Malta Citizenship by Investment
The only EU citizenship by investment program (suspended 2025). Historical information about premium European citizenship with global mobility.
Program Suspended Notice
The Malta Individual Investor Programme (IIP) was suspended in 2025. This page provides historical information about what was the only EU citizenship by investment program. We can assist with alternative EU residence programs and other citizenship options.
Previous Program Requirements
Historical overview of Malta's suspended citizenship by investment program requirements
Non-refundable contribution to National Development Fund
Property purchase or €16,000/year rental for 5 years
Charitable donation to approved NGO
What Malta Citizenship Offered
Understanding the premium benefits that Malta EU citizenship provided
Understanding Malta's Suspended EU Citizenship Program
Learn about what was the only European Union citizenship by investment program and explore current alternatives for EU residence and eventual citizenship.
Malta's Individual Investor Programme (IIP) was the only direct route to EU citizenship through investment. Launched in 2014 and suspended in 2025, it provided full European Union citizenship rights including freedom of movement across all 27 EU member states.
- Program suspended 2025
- Full EU citizenship rights
- English-speaking EU member
- Strategic Mediterranean location
Malta citizenship represented the premium tier of citizenship by investment, offering the highest level of global mobility and European privileges. The program required substantial investment but provided unmatched access to EU markets and lifestyle.
While Malta CBI is suspended, several EU countries offer Golden Visa programs leading to citizenship through residency. Portugal, Spain, and Greece provide investment pathways to eventual EU citizenship.
What Made Malta Citizenship by Investment Unique?
Only EU Citizenship by Investment Program
Malta was the sole European Union member state offering direct citizenship through investment. This unique position made Malta citizenship extremely valuable for those seeking immediate EU rights without residency requirements in other member states.
Highest Global Mobility
The Malta passport ranked among the top 10 globally with visa-free access to 190+ countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, and all EU member states. This represented the pinnacle of travel freedom through citizenship by investment.
Strategic EU Location
Malta's strategic Mediterranean position provided access to European, African, and Middle Eastern markets. The island nation offered English as an official language, making it attractive for international business and residence.
Premium Lifestyle Benefits
Malta citizenship provided access to premium healthcare, education, and financial services within the EU framework. The Mediterranean climate, rich history, and high quality of life made Malta an attractive second home destination.
Why Was Malta Citizenship Suspended?
EU Commission Pressure
The European Commission expressed concerns about the sale of EU citizenship, arguing that citizenship should be based on genuine links to member states rather than financial investment. This pressure led to the program's suspension.
Security and Integration Concerns
EU officials raised questions about security risks and the integration of citizenship-by-investment recipients into European society. The lack of substantial residence requirements was seen as potentially undermining EU citizenship principles.
Current EU Alternatives
While direct EU citizenship through investment is no longer available, several EU member states offer Golden Visa programs. These require residence periods but eventually lead to EU citizenship through naturalization.
Malta Residence Options
Malta continues to offer residence programs including the Malta Residence and Visa Programme (MRVP) and the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP). These provide EU residence but not direct citizenship.
Malta vs Current EU Golden Visa Programs
Compare what Malta offered with current EU residence programs that lead to citizenship
| Program Feature | Malta (Suspended) | Portugal Golden Visa | Spain Golden Visa | Greece Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Citizenship | ✓ Direct (Suspended) | ✗ Residency First | ✗ Residency First | ✗ Residency First |
| Path to Citizenship | Immediate (Suspended) | 5 years residence | 10 years residence | 7 years residence |
| Minimum Investment | €690,000 | €280,000 | €500,000 | €250,000 |
| Residence Requirement | Minimal | 7 days/year average | 183 days/year | No requirement |
| Current Status | Suspended | Active | Active | Active |
Explore EU Residence Alternatives
While Malta citizenship by investment is suspended, we can help you explore EU Golden Visa programs and Malta residence options that lead to European citizenship.
Client Experiences
Testimonials from clients who completed Malta citizenship before suspension
"Completed Malta citizenship in 2023 before suspension. The EU citizenship benefits are unmatched. Their travel coordination helped us establish residence smoothly."
"Premium service for premium citizenship. Malta program was the gold standard for EU access. Excellent support with relocation and residence arrangements."
"Worth every euro for EU citizenship. The team coordinated our entire Malta experience including property acquisition and residence setup."
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Malta's suspended citizenship program
Is Malta citizenship by investment still available?
What were the benefits of Malta EU citizenship?
Are there alternatives to Malta citizenship by investment?
What happened to existing Malta citizenship applications?
Can I still move to Malta through investment?
Why was Malta citizenship by investment suspended?
Contact Our European Specialists Today
While Malta citizenship by investment is no longer available, our team can guide you through current EU Golden Visa programs and Malta residence options.
Specializing in European residence and citizenship pathways