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ARTICLE · 21 JULY 2025

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Malta Launches Merit-Based Citizenship Route For Global Innovators And Leaders

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Malta has officially announced the termination of its "golden passport" citizenship by investment route — the last in the European Union — in compliance with a landmark ruling...

MaltaImmigration
Malcolm Ferrante
Malcolm Ferrante
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Malta has officially announced the termination of its "golden passport" citizenship by investment route — the last in the European Union — in compliance with a landmark ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ). In its place, a new framework will focus on merit-based naturalisation grounded in exceptional services to Malta or humanity, rather than financial investment.

What Will Change?

  1. Abolition of fee based scheme: Applicants will no longer be able to secure citizenship through predetermined financial contributions.
  2. Merit over money: Citizenship will now be awarded based on exceptional contributions—such as achievements in science, technology, the arts, or philanthropy—as well as initiatives that support job creation and align with Malta's Vision 2050 strategy.

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