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European Citizenship by Investment in 2025
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Amid the closure of investment programs in other European countries, Malta retains its exclusive status: in 2025, it remains the only EU country where one can obtain European citizenship within a reduced timeframe — starting from just one year — based on direct investment.
Unlike residence permit programs (“Golden Visas”) available in Greece, Portugal, France, and Italy, Malta offers not just a temporary status but full EU citizenship with lifelong rights and inheritance. This includes the right to live, work, study, and travel freely across the European Union and beyond.
What makes the Maltese program unique?
The Malta Citizenship by Investment Program is based on official legislation and is administered by the government body, Community Malta Agency. Its key feature is naturalisation by contribution to the economy — a pathway available only through investment and thorough applicant due diligence.
Unlike “Golden Visa” programs, which require prolonged residence followed by naturalisation after 5–10 years, the Maltese approach is a legally protected mechanism for obtaining citizenship within 12 or 36 months.
In other countries, an investor may only be eligible for a residence permit, with the path to citizenship dependent on multiple conditions: mandatory long-term residence, language proficiency and integration, tax residency, absence of prolonged absences from the country, and so on.
Moreover, even if all requirements are met, citizenship is not guaranteed — it merely remains a possibility that the state may grant (or not). As EU pressure on such schemes intensifies, many investment programs have already been shut down or suspended. Against this backdrop, Malta stands out as a rare exception — offering a legal, transparent, and EU-approved mechanism for obtaining citizenship through a contribution to national development.
Comparative Table: Citizenship and Residency by Investment in European Countries (2025)
Country
Type of Programme
Status
Timeframe to Citizenship
Malta
Citizenship by Investment (MEIN)
Official citizenship programme
12–36 months
Cyprus
Permanent Residency by Investment
Permanent residency
8 years (naturalisation)
Greece
“Golden Visa”
Residency only
7 years (naturalisation)
Portugal
“Golden Visa”
Residency only
5 years (naturalisation)
France
Residency through business/investment
Residency only
5 years (naturalisation)
Italy
Investment Visa (Visto Investor)
Residency only
10 years (naturalisation)
What rights does a Maltese passport provide?
The Maltese passport is a powerful tool for global mobility and legal protection. It grants the right to:
Travel visa-free to over 185 countries
Live and work freely in any EU country
Open accounts in European banks and register businesses in the EU
Pass citizenship on to children
Retain current citizenship (dual citizenship is permitted)
Who Chooses Maltese Citizenship?
Maltese citizenship by investment is in demand among:
Investors seeking a secure and tax-efficient structure;
International entrepreneurs needing mobility;
Families aiming to give their children access to European education and legal protection;
Global asset holders seeking flexible tax jurisdictions.
What are the steps involved?
The process of obtaining Maltese citizenship by investment is a phased legal procedure. Important: only accredited agents may submit applications—direct interaction with government bodies by the applicant is not permitted.
Investment in Malta — from €600,000 to €750,000 to the National Development Fund.
Real estate purchase or lease — purchase from €700,000 or lease of at least €16,000 per year.
Voluntary donation — €10,000 to local charitable or cultural organisations.
Multi-level due diligence — including checks through international databases.
The programme is capped: no more than 400 applications per year and only 1,500 in total. This not only ensures careful selection but also makes Maltese citizenship a truly exclusive asset.
Feod Group: Legal Support at Every Stage
Since 1992, we have been assisting clients worldwide in immigration, tax, investment, and business structuring matters. In cooperation with licensed agents in Malta, we ensure full legal support throughout the process.
Book a consultation — we will help you find the best solution!
Elena Georghiou is the founder of Feod Group, a company that has been successfully operating since 1992. With over 30 years of experience, she specializes in corporate law, international taxation, immigration law, investment, and financial consulting....
Elena Georghiou is the founder of Feod Group, a company that has been successfully operating since 1992. With over 30 years of experience, she specializes in corporate law, international taxation, immigration law, investment, and financial consulting.
Amid the closure of investment programs in other European countries, Malta retains its exclusive status: in 2025, it remains the only EU country where one can obtain European citizenship within a reduced timeframe — starting from just one year — based on direct investment.
