Malta Citizenship by Investment: Is It Still an Option for Overseas Aspirants?

 

The door has officially closed on Malta’s high-profile Citizenship by Investment route, known formally as the Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment—or more commonly, the MEIN program. As of April 29, 2025, the European Court of Justice declared the initiative incompatible with EU law, citing concerns over the commercialization of citizenship and the erosion of inter-member state trust. In response, the Maltese government suspended all new applications under MEIN, stating its intent to review the framework, though the program as it once existed has effectively reached its end.

Before its repeal, MEIN was among the most coveted citizenship pathways globally. Investors were required to contribute €600,000 under the 36-month track or €750,000 for expedited processing over 12 months. This was accompanied by substantial real estate commitments—either purchasing property worth at least €700,000 or leasing accommodation at €16,000 annually for five years—plus a €10,000 donation to a registered charity. Residency, while largely administrative, was a prerequisite for naturalisation, with applicants needing to show ties to the island even if physical presence was minimal.

The scheme was open to applicants from a wide range of countries, including India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Every case underwent a rigorous four-tier vetting process conducted by licensed agents, and approvals were limited to 400 citizenships annually, with a lifetime cap of 1,500. Despite the eventual political backlash, MEIN held international prestige and ranked atop Henley & Partners’ Global Citizenship Index for a decade. Its appeal centered on access to EU mobility, visa-free travel to more than 180 destinations, and a relatively swift naturalisation timeline—all without post-grant residency obligations.

Although no new applications are being accepted, citizenships granted through MEIN remain valid under Maltese and EU law. For many who secured their passports prior to the program's suspension, the benefits of EU access and global mobility are still intact. Yet, for new overseas aspirants, the landscape has shifted entirely. The Maltese government is expected either to formally terminate MEIN or to introduce a revised investment framework that complies with European legal standards. However, the original model of direct economic exchange for citizenship is unlikely to be revived in its prior form.

In the absence of MEIN, attention has turned to Malta’s Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), which offers a structured, property-linked path to long-term residency without immediate citizenship benefits. For those seeking European access through investment, countries like Portugal, Greece, and Italy continue to offer residence-by-investment options that serve as attractive alternatives. While they may not promise fast-track citizenship, these programs provide stability, mobility, and a gradual path to naturalisation over time, aligning more closely with the evolving expectations of EU regulators.