Legal foundation
The Citizenship Act and merit-based naturalisation regulations apply. The amounts, timelines and conditions of the repealed investment framework cannot be carried over.
THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK
Grounded in merit.
Assessed individually.
Article 10(9) of the Maltese Citizenship Act and Subsidiary Legislation 188.06 provide the legal basis for naturalisation on the basis of merit. Individuals who render exceptional services or make exceptional contributions to Malta or humanity, or are of exceptional interest to Malta, may be considered under the applicable provisions.
Independent assessment
The Evaluation Board assesses proposals and applications. Community Malta Agency handles processing and due diligence; the responsible Minister makes the decision.
Continuing responsibility
Material obligations and commitments continue after naturalisation. Citizenship does not remove responsibilities imposed by the legislation or letter of approval.
EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTION
Understanding merit
Assessment centres on exceptional service, exceptional contribution or exceptional interest. The relevant field and individual background must be examined against the facts of each case.
Science and research
Technology, scientific research and related achievements.
Culture and sport
Achievements in culture, the arts and sport.
Entrepreneurship and philanthropy
Entrepreneurship, including job creation, and philanthropic contributions.
These fields appear in the official guidance. They are not an occupational eligibility list, and working in a relevant field does not itself establish merit.
What a proposal must explain
Background and achievements; the exceptional service or contribution proposed, or the reasons for exceptional interest to Malta; a plan for continued contribution after naturalisation; and supporting documents requested by the Agency.
Official source: S.L. 188.06 · 11A(1)
REQUIREMENTS & EVIDENCE
Requirements
and supporting evidence
Approval in principle is followed by a formal application subject to the statutory requirements.
Residence and residential property
A formal application must include evidence of at least eight months of residence in Malta before the application date and title to adequate residential property, including ownership or lease, subject to statutory exceptions. The required evidence must be confirmed under the Agency’s rules.
Official source: S.L. 188.06 · Regulations 11B(1)(a)–(b)
Merit and ties to Malta
The application must explain the exceptional service, contribution or interest, include an endorsement by the designated competent body as requested by the Board, and substantiate the other ties to Malta set out in the proposal.
Official source: S.L. 188.06 · Regulations 11B(1)(c), (e)
Language and documents
Adequate knowledge of Maltese or English must be confirmed. Applications and accompanying documents must be in Maltese or English; documents in other languages require authenticated translations. Documentary form and certification must meet the applicable rules.
Official source: S.L. 188.06 · Regulations 7, 11B(1)(d), 20
Dependants
The statutory definition covers qualifying spouses or partners of equivalent status, children under 18, unmarried children aged 18–28 wholly or largely supported by the main applicant, and qualifying adult children with disabilities. Eligible adopted children are included. Age is assessed at the proposal stage specified in the regulations; inclusion does not confer automatic approval.
Official source: S.L. 188.06 · Regulation 3
Background and due diligence
The proposal stage involves four-tier or more extensive due diligence, which is updated at the formal application stage. Applicants and relevant dependants are subject to checks on background, accuracy of information, security risks and applicable restrictions.
Official source: S.L. 188.06 · Regulations 6, 7, 11A(2), 11B(2)
THE STATUTORY PROCESS
Two stages.
Separate assessments.
A proposal must receive approval in principle before the formal naturalisation application proceeds. Approval in principle does not confer citizenship.
- 01
Proposal and verification
A proposal is submitted to Community Malta Agency, outlining background, achievements, contribution and future plans. Once complete, it proceeds through due diligence and risk assessment.
- 02
Evaluation and decision in principle
The Evaluation Board assesses the proposal and makes a recommendation. The Agency refers it to the Minister for a decision in principle. Further documents may be requested.
- 03
Formal naturalisation application
Following approval in principle, the application includes evidence of residence, property, language, merit and ties to Malta. The Agency updates due diligence and the Board evaluates the application again.
- 04
Decision, oath and continuing obligations
The Minister makes the final decision. Successful applicants take the required Oath of Allegiance and receive a certificate of naturalisation, with continuing statutory and approval-letter obligations.
Applicants may apply themselves or appoint a competent professional approved by Community Malta Agency and authorised by the applicant. Authorisation under another residence framework should not be assumed to cover this process.
Official source: S.L. 188.06 · 7(4), 11A–14
QUESTIONS & CLARITY
Frequently asked questions
Legal context · Requirements · Review and obligations
Is this a continuation of citizenship by investment?
No. The Agency states that citizenship by merit is not a continuation of, alternative to, or another version of the former investment framework. It must be understood independently under the current merit legislation.
Official source: Community Malta Agency · Official notice
Does paying a fixed amount qualify someone for citizenship?
The current merit regulations do not establish a fixed investment or donation amount that secures citizenship. Merit and all other applicable requirements are assessed individually by the competent authorities.
Official source: S.L. 188.06 · Regulations 5, 11A–11B
Is eight months the total processing time?
No. At least eight months relates to the evidence of residence in Malta required before the formal naturalisation application. It is not a promise of a decision or citizenship within eight months. Overall progress depends on the case, verification and decisions at each stage.
Official source: S.L. 188.06 · Regulation 11B
Does approval in principle guarantee citizenship?
No. The formal application remains subject to updated due diligence, further evaluation and a ministerial decision. Before the certificate is issued, the process may still be suspended or terminated in the circumstances prescribed by law.
Official source: S.L. 188.06 · Regulations 11B, 14
Can dependants be included?
People meeting the statutory definition of a dependant may be included in the proposal and subsequent application. Relationship, age, marital status, financial dependency and individual background must be established and assessed.
Official source: S.L. 188.06 · Regulations 3, 11A–11B
How are administrative fees and refunds treated?
The proposal and application stages may involve administrative fees set by the Agency from time to time, together with other applicable fees. The regulations specify that the relevant administrative fees are non-refundable. Current official instructions determine the amounts; separately commissioned professional services are governed by their written agreement.
Official source: S.L. 188.06 · Regulations 11A(2)(f), 11B(2)(c)
Can previous visa refusals or sanctions affect assessment?
Yes. The regulations include disqualifying criminal, security, sanctions and certain visa-refusal circumstances. Some visa-refusal cases have statutory exceptions, so a past refusal alone should not be treated as a universal conclusion. Relevant facts must be disclosed and checked against Regulation 6.
Official source: S.L. 188.06 · Regulations 6–7
Who makes the final decision?
The Evaluation Board makes recommendations, which Community Malta Agency refers to the responsible Minister. The regulations give the Minister the decision-making power, state that reasons need not be provided, and describe the decision as final.
Official source: S.L. 188.06 · Regulations 11A(4), 11B(4)
How do citizenship and a passport differ?
A certificate of naturalisation confirms citizenship acquired through the statutory process. A passport is a travel document. Merit-based naturalisation centres on the required oath and certificate formalities; passport applications and issuance follow their separately applicable official procedures.
Official source: Identità · Passport FAQ
Can an existing nationality be retained?
Malta permits dual or multiple citizenship. Retention of an existing nationality nevertheless depends on the law of that country and cannot be determined by Maltese law alone.
Official source: Community Malta Agency · Dual/multiple citizenship
Are there obligations after naturalisation?
Yes. Material obligations and commitments in the application, legislation and approval letter must continue to be fulfilled. The Agency may request evidence and verify compliance. Breach of material obligations, national-security concerns and other statutory grounds can lead to deprivation of citizenship.
Official source: S.L. 188.06 · Regulations 22, 24
PRIMARY SOURCES
Return to the primary sources.
Key statements are linked to the legislation and official materials for direct review.
01The Agency’s positionNotice of 5 February 2026 on citizenship by merit.02Current subsidiary legislationS.L. 188.06, consolidated with the amendments in L.N. 159 of 2025.03Official process guidanceCommunity Malta Agency: proposals, formal applications and continuing obligations.04Citizenship informationCommunity Malta Agency: naturalisation and dual/multiple citizenship.
This page summarises public legislation in Chinese and English. It is not a government website, individual legal advice or an invitation to apply. Citizenship decisions rest with Malta’s competent authorities under the law. Images are atmospheric and imply neither government endorsement nor an investable project.