Quick answer
The Malta Citizenship by investment requires a minimum investment of Closed (2025). Government processing typically takes 12–14 months. Holders can travel to about 186 destinations without a visa. A spouse and dependants can usually be included in one application. Residency requirement: 12 months.
At a glance
- Minimum investment
- Closed (2025)
- Government minimum, before official costs.
- Processing time
- 12–14 months
- Typical timeline once a complete file is submitted.
- Visa-free destinations
- 186
- Destinations without a prior visa. Access can change.
- Family inclusion
- Yes
- Check which dependants qualify before you apply.
- Residency requirement
- 12 months
- Minimum time in the country to keep your status.
Page data updated 14 October 2026
Figures are pending review by a qualified adviser. Always confirm current rules with the official source before investing.
Service fees are not shown here: your adviser prepares a written quote for your family and route. Government and due diligence fees are paid to the authority.
The Malta Citizenship by Investment programme grants citizenship to applicants who make a qualifying economic contribution or investment and pass the government's due diligence checks. Successful applicants receive a passport and can usually include close family members in the same application. Key facts at a glance: minimum investment from Closed (2025); typical processing time 12–14 months; stay requirement: 12 months' residence; travel document access to 186 destinations without a visa in advance. Spouses and children can usually be included, subject to the programme's dependant rules. Every application is reviewed against source-of-funds and source-of-wealth evidence, police records and international screening databases. Preparing clean, certified and translated documents up front is the single biggest factor in avoiding delays. Malta's investor citizenship framework was the subject of a 2025 judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union. Availability and terms may have changed, so speak to an adviser before relying on this route. Programme rules, investment thresholds and government fees change frequently. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice — confirm the current requirements with a qualified adviser before you commit funds.
Is this programme right for you?
The Malta Citizenship by investment tends to suit applicants when most of these apply.
- You can commit at least Closed (2025) to a qualifying investment
- You can plan around a processing time of 12–14 months
- You want your spouse and children in the same application
- You can meet the residency requirement: 12 months
- Visa-free travel to about 186 destinations matters to you
Who is eligible
- Main applicant aged 18 or over
- Clean criminal record and successful due diligence checks
- Lawful, documented source of funds
Family members
- Spouse or partner
- Children under 18
- Adult children in full-time study
Timeline
Typical steps from first call to approval.
Eligibility assessment
We review your goals, family profile and source of wealth, and confirm which investment options fit.
Documents and due diligence
We prepare certified, translated documents and pre-screen the file against the government's checks.
Investment and submission
You complete the qualifying investment through regulated channels and the application is filed.
Approval and issuance
After approval, permits or passports are issued and we plan renewals and next steps with you.
Documents checklist
The core documents most applicants prepare. Your adviser gives you the complete list for your nationality and family.
- Valid passport for every applicant
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Police clearance from countries of residence
- Proof of address
- Source of funds and source of wealth evidence
- Bank reference letters
- Medical certificate and health insurance where required
- Certified translations and apostilles
Benefits
Global mobility
Travel to 186 destinations without arranging a visa in advance.
Family inclusion
Spouses and children can usually be included in one application.
Predictable timeline
Typical processing of 12–14 months once a complete file is submitted.
186
Visa-free and visa-on-arrival destinations
Open the visa-free mapTax overview
This jurisdiction offers tax advantages to new residents.
General information only, pending review by a tax adviser. Your tax position depends on where you are resident, not only on your new status.
Renewal and citizenship path
Citizenship is granted once the application is approved. The passport is then renewed like any other passport, without a new investment.
Confirm the current renewal terms with the official source before you commit.
Risks and due diligence
Plan for these points before you transfer any funds.
- The main applicant and adult dependants go through background and source of funds checks.
- Applications can be refused, and some investment routes are not refundable.
- Thresholds, rules and visa free access can change at short notice.
- Work only with licensed agents and verify property or fund titles independently.
Not sure this is the right route?
Answer a few questions and see which programmes fit your budget, family and timeline.
How it compares
| Programme | Minimum investment | Processing time | Visa-free destinations | Residency requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malta Citizenship by investment | Closed (2025) | 12–14 months | 186 | 12 months |
| Jordan Citizenship by investment | From JOD 500,000 | 3–6 months | 52 | No minimum stay |
| St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by investment | $250,000 | 120–180 days | 157 | No minimum stay |
| Greece Golden visa | €400,000+ | 3–6 months | 186 | No minimum stay |
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum investment for the Malta Citizenship by investment?
The official minimum is Closed (2025). Government, due diligence and third-party costs are extra and depend on family size.
How long does the Malta Citizenship by investment take?
Government processing typically takes 12–14 months once a complete application is filed. Preparing documents usually adds a few weeks.
Can I include my family?
Yes. A spouse and dependent children can usually be included; some programmes also accept dependent parents.
Do I need to live there?
Yes: 12 months.
How many destinations can Malta Citizenship by investment holders visit without a visa?
186 destinations, based on current published data. Access can change, so check before you travel.
Does Malta Citizenship by investment make me tax resident?
Holding the status alone does not make you tax resident. Tax residence depends on where you live and on each country's rules, so take independent tax advice.
Can Malta Citizenship by investment lead to citizenship?
Citizenship is granted once the application is approved. The passport is then renewed like any other passport, without a new investment. Confirm the current renewal terms with the official source before you commit.
What checks are part of a Malta Citizenship by investment application?
The main applicant and adult dependants go through background and source of funds checks. Applications can be refused, and some investment routes are not refundable.
Explore further
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