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Malta Citizenship Through Naturalization

Malta Provides EU citizenship through naturalization by investment, offering the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union, plus Schengen mobility.The Exceptional Services by Direct Investment framework has ceased accepting new applicants.

Comprehensive Guide to Citizenship Acquisition Through Naturalization

The Malta Citizenship by Naturalization for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment was a program that allowed high-net-worth individuals and their families to acquire EU citizenship through a qualifying contribution. It granted the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union, along with visa-free travel to over 180 destinations worldwide.

Program Status: This citizenship route is no longer accepting new applications.

Key Features (while active):

  • Direct EU citizenship by naturalization through investment.
  • Full EU mobility and settlement rights.
  • Passed on to future generations.

Reason for Closure: Regulatory updates and evolving EU requirements led to the program’s discontinuation.

At Globalhenel, we continue to advise clients on alternative solutions. With access to more than 31 global residence and citizenship by investment programs , we make sure each family is matched with the program that best aligns with their lifestyle, mobility, and wealth planning goals. Contact us today to explore the most credible alternatives to Malta’s citizenship by naturalization program.

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Investment | Recognized Investment Contribution

Applicants must make a minimum investment of EUR 600,000 (real estate fees not included)

Key Benefit and Primary Advantage

  • Global Mobility : Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 180 destinations, including the USA, UK, and Schengen Area.
  • EU Settlement Rights : Complete freedom of movement within all EU countries.
  • Generational Security : Citizenship was permanent and could be passed on to descendants.
  • Lifestyle Advantages : Access to Malta’s safe, stable environment with strong healthcare and education.

Our experts made sure applicants understood how Malta’s citizenship could transform global mobility and provide long-term security for families.

Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation – Program Overview

The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CESDI) allowed foreign individuals and their families to obtain citizenship by contributing directly to Malta’s economic development. Citizenship was granted through a certificate of naturalisation following a 36-month residence period, or in exceptional cases after 12 months.

Every application underwent a four-tier due diligence process with thorough background checks. The Community Malta Agency acted as the competent authority administering the program. Licensed agents, such as Globalhenel & Partners (license number AKM-HENL), were authorized to represent applicants in this regulated process.

Benefits of Maltese Citizenship

  • Global Mobility: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 190 destinations worldwide.
  • EU Citizenship Rights: Full rights to live, work, and study in all European Union member states.
  • Family Inclusion: Spouses, children, parents, and grandparents could be added to the main application.
  • Education Access: Excellent international schools and EU universities with reduced or free tuition fees.
  • Trusted System: The world’s strictest due diligence and applicant vetting standards.
  • Business Advantage: Access to Malta’s transparent financial system and reputable business environment.
  • Levensstijl: A safe and attractive place to live or own a second home, strategically located with excellent air links.

Requirements of Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation

Applicants had to meet strict criteria, including:

  • Minimum Age – Applicants had to be at least 18 years old.
  • Financial Contribution –
    • €600,000 contribution with a 36-month residence period, or
    • €750,000 contribution with a 12-month residence period (by exception).
  • Property Requirement –
    • Purchase of residential property worth at least €700,000 (held for 5 years), or
    • Lease of property valued at €16,000 per year for a minimum of 5 years.
    • Subletting of property was strictly prohibited.
  • Philanthropic Donation: A minimum €10,000 donation to a registered NGO in Malta (sports, culture, science, philanthropy, animal welfare, or arts).
  • Legal Residence: Continuous residence in Malta for at least 36 months, or 12 months by exception, supported by a valid residence card.

Procedures for Maltese Citizenship by Naturalisation

  1. Application Submission : Applications completed on prescribed forms, with full documentation and fees.
  2. Due Diligence Stage 1 : Initial background checks carried out by the Community Malta Agency.
  3. Residence Permit : If Tier 1 checks are passed, a residence permit is issued.
  4. Eligibility Application : After establishing residence, a formal eligibility application is filed. Tiers 2, 3, and 4 due diligence reviews are conducted.
  5. Ministerial Decision : The relevant minister decides on the applicant’s eligibility.
  6. Fulfilment of Requirements : Applicant completes financial contribution, property acquisition/lease, and philanthropic donation.
  7. Citizenship Approval : Applicant takes the oath of allegiance and receives a Maltese certificate of naturalisation.
  8. Ongoing Monitoring : Continuous monitoring by the Community Malta Agency for five years after approval.

Dual Citizenship in Malta

Malta allows dual citizenship, meaning applicants did not have to renounce their existing nationality. This flexibility offered global mobility and security while maintaining ties to their country of origin.

Why Choose Globalhenel ?

  • Concessionaire of the Malta Individual Investor Programme.
  • Established Malta’s program as the world’s most successful citizenship scheme.
  • Submitted the highest number of Malta citizenship applications.
  • Operated the largest CESDI processing team.
  • Over 16 years of leadership in the investment migration sector.
  • A network of 5+ offices in UK and EU.
  • More than 25,000 clients advised globally.

At Globalhenel, we make sure clients receive end-to-end guidance, ensuring a simple, secure, and transparent process when pursuing Maltese or alternative citizenship opportunities.

Citizenship by naturalisation is the general pathway that requires long-term residence (7-10 years) and integration into Malta. The former “Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CESDI)” program was a special investment route allowing qualified applicants to fast-track naturalisation through significant contributions.

No. The program is no longer accepting new applications. Applicants must now rely on naturalisation or explore alternative residence by investment programs worldwide.

Generally, at least 7 years of legal residence, with the final 12 months of continuous residence immediately before applying.

Yes. Spouses, dependent children, and in some cases parents may be eligible, provided they also meet residency and integration requirements.

Yes. Malta permits dual citizenship, meaning applicants do not have to give up their original nationality.

Benefits include full EU rights, visa-free travel to over 180 destinations, access to Malta’s healthcare and education systems, and the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union.

Standard requirements include passports, birth and marriage certificates, proof of residence, proof of financial stability, a clean criminal record, and references demonstrating good character.

Yes. All applications are handled by the Community Malta Agency with strict confidentiality and due diligence safeguards.

To explore additional European citizenship by investment options, click here.

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