Malta citizenship process is an exciting pathway for individuals seeking the benefits of European Union citizenship, including access to work, travel, and business opportunities across Europe. While the process itself does not involve a salary, it opens doors to high-paying jobs and career growth in industries such as finance, hospitality, IT, and healthcare, where salaries in Malta typically range from €25,000 to €70,000 per year depending on experience and role.
Most jobs are physical or on-site, though administrative, tech, and consulting positions may offer remote or hybrid options. Whether you are an experienced professional or looking to expand your career internationally, acquiring Maltese citizenship provides not only legal residency and work rights but also the chance to enjoy Malta’s vibrant culture, Mediterranean lifestyle, and welcoming community.
Details of Malta Citizenship Process:
Let’s talk straight about what’s needed for the Malta Citizenship Program:
Malta Citizenship through Residence by Investment:
One of the most well-known Malta Permanent Residence Programs is the Malta Residency by Investment. The MPRP is a simple residency-by-investment scheme that is based on buying property. You don’t have to live there to become a citizen.
Processing Time: The promise is that it will take between 4 and 6 months to handle an application that is complete and correct.
Benefits of Malta Citizenship Process:
- Freedom of Movement: Maltese citizens are granted visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 180 countries, including the Schengen Area, the European Union, the United States, and Canada. This substantially improves the flexibility of travel for both personal and business purposes.
- European Union Citizenship: Malta’s citizens are granted European Union (EU) citizenship. This offers a wide range of opportunities across the continent, granting the right to reside, work, and study in any EU member state.
- Quality of Life: Malta provides a secure environment, a Mediterranean climate, and a rich cultural heritage, all of which contribute to a high quality of life. It is an appealing location to reside and raise a family due to its exceptional healthcare and education systems.
- Tax Advantages: Malta maintains an advantageous tax structure that excludes inheritance, wealth, and estate taxes. Foreign income is not subject to taxation for non-domiciled residents unless it is remitted to Malta. These advantages can lead to substantial tax savings.
- Business Opportunities: Malta’s economy is robust, with robust sectors in finance, gaming, technology, and maritime. This presents a business opportunity. It is an optimal location for business operations due to its membership in the EU and strategic location in the Mediterranean.
- Political Stability: Malta is renowned for its strong rule of law and political stability, which creates a secure environment for both residents and enterprises.
Requirements of Malta Residence by Investment Program:
To qualify for the permanent residency program in Malta, you must:
- be from a third country and not from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
- Stable and regular sources of money.
- The main applicant must be at least 18 years old and show that they have at least €500,000 in capital assets, at least €150,000 of which must be in financial assets.
To Participate in Malta permanent residency program, applicants must:
- Use a Licensed Agent to apply.
- Pay a processing fee of €40,000 that you can’t get back.
- Rent a house for at least €10,000 in the south of Malta/Gozo or €12,000 in the rest of Malta OR
- Buy a home that costs at least €300,000 in the south of Malta or Gozo or €350,000 in the rest of Malta.
- Pay a €28,000 government contribution if you buy a home or a €58,000 government contribution if you rent a home.
- Pay an extra €7,500 for every adult child you have besides your spouse.
- hold the qualified property for at least 5 years. After that, you will need a residential address.
- Give €2,000 to an NGO in your area that is listed with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organizations and works to help people, animals, or the environment.
- be able to show that they have a legal travel document.
- Get health insurance coverage to cover all risks in Malta. When you travel through Schengen, get travel insurance.
Visit the official website of the Malta Government Office to find out how to apply for citizenship through residency by investment. This has all the information about how to become a citizen of Malta in 2025. On that site, you can find all the forms, agent names, and helpful tips.
Other Maltese Residency Programs:
Below are two of the easiest and least expensive ways to become a citizen of Malta by living there.
- Digital Nomad Visa Residency
- Startup Residence Program
List of Malta Citizenship Process:
Malta Citizenship by Investment Process:
Malta citizenship by investment process allows foreign nationals to gain Maltese citizenship by contributing to the country’s economic development. Applicants typically invest in real estate, government bonds, or charitable contributions, with total investment ranging from €600,000 to €750,000 depending on residency duration. This process is ideal for high-net-worth individuals seeking EU citizenship benefits such as visa-free travel across Schengen countries. Applicants must meet residency requirements, pass due diligence checks, and provide proof of investment. Malta citizenship by investment offers fast-track access to EU benefits, tax planning advantages, and global mobility.
Malta Citizenship by Descent Process:
Malta citizenship by descent process allows individuals with Maltese ancestry to claim citizenship based on family heritage. Applicants must provide birth, marriage, and lineage documentation proving direct descent from a Maltese parent, grandparent, or in some cases, great-grandparent. This process is ideal for people of Maltese origin seeking to reconnect with their heritage and enjoy EU citizenship benefits. Citizenship by descent typically does not require residency or financial investment, but applicants must undergo verification and provide notarized documents. Benefits include access to EU travel, work, and study opportunities.
Malta Citizenship by Naturalization Process:
Malta citizenship by naturalization process is for foreign nationals who have resided legally in Malta for at least 12 months under specific conditions, often following long-term residency of 4–6 years. Applicants must demonstrate integration into Maltese society, good character, and language proficiency. This residency-based process allows applicants to become full Maltese citizens with rights to live, work, and study across the EU. Documentation includes proof of residence, employment, and personal identification, along with a clean criminal record. Naturalization provides a pathway to full citizenship for long-term residents committed to Malta.
Malta Citizenship for EU Citizens:
Malta citizenship for EU citizens simplifies the process for citizens of European Union member states. EU nationals who have resided in Malta for a specified period, often 1–5 years depending on circumstances, can apply for citizenship through a streamlined procedure. Applicants must demonstrate legal residence, financial stability, and integration into Maltese society. This process allows EU citizens to enjoy full rights in Malta, including voting, working, and studying, while maintaining mobility across the EU. It’s an accessible route for EU nationals seeking Maltese citizenship without complex investment requirements.
Malta Digital Nomad Visa Residency:
Remote workers who can work from home can get a Digital Nomad Pass from Malta. He or she can work for themselves, for someone else, or as a Freelancer.
You will get a residency pass for nomads that is good for 3 years. After that, you can renew it for 2 more years. You can apply for the Malta Permanent Residency after living there for 5 years. You don’t have to buy or invest in any land to do this.
Read More: Portugal Seasonal Work Visa – A Guide
Malta Startup Residence Program:
The Malta Startup Residence Program gives people a 3-year residence pass that can be extended for another 5 years. During that time, they can live in Malta while starting their own business.
If you want to find out more about this kind of residency program in Malta, you can check out the website for the Malta Startup Residence Programme.
Malta Citizenship by Naturalization:
You can become a citizen of Malta by naturalization if you live there for 36 months (or, in some cases, 12 months).
Requirements of Maltese citizenship by naturalization:
- Everyone who wants to apply must be at least 18 years old.
- The minimum amount of money you have to invest is EUR 600,000 for a 36-month stay or EUR 750,000 for a 12-month stay.
- The money has to be put into government funds or property.
- The applicant must also buy a home in Malta for at least EUR 700,000 and live there for at least five years.
- The individual and their family must pass a due diligence process, which includes background checks and financial evaluations.
Processing Time:
It takes about 12 to 18 months to get an answer.
In conclusion, the best way to become a citizen of Malta is through the Nomad Residency Program or the Startup Program. The Residence by Investment scheme is for people who have a lot of money and don’t have to live in Malta to get citizenship.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Malta offers a variety of ways for people to become citizens, taking into account different levels of income and lifestyle choices. The Nomad Residency Program and the Startup Program stand out as good choices because they stress flexibility and business possibilities. On the other hand, the Residence by Investment plan is best for people who have a lot of money but not much time to live in Malta. If you want to become a citizen of Malta in 2025, you need to know what you need to do and how long the process will take.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I become a citizen of Malta?
You can become a Maltese citizen by descent, i.e., if you’re born abroad but your family resides in Malta. You can obtain Maltese citizenship by marrying a Maltese citizen. You can get Maltese citizenship by naturalization. You can get Malta citizenship through investment.
How many years do I need to get PR in Malta?
You must live in Malta for five years to apply for a permanent residence permit. Benefits: You will be able to work, live, and study in Malta for the residence permit’s duration. You can work and study without conditions in Malta.
What are the main requirements?
Applicants usually need a clean criminal record, proof of investment or residency, and thorough documentation of identity and financial standing.
