Malta Citizenship by Merit

Malta Citizenship by Merit

Malta provides a highly selective route to citizenship for individuals whose exceptional achievements, expertise, services or proposed contributions can deliver meaningful and lasting value to the country.

Each application is assessed individually, taking into account the applicant’s background, reputation, achievements, proposed contribution, connection with Malta and long-term commitment to the country.

Who May Be Considered?

The route may be suitable for distinguished individuals such as:

• entrepreneurs and business leaders;
• innovators and technology specialists;
• scientists, researchers and medical professionals;
• philanthropists and social-impact leaders;
• cultural, artistic and heritage figures;
• athletes and sports professionals; and
• individuals possessing exceptional skills or expertise of strategic interest to Malta.

Applicants must demonstrate genuine merit and present a credible contribution capable of producing a measurable benefit for Malta.

Possible Contribution Strategies

Depending on the applicant’s profile, the application may be developed around:

Entrepreneurship, Innovation or Exceptional Skills

The applicant may establish or support a business, investment, research, educational, cultural or social-impact initiative in Malta.

The proposal should demonstrate the applicant’s relevant experience, the suitability of the activity for Malta and its anticipated economic, social or strategic impact.

Contribution to a Project of National Benefit

An applicant may also support one or more projects considered beneficial to Malta and its people.

The nature, structure and timing of the contribution will depend on the selected project, the applicant’s profile and the assessment of the Maltese authorities.

Residence and Due Diligence

Applicants are expected to establish residence in Malta, maintain a qualifying residential address and develop a genuine connection with the country.

The applicant and eligible family members are subject to rigorous background, source-of-wealth, source-of-funds, reputational and security checks.

Family Members

Subject to the applicable eligibility requirements, the main applicant may generally include:

• a spouse or qualifying partner; and
• financially dependent unmarried children within the permitted age limits.

Each family member is assessed individually.

Costs

The overall financial commitment will depend on the applicant’s profile, family composition and proposed contribution.

It may include:

• the proposed project or business contribution;
• Government and administrative fees;
• professional fees;
• residence and property costs;
• health insurance;
• translations and legalisations; and
• other third-party expenses.

A personalised cost schedule is prepared following an initial assessment.

Benefits of Maltese Citizenship

Subject to applicable law, Maltese citizenship provides:

• citizenship of Malta and the European Union;
• the right to live, work, study and establish a business across the European Union;
• extensive international mobility;
• access to Malta’s stable legal and business environment;
• the possibility of dual or multiple citizenship, where permitted; and
• the possibility of transmitting citizenship to future generations in accordance with Maltese law.

How Shanos Can Assist

Shanos provides strategic and practical coordination throughout the Citizenship by Merit process, working with experienced Maltese legal, immigration, tax, project and relocation professionals.

Our assistance may include:

• preliminary applicant and family assessment;
• evaluation of the applicant’s achievements and potential merit;
• development of a credible Malta contribution strategy;
• coordination with suitable projects and professional advisers;
• organisation of supporting documentation;
• source-of-wealth and source-of-funds preparation;
• residence, property and relocation coordination; and
• acting as a central point of contact throughout the process.

Important Notice

Citizenship by Merit is an exceptional and discretionary route. No adviser, intermediary or professional firm can guarantee acceptance of a proposal or the granting of citizenship.

Eligibility, requirements, procedures, fees and Government policy may change. Each case must be assessed under the legislation and administrative practice applicable at the time of submission.

Contact Shanos for a confidential preliminary assessment of your profile and potential contribution to Malta.