Citizenship by investment in Malta: the 2026 guide
An EU passport by exceptional investment — the most prestigious and expensive route.
Malta grants citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment: a substantial government contribution (from around €600,000–€750,000), a property purchase or lease, and a donation, after a residency period of one to three years. It's an EU citizenship — among the strongest passports in the world — and priced accordingly.
How Malta's citizenship by investment works
This is naturalisation for exceptional services rather than an instant CBI: it requires a genuine residency link and the deepest due diligence, reflecting that you're acquiring EU citizenship.
Investment options
You make a government contribution (from around €600,000, or around €750,000 for the faster track), buy property of at least €700,000 (or rent from €16,000/year), and make a charitable donation of at least €10,000. Family members can be added.
Timeline & requirements
The residency period runs from about one to three years depending on the contribution level, followed by the citizenship grant. Due diligence is the most rigorous of any programme.
Passport & travel freedom
A Maltese passport is an EU passport — offering the right to live and work across the EU and visa-free access to around 180+ destinations, including US visa-waiver (ESTA) eligibility.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Contribution | From ~€600,000–€750,000 |
| Property | Buy €700k+ or rent €16k+/yr |
| Donation | From €10,000 |
| Residency period | ~1–3 years |
| Passport | EU — ~180+ visa-free |
Who it suits
Best for high-net-worth individuals who want EU citizenship and the strongest possible passport, and can meet the cost and residency link.
Where it fits in a borderless plan
A second passport is one flag of several. Pair Malta's citizenship with a low-tax tax residency and a self-custody plan for your Bitcoin. Compare every route in the cheapest citizenship by investment in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can you buy Maltese citizenship?
Not instantly — Malta grants citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment, requiring a genuine residency period (1–3 years), a large contribution, property and a donation, plus the deepest due diligence.
How much does Maltese citizenship cost?
A government contribution from around €600,000 (or ~€750,000 for the faster track), plus property (buy €700k+ or rent) and a €10,000+ donation, plus fees.
Is a Maltese passport an EU passport?
Yes — it grants EU citizenship, with the right to live and work across the EU and visa-free access to around 180+ destinations.
Official sources
Rules change — always confirm the current position with the primary authority:
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