Malta Citizenship Process in 2025 – Complete Guide

by Ayesha Mehbob Blogs

Malta is the inaugural European nation to implement the most expedited citizenship program. There are two methods to become a citizen of Malta. 1. Citizenship is acquired through birthplace; 2. Malta’s citizenship is acquired through residency. Malta offers the most expedited process for obtaining citizenship in all of Europe. How to become a citizen of Malta will be the subject of this post. To learn how to become a citizen of Malta, continue reading.

Malta is situated in Europe and is a member of the Schengen territory. This implies that a visa is not required to enter any other EU country. The Malta Passport was ranked as the fourth-best passport in the globe. It permits visa-free entry for 188 countries. In our most recent post, we discussed the process of obtaining a work visa for Malta in 2025. Individuals who are not citizens of the European Union are eligible to participate in the Malta Permanent Residence Program.

Details of Malta Citizenship Process:

Let us discuss the requirements for the Malta Citizenship Program in a straightforward manner:

Malta Citizenship through Residence by Investment:

Malta Residency by Investment is one of the most renowned Malta Permanent Residence Programs. The MPRP is a straightforward residency-by-investment program that is predicated on the acquisition of property. It is not necessary to reside in the area in order to become a citizen.

Processing Time: It is guaranteed that a complete and accurate application will be processed within a four to six-month timeframe.

Benefits of Malta Citizenship Process:

  • European Union Citizenship: Malta citizenship confers EU citizenship, which enables you to reside, work, or pursue education in any EU member state.
  • Visa-Free Travel: Maltese citizens are granted visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 180 countries, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
  • Economic Opportunities: Malta’s citizenship grants access to business, trade, and investment opportunities in the EU and other international markets.
  • Dual Citizenship: Malta permits dual citizenship, which enables applicants to maintain their original nationality while simultaneously taking advantage of Malta’s global advantages.
  • Family Inclusion: The process enables the inclusion of family members, providing citizenship to dependent parents, children, and spouses.
  • No Language Requirements: Malta’s citizenship process is not subject to any language proficiency examinations, which makes it more accessible to a wider range of applicants.
  • Tax Benefits: Malta provides its citizens with a tax regime that is advantageous, which excludes inheritance, estate, and wealth taxes.
  • Economic Stability: Malta’s membership in the EU and the Eurozone ensures economic and political stability, thereby fostering a secure environment for its citizens.
  • Education Opportunities: Maltese citizenship grants access to world-class educational institutions and scholarships throughout the EU and in Malta.
  • Healthcare Accessibility: Malta’s healthcare system is among the most robust in Europe, and its citizens have access to healthcare services throughout the EU.
  • Retirement Benefits: Malta is a favored retirement destination due to its moderate climate, Mediterranean lifestyle, and tax-friendly policies.
  • Culture Richness: Citizenship offers the opportunity to fully experience Malta’s vibrant culture, history, and scenic grandeur, all while maintaining strong connections to Europe.
  • Political and Social Stability: Malta is renowned for its political stability and low crime rate, which guarantee a secure and tranquil environment for its residents.
  • Investment Opportunities: Malta’s citizenship procedure allows individuals to engage in property investment and other entrepreneurial endeavors within a dynamic, expanding economy.
  • Global Networking: Maltese citizenship can facilitate the development of business relationships and networking opportunities both domestically and internationally.

Requirements of Malta Residence by Investment Program:

In order to be eligible for the perpetual residency program in Malta, you must:

  • Be from a third country and not from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
  • Consistent and reliable sources of income.
  • The primary applicant must be at least 18 years of age and demonstrate that they possess a minimum of €500,000 in capital assets, with a minimum of €150,000 of that amount being financial assets.

Check Also: Malta Work Permit – Apply Now

To Participate in the Malta permanent residency program, applicants must:

  • Utilize a licensed agent to submit an application.
  • You are unable to recoup the €40,000 processing fee.
  • Rent a house for a minimum of €10,000 in the southern region of Malta/Gozo or €12,000 in the remainder of Malta.
  • Purchase a residence in the southern region of Malta or Gozo that costs a minimum of €300,000, or €350,000 in the remainder of Malta.
  • If you acquire a residence, you are required to pay a government contribution of €28,000. If you lease a residence, you are required to pay a government contribution of €58,000.
  • Pay an additional €7,500 for each adult child you have in addition to your spouse.
  • hold the qualified property for a minimum of five years. Following that, you will require a residential address.
  • Contribute €2,000 to an NGO in your vicinity that is registered with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organizations and is dedicated to the welfare of individuals, animals, or the environment.
  • demonstrate that they possess a valid travel document.
  • Acquire health insurance coverage in Malta to protect against all potential hazards. Obtain travel insurance when traveling through Schengen.

For information on how to register for citizenship through residency by investment, please visit the Malta Government Office’s official website. This contains all the necessary information regarding the process of becoming a citizen of Malta in 2025. All forms, agent names, and helpful advice are available on that website.

More Info

Other Maltese Residency Programs:

The following are two of the most straightforward and cost-effective methods of obtaining citizenship in Malta through residence.

  • Digital Nomad Visa Residency
  • Startup Residence Program

Malta Digital Nomad Visa Residency:

Malta offers a Digital Nomad Pass to remote laborers who are capable of working from home. He or she has the option of working for themselves, for another individual, or as a freelancer.

A residency permit for nomads will be issued to you for a period of three years. Subsequently, you may renew it for an additional two years. After residing in Malta for five years, it is possible to petition for permanent residency. No land purchase or investment is required to accomplish this.

Malta Startup Residence Program:

The Malta Startup Residence Program provides individuals with a three-year residence permit that can be extended for an additional five years. They are permitted to reside in Malta during this period while they establish their own enterprise.

For additional information regarding this residency program in Malta, please consult the Malta Startup Residence Programme website.

More Info

Malta Citizenship by Naturalization:

By naturalization, it is possible to become a citizen of Malta after residing there for 36 months (or, in certain circumstances, 12 months).

Requirements of Maltese citizenship by naturalization:

  • All applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
  • The minimum investment required is EUR 600,000 for a 36-month stay or EUR 750,000 for a 12-month stay.
  • The funds must be deposited into government funds or property.
  • Additionally, the applicant is required to acquire a residence in Malta for a minimum of EUR 700,000 and reside there for a minimum of five years.
  • A due diligence procedure, which encompasses financial evaluations and background checks, must be completed by the individual and their family.

Processing Time:

The response typically takes 12 to 18 months to be received. In summary, the Nomad Residency Program or the Startup Program are the most effective methods for obtaining citizenship in Malta. The Residence by Investment scheme is designed for individuals who possess substantial wealth and are not required to reside in Malta in order to obtain citizenship.

Conclusion:

In summary, Malta provides a diverse array of options for individuals to become citizens, accounting for varying levels of income and lifestyle preferences. The Nomad Residency Program and the Startup Program are particularly advantageous due to their emphasis on flexibility and business opportunities. Conversely, the Residence by Investment plan is the most suitable option for individuals with a substantial amount of wealth but limited time to reside in Malta. Aspiring citizens of Malta in 2025 must be aware of the necessary steps and the anticipated duration of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. How do I become a citizen of Malta?

    Applicants must have stayed in the country with a permanent residence and residence permit for a cumulative period of four years within the past six years. Upon meeting these requirements, they can start the naturalization process to petition for citizenship.

  2. Is Malta easy to get citizenship?

    The longest route to Maltese citizenship is through naturalization, which requires a minimum of seven years. In order to become a citizen of Malta, foreign nationals who do not have familial ties to the country must have stayed in the country for a cumulative total of four years, with a permanent residence and residence permit within the past six years.

  3. Is Malta good for immigrants?

    A relatively low cost of living and more than 300 sunny days per year are the reasons why expats choose this country for immigration. Holders of a Malta passport are granted many benefits, including the ability to conduct business in Europe, travel to 169 countries without a visa, and offering exceptional education to children.