national values. Key aspects of the framework include:
No more financial exchange: The old investment route, which required monetary and property contributions ranging from €600,000 to €750,000, has been eliminated—including all transactional elements and licensed agents.
Merit-based criteria: Citizenship will now be awarded for “exceptional services” to Malta or humanity—covering contributions in fields such as science, technology, culture, sports, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and job creation, directly supporting Malta’s Vision 2050 strategy.
Stronger oversight: Applications are now subject to enhanced due diligence, evaluation by an expert committee, and a final decision from the Home Affairs Minister. Oversight mechanisms, including a Citizenship Regulator, have been reinforced to ensure transparency and alignment with EU legal standards.
